Christmas Wonderland

Choose from a selection of ways to travel to Amsterdam.  Pick from one of up to 14 UK regional airports or travel direct from London Heathrow. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.

Explore wonderful Amsterdam.  The cosmopolitan Dutch capital is know for its elaborate canal system and multi coloured houses, as well as a museum district, home to the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. Freechoice Navigate the city’s winding waterways as you experience an iconic canal cruise, or enjoy a slice of quintessential Holland and Zaanse Schans, famous for its collection of well preserved windmills and houses.

Discover Cologne on a guided city tour. Later, you may wish to make the most of your free time and take a stroll through the city’s Christmas Markets. In western Germany, this beautiful 2,000 year old city, spanning the Rhine River, is a cultural hub.  Perfect for art lovers, foodies, historians and sports fans alike.

Freechoice Take a guided tour and be enchanted by the history and beauty of Koblenz or explore the Moselle Valley to Cochem.

Immerse yourself in historic Rüdesheim, then board the Winzerexpress mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Take a guided city tour and explore this Franconian town.

Freechoice Follow the Romantic Road to Rothenburg on a guided tour, or take a city tour of Würzburg. Tonight perhaps attend Würzburg’s beautiful Christmas Mass.

Merry Christmas. Celebrate with newfound friends as you cruise towards Nuremberg.

Welcome to this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century.  Distinguishable by its Medieval architecture, such as the Stone towers of the Old Town, and the Kaiserburg  Castle. Freechoice Visit moving WWII sites, join a walking tour of this historic city or choose something a little lighter, as you learn the techniques at a gingerbread baking class.  We wont tell anyone if you loosen your belt a little.

Regensburg is Germany’s best preserved medieval city.  11th to 13th century Roman, Romanesque and Gothic Buildings represent the city’s history, in the form of the market, city hall and cathedral, as well as a large number of churches, monisteries, and the Old Bridge dating all the way back to the 12th century. Freechoice Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg or visit Thurn und Taxis Palace.

The Austrian city of Salzberg is situated on the boarder of Germany.  Boasting magnificent views of the eastern Alps and divided by the Salzach River, the Medieval and Baroque buildings of the Old Town, birthplace of famed composer Mozart, can be found to its left, while the 19th century ‘New City’ stands to its right. Enrich Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place. Based on the timeless movie of the same name, this exclusive production is performed in the rolling hills of Salzburg and will wow you with its stage sets.

The Austrian town of Melk is known for its spectacular Benedictine abbey, a vast monastery built high above the town, and home to a huge library of Medieval manuscripts.  The Abbey now houses the local ‘Gymnasium’, Austria’s equivalent of our Grammar School. Freechoice Experience Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey on a guided tour. Alternatively, the more active can embark on an enjoyable guided bike ride along the river from Melk to one of the most enchanting villages in the region, Dürnstein – at your own pace, of course. Or visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting of its fine wines.

The spectacular Austrian capital, known for it artisitc and intellectural legacy, was home to famous composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and founder of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. A rich imperial history is evident through it impressive palaces, which co exist with contemporary architecture.  acquaint yourself with this opulent city by taking an enjoyable guided tour of its most famous sites, including the Ringstrasse. Freechoice Tour Schönbrunn Palace or discover beautiful Bratislava. Alternatively, visit the world-renowned Spanish Riding School and either tour the stables or see Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program. Or discover Vienna on a guided cycling tour. Enrich Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart. Even in elegant Vienna, Palais Liechtenstein is one of the grandest of all venues.

The vibrant Hungarian capital is split into two halves by one of Europe’s most iconic rivers.  a muse to many a famed composer, the Danube rive can be navigated via many of the city’s bridges namely the Chain Bridge. The hilly Buda district boasts the Old Town, tracing the city’s history since the Romans.  13th century Matthias Church is sure to surprise, with its neo-Gothic architectural features and colours inspired by orientalism and romantic historicism. Freechoice Let an expert guide you through this city of contradictory delights, or unwind at the Thermal Baths and Spa instead. Alternatively, brave the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock.

Budapest is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. Depart after breakfast and travel home to one of up to 15 UK airports.