Festive Christmas with Magnificent Europe and Paris

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 river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, before a stay in romantic Paris.

Itinerary

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.

Stay: Three Nights, The Regent Berlin

Day 2: Berlin

Explore Berlin on a guided tour. This afternoon, wander through the Christmas markets. Come together for a relaxed welcome dinner this evening.

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 - Boat ride on the river Spree

Perhaps take a boat ride on the river Spree while you sip on mulled wine.

Freedom of Choice - Christmas Markets

Visit two of Berlin’s most beautiful Christmas Markets.

Day 4: Berlin, Meissen, Dresden

En route to Dresden, stop at Meissen where you will set out on your preferred experience. Continue to Dresden, where you'll visit the Volkswagen factory.

Freedom of Choice - Albrechtsburg Castle

Travel to Meissen and visit Albrechtsburg Castle, which rises majestically above the Elbe River Valley. Built in 1471, it is considered Germany’s oldest castle.

Freedom of Choice - Mesissen Porcelain Factory

Visit the world-famous Meissen Porcelain Factory, showcasing its heritage of fine porcelain art.  

Stay: Hilton Dresden

Day 5: Dresden, Prague

This morning you'll have the opportunity to browse Germany's oldest Christmas Market, Striezelmarkt. You'll then enjoy a special Signature Experience. Later, arrive in Prague, the charming capital of the Czech Republic.

Freedom of Choice - Volkswagen Factory

Visit the Volkswagen factory.

Freedom of Choice - Christmas Markets

Take some time to browse Germany’s oldest Christmas market, Striezelmarkt.

Signature Experience

Visit an enchanting Nutcracker workshop and perhaps try your hand at making their famous wooden Christmas toys.

Stay: Three Nights, Almanac X Alcron Prague

Day 6: Prague

Take a guided discovery of Prague and visit its charming Old Town, spending time wandering its cobblestoned streets as well as Charles Bridge. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the Alcron restaurant, a fine dining restaurant 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

Enjoy a day out at Chateau Jemniste. Explore the estate on a private guided tour, enjoy lunch then watch on in awe as birds of prey free-fly during a falconry display.

Day 8: Prague, Velke Bilovice, Budapest, Embark Ship

Travel to the historic town of Velke Bilovice, then continue to Budapest and board your river ship.

Stay: 14 Nights, APT Solara or APT Ostara

Day 9: Budapest

Start the day with a choice of tours. Later, set sail for Vienna.

Day 10: Vienna

Take in Vienna’s Ringstrasse, plus enjoy a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterwards, wander through the Christmas markets and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. As the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the wintry air, you’ll come to realise that the festive season in Europe is nothing short of magical.

Day 11: Vienna

Spend this morning on your preferred activity and this evening on a Signature Experience.

Day 12: Durnstein, Melk

Enjoy free time to explore Durnstein, before sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey, one of the finest Baroque buildings in the world.

Day 13: Linz, Salzburg, Passau

Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.

Day 14: Regensburg

Discover Regensburg today. Explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria.

Day 15: Nuremberg

Set out on a guided exploration to discover Nuremberg’s history, with its Gothic churches and World War II sites. Afterwards, explore the Christmas market, one of the oldest and most well-known Christmas markets in the world. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample gluwhein, traditional German spiced wine.

Day 16: Bamberg

On arrival into Bamberg, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything this World Heritage-listed city has to offer. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.

Day 17: Wurzburg

Choose from three exciting activities today.

Day 18: Miltenberg

Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on a guided exploration. Wander through cobblestoned streets and admire the town’s enchanting half-timbered houses before time at leisure to explore on your own.

Day 19: Rudesheim

Dock in Rudesheim, where you’ll choose your activity, followed by free time to enjoy the festive atmosphere or perhaps sample a local Rudesheimer coffee in a cosy cafe. Later, cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge.

Day 20: Cologne

Today, spend time exploring the charming Cologne Christmas market. Browse through the festive stalls, savour seasonal treats and indulge in the joyous atmosphere. The afternoon will be spent sailing onwards to the Netherlands.

Day 21: Amsterdam

Arrive into Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.

Day 22: Amsterdam, Disembark Ship, Ghent, Paris

Travel to the Belgian town of Ghent, one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. Here, embark on a cruise to explore its maze of canals, then enjoy a light lunch. Continue to Paris.

Day 23: Paris

A local expert will take you on a discovery of Paris. See the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower.

Day 24: Paris

Spend the day on your chosen activity. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

Day 25: Depart Paris

Your journey draws to a conclusion today with a transfer to the airport.