Begin with an in-depth discovery of the Alpine Wonders as you tour Switzerland, before boarding a luxury river cruise between Budapest and Amsterdam.
Day 1. Geneva
Arrive in Geneva today, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later tonight, get to know your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Day 2. Lake Geneva, Montreux
This morning enjoy a cruise on beautiful Lake Geneva, the largest natural freshwater lake in western Europe. Cruise to Yvoire, a medieval town on the French side of Lake Geneva, disembark the cruise in Yvoire and take a coach onwards to Chillion, a castle with over 1,000 years of history. Located between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, this architectural jewel has inspired artists and writers for centuries. After stopping here, re-board the coach and travel to Montreux, a resort town on Lake Geneva, take a brief orientation tour of the town before a Welcome Dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 3. Montreux
After breakfast, board the Chocolate Train from Montreux. Enjoy coffee and croissants on board as you travel to the medieval cheese-making town of Gruyères. On arrival here, travel by bus into the town and visit a cheese factory as well as the Castle of Gruyères. Re-board the train and continue to Broc, home of the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory. Here, observe chocolate production and enjoy samples of the delicious finished product, before returning to Montreux.
Day 4. Täsch, Zermatt
This morning, travel to Täsch, located in the Mattertal Valley. Board a cog-wheel train for the short journey to Zermatt. Situated at the northern base of the famous mountain, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a truly pristine place. Electric cars, horse-drawn sleighs and carriages are the only forms of transport permitted, ensuring that the alpine air is exceptionally clean. On arrival, check in to your hotel before dinner tonight. After dinner, perhaps take an evening stroll around the village.
Day 5. Zermatt, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today ride a cable car to the summit of the Matterhorn for breathtaking panoramic views. This afternoon, enjoy a choice of touring activities. The adventurous might like to opt for an Alpine guided hike or alternatively, explore the displays at Matterhorn Museum.
Day 6. Como, Dine Around Dinner
Continue your journey to the stunning Italian Lake District and arrive at Como, on the shores of the beautiful glacial Lake Como. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing dinner in your hotel or venture out and enjoy classic Italian fare at a local restaurant.
Day 7. Lake Como, St Moritz
This morning in Como, take a cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Como. Thanks to its mountainous backdrop as well as the charming villas and towns sitting on its banks, Lake Como is one of Italy’s most romantic attractions. Then, travel to the historically rich town of Bellinzona. Ride a lift from Piazza Del Sole to Castelgrande, before visiting the Castello De Montebello. Having visited two of Bellinzona’s World Heritage-listed castles, it’s time to depart for one of the most famous winter resorts in the world - St Moritz, which enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Day 8. St Moritz, Andermatt, Lucerne, Dine Around Dinner
Depart St Moritz today, boarding the Glacier Express for a rail journey known to be one of Europe’s most scenic. Travelling at a deliberately relaxed pace, this three-hour journey allows ample time to absorb the scenery outside your panoramic windows. Cross bridges and viaducts, travel through tunnels and marvel at the alpine landscapes, snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys and pretty villages. During the journey, enjoy lunch on board. Arrive in Andermatt and travel by coach to Lucerne. Check in to your hotel then enjoy a Dine Around Dinner tonight. Relax and dine in the elegant surrounds of your hotel at the Jasper Restaurant, or enjoy a unique dining experience at Stadtkeller Musik Restaurant, where cow bells, costumes and yodelling will bring your evening to life alongside delicious traditional food.
Day 9. Lucerne, Freedom of Choice Touring
Explore Lucerne, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and within sight of spectacular Mt Pilatus and Mt Rigi, with a choice of touring activities. Cruise the beautiful lake, or discover Lucerne with a walking tour or perhaps a Horse and Carriage Ride. This afternoon, tour nearby Zürich, including such sights as the famous commercial centre, the Old Town, Fraumünster Church with its famous Chagall windows and historical Limmatquai.
Day 10. Lucerne, Engelberg, Mt Titlis
Mt Titlis. After breakfast this morning, board your coach and travel from Lucerne to the neighbouring mountain resort town of Engelberg. Here, enjoy a brief tour taking in Engelberg Abbey and more. Then enjoy the truly breathtaking opportunity to ride the cable car from the town, over the scenic mountain landscape and up to Mt Titlis.
Day 11. Munich
Travel to Munich today, enjoying the magnificent Swiss scenery as you travel aboard your luxury coach past stunning alpine mountainscapes. Arrive in Munich and relax at your hotel.
Day 12. Munich Sightseeing, Freedom of Choice Touring
Explore the beautiful capital city of Bavaria today with a sightseeing tour this morning and a range of touring activities in the afternoon. You may like to visit the BMW museum, tour the Stadtmuseum or take an excursion to the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp.
Day 13. Munich, Castles of Bavaria
Today, head out into the picturesque Bavarian countryside and visit Neuschwanstein Castle for a tour of this 19th century Bavarian palace. The most photographed building in Germany, the castle is set on a rugged hill, and inspired the famous Disney Castle. Also, take a tour of impressive Linderhof Castle, before returning to Munich.
Day 14. Munich, Salzburg, Graz
Today travel to the Austrian city of Graz via Salzburg. In Salzburg, enjoy a guided city tour followed by a visit to the ‘Sound of Music’ sights before travelling to Graz, Recent holder of the ‘European Capital of Culture’ award. Graz boasts a relaxed atmosphere and many sights. Enjoy the evening at leisure in Graz.
Day 15. Graz
This morning enjoy a guided tour of Graz, including a visit to Eggenberg Castle and the Herend Porcelain Factory. Afterwards enjoy a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 16. Graz, Budapest
Today depart Graz and travel to Budapest where your luxury river ship awaits moored on the Danube River.
Day 17. Budapest
Enjoy a tour of Budapest then visit the Hungarian State Opera House for an exclusive tour, a private recital and a glass of champagne. Back on board, enjoy a special Captain’s
Gala Welcome Dinner tonight.
Day 18. Vienna
Disembark in Vienna this afternoon and enjoy a walking tour of the historic city, founded in 500 BC. Famed for striking architecture, classical musical and vibrant café culture, Vienna is a truly delightful place to explore, packed with historical and cultural landmarks. A wide variety of architectural masterpieces can be seen here, including examples of Baroque and Romanesque design, representing many centuries of development. Museums, galleries, opera houses and theatres abound - a testament to the world-class performances typically held here. The city is also a notable producer of fine cakes, one of which - the famous chocolate ‘Sachertorte’ - you can sample with coffee after your tour. This evening, enjoy dinner on board.
Day 19. Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dine Around Dinner
Enjoy your second day in Vienna today with our Freedom of Choice touring options. You may choose to visit the Imperial Treasury to see the Hofburg Crown Jewels, a 1,000 year-old collection of treasures. Perhaps tour the impressive art collection on display at the Fine Arts Museum, or visit Schönbrunn Palace for a tour including the gardens and Carriage Museum. An excursion to historic Bratislava for a revealing tour of Communist landmarks is a fourth option. Tonight, your dining options include dinner on board your river ship, followed by a Mozart and Strauss concert at Hofburg Palace, and a tour of the famous sights of the Ringstrasse; a meal of schnitzel in an ambient Austrian beer garden, or a dining experience in a traditional ‘Heuriger’ wine inn.
Day 20. Dürnstein, Freedom of Choice Touring, Melk
Stop in Dürnstein and choose from a walking tour and a wine tasting before cruising to Melk, or enjoy a guided bike ride to Melk. Both groups then take a tour of historic Melk Abbey, a famous monastic site.
Day 21. Linz - Passau, Freedom of Choice Touring
In Linz today, choose from a day tour to Salzburg, where you’ll discover the key sites of the ‘Sound of Music’ film, or a trip to the small historic city of Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, you may like to stay on board, enjoying an apple strudel cooking demonstration as you cruise to Passau for a guided city tour, or join a guided bicycle ride from between Linz and Passau.
Day 22. Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today you’ll arrive in Regensburg, located at the confluence of the Regen and Danube rivers and one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Your options include a tour of the city, during which you’ll see the beautiful Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to a Roman fort built in 179 AD. You could also visit the Audi Museum and Factory, or take a guided bicycle tour to the impressive temple of Walhalla, which pays homage to Germans of distinction.
Day 23. Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning your ship will enter the Main-Danube Canal. Cruise through the Altmühl Valley and dock in Nuremberg, where you’ll disembark and once again choose from different Freedom of Choice Touring activities. Perhaps take a medieval tour, visiting the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, Kaiserburg Fortress and more. Alternatively, enjoy a World War II tour, visiting a range of sites that played a pivotal role for the Nazi Party and the Allied army during World War II. This tour includes a visit to the historically significant Courtroom 600, site of the Nuremberg Trials.
Day 24. Bamberg
Today, disembark just outside Bamberg and travel by coach into this World Heritage-listed city. Take a fascinating guided sightseeing tour then during time at leisure, you have the chance to visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy a local brew with compliments of APT, before continuing your cruise, now on the waters of the Main River.
Day 25. Kitzingen, Würzburg. Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, enjoy a special wine-tasting event in one of Germany’s oldest wine cellars (Alter Klosterkeller). Later, arrive in Würzburg and choose between a walking tour and visit to the Würzburg Residential Palace, or an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town, situated on the Romantic Road, overlooking the Tauber River. Back on board this evening, enjoy a special medieval themed dinner.
Day 26. Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring, Freudenberg
See an amazing glass-blowing demonstration on board this morning before disembarking in Wertheim. Here, explore the sights on a guided walking tour or perhaps set off on a locally guided bicycle tour of this lovely medieval town and its surrounds. This afternoon, visit medieval Wertheim Castle for a private tour, and enjoy a glass of Sekt, a sparkling German wine, while absorbing stunning views over the Main River.
Day 27. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning arrive in Rüdesheim. Disembark your ship and choose from two different activities. Board the Winzerexpress mini-train, which will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a tour. Alternatively, you may like to head to a Rhine Valley winery for a tasting. Afterwards, re-board your ship and prepare yourself for the cruise along the most beautiful stretch of the river, through the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Head up to the Sun Deck to take in views of the slopes covered in vineyards and dotted with ancient castles. Cruise past the villages of St Goarshausen and Boppard, among others.
Day 28. Düsseldorf, Cologne, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today you may wish to cruise to Cologne and enjoy a tour of the ancient city, including the spectacular cathedral or perhaps you may like to take a trip to the historic city of Maastricht, where you can explore the grand ancient architecture and boutique shops. Continue to Düsseldorf and rejoin your ship.
Day 29. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring
After a morning cruise arrive in Amsterdam where you have the opportunity to select your preferred touring interest from our Freedom of Choice menu. You might like to admire the city on a canal boat tour through its famous waterways or perhaps visit the Van Gogh Museum to explore the work of the world-famous artist. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a special Farewell Dinner on board.
Day 30. Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport.
