Treat yourself to an early Christmas gift as you wander in awe of Europe’s festive markets, including Striezelmarkt – the oldest of its kind in Germany. Then, it’s time to explore the best of Europe on a festive river cruise. Discover quaint towns, historic sites and enchanting cities as you journey from Budapest to Amsterdam. For our 23-day itinerary including New Year’s Eve starting in December 2026 please see EUMCRXBA23

Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive Berlin

Your journey begins with a transfer to your hotel, where you will get to know everyone at a welcome reception later this evening.

Day 2: Berlin

Today, explore Berlin on a guided sightseeing tour that reveals the city’s layered history and contemporary energy. Begin at the iconic Brandenburg Gate, then stroll along Unter den Linden, the grand, tree-lined boulevard in the heart of the Mitte district. Continue to the lively expanse of Alexanderplatz before visiting preserved sections of the Berlin Wall, a powerful reminder of the city’s divided past. Gain deeper insight into Berlin’s Cold War legacy at Checkpoint Charlie, once the most famous border crossing between East and West Germany, and at the adjacent Checkpoint Charlie Museum.

This afternoon, immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of one of Berlin’s renowned Christmas markets, where the aromas of spiced glühwein and freshly baked gingerbread fill the air. This evening, gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, to celebrate the beginning of your journey together.

Day 3: Berlin, Potsdam

Journey to Potsdam, once the residence of Prussian kings. Here, you’ll enjoy a discovery of the former summer palace of Frederick the Great, Sanssouci. Return to Berlin and choose how you’d like to explore. The evening is yours at leisure.

Freedom of Choice – Spree River Boat Ride 

Set off on a charming boat ride on the Spree River, sipping mulled wine as you glide by some of the German capital’s greatest sites in comfort and style. 

Freedom of Choice – Christmas Market Tour

Step into the festive heart of Berlin on a delightful visit to two of the city’s most iconic Christmas markets. Wander the festive stalls at the Rotes Rathaus (Berlin City Hall) Christmas market, featuring a delightful ice rink set around the fountain of Neptune. Continue to the elegant Christmas market at Gendarmenmarkt, renowned for its beautifully crafted gifts, seasonal treats and magical atmosphere.

Day 4: Berlin, Meissen, Dresden

Stop at Meissen, where you will set out on your preferred experience. Continue to the city of Dresden, the capital and former royal residence for the Kings Saxony. Once known as the ‘Florence of the North,’ the city boasted cultural and artistic splendour before it was completely destroyed by the controversial Allied aerial bombing during World War II. The impact of the explosions and 40 years of East German socialist influence has considerably changed the face of the city.

Freedom of Choice – Albrechtsburg Castle

Travel to Meissen and visit the 15th century Albrechtsburg Castle, which rises majestically above the Elbe River Valley.

Freedom of Choice – Meissen Porcelain Factory

Visit the world-famous Meissen Porcelain Factory, established in 1710, which showcases its heritage of producing porcelain products of unrivalled quality, including tableware, figurines, fine art, and jewellery.

This evening, dine at a local restaurant and savour regional flavours.

Day 5: Dresden, Prague

Spend this morning visiting Striezelmarkt in Dresden, Germany’s oldest Christmas market dating back to 1434. Then, delight in lunch at a local restaurant before travelling to Prague.

Day 6: Prague

Take a guided discovery of Prague and visit its charming Old Town, spending time wandering its cobblestone streets as well as Charles Bridge. Tonight, indulge in a sumptuous dinner at Alcron Restaurant, a fine dining establishment known for its use of local Czech produce.

Day 7: Prague

Today is set aside for a memorable experience just outside of the city.

Signature Experience – Chateau Jemniště

Savour a day out at Chateau Jemniště, originally designed by the renowned Czech architect, Frances Maxmilián Kaňka. Be greeted by descendants of the Czech Republic’s oldest aristocratic family before exploring the 18th century estate on a private guided tour. Admire the spectacular baroque architecture and indulge in a delicious lunch before watching impressive birds of prey fly free during an incredible falconry display.  

Day 8: Prague, Velké Bílovice, Budapest, Embark Ship

Travel to historic Velké Bílovice, then continue to Budapest and board your river ship.

Day 9: Budapest

Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. This afternoon, your ship will begin cruising towards Vienna.

Freedom of Choice – City Tour

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, exploring historic monuments like Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Freedom of Choice – Culinary Tour

Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride 

Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.  

Day 10: Vienna

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Vienna. On arrival, take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

Day 11: Vienna

Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity this morning. In the evening, an unforgettable Signature Experience awaits.

Freedom of Choice – Schönbrunn Palace Visit

Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.   

Freedom of Choice – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev.   

Freedom of Choice – Vienna Culinary Tour

Immerse yourself in Viennese cuisine on a culinary tour of Vienna’s narrow streets. Visit a traditional cafe, try a classic Viennese sausage, and sample a sweet treat from one of the city’s famous patisseries.

Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace

After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic performance.

Day 12: Dürnstein, Melk

Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein before choosing your activity.  Later, visit Melk Abbey.

Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley

Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk. Admire stunning landscapes dotted with vineyards, charming villages and historic castles nestled amid lush hills.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride from Dürnstein to Melk

Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Dürnstein to Melk, and take in the scenery of the picturesque Wachau Valley.

Day 13: Linz, Salzburg, Passau

Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ Show

Be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser — a hunting horn blower — into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, The Sound of Music.

Day 14: Regensburg

Enjoy the chance to personalise your day with a choice of sightseeing activities on offer.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Tour of Regensburg’s World Heritage-Listed City Centre

Explore Regensburg’s World Heritage-listed city centre on a guided tour. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Your tour will finish with a tasting at Regensburg’s historic sausage kitchen, thought to be one of the oldest working restaurants in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial

Set out on a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany’s past.

Day 15: Nuremberg

This morning, continue cruising along the Main-Danube Canal while indulging in a Bavarian beer, sausage and pretzel tasting on the Daystar Deck. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. On arrival in Nuremberg, set out on your preferred activity.

Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites

Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.

Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour

Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.

Day 16: Bamberg

Arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the Regnitz River. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.

Day 17: Würzburg

Today unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.

Freedom of Choice – Visit the Würzburg Residence

The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.

Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg

Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colourful houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wohlfahrt’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest collection of German Christmas decorations in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress

Enjoy a hike to Würzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city, which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries.

Freedom of Choice – Tastes of Franconia

Travel to the Volkacher Mainschleife, the largest wine-growing region in Franconia and home to one of the most famous Franconian whisky distilleries. Here, enjoy a guided tour and meet the whisky and winemaker to uncover the art of making whisky. Savour a tasting of their finest creations paired with freshly baked bread from a local bakery.

Day 18: Miltenberg

Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Walking Tour and Liqueur Tasting

Embark on a guided exploration of Miltenberg. Discover the town’s remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares, offering a unique glimpse into Germany’s rich history. Then, visit one of Franconia’s oldest wine cellars for a tasting of local liqueurs.

Freedom of Choice – Local Monastery Visit

Travel to the hills overlooking Miltenberg for a visit to a local monastery. Here, you’ll meet with a Franciscan friar to hear about life in the monastery. You’ll also sample some homemade sausages, cheese and bread before free time to wander through the gardens and vineyard.

Day 19: Rüdesheim

Dock in Rüdesheim this morning, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, embark on your chosen activity. This afternoon, you’ll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.

Freedom of Choice – Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This eccentric and unique museum is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.

Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar

Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions.

Day 20: Andernach

Today, enjoy an exclusive Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent cruising onwards to the Netherlands.

Signature Experience – Namedy Castle

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a 14th-century residence set near the Rhine River in Germany. Go beyond the gates and wander about the rooms, hidden nooks and manicured grounds. You’ll then enjoy a morning tea, where a pianist playing classical music sets the mood.

Day 21: Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. This evening, savour fresh, locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine.

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise

A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.

Freedom of Choice – Culinary Discovery

Discover the culinary favourites of The Netherlands. See and taste a variety of Dutch delicacies as you visit local producers. 

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride

Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.

Freedom of Choice – Keukenhof Gardens in Spring

On select spring departures, you also have the option to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips.

Day 22: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

Your spectacular journey comes to an end today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.