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Heart of Europe Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Cologne (Germany)
Take the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels or fly from the UK to Dusseldorf or Cologne where you will be transferred to your ship, moored in Cologne. The dedicated crew will welcome you aboard your floating hotel.
Day 2 - Koblenz - Boppard
Moor in Koblenz, a city dominated by its fortress overlooking the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Enjoy a guided walk of the old town through the twisting streets to the picturesque squares. Cruise to Boppard during lunch, one of the most picturesque villages on the Rhine with half-timbered buildings and cobbled streets, for a guided walking tour where you will see the 4th-century fortress and St Severin Church.
Day 3 - Rudesheim
Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and past the famous Lorelei Rock. This afternoon stop at Rudesheim, one of the most famous Rhine wine towns with crooked houses and terraced vineyards. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the heart of the old town.
Day 4 - Mainz
Continue on to the confluence of the Rhine and Main river at the fascinating town of Mainz where there is a city walking tour. Mainz was an important Roman city for 500 years, with the largest amphitheatre north of the Alps and home to the impressive St Stephen's church. There is an excellent museum where you can see two original Gutenberg Bibles, the earliest books ever printed in Europe.
Day 5 - Miltenberg - Wertheim
Miltenberg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval villages, developed through the Middle Ages under the protection of the nearby castle and surrounded by walls. During lunch cruise around one of the many bends along the Main River to Wertheim where there is a walking tour of this atmospheric town.
Day 6 - Wurzburg
Enjoy breakfast whilst cruising to Wurzburg, situated at the top of Germany's 'Romantic Road'. Enjoy a walking tour of the city including the magnificent Wurzburg Residenz, one of Europe's finest Baroque palaces.
Day 7 - Bamberg
Today visit Bamberg, a small town in Germany which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a stunning network of canals and twisting lanes, lined with merchant houses. Highlights of Bamberg include the picturesque city hall and the 11th century cathedral.
Day 8 - Nuremberg
Enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg this morning, a city associated with World War II. See the fine historic buildings from Nuremberg's Imperial Age including the Kaiserburg Castle, Craftsmen's Court, the Church of St Lawrence and the picturesque Market Square.
Day 9 - Regensburg
Continue along the Main-Danube canal this morning to Kelheim, and along the Danube to Regensburg, a well-preserved city dominated by its cathedral. Take a guided walking tour along the winding streets and narrow alleyways through the historic centre this afternoon and visit the Altes Rathaus, the town hall with a Gothic hall where many of Germany's historic events were held.
Day 10 - Passau
Passau is the last town visited in Germany, in the Lower Bavaria region. Relax on board today as you cruise through the narrow section of the Danube through Austria.
Day 11 - Melk (Austria) - Vienna
Visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk which was originally a Hapsburg Palace but has been a Benedictine monastery since the 11th century. It was reconstructed in a Baroque style in the 18th century. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley during lunch to Vienna. Enjoy a classical recital on board.
Day 12 - Vienna
The elegant city of Vienna is one of the gems of Central Europe with ornate architecture, elegant cafes and impressive palaces. This morning enjoy a guided tour to the highlights including St Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace, now home to the crown jewels and the famous Spanish Riding School. Explore at leisure this afternoon.
Day 13 - Bratislava
Slovakia's fascinating capital, Bratislava, has a well-preserved baroque old town. Stroll along the meandering streets to the Main Square, home to the former town hall which is now a museum. Admire the 17th-century fortress which overlooks the city or visit the Primatial Palace with its Hall of Mirrors and collection of English tapestries. This afternoon, cruise the Danube Bend and on to Budapest.
Day 14 - Budapest (Hungary)
The impressive city of Budapest is split over the Danube river. The twin areas of Buda, built around the hilltop fortress, and Pest. The banks of the river are dominated by the impressive neo-gothic Parliament building. Enjoy a guided tour and this evening the Captain's Dinner will take place serving local specialities.
Day 15 - Budapest - UK
Disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
The Captain reserves the right to alter the itinerary to suit wind and weather conditions.