European Gems with Prague

Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the historic centre of Prague. Later this evening, you'll have the chance to get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director during a Welcome Reception.

Your exploration of Prague begins with a tour of the World Heritage-listed Old Town. Cross the historic Charles Bridge and arrive in Old Town Square. See the famous Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall, a masterpiece that displays time in a truly unique way. Afterwards, enjoy a special visit to the Municipal House before a free afternoon to explore at leisure. This evening, you may wish to join an optional folklore dinner and show.

Insider Experience - Municipal House Visit the magnificent Municipal House, where you'll enjoy a relaxed coffee accompanied by a selection of classic Czech pastries, followed by a guided tour of this celebrated Art Nouveau landmark.

Enhance Your Journey - Folklore Dinner and Show Travel to a local restaurant and enjoy a lively evening of traditional Czech cuisine, music and dancing.

Today is at leisure to explore Prague at your own pace. You may wish to visit the historic Jewish Quarter, home to centuries of Jewish heritage and closely associated with writer Franz Kafka, or simply wander the city's charming streets and cafes. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Prague Castle. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Enhance Your Journey - Prague Castle Cross the Vltava River to Prague Castle, which dominates the city skyline. Dating back to the 9th century, this vast complex of palaces, courtyards and churches is among the largest castle complexes in the world. Join a local guide to explore highlights including St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane.

Farewell Prague after breakfast as you travel by coach to Budapest, where you'll board your river ship. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers.

Awake to views of one of the Danube's most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and discover Budapest's vibrant history on a guided tour featuring many of its most impressive sights. Back on board this evening, enjoy a Gala Welcome Dinner as you cruise.

Insider Experience - Hungarian State Opera Performance Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.

On arrival in the city centre, join a walking tour taking in highlights such as St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben and the Hofburg. Later, explore the vibrant Naschmarkt at leisure.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city's famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. This evening, you may wish to attend an optional concert.

Enhance Your Journey - Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Explore the resplendent palace apartments adorned with exquisite textiles and glass chandeliers, before strolling through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of the stables, where you'll encounter the magnificent Lipizzaner horses up close. Learn what makes these noble horses so special through insights into their breeding, care and training, before witnessing an exclusive performance that showcases their remarkable grace and discipline.

Enhance Your Journey - Visit Bratislava in Slovakia Visit Bratislava, a charming city where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city's intriguing past.

Enhance Your Journey - Mozart and Strauss Concert Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna's historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.

Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend the morning wandering its cobbled streets, historic townhouses and inviting taverns, or perhaps join an optional tasting of the region's renowned wines. Later, sail through the scenic Wachau Valley to Melk, where you'll tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation since 1089.

Today, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Passau.

Insider Experience - Bavarian Evening on Board This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey - Český Krumlov Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.

Enhance Your Journey - Salzburg Sights Travel through Austria's scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart's hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.

Continue along the Danube to Regensburg, in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. Join a guided tour through its historic streets, discovering medieval architecture and cultural landmarks.

Arrive in Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler's infamous rallies during World War II. This afternoon, take a city tour including sites such as the Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice.

Discover Bamberg, one of the few German cities largely spared destruction during World War II. Join a locally guided tour of its historic centre, taking in sights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore at your leisure.

Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, Würzburg is home to the magnificent Baroque Würzburg Residence. Tour the palace and stroll through the Court Gardens before perhaps choosing an optional visit to Rothenburg, a charming medieval town along the Romantic Road.

Enhance Your Journey - Medieval Rothenburg Tour Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Enjoy time at leisure to discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and, as evening falls, watch the lights of medieval towns drift past during your overnight cruise.

In Rüdesheim, ride the Winzerexpress mini train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later, back on board, enjoy spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne's famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Augustusburg Palace in Germany Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August of Bavaria, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they represent some of the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.

Amsterdam's network of canals is a sight to behold. Board a glass-top boat for a scenic cruise, then enjoy free time ashore before a Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.