Arrive before 1.30pm, and we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. An afternoon orientation discovery is on the cards, followed by a welcome reception. 

You will be well looked after throughout your journey with a special baggage transfer service, which means we’ll take care of the heavy lifting as your bags are chauffeured from one hotel to the next. Journey to Lucerne and set out on a walking exploration of the city. You’ll then continue to your hotel in Engelberg, perched high in the mountains at the foot of Mount Titlis.

This morning, board a cable car, which takes you 3,020 metres above sea level as you ascend Mount Titlis. Visit the glacier cave, a walkway that descends ten metres below the surface of the only glacier in the region. You can then take in the breathtaking views on Europe’s highest suspension bridge. Later, enjoy free time to relax at your hotel and explore the charming village of Engelberg.

Embark on an exciting rail journey through the Gotthard Base Tunnel to Lugano. This picturesque lakeside city is nestled amid the mountains in the Italian region of Switzerland. On arrival in Lugano, a Signature Experience awaits.

Signature Experience – Tenuta Castello di Morcote Wine Tour

Visit Tenuta Castello di Morcote, a farm and wine estate located on a promontory entirely surrounded by Lake Lugano. View the estate’s terraced vineyards, olive groves and Morcote Castle, which was built in the 15th century. You’ll then savour a wine tasting experience.

Soak up the pleasant year-round climate in this beautiful city. Cruise the peaceful waters of Lake Lugano, then it’s time to ascend the peak of Monte Brè, which rewards you with sensational views over Lugano. The evening has been kept free for you to explore at your own pace.

Cross the border into Italy’s Tirano by coach, where you’ll join your rail journey aboard the Bernina Express. Take in the panoramic views as you travel to St. Moritz. 

Another day brings another incredible rail adventure. Board the Glacier Express to experience a journey from the Bernina Range to the Matterhorn. During the ride, you’ll cross more than 200 bridges and countless tunnels as you traverse the Alps in style before arriving in Zermatt.

Take a ride on the Gornergrat Railway for the best views of the towering Matterhorn. Later, enjoy a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Meet a Local Mountaineer

Meet a local mountaineer, who will share stories of their conquests and what life is like living in the mountains. 

Enrich Your Experience – Scenic Helicopter Flight

In the afternoon, you may like to embark on a scenic helicopter flight from Zermatt (additional expense). This unforgettable 20-minute flight offers an incredible aerial perspective of the region's spectacular mountains, including the Weisshorn, Zinalrothorn, Dent Blanch, Matterhorn, Thodulpass, Breithron, and Gornergrat.

Farewell Zermatt as you board your train bound for Spiez. Upon arrival into Spiez, board a lake cruise and travel along the picturesque alpine Lake Thun to Interlaken. From Interlaken, you will travel by train to the idyllic Swiss resort village of Wengen.

Your rail journey today is nothing short of extraordinary as you travel to the Jungfraujoch railway station, the highest in Europe at 3,454 metres above sea level. As you take in the panoramic mountain vistas, you'll feel as though you're on top of the world.

Travel to Interlaken, where you will embark on a scenic rail journey aboard the glass-domed GoldenPass Express. First, the train runs along the Aare River before passing the lush green farmland of the Simmen Valley and climbing to the line’s highest point at 1,279 metres above sea level into the heart of the Bernese Oberland. Arrive in Montreux with time to relax before dinner.

Begin your day by setting out on a brief orientation tour of Montreux, nestled along the shores of Lake Geneva. As you explore, be captivated by the stunning backdrop of the Alps and the shimmering waters of the lake. Later, travel to the cosmopolitan city of Geneva. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers for a delicious farewell dinner and celebrate your spectacular journey through the Swiss Alps.

This morning, transfer to the airport and take an included flight to the vibrant city of Amsterdam. Board your new-generation river ship docked in the heart of the city and spend the rest of the day settling into your home for the next two weeks.

Spend today on your preferred activity. Rejoin the ship in Utrecht and cruise towards Germany in the afternoon.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.  

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your extraordinary European adventure concludes today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.