Fly from one of 15 UK airports into Amsterdam with KLM with no supplements to fly from the airport of your choice. (See below for a full list of UK airports available) or from London Heathrow with British Airways. On arrival, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your luxury river cruise ship, where a warm welcome awaits you. (D)

Today is a free choice day where you choose what you'd like to do from the following options: an exploration of Amsterdam's maze of quaint canals aboard a glass top canal boat; a city bicycle tour; or an excursion to Zaanse Schans for windmills and Dutch cheese. This evening, enjoy the Captain' welcome dinner onboard as we set sail for Cologne. (B,L,D)

Historic Cologne is famous for its magnificent Cathedrel. Join your guide this afternoon and explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historic monuments before ending the tour with a tasting of Cologne's locally brewed speciality beer. This evening you can explore the 2000 year-old town of Koblenz, situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. (B,L,D)

Today's cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine-covered slopes. We will also pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured to their doom onto treacherous rocks by enchanted temptresses. In the afternoon we arrive at Rüdesheim. Here we will board the Winzerexpress mini train and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum before taking a cable car trip to the Niederwald Monument. (B,L,D)

Wertheim is known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people. Today is a free choice day, choose from: a city walk to explore Wertheim; a trip to Wertheim Village Shopping Experience; a two hour hike along the Tauber River heading back through the Tauber Valley; or a gentle bike trip along the Main River. (B,L,D)

Today is a free choice day where you choose what you'd like to do from the following options: a guided tour of Würzburg and the magnificent Prince Bishop's Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site acclaimed for its baroque architecture and manicured gardens; a chance to explore a local wine cellar and sample some delicious local wines; a bike tour of the town's sights; or an excursion to Rothenburg, considered to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe. Here the town walls with their fortified battlements form a protective circle around the precious relics of bygone ages. (B,L,D)

Explore the charming medieval town of Bamberg today. Enjoy a beer tasting at the Zenthaus, a private brewery, where we are taken to an underground vault to sample a selection of brews. (B,L,D)

Today we explore this city which has a medieval feel resulting from 950 years of history. You'll see the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle which is enclosed by thick walls punctuated with 80 towers. This afternoon join a guided tour of the fascinating Nuremberg Trial Sites. (B,L,D)

Dating back to a settlement in 500BC, Regensburg is one of Germany's most well preserved cities and its architectural gems are testament to its long history and past grandeur. The medieval stone bridge across the Danube is a wonderful place to view the cityscape of red roofs, churches, towers, turrets and townhouses from the 12th to 14th centuries. Your guided tour includes Thurn and Taxis Castle. (B,L,D)

Today is a free choice day where you choose what you'd like to do from the following options: a guided tour of the graceful arcades and cobblestone streets of Passau; or a visit to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for 'The Sound of Music'; or a full day excursion to southern Bohemia to explore the town of Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (B,L,D)

Discover the magnificent Melk Benedictine Abbey, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and spectacular fresco ceilings. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, which is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. This evening arrive in Vienna. (B,L,D)

Explore the famous sights of Vienna, including the Hoftburg Palace and the Ringstrasse. Whether it's strolling Vienna's famous shopping street or visiting one of the many museums on offer, lose yourself in the marvel of Vienna with an opportunity to explore this magnificent city on your own. Your cruise director is on hand to enhance your experience and help you make the most of your time in this historic steeped Austrian capital. This evening enjoy a glass of Austrian 'Sekt' at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, followed by an exclusive private Viennese concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart. (B,L,D)

Today is a free choice day, choose from: a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; a visit to the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake in a famous Viennese cafe; or a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. (B,L,D)

Today is a free choice day, choose from: a guided tour of the sights; spend time relaxing at one of Budapest's Turkish baths; or visit the communist exhibition of the House of Terror before spending time at the Memorial Park. (B,L,D)

After breakfast you have free time to explore Budapest. Lunch is served on board before a late afternoon flight to Venice. On arrival in Venice, transfer is by private water taxi directly to the hotels private landing. Stay two nights at the centrally located Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal. (B,L,D)

After breakfast we tour the sights of Venice including Saint Mark's Square and the Venice Basilica, which was built in the 9th century and maintains the characteristic profile of the Byzantine church. This evening* we include the "must-do" whilst in Venice - a Gondola Serenade. This is a romantic promenade by gondola with music and songs, and is the essence of romantic Venice. Enjoy a soothing journey along the canals and be captivated by the glamour and elegance of such an experience. This is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of this unique city.*March & April operates mid afternoon. (B,L,D)

After breakfast this morning transfer to the world-famous Venice Simplon Orient-Express. On arrival your steward will show you to your private compartment. Enjoy a three-course lunch in one of the beautifully restored restaurant cars before spending the afternoon relaxing with afternoon tea in the comfort of your compartment. Although not a prerequisite, black-tie at dinner certainly adds to the sense of occasion on board. Sip an aperitif in the Bar Car before taking your seat in another of the restaurant cars for a leisurely four-course dinner. Linger in the bar after dinner, or retire to your compartment which transforms into a cosy bedroom. (B,L,D)

Breakfast is served in your compartment. Afterwards you can stretch your legs while the train pulls into Paris Gare de l'Est. Brunch is served in the restaurant cars as you travel towards the coast for the Channel crossing. Join the British Pullman for the journey to London. A three course lunch with a glass of champagne is served at your table as you watch the Kent scenery pass by and arrive into London Victoria station.(B,L,D)