Fly from your selected airport in the UK to Amsterdam, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship for a Welcome Reception. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Reception and a Welcome Dinner (D)

Today select your activity from our two Freedom of Choice Touring options. Perhaps a canal cruise to admire the city’s architecture or visit the famous Van Gogh Museum, containing the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. (B,L,D)

Having entered Germany, this morning cruise past Düsseldorf and arrive in Cologne. Enjoy a tour through the old part of Germany’s fourth largest city. Later, the ship continues along the Rhine past quaint villages and dramatic landscapes to 2,000 year old Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle rivers. Set in one of Germany’s most important wine-producing regions, Koblenz boasts an abundance of cultural monuments, historic buildings, cosy lanes and narrow alleys. (B,L,D)

Today cruise through the Rhine Gorge on what is regarded as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. Enjoy views of the steep slopes covered in vineyards and dotted with ancient castles and castle ruins. Cruise past the Lorelei Rock, rising almost vertically to over 130 metres above the water. Later, arrive in Rüdesheim, a Rhine Valley wine town, where the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a tour. (B,L,D)

This morning we travel by coach to Miltenberg for a tour of this lovely Franconian town, revealing narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people, Wertheim is strategically located where the Main and Tauber rivers meet. (B,L,D)

Surrounded by green hills covered with vineyards, Würzburg is the capital of Lower Franconia and a crucial centre for wine and trade. After a tour, enjoy time at leisure or embark on an included excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)

After breakfast, disembark and travel to World Heritage listed Bamberg. Here, tour the city’s streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions. Then, during time at leisure, you have the chance to visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy a local brew compliments of APT. (B,L,D)

Today, select from two touring options. Perhaps take a World War II tour and visit a range of significant sites from the war. Or take a medieval tour and see the 900 year-old ramparts that surround Nuremberg, the Imperial Castle, the Kaiserburg Fortress and more. During free time, discover the world's largest Christmas Market. Thanks to the series of stair step locks, you’ll arrive at the highest point of the cruise, 435 metres above sea level, and cross Europe’s Continental Divide. (B,L,D)

Arrive in Regensburg today, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Here you’ll have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and take a tour of the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage listed city centre and the Porta Pretoria gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Perhaps visit the Old Kornmarkt Christmas Market (B,L,D)

This morning arrive in Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Select from three touring options. Perhaps travel by coach to the city of Salzburg and visit the Christmas Market. Or you may like to take a day tour to the World Heritage-listed town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, take a tour of Passau, including a trip to St Stephen’s Cathedral, before enjoying a scenic cruise into Austria and to Linz. (B,L,D)

Cruise through the scenic Strudengau region to the pretty Wachau Valley this morning and take a guided tour of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. When it’s time to depart Melk, perhaps borrow one of the bicycles stored on board and take a leisurely ride on a path along the banks of the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein. Otherwise, rejoin your ship and continue to Dürnstein for a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets that reveal 16th century town houses and wine taverns. (B,L,D)

Today enjoy a full day to savour the elegance of Vienna. This morning, select from our Freedom of Choice Touring options. The first, a city tour, takes you to see Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Vienna Opera House, St Stephen’s Cathedral and Ringstrasse as well as a traditional coffee house to sample delicious Austrian coffee and cake. Your second option is to travel by coach to Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Hapsburgs and former home to Empress Maria Theresa. Tour the inside of this magnificent residence then perhaps visit Vienna's Christmas Market. (B,L,D)

This morning depart the Austrian capital and cruise into Slovakia. Upon arrival in the capital of Bratislava, disembark the ship and visit Bratislava Castle, where you will marvel at the sweeping views across three countries - Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. Then join your selected Freedom of Choice Touring activity; a medieval tour of the city, taking in the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St Martin’s Cathedral or take a Communist tour that will examine the architectural landmarks of the city’s not so distant Communist past. (B,L,D)

Still on the Danube, arrive in Budapest, the romantic Hungarian capital. With its intriguing history, incredible architecture and rich cultural heritage, Hungary’s capital deserves its reputation as the Paris of Central Europe. Following breakfast, disembark for a sightseeing tour. In the afternoon visit the Hungarian State Opera House for an exclusive guided tour, glass of champagne and a delightful private opera recital. (Only on exclusive cruise dates) (B,L,D)

Your wonderful cruise comes to an end in the Hungarian capital of Budapest today as you disembark the ship after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)