Festive Christmas with Magnificent Europe and Paris

Your journey begins with a transfer to your hotel, where you will get to know everyone at a welcome reception later this evening. Stay Three Nights: The Westin Brand Berlin

Explore Berlin on a guided tour.

This afternoon, wander through the Christmas markets. Come together for a relaxed welcome dinner this evening. (B/D)

• Perhaps take a boat road on the river Spree whilst you sip on mulled wine or visit one of Berlin's most beautiful Christmas Markets at Charlottenburg Palace.

• Travel to Meissen and visit Albrechtsburg Castle, which rises majestically above the Elbe River Valley. Built in 1471, it is considered Germany's oldest castle. Alternatively, visit the world-famous Meissen Porcelain Factory, showcasing its heritage of fine porcelain art.

• Visit an enchanting Nutcracker workshop and perhaps try your hand at making their famous wooden Christmas toys.

Take a guided discovery of Prague and visit its charming Old Town, spending time wandering its cobblestoned streets as well as Charles Bridge.

Tonight, enjoy dinner at the Alcron restaurant, a fine dining restaurant known for its use of local Czech produce. (B/D)

• Enjoy a day out at Chateau Jemniste. Explore this family-owned estate on a private guided tour, have lunch, then watch on in awe as birds of prey free-fly during a falconry display.

Travel to the historic town of Velke Bilovice, then continue to Budapest and board your river ship. Stay 14 Nights: APT Ostara (B/L/D)

• Perhaps take a guided discovery of Budapest and delve into its most fascinating sights. Or get into the festive spirit with a visit to two of the city's charming Christmas markets, where you'll have the chance to sample mulled wine and some local delicacies.

Take in Vienna's Ringstrasse, plus enjoy a visit to St Stephen's Cathedral.

Afterwards, wander through the Christmas markets and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. As the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the wintry air, you'll come to realise that the festive season in Europe is nothing short of magical. (B/L/D)

• Perhaps visit the 1,441-room Schonbrunn Palace and its gardens, including the traditional Christmas market in the Parade Court. Or tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia's Bratislava.

• 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 and a performance by some members of the Mozart Boys' Choir.

Enjoy free time to explore Durnstein, before sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey, one of the finest Baroque buildings in the world. (B/L/D)

• Be welcomed by a Jagdhornblaser – 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 ‘Sound of Music' show.

Discover Regensburg today. Explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. (B/L/D)

Set out on a guided exploration to discover Nuremberg's history, with its Gothic churches and World War II sites.

Afterwards, explore the Christmas market, one of the oldest and most well-known Christmas markets in the world. You'll also have the opportunity to sample gluwhein, traditional German spiced wine. (B/L/D)

On arrival into Bamberg, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything this World Heritage-listed city has to offer. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board. (B/L/D)

• Embark on a tour of Wurzburg Residence or perhaps journey to Rothenburg. Alternatively, join a hike to Marienberg Fortress.

Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on a guided exploration. Wander through cobblestoned streets and admire the town's enchanting half-timbered houses before time at leisure to explore on your own. (B/L/D)

• Enjoy a gondola ride or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Alternatively, visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines.

Today, spend time exploring the charming Cologne Christmas market. Browse through the festive stalls, savour seasonal treats and indulge in the joyous atmosphere. The afternoon will be spent sailing onwards to the Netherlands. (B/L/D)

• Cruise the canals on a glass-top boat. Or visit Zaanse Schans.

Travel to the Belgian town of Ghent, one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. Here, embark on a cruise to explore its maze of canals, then enjoy a light lunch. Continue to Paris. Stay Three Nights: Paris, Hotel du Collectionneur Arc de Triomphe or similar (B/L)

A local expert will take you on a discovery of Paris. See the Avenue des Champs-Elysees, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower. (B)

• Perhaps follow a trail of Paris' fine food during a culinary walk. Alternatively, hop in a special 2CV vintage car and cruise around Paris' famed icons, or soak up the Parisian atmosphere as you explore the Montmartre district and admire the Sacre-Coeur Basilica.

Your journey draws to a conclusion today with a transfer to the airport. (B)