Start your tour in Edinburgh, then train to the vibrant and intriguing English capital of London for three exciting nights before boarding the Eurostar Rail to Brussels to enjoy the tastes of Belgium. Embark on your 15 Day luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, complete the experience with three nights in the historically fascinating city of Prague.
Day 1. Arrive Edinburgh
Arrive in Edinburgh and be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Reception tonight with your Tour Director and fellow guests.
Day 2. Edinburgh Sightseeing
Today take a tour of the historic and famously beautiful Scottish capital this morning. Explore the Royal Yacht Britannia in the historic port area; walk the Royal Mile, discover the majestic Edinburgh Castle, which overlooks the city, with a guided tour, and then enjoy a tour followed by afternoon tea at Holyrood Palace. This stunning building dates back hundreds of years as the official residence of Scottish or British royalty, and is surrounded by lush manicured gardens. This evening, visit the exclusive, members-only centre of the Scotch Malt Whiskey Society for a private tasting of the famous local spirit, and a special Welcome Dinner.
Day 3. Edinburgh at Leisure
Today is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps explore the iconic sights of the city; wander the Royal Botanic Gardens; visit the National Gallery or the National Museum of Scotland, or absorb local culture over a ‘hot toddy’ in a traditional Scottish pub
Day 4. Edinburgh, London
This morning, begin a journey that takes you along the famous rail route of the Flying Scotsman to London. On arrival, transfer to your centrally-located hotel.
Day 5. London, Freedom of Choice Touring
A visit to the British capital is a truly unique experience, which you’ll enjoy with our Freedom of Choice touring options. Perhaps visit and tour spectacular Windsor Castle, including the impressive kitchens. Or, take a tour of London’s most famous sights and landmarks, and then see them from the air during an included ride on the London Eye. Alternatively, take an exciting James Bond themed tour of the sights and attractions associated with the famous spy. See locations from the films and novels, including St Petersburg Square, and imagine life as a real spy when you see sights such as MI6. Tonight enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant before taking in a West End show - choose between two hit musicals, ‘Billy Elliot’ or ‘Wicked’.
Day 6. London at Leisure
Enjoy a full day to explore the sights of the British capital at leisure. Perhaps go for a stroll around the magnificent historic buildings nearby in Westminster, take a walk through some of the city’s spectacular parks, or visit Oxford or Carnaby Street for some shopping. You’ll have time to catch up with friends or family living in the UK, take in an exhibition, or just relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Day 7. London, Brussels
Journey to Brussels, the capital of the European Union, on the Eurostar travel today. Travel under the English Channel, through the beautiful French countryside and on to the Belgian capital. On arrival, sample some of the culinary specialities of Belgium during a visit to a traditional local
beer house. Try a range of regional beers from a tasting tray, accompanied by a bucket of delicious fresh mussels.
Day 8. Brussels, Amsterdam
Today, enjoy a guided walking tour of Brussels, which began as a 10th century fortress town. See the World Heritage-listed Grand Place - the magnificent central square of the city surrounded by the beautiful Town Hall, guildhalls, and the famously spectacular Breadhouse. Discover the colourful medieval streets, picturesque squares, beautiful boulevards, impressive monuments and blend of cultures evident in the city. Then, indulge your senses and learn about Belgium’s reputation for fine chocolates during a fascinating Belgian praline cooking class. Then, travel to Amsterdam and embark your river ship.
Day 9. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today select your activity from our options in the incredible capital city of The Netherlands. Perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the city’s architecture as you cruise in a glass top boat past 17th century homes, charming churches and 16th century merchant houses. Alternatively, visit the Van Gogh Museum, which contains the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. Or, take a guided Wetland Safari canoe tour through extraordinary landscapes. After your chose activity, stop at Rembrandt’s Windmill for a photo opportunity. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner on board.
Day 10. Düsseldorf, Cologne, Freedom of Choice Touring
Cruise to Düsseldorf and enjoy a choice of excursions. You may like to take in the stunning floral displays on show at the 2012 Floriade Horticultural World Expo†, with time to admire the impressive landscaped gardens and floral exhibitions. Alternatively, take a trip to the historic city of Maastricht, a beautiful cultural hub packed full of attractions. Explore the medieval architecture and boutique shops of the city. Back on board, cruise to Cologne this afternoon and enjoy a walking tour, including the spectacular Gothic cathedral.
Day 11. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today cruise through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. Arrive in Rüdesheim, where you have a choice of activities. The Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, a tour highlights one of the most impressive collections of automated musical instruments in the world. Alternatively, enjoy a visit to a nearby Rhine Valley winery for a tour and tasting.
Day 12. Freudenberg, Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
Still in Germany, cruise to Freudenberg and enjoy a fascinating demonstration of glass-blowing on board. From here, travel by coach to Wertheim. Perhaps embark on a guided bicycle tour, a walking tour of this lovely medieval town, or go for a paddling tour in a canoe or kayak along the Tauber River. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of medieval Wertheim Castle and a glass of Sekt, a sparkling German wine.
Day 13. Würzburg, Freedom of Choice Touring, Kitzingen
In Würzburg, you may like to embark on a tour taking in the Resi-dential Palace and churches ranging in styles from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque to Modern. Alternatively, visit medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town on the Romantic Road. After a tour here, have a look through the city’s famous Christmas Museum. Reboard your ship for lunch and spend an afternoon cruising to the picturesque Bavarian town of Kitzingen. This evening, enjoy an exclusive wine tasting event, hosted by the Aulic Council at Germany’s oldest wine cellar. The Alter Klosterkeller was built by Benedictine nuns and now offers an historic setting in which to sample delicious Bavarian wines. Back on board your ship, enjoy a medieval themed dinner.
Day 14. Bamberg
After breakfast today, disembark and travel to World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed by bombs during World War II. Here, tour the city’s streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions, and visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus to enjoy a local brew compliments of APT. Later, return to your ship and cruise into the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal is truly a feat of modern engineering. It links the North and Black seas.
Day 15. Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, discover Nuremberg with a selection of three touring options. Perhaps take a World War II tour and visit a range of significant sites from the war, including the famous Courtroom 600, site of the famous Nuremberg Trials. Or take a medieval tour and see the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, and more. The more adventurous may like to see the sights of Nuremberg by Segway.
Day 16. Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Arrive in Regensburg today, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Your touring options here include a guided sightseeing tour of the city’s architectural highlights, including the World Heritage-listed city centre. You may opt to visit the nearby Audi Museum and Factory, or perhaps take a guided bicycle tour to the imposing hillside temple of Walhalla, which honours Germans of high distinction. Tonight, enjoy a musical performance on board after dinner.
Day 17. Passau, Freedom of Choice Touring, Linz
This morning arrive in Passau and select from our touring options. Perhaps travel by coach to Salzburg and take a tour of the city’s famous ‘Sound of Music’ sights, including the Wedding Church, Mirabell Gardens and Great Salzburg Festival Hall. Then travel by coach to Linz and rejoin your ship. Or you may like to take a day tour to the World Heritage-listed city of Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, take a tour of Passau, before cruising to Linz. While cruising, learn how to make apple strudel during a cooking demonstration.
Day 18. Melk, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dürnstein
Cruise through the Strudengau region to the pretty Wachau Valley this morning and take a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. When it’s time to depart Melk, choose from our two touring options. Perhaps take a guided bicycle ride on a path along the pretty banks of the Danube from Melk to -Dürnstein. Alternatively, rejoin your ship and continue cruising to -Dürnstein for a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets. This evening, sample Wachau Valley wines.
Day 19. Vienna, Dine Around Dinner
Disembark in Vienna this morning and enjoy a walking tour of the historic city, founded in 500 BC. Enjoy a traditional ‘Sachertorte’ cake alongside a coffee after your tour. This evening, choose from three tantalising dining options. Opt for dinner on board, followed by a Mozart and Strauss concert in town; enjoy schnitzel in an ambient Austrian beer garden, or dine in a traditional Heuriger wine inn.
Day 20. Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring
Start your second day in the Austrian capital by selecting from our Freedom of Choice Touring options. Visit Schönbrunn Palace for a tour inside this magnificent residence as well as the Carriage Museum within the palace grounds; explore the city’s Fine Arts Museum, or see the Hofburg Crown Jewels at the Imperial Treasury, which houses a one thousand year-old collection of treasures. Alternatively, you may like to take an excursion to Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, nearby.
Day 21. Budapest
Arrive in Budapest and disembark for a tour that includes such places as Matthias Church and St Stephen’s Basilica. In the afternoon, exclusive to APT, visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a private tour, a glass of champagne and an opera recital. This evening enjoy a Farewell Dinner on board, before your ship sets off on a twilight cruise. You’ll also enjoy an onboard performance by Gypsy violinists.
Day 22. Budapest, Disembark Ship, Velké Bílovice, Prague
This morning, travel to Velké Bílovice for lunch, then continue on to Prague.
Day 23. Prague Sightseeing
Take a walking tour of Prague’s Old Town. Enjoy a private tour of Municipal House, followed by afternoon tea.
Day 24. Prague at Leisure
After a day at leisure, indulge in a Farewell Dinner at the Art Nouveau Café and Restaurant Imperial tonight.
Day 25. Depart Prague
Your tour concludes today with a transfer to the airport.
