Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll be greeted on arrival and taken to your ship in Amsterdam. After settling into your suite, head to a welcome reception where you'll meet other travelers and try fresh local oysters paired with regional sparkling wine. Once you've had dinner on board, the evening is yours to explore the city if you feel like it.
- Meals
- Dinner (First dinner on board)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (APT Solara or APT Ostara)
Included Activities
- Welcome reception with fellow travellers and APT Cruise Director
- Fresh locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine
Optional Activities
- Explore Amsterdam at your own pace
Landmarks Amsterdam Canals 
- Day 2
Amsterdam to Utrecht to Germany
A full day awaits in Amsterdam with several options to choose from. Take a glass-top boat canal cruise, join a cheese tasting, go on a guided bike ride to Durgerdam and the Street Art Museum, or visit Keukenhof Gardens if you're traveling during spring. The ship heads toward Germany in the afternoon, so plan accordingly.
Optional Activities
- Glass-top boat canal cruise through Amsterdam's World Heritage-listed canals
- Cheese tasting at a local cheese store featuring Edam and Gouda
- Guided bike ride through countryside to Durgerdam village and Street Art Museum
- Keukenhof Gardens in Spring (over 70 acres with more than seven million flowering bulbs)
Landmarks Amsterdam Canals Durgerdam Street Art Museum Keukenhof Gardens - Day 3
Cruise to Andernach
Spend the morning on the ship cruising through Germany and taking advantage of the facilities. You could book a spa treatment or relax on the Daystar Deck. Later you'll disembark in Andernach for an exclusive experience at Namedy Castle, where Princess Heide von Hohenzollern welcomes guests. The visit includes a tour of the castle and gardens followed by a cocktail party with live piano music.
Included Activities
- Signature Experience - Namedy Castle private tour with Princess Heide von Hohenzollern
- Namedy Castle gardens visit
- Cocktail party at Namedy Castle with pianist
Optional Activities
- Spa treatment on board
- Relax on the Daystar Deck
Landmarks Namedy Castle Rhine River - Day 4
Rüdesheim
The ship travels along the Rhine River, passing by historic ruins perched on rocky cliffs and vineyards across rolling hills. You'll dock in Rüdesheim where several activities await. Take a gondola ride over the Rhine Valley vineyards to the Niederwald Monument, check out Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or do a historic wine cellar tasting.
Optional Activities
- Gondola ride over Rhine Valley vineyards to Niederwald Monument (commemorating German unification in 1871)
- Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum tour
- Historic wine cellar Rhine Valley wine tasting
Landmarks Rhine River Valley Niederwald Monument Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum - Day 5
Miltenberg
Cruising along the Main River takes you to Miltenberg, a well-preserved German village that largely escaped World War II damage. You can choose a guided walking tour of the town's historic buildings and squares plus liqueur tasting at one of Franconia's oldest wine cellars, or visit a local monastery to meet a Franciscan friar and sample homemade sausages, cheese and bread.
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Miltenberg with liqueur tasting at historic Franconian wine cellar
- Local monastery visit with Franciscan friar, homemade sausages, cheese and bread tasting, gardens and vineyard exploration
Landmarks Miltenberg Old Town Main River - Day 6
Würzburg
Several options are available for this day. Visit the 18th-century Würzburg Residence to see intricate tapestries and historic ceiling frescoes, explore the Volkacher Mainschleife wine region with whisky and wine tasting, wander through the medieval walled town of Rothenburg with its cobblestone streets, or hike up to the Marienberg Fortress overlooking the city.
Optional Activities
- Würzburg Residence visit - 18th-century palace with tapestries, gilded stucco work and Tiepolo ceiling frescoes
- Tastes of Franconia - Volkacher Mainschleife wine region tour with Franconian whisky distillery visit, guided tour, whisky and winemaker meeting, tasting paired with fresh bread
- Rothenburg exploration - walled medieval town with narrow cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and optional visit to Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Village
- Hike to Marienberg Fortress - Würzburg's most visible landmark with centuries of history
Landmarks Würzburg Residence Volkacher Mainschleife Rothenburg ob der Tauber Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Village Marienberg Fortress - Day 7
Bamberg
You'll arrive in Bamberg, a World Heritage site that survived World War II destruction largely intact. Take a guided tour through the Old Town to see historic churches and buildings, including the striking town hall on the Regnitz River. After exploring, you'll head back to the ship and cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal.
Included Activities
- Guided Old Town tour of Bamberg including historic churches and buildings
Landmarks Bamberg Old Town Regnitz River - Day 8
Nuremberg
This morning in Nuremberg offers sightseeing options to choose from. Later in the afternoon, the ship cruises along the Main-Danube Canal, which took 32 years to build and connects the North and Black seas. You'll have a Bavarian beer, sausage and pretzel tasting on the Daystar Deck while enjoying the views.
Included Activities
- Bavarian beer, sausage and pretzel tasting on the Daystar Deck
Optional Activities
- Nuremberg World War II sites tour - Reich Party Rally Grounds and Hitler's rally sites (1927-1938)
- Medieval History of Nuremberg tour - medieval architecture, 900-year-old ramparts, Imperial Castle, main market square, 14th century Gothic church
Landmarks Reich Party Rally Grounds Nuremberg Imperial Castle Nuremberg Market Square St. Sebald Church 
- Day 9
Regensburg
Regensburg gives you activity choices for the day. Take a guided tour of the World Heritage city center to learn about its Roman history as Bavaria's first capital, finishing with a tasting at the historic sausage kitchen, considered one of the oldest working restaurants in the world. Or, if you prefer something active, join a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial overlooking the Danube.
Optional Activities
- Explore Regensburg's World Heritage-listed city centre guided tour with historic sausage kitchen tasting
- Guided bike ride to Walhalla Memorial - neo-classical building above Danube River with hall of fame honouring notable German politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists
Landmarks Regensburg Old Town Walhalla Memorial Danube River - Day 10
Salzburg
You'll start with a guided tour of Salzburg, then head to an exclusive experience on Gaisberg mountain. A hunting horn blower welcomes you to a rustic traditional restaurant with views overlooking the city. You'll enjoy a welcome drink taking in the scenery, followed by lunch and a special show featuring music from The Sound of Music film.
- Meals
- Lunch (Gaisberg Mountain lunch at rustic traditional restaurant)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Salzburg
- Signature Experience - Gaisberg Mountain lunch at rustic traditional restaurant with hunting horn blower welcome
- Sound of Music film show at Gaisberg Mountain
Landmarks Salzburg Gaisberg Mountain 
- Day 11
Melk to Dürnstein
Start by visiting Melk Abbey, one of the world's most famous monastic sites. Then choose how to reach Dürnstein: cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley or take a guided bike ride along the Danube. Once there, wander the cobblestone lanes and potentially see the castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner in 1192.
Included Activities
- Visit to Melk Abbey
Optional Activities
- Cruise through Wachau Valley to Dürnstein with leisure exploration of cobblestone lanes
- Guided bike ride from Melk to Dürnstein along Danube River with Wachau Valley scenery
- View ruins of Dürnstein castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192
Landmarks Melk Abbey Wachau Valley Dürnstein Castle Ruins Danube River - Day 12
Vienna
Arriving in Vienna, you'll take a city tour covering landmarks along the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen's Cathedral. The afternoon is free for exploring on your own. This evening brings an exclusive experience at the City Palace of the Liechtenstein family with a cocktail party and private recital. A full orchestra will perform classical works by Mozart and Strauss, and you'll hear an operatic recital.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- City tour including Ringstrasse landmarks and St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Signature Experience - Cocktail party and private recital at Vienna's City Palace with full orchestra performing Mozart and Strauss masterpieces and operatic recital
Optional Activities
- Afternoon leisure exploration of Vienna
Landmarks St. Stephen's Cathedral Ringstrasse Liechtenstein City Palace 
- Day 13
Vienna to Hungary
Before the ship heads to Hungary, you'll choose an activity in Vienna. Tour the lavishly furnished rooms and gardens of Schönbrunn Palace, take a day trip to Bratislava, Slovakia to see 18th-century rococo architecture mixed with communist-era buildings including the UFO bridge, or do a culinary tour through the city's narrow streets focusing on Viennese cuisine.
Optional Activities
- Schönbrunn Palace visit - lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens
- Bratislava, Slovakia trip - 18th-century rococo and communist era architecture including UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev
- Vienna Culinary Tour - traditional cafe visit, classic Viennese sausage tasting, and sweet treats from famous patisseries
Landmarks Schönbrunn Palace Bratislava Old Town UFO Bridge - Day 14
Budapest
This morning in Budapest offers activity options to select from. The afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. This evening, gather for a memorable farewell dinner featuring Hungarian folk music, local brandy, and artisan meats and cheeses.
- Meals
- Dinner (Farewell dinner with Hungarian folk music performance, local brandy, artisan meats and cheeses)
Included Activities
- Farewell dinner with Hungarian folk music performance, local brandy, artisan meats and cheeses
Optional Activities
- City tour including Heroes' Square and St. Stephen's Basilica
- Great Market Hall culinary tour - discover sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables
- Fisherman's Bastion experience - funicular ride to Castle Hill with sweeping river views and historical monument walk
Landmarks Heroes' Square St. Stephen's Basilica Great Market Hall Fisherman's Bastion 
- Day 15
Budapest to Velké Bílovice to Prague
You'll travel to Velké Bílovice, the largest winemaking town in the Czech Republic known for its vineyards. Take in views of the surrounding vineyard-covered landscape as you stop for light lunch at a traditional restaurant. Later you'll head to Prague where the evening is free for exploring on your own.
- Meals
- Lunch (Light lunch at traditional restaurant in Velké Bílovice)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Almanac X Alcron Prague)
Included Activities
- Light lunch at traditional restaurant in Velké Bílovice
Optional Activities
- Explore Prague in the evening
Landmarks Velké Bílovice Prague 
- Day 16
Prague
This morning, head to Prague Castle for outstanding city views, then walk over the historic Charles Bridge dating back to 1357. See the Old Town Square, Prague's former central marketplace in medieval times, and the historic Astronomical Clock installed in 1410 that tracks the sun, moon and time. Tonight, dinner is at Alcron Restaurant, a contemporary fine dining spot known for plant-forward cooking using local Czech produce.
- Meals
- Dinner (Alcron Restaurant - contemporary fine dining with plant-forward philosophy using local Czech produce)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Almanac X Alcron Prague)
Included Activities
- Prague Castle visit with city views
- Charles Bridge exploration (dating back to 1357)
- Old Town Square and Astronomical Clock visit (installed 1410)
- Dinner at Alcron Restaurant - contemporary fine dining with plant-forward philosophy using local Czech produce
Landmarks Prague Castle Charles Bridge Old Town Square Astronomical Clock - Day 17
Chateau Jemniště
Today brings a special experience at Chateau Jemniště just outside Prague. Descendants of the Czech Republic's oldest aristocratic family will greet you before a private guided tour of the 18th-century estate. You'll see the spectacular baroque architecture and have lunch. A falconry display lets you watch birds of prey fly free. The evening is yours to relax or explore Prague further.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at Chateau Jemniště)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Almanac X Alcron Prague)
Included Activities
- Signature Experience - Chateau Jemniště private guided tour with aristocratic family descendants
- Chateau Jemniště baroque architecture exploration
- Lunch at Chateau Jemniště
- Falconry display
Optional Activities
- Evening relaxation or further Prague exploration
Landmarks Chateau Jemniště - Day 18
Dresden
Your journey continues to Germany with activity options in Dresden. Tour the Volkswagen Transparent Factory to learn about electric mobility and see production firsthand, or browse Germany's oldest Christmas market, Striezelmarkt, established as a one-day market back in 1434.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Dresden)
Optional Activities
- Volkswagen Transparent Factory guided tour - learn about electric mobility future and see production process
- Striezelmarkt Christmas Market - Germany's oldest Christmas market founded in 1434
Landmarks Volkswagen Transparent Factory Striezelmarkt 
- Day 19
Meissen to Berlin
En route to Berlin, you'll stop at Meissen where you can choose your experience. Visit the 15th century Albrechtsburg Castle rising above the Elbe River Valley, or explore the world-famous Meissen Porcelain Factory showcasing its heritage of fine porcelain art.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Westin Berlin)
Optional Activities
- Albrechtsburg Castle visit - 15th century castle above Elbe River Valley
- Meissen Porcelain Factory tour - showcasing heritage of fine porcelain art
Landmarks Albrechtsburg Castle Meissen Porcelain Factory Elbe River Valley 
- Day 20
Potsdam - Berlin
Head out to Potsdam to see Sanssouci, the former summer palace where Frederick the Great spent his time. You'll walk through the palace grounds and get a sense of what royal life looked like back then. After heading back to Berlin, the evening is yours to do whatever you want. If you're interested, there's an optional boat ride on the Spree River that takes you past the city's main sights, and they serve mulled wine during the trip, which is nice on a cool evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Westin Berlin)
Included Activities
- Visit Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam
Optional Activities
- Spree River boat ride with mulled wine
Landmarks Sanssouci Palace Spree River - Day 21
Berlin
Take a guided tour through Berlin this morning. In the afternoon, wander through the Christmas markets at your own pace. This evening, come together for a relaxed farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Dinner (Relaxed farewell dinner)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (The Westin Berlin)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Berlin
- Christmas markets exploration
- Relaxed farewell dinner
- Day 22
Berlin to Airport
Your festive journey ends today. After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast
