Fairytale Bavaria & Delights of the Danube

 The fairytale landscapes of Bavaria and elegant cities that line the Danube beckon as your vacation begins today at London St. Pancras. As you arrive, meet the Tour Manager and your group of fellow travelers, and together, board the Eurostar to Paris. On arrival in the French capital, we switch trains and continue to Stuttgart, a popular city in southern Germany, where we spend our first night.

Famous as the birthplace of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, the city of Stuttgart features an enticing blend of history, innovation and natural beauty, with vineyards and forested hills framing its backdrop. We walk to our hotel from the train station, and after settling in for the night, we gather for our first dinner together in the hotel's restaurant. Overnight Stuttgart.  

• Dinner

 Enjoy breakfast at the hotel this morning before returning to the train station to begin the journey into the romantic region of Bavaria. Our trip takes us aboard the Deutsche Bahn's high-speed ICE trains, first to Augsburg and then after switching trains, onto Füssen, on the banks of the Lech River. We spend our next three nights here amongst the river's beauty.  

  After checking into our hotel, you have some free time to begin exploring our new alpine surroundings, which are filled with enchanting features. You could seek out Füssen's historic old town, High Castle or St. Mang's Abbey. Alternatively, you might like to get your first taste of authentic Bavarian beer at a local pub or simply enjoy nature with a riverside stroll. We regroup at the hotel this evening for dinner. Overnight Füssen.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us after breakfast today. Commissioned by the reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Neuschwanstein Castle is an architectural masterpiece.

Built in a striking Romanesque Revival style, it features soaring towers, turrets and battlements, all set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and verdant forests. Its interior is just as impressive, with ornate carvings, murals, and an opulent throne room that showcases the king's fascination with medieval lore and chivalry. 

  Interestingly, the castle's construction was plagued by setbacks and financial difficulties and was never fully completed during King Ludwig's lifetime. However, the castle remains a symbol of the king's visionary spirit and a source of inspiration for millions, including Walt Disney, who used Neuschwanstein Castle as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle. 

Entrance is included as we arrive this morning, and you have ample time to wander its interiors and soak up spectacular views of the Schwangau Valley. We return to Füssen at the end of the afternoon and enjoy dinner at our hotel this evening. Overnight Füssen.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 Today, we ascend the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze. Following breakfast, a coach transfer takes us to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where we board the scenic Zugspitze Railway. Our journey takes us through lush green meadows, rocky terrain and, eventually, snow-covered mountains.

    The final leg of our journey is taken by cable car, and as we step out at the summit, panoramic views of the incredible German and Austrian Alps surround us. On clear days, up to 400 mountain peaks and four countries are visible: Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. On our descent, we stop at beautiful Lake Eibsee - a picturesque area of turquoise waters - where we have free time to revel in the stunning scenery before rejoining our coach. Heading back to Füssen, there is time to relax ahead of dinner this evening. Overnight Füssen.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 Leaving Germany behind after an early breakfast, we are transferred to Munich's railway station and travel by train to Budapest. On arrival, we are transferred to the waterfront, where our luxurious ship awaits, and we are greeted with a welcome cocktail in the lounge. After settling into our cabins and familiarizing ourselves with the amenities, we sit down to our first dinner onboard. This evening, we also enjoy the enchanting ambiance of a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe performance.   

Once the sun sets, we begin a nighttime cruise along the Danube River, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest. From the Gothic-style Parliament Building to Buda Castle, the state buildings that line both banks are all lit up, as well as the stunning Chain Bridge. Whether you relax in the cozy lounge or take in panoramic views from the sun deck, Budapest's elegant scenery is a spectacular start to our cruise. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Dinner

 This morning, we delve deeper into the beauty and history of Budapest that we saw illuminated last night. On a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital, known as the "Pearl of the Danube," we explore impressive buildings and monuments. From Heroes Square, the State Opera House and St. Stephen's Basilica on the flatter Pest side to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion in the Buda hills, each site reveals the grandeur and charm of this appealing city.    

Return to the ship for lunch onboard, and then there is free time to continue exploring on your own. You could explore the castle district further, pick up Hungarian paprika at the Central Market Hall or relax in one of the city's extensive parks.     

Sailing upstream over dinner the evening, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history. From the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you'll have the best views as we pass the village of Visegrad, famous for its hilltop castle, and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Making our way to Slovakia's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls.  

  Despite being a national capital, Bratislava is nicknamed the "Little Big City" due to its compact size. Stepping off the ship after breakfast, our guided tour reveals attractive squares, idyllic streets, grand palaces and historic churches. Keep an eye out for some of Bratislava's quirky statues, including a sculpture commemorating Schöne Náci, an eccentric local character, and Čumil, a subterranean worker peeking out of a manhole. From the hilltop castle, soak up views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge - also known as the UFO bridge because of its futuristic design.   

After the tour and lunch onboard our ship, you have free time to explore at leisure. Enjoy wandering the Old Town's charming streets, or head out of the center to uncover iconic Soviet-era architecture, such as the inverted pyramid of the Slovak Radio building or the 12-ton stainless steel linden flower in the Union Fountain. This evening, we set sail again after dinner. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 After a peaceful overnight cruise, Vienna beckons. On arrival, we embark on a tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage. With our expert guide, we make our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse Boulevard. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings, including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament. 

  Following the tour and lunch onboard, enjoy time to explore the city at leisure. Strolling amongst its scenic streets, you can marvel at the striking St. Stephen's Cathedral or enter one of the countless museums and galleries that bring the city's history to life. You may choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the ruling Habsburg family, or indulge in a slice of famous Sachertorte, a delicious Viennese cake, at one of the grand coffeehouses.  

  After dinner tonight, a real treat awaits us in the lounge as we are joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who whisk us away with their performances of well-known classical pieces. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein this morning, you have free time to wander the charming streets and admire its powder-blue Baroque church tower. Dürnstein is also home to the hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the 12th century, and we have a great view of it from the riverside.   

Back on the ship, we have lunch as we set sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley - truly a highlight of the Danube. This scenic area of green valleys and vineyards is dotted with attractive riverside towns and commanding fortresses. It is also one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions, specializing in Grüner Veltliner.      

Docking in Emmersdorf this afternoon, we set out by coach to visit Melk Abbey. This 11th-century Benedictine Abbey stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. On our guided tour, we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.   

Dinner is served onboard this evening as we set out on an overnight sail toward Linz. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 Waking in beautiful Linz, there are two excursions to choose from after breakfast.    

The first option is a day trip to Salzburg, a striking city overlooked by Hohensalzburg Fortress set high on a hill. En route, we stop in the Austrian Lake District for a photo opportunity before arriving in Salzburg. During a guided sightseeing tour, we explore Getreidegasse, the street where Mozart was born. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with Baroque architecture, beautiful churches, quaint squares and charming alleyways that we can admire on our explorations.      

Alternatively, join an excursion into Czechia to visit Český Krumlov, a small Bohemian town that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. On a tour, we explore the palatial castle, occupying an imposing position high above a bend on the Vltava River. A guided walk around the UNESCO-listed Old Town - followed by time at leisure - reveals idyllic streets and picture-perfect squares surrounded by ornately gabled Baroque houses.     

We return to our ship for dinner onboard and set sail for an overnight cruise into Germany. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 On the final day of our relaxing cruise along the Danube, we drift through beautiful scenery into Germany, surrounded by rising hills covered with vineyards and orchards. The ever-changing landscapes create a picturesque backdrop, occasionally revealing charming villages, medieval castles and centuries-old monasteries that cling to the hilltops. 

  After lunch, we arrive at our final port of call, the Lower Bavarian town of Passau. We get to know its allures as we embark on a guided tour of Passau, known as the "Three Rivers City" because it sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers. The delightful Old Town is filled with Baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, and lies in the shadow of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress.    

Returning to the ship this evening, we enjoy our farewell gala dinner on our ship. Overnight ship.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 This tour and cruise vacation has showcased Bavaria's natural beauty and culture. Neuschwanstein Castle and the Zugspitze Railway enchanted us before our cruise showcased the treasures of the Danube. From natural wonders such as Danube Bend and the Wachau Valley to the famed cities and pretty villages lining its banks, the Danube has revealed the landscapes of central Europe.  

After breakfast this morning, it is time to disembark for the final time. Say goodbye to our wonderful crew, and should it align with your flight schedule, join an included transfer to Munich's international airport. Otherwise, make your own way to Munich using a flexible railway ticket from Passau.

• Breakfast