Northern Lights and Lapland with Magnificent Europe

Welcome to Helsinki. We'll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel.

This evening, come together for a welcome reception. Stay: Helsinki, Hotel Kamp

This morning after breakfast, board your included flight to Rovaniemi and travel out to your accommodation, where you will stay in a glass igloo for two nights.

This evening, be shown how to take the best pictures on your own camera, which will come in handy should you see the Northern Lights.

Later, snuggle in and feel as if you're sleeping in the open air, while being warm and cosy inside. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the ethereal Northern Lights from your igloo. Stay Two Nights: Rovaniemi, Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos (B/D)

• Visit a reindeer farm and set out on a sleigh ride before feeding the reindeer.

• Perhaps embark on an active snowshoe excursion. A local expert guide will lead you along an incredible series of snow-covered forest trails. Alternatively, set out for an ice fishing excursion at a nearby lake.

• Enjoy a sleigh ride pulled by a team of husky dogs.

Transfer to Rovaniemi airport for your included return flight to Helsinki.

Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Iitalla & Arabia Design Centre, where you'll learn about the history of Finnish ceramic art and glass design. Stay Two Nights: Helsinki, Hotel Kamp (B)

Enjoy a guided exploration of Helsinki's best sites today, starting with a visit to Temppeliaukio, the famous ‘Rock Church'. In Sibelius Park, view the Sibelius Monument before moving on to the Olympic Stadium and the impressive Oodi Library. Stroll along the city's main street, Mannerheimintie, and see its many exquisite buildings, including the Opera House, Alvar Aalto and the National Museum.

Tonight, savour a farewell dinner. (B/D)

Take an included flight to Budapest, then board your ship for your Magnificent Europe river cruise. Stay 14 Nights: APT Solara or APT Ostara (B/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 be reminded that the festive season in Europe is nothing short of magical. (B/L/D)

• Perhaps visit the 1,441-room Schönbrunn 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 gluhwein, 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.

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport. (B)