Itinerary
- Day 1
Prague
You'll arrive in Prague, a city that's managed to preserve its character across more than a thousand years. The Vltava River splits things up nicely, with the historic Old Town on one side and the New Town on the other. Since you're coming during Christmas, you'll find the whole place decked out with decorations and market stalls everywhere, which gives the city a real festive feel.
Landmarks Vltava River - Day 2
Prague
An expert local guide takes you through Prague's Gothic sites, including the Old Town and the famous Astronomical Clock. You'll walk across Charles Bridge, which dates back to 1357. After the guided portion, the afternoon is yours to wander around at your leisure. Make sure you hit up the Old Town Square's Christmas market and look for the city's tallest Christmas tree while you're exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Old Town
- Visit Astronomical Clock
- Walk Charles Bridge
Landmarks Old Town Square Astronomical Clock Charles Bridge - Day 3
Prague
You've got three different options to choose from today. Take a walking tour with a local to see famous spots and hidden corners while learning about Communist-era history, then stop by a brewery for beer tasting. Or head to Terezin, the former military fortress that was the site of the Theresienstadt Ghetto. A third choice takes you to Prague Castle, one of the world's largest castle complexes, where you can see St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Communist walk of Prague with beer tasting
- Terezin Memorial visit
- Prague Castle Tour including St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane
Landmarks Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Old Royal Palace Golden Lane Terezin - Day 4
Prague to Budapest
You'll travel by coach from Prague to Budapest, where you'll board your river cruise vessel. It's a straightforward transfer day that gets you positioned for the next part of your journey along the Danube.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5
Budapest
Budapest sits on both sides of the Danube, so you can pick your activity for the day. Explore both Buda and Pest districts, or take a nice hike through the Buda side if that appeals to you more. Later in the afternoon, one of the local Christmas markets is worth your time. Since your ship stays in Budapest until late evening, you have the option to attend Christmas Mass at a local church or enjoy a festive Christmas Eve dinner right on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Celebratory Christmas Eve dinner (optional))
Optional Activities
- Budapest in Depth tour visiting Buda and Pest, Várkert Bazár, Margaret Bridge, Széchenyi Square, and Elizabeth Square
- Guided hike of Buda district with views over Danube River and city architecture
- Christmas market exploration
- Visit local church for Christmas Mass
- Christmas Eve dinner on board
Landmarks Várkert Bazár Margaret Bridge Széchenyi Square Elizabeth Square - Day 6
Danube River Cruise
You'll spend Christmas Day cruising down the Danube toward Vienna. On board, there's plenty to do. Relax in the Salt Therapy Lounge, grab an aperitif on the Sun Deck, or head to the Panorama Lounge to meet other travelers. You'll arrive in Vienna by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Danube River - Day 7
Vienna
Vienna's right outside your cabin when you wake up. This imperial capital has the Ringstrasse, one of the world's most beautiful boulevards, plus the architectural legacy of the Habsburg dynasty. For the day, choose between a guided tour of the city center, a visit to Schönbrunn Palace (the former Habsburg summer retreat), or checking out Vienna's premier art museum. Tonight brings something special: a private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein featuring Strauss and Mozart performed by an orchestra in Vienna's largest secular baroque hall.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Enrich private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with Austrian Sekt
Optional Activities
- Central Vienna exploration guided tour
- Schönbrunn Palace tour
- Kunsthistorisches Museum visit
Landmarks Ringstrasse Schönbrunn Palace Kunsthistorisches Museum Palais Liechtenstein - Day 8
Dürnstein to Melk
The ship docks in Dürnstein, a small town surrounded by vineyards with buildings dating back to the 12th century, including the hilltop ruins of Dürnstein Castle where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner. Over lunch, you'll cruise through the Wachau Valley watching sloping vineyards and charming villages drift by before reaching Melk, where a dramatic World Heritage Benedictine Abbey dominates the skyline. Pick between a guided tour of Melk Abbey or an e-bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk through the rolling vineyard landscape.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Melk Abbey including Marble Hall, library with over 80,000 books, and Abbey Church
- E-biking from Dürnstein to Melk guided tour
Landmarks Dürnstein Castle Wachau Valley Melk Abbey - Day 9
Brandstatt to Passau
You have two completely different full day options. Take a coach to Salzburg surrounded by alpine peaks on the Salzach River, or visit the fairytale Czech town of Český Krumlov with its historic center. If neither appeals, there's a walking tour of Passau, located where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet, visiting St. Stephens Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg by coach with lunch at local restaurant
- Full day excursion to Český Krumlov with guided exploration of historic centre and lunch at local restaurant
- Highlights of Passau walking tour including St. Stephens Cathedral
Landmarks Salzburg Salzach River Český Krumlov St. Stephens Cathedral - Day 10
Regensburg
You'll arrive in Regensburg just before lunch. This Bavarian city sits where three rivers meet. Choose between a walking tour led by a local guide who'll show you the old stone bridge, Church of St James, and Porta Praetoria while sharing regional traditions, or visit several traditional breweries to learn about their brewing methods and sample distinctive Bavarian beers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Regensburg walking tour with local guide covering old stone bridge, Church of St James, and Porta Praetoria
- Bavarian beer tasting at traditional breweries
Landmarks Church of St James Porta Praetoria - Day 11
Nuremberg
The ship arrives in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second largest city, this afternoon. Its Old Town is protected by an ancient city wall and dominated by a 12th century Imperial Castle. Pick a walking tour of the Old Town with a local guide to see the castle, St. Egidien's Church, and the market square. Alternatively, take a WWII history tour covering the Third Reich period, or join a gingerbread cooking class with a local chef learning traditional German Lebkuchen baking.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of the Old Town including Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church, and market square
- The trials and tribulations of WWII Tour with expert local guide
- Gingerbread cooking class learning to bake traditional German Lebkuchen
Landmarks Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church - Day 12
Bamberg
Bamberg comes into view this morning. A guided tour takes you through the World Heritage Old Town, featuring an Old Town Hall on its own island, a Gothic and Romanesque cathedral, Old and New Residences, Little Venice, and a 12th century castle sitting on the highest of seven hills. Later tonight, the on board team throws a New Year's Eve party so you can ring in the new year with fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of World Heritage-listed Old Town
- New Year's Eve party on board
Landmarks Bamberg Old Town - Day 13
Main River Cruising
Happy New Year! You'll spend this day cruising the Main River and taking things easy. The ship has a modern gym if you want to stay active, or pop into the River Cafe to catch up with other passengers. If you'd rather relax, the Sun Deck is a good spot to sit with a drink and watch the scenery pass by.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Landmarks Main River - Day 14
Wertheim to Miltenberg
The ship docks in Wertheim, a historic town on the Main and Tauber rivers, and you'll get an orientation tour of the area. After that, a coach takes you to Miltenberg, where a local guide shows you the beautiful cobblestone streets lined with historic half-timbered houses.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Wertheim
- Guided walking tour of Miltenberg
Landmarks Wertheim Miltenberg - Day 15
Rüdesheim
You'll disembark in Rüdesheim, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards with 2,000 years of winemaking history. A mini train from the pier takes you to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, where around 350 musical instruments from the 18th and 19th centuries play themselves. Back in town, explore charming half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and shops selling cuckoo clocks and wine. Later, you'll have a relaxed afternoon cruising through the picturesque Rhine Gorge.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Mini train ride to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
- Exploration of Rüdesheim centre
Landmarks Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum Rhine Gorge - Day 16
Cologne
Cologne appears this morning, known for its liberal vibe, unique beer culture, thriving auto industry, and a cathedral that dominates the skyline. A walking tour takes you through the historical Old Town laneways filled with breweries serving draft Kölsch beer. After that, you'll have free time to visit Cologne Cathedral, the city's centerpiece, and explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of historical Old Town
- Visit Cologne Cathedral
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral - Day 17
Amsterdam
You've arrived in Amsterdam, often called the Venice of the North for good reason. The World Heritage waterways are lined with well-preserved canal houses connected by charming bridges. Pick between a one hour canal cruise showing the prettiest sights through over 100 kilometers of canals, a city walking tour discovering the canals and bridges in the center, or an excursion to Schermerhorn with authentic 16th century windmills and the charming town of Alkmaar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise through Amsterdam's historic waterways
- City walking tour exploring canals, bridges, history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture
- Excursion to Schermerhorn and Alkmaar visiting authentic windmills and historic town
Landmarks Amsterdam Canals Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 18
Amsterdam to Paris
You'll travel by high speed train from Amsterdam to Paris and spend three nights at a centrally located hotel, giving you plenty of time to explore the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 19
Paris
A guided coach tour takes you through Paris's most scenic districts and iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and Arc de Triomphe. You'll drive along the Seine and pass by highlights including the Palais Garnier Opera built in the 19th century, the Louvre (one of the world's largest art museums), and Les Invalides with its ornate military buildings. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Paris including Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, River Seine, Palais Garnier Opera, Louvre, and Les Invalides
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe River Seine Palais Garnier Opera Louvre Les Invalides - Day 20
Paris
You have two different freechoice activities to pick from. Step back in time wandering the winding cobblestone streets of Montmartre, where famous artists have lived for centuries, exploring the green space and the Montmartre vineyard producing 27 wine varieties. Or visit Atelier des Lumières, an immersive digital art center with large scale projections of Van Gogh, Klimt, and Monet masterpieces covering the walls, floors, and ceilings. The rest of the afternoon is yours to do as you like.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Secrets of Montmartre walking tour exploring winding cobblestone streets, greenspace, and Montmartre vineyard
- Atelier des Lumières immersive digital art exhibition with projected masterpieces
Landmarks Montmartre Vineyard of Montmartre Atelier des Lumières - Day 21
Paris
Your trip wraps up this morning. You'll transfer via Eurostar to Amsterdam to begin your river cruise, or if your journey ends in Paris, head to the airport for your flight home with all the memories you've made.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Transfer via Eurostar to Amsterdam for river cruise continuation
