Begin your holiday with a Home Departure Service to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport and your direct scheduled British Airways or other leading airline flight to Budapest. On arrival we transfer to the River Beatrice.

After breakfast explore Budapest on an included city tour during which you will see the UNESCO listed Castle Hill district, admire the views from the 19th century Fisherman's Bastion and see the famous Chain Bridge, that connects Buda and Pest. You will also have time to wander through the excellent Christmas market, perhaps sampling the apricot brandy or cinnamon-spiced gingerbread. Captain's welcome dinner this evening.

During your included city tour you will see the gold crowns that line the route of the coronation procession and also discover an interesting architectural mix of gothic, baroque and art deco buildings. You will also have the chance to taste some of the local wines and visit the Christmas market before we depart.

Vienna is a magical city all year round but especially so before Christmas with decorative lights and aromas of roasted chestnuts and Viennese coffee. Your included city tour visits the stately Ringstrasse and St Stephen's Cathedral. The Christmas market in front of the City Hall is not to be missed. This evening an included concert at one of Vienna's many concert halls will celebrate the work of Mozart and Strauss.

Today we visit the fairytale town of Krems, a traditional town nestling among terraced vineyards in the lush wine-producing Wachau region. From its cobbled streets you can enjoy views over the Danube to the Baroque Gottweig Abbey, where you will enjoy a special organ recital.

Please note: The organ concert may take place in a different location if the Gottweig visit falls on a Catholic holiday

Your included tour visits Salzburg with its stunning mountain backdrop. You will visit the famous Mirabell Gardens and the impressive cathedral built between 1614 and 1655. The city is also famed as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and we will visit his house, now a museum displaying some of his childhood violins. Lunch at the fortress is not included during the tour before returning to the ship.

We arrive in our final port of call, Passau, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Your tour begins in the medieval quarters where you will see the Town Hall, New Residence and St Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world's largest church organ. A final opportunity to buy Christmas gifts at the local market, where you will also see a demonstration of gingerbread making and floral decorating.

Disembark the ship and transfer to Munich Airport for the return direct scheduled British Airways or other leading airline flight to London Heathrow or Gatwick where a representative will greet you and transport you to your front door.