Experience Christmas in Europe as you cruise in luxury on our most popular river cruise, and for good reason. Start in Amsterdam before heading along the Rhine, stopping at quaint German towns on the way. Enter Austria, and explore Vienna, then culminate in Budapest.
Welcome to Amsterdam. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your ship.
Spend today on your preferred activity. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner.
Freedom of Choice
Perhaps cruise the canals on a glass-top boat or visit the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a cheese tasting matched with wine.
This morning will be spent cruising through Germany. Disembark in Andernach and enjoy a Signature Experience here.
Signature Experience
Princess Heide von Hohenzollern will graciously welcome you into her home, Namedy Castle. Wander through the castle and its manicured gardens, before savouring a morning tea, where a pianist sets the mood.
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim and set out on your chosen activity. Afterwards, wander through the Christmas market and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two.
Freedom of Choice
You might like to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Alternatively, visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines.
Step ashore in Miltenberg and set out on a guided exploration. Wander through cobblestoned streets and admire the town’s enchanting half-timbered houses before time at leisure.
Your day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.
Freedom of Choice
Seize the day and walk to the 18th-century Würzburg Residence. Alternatively, travel to Rothenburg, or join a hike to Marienberg Fortress.
Celebrate a magical Christmas Day as you enjoy a relaxing morning sailing towards Bamberg, where you’ll disembark for a guided walking tour. You’ll also enjoy a traditional Christmas feast on board your ship with all the trimmings.
This morning gives you the chance to choose your sightseeing activity. This afternoon, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. 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, the main market square and its 14th century Gothic church.
In Regensburg, 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. 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.
Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.
Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘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 the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey. You’ll then cruise through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein, where you can roam its cobblestoned lanes at your leisure. Or perhaps join your wellness host for a hike to the castle ruins.
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.
Signature Experience - Liechtenstein’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.
Head out on your choice of tours before setting sail for Hungary. Tonight, bid farewell to 2025 in style with New Year’s Eve celebrations in full swing.
Freedom of Choice Perhaps visit the 1,441-room Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens. Otherwise, tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava.
Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. The afternoon is yours at leisure to further explore.
Freedom of Choice Enjoy a city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral before a visit to the Great Market Hall for some tastings of local produce. Alternatively, board a funicular to Castle Hill, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion. Or you may wish to relax in the thermal water pools at one of Budapest’s famous baths.
Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.
Select your preferred date or enquire
APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.