The Upper Rhine to the City of Music (Zurich to Vienna)

Day 1 (Sat) Zurich. Fly to Zurich where you will be met and transferred to your cruise ship in Basel for embarkation. (D)

Day 2 (Sun) Strasbourg. Situated on the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region, is influenced by the culture of both countries. It is also the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. A Local Guide shows you the noteworthy sights: the Gothic Cathedral, the lovely Petite France District, Place Kléber and Place Gutenberg, with its statue of the inventor of the printing press. Strasbourg is also home to the Kronenbourg Brewery. An optional excursion into the Alsace region is available. (B, L, D)

Day 3 (Mon) Mannheim – Mainz. After breakfast this morning, choose from an included guided excursion to either Germany’s ancient imperial city of Speyer or to the university city of Heidelberg. Speyer, located on the left bank of the Rhine was a bishopric and boasts a Romanesque cathedral with six imposing towers and the finest and largest crypt in Germany. Four Holy Roman Emperors and four German kings are buried in the impressive Royal Vault. Heidelberg is Germany’s oldest university town. The ruins of imposing Heidelberg Castle, built of red sandstone, tower above the city. Of particular interest is the Giant Vat, an 18th century wine cask that holds 49,000 gallons. Rejoin your ship in Mainz and enjoy free time to explore this city on your own. (B, L, D)

Day 4 (Tue) Miltenberg – Wertheim. Spend time at leisure this morning in charming Miltenberg, a picturesque Bavarian village that 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. Wertheim, situated at the confluence of the Tauber and Main Rivers, is known for its medieval town centre, castle, glass blowing and wine. (B, L, D)

Day 5 (Wed) Würzburg. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’, Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent Bishop’s Residenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B, L, D)

Day 6 (Thu) Bamberg. Enjoy a leisurely morning on board as you cruise on the Main River. The more energetic might like to join an optional excursion to Bayreuth, best known for its connection with Richard Wagner and the annual, month-long Bayreuth Festival, when the composer’s operas are performed. This afternoon, arrive in Bamberg, another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall which straddles the River Regnitz, and its serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions. (B, L, D)

Day 7 (Fri) 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 Guide. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making and metalworking. After dinner, sample some of Germany’s famous beers. (B, L, D)

Day 8 (Sat) Regensburg. Another peaceful morning of cruising as you head through picturesque Altmühltal to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour this afternoon include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold Old Chapel and Porta Pretoria, the gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town and one of Bavaria’s cultural centres. It is here that you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B, L, D)

Day 9 (Sun) Passau – Linz. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the rivers Inn, Ilz and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobbled streets. St Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. An optional full day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular ‘Sound of Music’ sights. (B, L, D)

Day 10 (Mon) Melk – Dürnstein. Today is spent exploring the beautiful and romantic Wachau Valley, where so many of the excellent Austrian wines are grown and produced. This morning, visit Melk’s impressive Benedictine Abbey, which towers over the town. Lounge on the Sky Deck with a glass of white wine while enjoying the scenery as you sail to Dürnstein, whose baroque blue and white Stiftskirche stands right on the river bank. Explor on your own or choose from a range of optional excursions. (B, L, D)

Day 11 (Tue) Vienna. After breakfast, say goodbye to your ship and enjoy the sights of Vienna, Austria’s capital. Also known as the ‘City of Music’, Vienna inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer. See the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard and awe-inspiring St Stephen’s Cathedral, on your included tour with a Local Guide. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a local café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)

Day 12 (Wed) Vienna. A full day at leisure to explore this city at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B)

Day 13 (Thu) Vienna. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)