Begin with the VIP Home departure service to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport for your schedules British Airways or other leading airline flight to Munich. Alternatively, choose the Eurostar Train option detailed below. Meet your representative on arrival and transfer to the port to embark the River Countess in Nuremberg

Awake in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg this morning. Endowed with one of Europe’s largest intact Old Town centres, you will see the imperial cathedral, the four-winged New Residence, the Town Hall lapped by the River Regnitz and the fisherman’s village, “Little Venice,” on your walking tour. During the afternoon, enjoy the lush scenery of the meandering Main River as you sail to Würzburg. Captain's Welcome Dinner this evening

Visit Germany’s immaculate example of baroque architecture, the stunning Würzburg Residenz, dating back to 1744 and another breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magnificent baroque palace with its magnificent gardens, is one of the largest and most beautiful in Germany. It was built and decorated in the 18th century by an international team of architects and painters, including Tiepolo, sculptors and stucco-workers. Your tour will be capped off with a tasting of fabulous Franconian wines in the historical Residenz cellar.

Miltenberg, nestled tightly below wooded hills on a bend of the Main River, enjoys a wonderfully photogenic setting. Explore the “Pearl of the Main River” with your local guide. See the half-timbered houses that give the town its fairytale feel, along with the Crooked House and the famous Royal Inn which has been preparing meals without interruption since the 15th century. Relax this afternoon as we cruise the peaceful Main River. King Ludwig I called it his “Bavarian Nice” due to its Mediterranean flair. The imposing landmark, the mighty castle “Schloss Johannisburg” and the “Pompeiianum” – a Roman villa rebuilt on plans discovered in Pompeii – are only two of the many examples of the long and rich history of this town which we will discover during our guided Old Town stroll.

Rüdesheim is one of the most scenic wine towns of the Rhine Valley. Board a mini-train for the short trip to the Niederwald Gondola. During the ride and once on top, you will be stunned by scenic vistas of Rüdesheim, the vineyards of the Rheingau and the Niederwald monument, a symbol of German unity, perched on top of the heights.

Heidelberg, home of Germany’s oldest university and forever immortalized by Sigmund Romberg’s operetta, ‘The Student Prince’, is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Your tour of Heidelberg takes you to the romantic ruins of the courtyard of Heidelberg Castle and through the Old Town.

Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” It is home to a magnificent gothic cathedral, beautiful half-timbered houses and also the seat of the European Parliament. See Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries - on a canal cruise. You’ll also see Petite France, the picturesque old quarter that seems as if it has been lifted from the pages of a fairy tale with its timberland houses adorned with flower boxes. Captain’s Farewell Dinner this evening.

Disembark the ship and transfer to Basel Airport for your British Airways or another leading airline flight home. Arrival at London Heathrow or Gatwick. Alternatively, choose the Eurostar Train option detailed below.