Magnificent Europe with Christmas and New Year's Eve

Arrive in France's stylish capital. Paris is reknowned for its romantic scenery, rich history, delicious cuisine, and abundance of stylish shops and cafes. We'll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome reception tonight. Stay Three Nights: Paris, Hôtel du Collectionneur

Today, embark on an enriching discovery of Paris, accompanied by a local expert. Discover a number of highlights from the 'City of Light', which have famously featured in countless films and stories. Stroll through the bustling Avenue des Champs-Élysées lined with grand storefronts.

Crowning the western end of the avenue is the Arc de Triomphe, a structure commemorating those who fought and died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Arguably the most iconic monument in Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands tall in the heart of the bustling city. Be mesmerised by the beauty of this remarkable iron structure, built for the world fair in the late 19th century.

Then, savour a delectable lunch during an unforgettable boat tour of Paris along the River Seine. Departing from the Eiffel Tower, glide past famous sights such as Les Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, and the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Pass under the elegant Pont Alexandre III bridge before catching a glimpse of the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and the Statue of Liberty. (B/L)

It might be difficult to choose your preferred experience today, but you can never make a bad choice when it comes to Paris. In the evening, enjoy a fabulous cabaret extravaganza at the famous Moulin Rouge located in Pigalle. (B/D)

Freedom of Choice - Culinary Walk It's no secret that Paris is famous for its food, but there are still plenty of culinary hidden gems throughout the city that aren't as well-known. Follow a trail of Paris' fine food during a culinary walk.

Freedom of Choice - Citroën 2CV Drive Embark on a journey in a special Citroën 2CV vintage car, a true icon of French heritage. A national treasure, this stylish vehicle made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1948. Drive through Paris' dazzling cityscape and charming backstreets, discovering the city's famous landmarks and star attractions as you cruise around in this open-top vehicle.

Freedom of Choice - Visit Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica Soak up the Parisian atmosphere as you explore the charming hilltop district of Montmartre (the Mount of Martyrs), historically frequented by famous artists and a hub for creatives to this day. Admire the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a stunning Roman Catholic church. Admire the spectacular interior features, including the grand pipe organ. Take in the panoramic views of the city from the church's exterior.

Say au revoir to Paris and travel by coach through northern France and into Belgium. Arrive in Ghent and enjoy a light lunch while cruising along the city's canals. Continue to Amsterdam and board your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. You'll have time to unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship. Stay 15 Nights: APT Solara or APT Ostara (B/L/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.

This morning will be spent cruising through Germany as you enjoy the facilities on board. Perhaps indulge in a spa treatment or get active in the onboard gym. 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. Afterwards, wander through the Christmas market and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Gondola Ride Glide over the 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, an eccentric and unique museum which 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 The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today 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. At the end of your tour, you'll have time to visit the Christmas Market, located in front of the historical Marienkapelle Chapel.

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 - 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.

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)

Celebrate a magical Christmas Day in Nuremberg. Disembark your ship and set out on a tour focused on Nuremberg's medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church. You'll also enjoy a traditional Christmas feast on board your ship with all the trimmings. Later, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Enjoy time at Salzburg's Christmas market before a Signature Experience. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘The Sound of Music' Show 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 show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music'.

Visit spectacular Melk Abbey, adorned with intricate statues. You'll then cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, where you can roam its cobblestone lanes at your leisure. Or perhaps join your wellness host for a hike to the castle ruins. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Vienna and set out on a city tour. Take in the city'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 - 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, and you will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.

Tour inside Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds. You'll also have time to visit the Christmas market located in Parade Court in front of the palace. Later, continue onwards to Bratislava. (B/L/D)

Embark on a guided tour of Slovakia's capital, 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. Tonight, bid farewell to 2026 in style with New Year's Eve celebrations in full swing. (B/L/D)

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. Then, visit the Great Market Hall, where you'll sample delicious local produce.

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 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 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 honour the rich tradition of the region while adding a modern twist. (B/D)

Today is set aside for a special Signature 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 comes to an end today as you bid farewell to your fellow travellers and Prague with a transfer to the airport. (B)