Festive Christmas Markets with Magnificent Europe

Welcome to Amsterdam. We'll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your ship. Settle into your suite before getting to know your fellow travellers and APT Cruise Director at a welcome reception. Savour fresh locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine. After your first dinner on board, you may like to explore the city at your own pace. Stay 14 Nights: APT Solara or APT Ostara (D)

Spend today on your preferred activity. Rejoin the ship in Utrecht and cruise towards Germany in the afternoon. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, step aboard a glass-top boat and glide through the city's iconic maze of World Heritage-listed canals, admiring the unique architecture along the way.

Freedom of Choice - Cheese Tasting Visit a local cheese store for a tasting of regional cheeses. The Netherlands is renowned for its cheese production, including iconic varieties such as Edam and Gouda.

Freedom of Choice - Guided Bike Ride Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.

Freedom of Choice - Keukenhof Gardens in Spring On select spring departures, you also have the option to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips.

This morning will be spent cruising through Germany. Spend time enjoying the range of facilities on board. Perhaps indulge in a spa treatment or relax on the Daystar Deck and read a book. Disembark in Andernach, where an exclusive Signature Experience awaits. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Namedy Castle Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a royal escape set near the Rhine River in Germany. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens, you'll attend a cocktail party, where a pianist sets the mood.

Today you'll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards. Dock in Rüdesheim, one of Germany's most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, you'll set out on your chosen activity. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Gondola Ride Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.

Freedom of Choice - Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum Take a tour of Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This eccentric and unique museum is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.

Freedom of Choice - Visit a Historic Wine Cellar Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany's most well-known wine regions.

This morning, delight in a relaxing cruise along the Main River before arriving in Miltenberg. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town of Miltenberg is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war. Here, set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Guided Walking Tour and Liqueur Tasting Embark on a guided exploration of Miltenberg. Discover the town's remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares, offering a unique glimpse into Germany's rich history. Then, visit one of Franconia's oldest wine cellars for a tasting of local liqueurs.

Freedom of Choice - Local Monastery Visit Travel to the hills overlooking Miltenberg for a visit to a local monastery. Here, you'll meet with a Franciscan friar to hear about life in the monastery. You'll also sample some homemade sausages, cheese and bread before free time to wander through the gardens and vineyard.

Your day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Visit the Würzburg Residence Be enchanted by the immense architectural beauty of Würzburg as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you'll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.

Freedom of Choice - Tastes of Franconia Travel to the Volkacher Mainschleife, the largest wine-growing region in Franconia and home to one of the most famous Franconian whisky distilleries. Here, enjoy a guided tour and meet the whisky and winemaker to uncover the art of making whisky. Savour a tasting of their finest creations paired with freshly baked bread from a local bakery.

Freedom of Choice - Explore Rothenburg Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colourful houses. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wohlfahrt's ‘Christmas Village', where you'll find the largest selection of German Christmas decorations in the world.

Freedom of Choice - Hike to Marienberg Fortress Enjoy a hike to Würzburg's most visible landmark, Marienberg Fortress, an imposing castle overlooking the city, which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries.

This morning, your ship will arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another one of the few German cities that was not destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the Regnitz River. Following your tour, rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal. (B/L/D)

This morning gives you the chance to choose your sightseeing activity. This afternoon, continue cruising along the Main-Danube Canal while indulging in a Bavarian beer, sausage and pretzel tasting on the Daystar Deck. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Discover Nuremberg's World War II Sites Journey through Nuremberg's World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler's now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.

Freedom of Choice - Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour Join a tour focused on Nuremberg's medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the main market square, as well as its 14th century Gothic church.

Discover Regensburg on your chosen sightseeing activity today. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Explore Regensburg's World Heritage-Listed City Centre Set out on a guided tour to explore Regensburg's atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Your tour will finish with a tasting at Regensburg's historic sausage kitchen, thought to be one of the oldest working restaurants in the world.

Freedom of Choice - Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial Get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany's past.

Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music' Show Be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser - a hunting horn blower - into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, The Sound of Music.

Visit the spectacular Melk Abbey, one of the world's most famous monastic sites. Then, it's up to you how you get to the next port of call. In Dürnstein, perhaps view the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Cruise Through the Wachau Valley Enjoy a cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, where you'll roam its cobblestone lanes at your leisure.

Freedom of Choice - Guided Bike Ride from Melk to Dürnstein Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein and take in the beautiful scenery of Wachau Valley along the way.

Arrive in Vienna and set out on a city tour. Take in the Austrian capital's many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore. This evening is set aside for your magical Signature Experience. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna's City Palace After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein's City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.

Head out on your choice of tours, then set sail for Hungary. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Schönbrunn Palace Visit Delve into royal history as you wander the lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens of the famous Schönbrunn Palace.

Freedom of Choice - Visit Bratislava in Slovakia Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia's Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city's time under communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev.

Freedom of Choice - Vienna Culinary Tour Immerse yourself in Viennese cuisine on a culinary tour of Vienna's narrow streets. Visit a traditional cafe, try a classic Viennese sausage, and sample a sweet treat from one of the city's famous patisseries.

Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. The afternoon is yours at leisure to further explore. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a farewell to remember. Enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music while you indulge in local brandy, as well as artisan meats and cheeses. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - City Tour Set out on a city tour of Budapest and take in its historic monuments, including Heroes' Square and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Freedom of Choice - Culinary Tour Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Freedom of Choice - Fisherman's Bastion Enjoy a funicular ride up to Castle Hill and take in the sweeping views over the river, then walk to Fisherman's Bastion, a beautiful historical monument.

Travel to Velké Bílovice, the largest winemaking town in the Czech Republic, widely known for its viticulture. Glimpse the town's many hectares of vineyards as you stop for a light lunch in a traditional restaurant. Travel onwards to Prague, where you will have the evening to explore on your own terms. Stay Three Nights: Almanac X Alcron Prague (B/L)

This morning, take in outstanding city views from the majestic Prague Castle, then stroll over the historic Charles Bridge, dating back to 1357. Marvel at the Old Town Square, once Prague's central marketplace in medieval times. The highlight of the square is the historic Astronomical Clock. Installed in 1410, the clock tracks the movements of the sun and the moon as well as the time.

Tonight, dine at Alcron Restaurant, a contemporary fine dining establishment known for its use of local Czech produce. With a plant-forward philosophy, the restaurant's dishes showcase the rich traditions of the region with a modern twist. (B/D)

Today is set aside for a special experience, just outside of the city. The evening is yours to relax or further explore. (B/L)

Signature Experience - Chateau Jemniště Savour a day out at Chateau Jemniště, originally designed by the renowned Czech architect, Frances Maxmilián Kaňka. Be greeted by descendants of the Czech Republic's oldest aristocratic family before exploring the 18th-century estate on a private guided tour. Marvel at the spectacular baroque architecture and indulge in a delectable lunch, then watch on in awe as birds of prey fly free during an incredible falconry display.

Your journey continues to Germany. Enjoy your choice of activity today in Dresden. Stay: Hilton Dresden (B)

Freedom of Choice - Volkswagen's Transparent Factory Enjoy a guided tour of the Volkswagen Transparent Factory in Dresden. Learn about the future of the electric mobility from an expert and see the production process first-hand.

Freedom of Choice - Striezelmarkt Christmas Market Take some time to browse Germany's oldest Christmas market, Striezelmarkt. Founded as a one-day market in 1434.

En route to Berlin, stop at Meissen, where you will set out on your preferred experience. Stay Three Nights: The Westin Berlin (B/D)

Freedom of Choice - Albrechtsburg Castle Travel to Meissen and visit the 15th century Albrechtsburg Castle, which rises majestically above the Elbe River Valley.

Freedom of Choice - Meissen Porcelain Factory Alternatively, visit the world-famous Meissen Porcelain Factory, which showcases its heritage of fine porcelain art

Journey to Potsdam, once the residence of Prussian kings. Here, you'll enjoy a discovery of the former summer palace of Frederick the Great, Sanssouci. Return to Berlin and choose how you'd like to explore. The evening is yours at leisure. (B)

Freedom of Choice - Spree River Boat Ride Set off on a charming boat ride on the Spree River, sipping mulled wine as you glide by some of the German capital's greatest sites in comfort and style.

Freedom of Choice - Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market Visit one of Berlin's most beautiful Christmas markets, the iconic Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, which is home to an array of vendors offering delightful treats and souvenirs.

Explore Berlin on a guided tour. This afternoon, wander through the Christmas markets. Come together for a relaxed farewell dinner this evening. (B/D)

Your festive journey concludes today after breakfast and a transfer to the airport. (B)