Day 1 (Sat) Amsterdam. Fly to Amsterdam where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship for 12 nights. This afternoon, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (D)
Day 2 (Sun) Amsterdam. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by canal boat, cruising along elegant grachten lined by stately homes dating back to Amsterdam’s ‘Golden Age’. This afternoon, there is time to explore or perhaps join an optional excursion before your ship sets sail for Cologne. (B, L, D)
Day 3 (Mon) Cologne. Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs. Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original ‘eau de cologne’. (B, L, D)
Day 4 (Tue) Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim. The dramatic Rhine Gorge is an incredibly beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary Lorelei Rock, where it is thought the sweet songs of sirens lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in pretty Rüdesheim and enjoy free time to explore the Drosselgasse. (B, L, D)
Day 5 (Wed) Miltenberg. Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that once thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and Renaissance houses and the gothic splendour of the Merchant Hall. This afternoon, enjoy a baking demonstration and learn how to bake a local soft cookie speciality. (B, L, D)
Day 6 (Thu) Würzburg. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’, Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. Today, a visit to the magnificent Bishop’s Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is included. (B, L, D)
Day 7 (Fri) Bamberg. Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and its serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions. (B, L, D)
Day 8 (Sat) Nuremberg. Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during World War II, much of it has been restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses - all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metalworking. (B, L, D)
Day 9 (Sun) Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria’s cultural centres. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). Before dinner you’ll be introduced to some of Germany’s famous beers. (B, L, D)
Day 10 (Mon) Linz – Grein. Explore Linz with a Local Guide this morning. Rich in cuture, Linz is Austria’s third largest city and an important river port. Composer Anton Bruckner lived here and Mozart’s Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. This afternoon, cruise to the attractive country resort of Grein, set at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. Join a local expert for a guided walk to admire the turreted houses on the main square. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Salzburg or to Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic. (B, L, D)
Day 11 (Tue) Dürnstein. Standing on the banks of the Danube, the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade is without a doubt the landmark of Dürnstein. A Local Guide will take you on a walking tour of the town, set right in the heart of the glorious Wachau wine region. Above the town are the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. (B, L, D)
Day 12 (Wed) Vienna. Vienna, known as the ‘City of Music’, inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard and awe-inspiring
St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. Take time to savour the sights and sounds, shop on the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B, L, D)
Day 13 (Thu) Vienna. Disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
