Alpine Discovery by Rail with European Gems

Arrive in Zürich, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception as your journey begins.

This morning, enjoy a guided orientation of vibrant Zürich, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and its striking medieval architecture. Then board a train to Lucerne. On arrival, set out on a guided walking tour of this charming Alpine city. Stroll along the iconic Chapel Bridge, home to the distinctive octagonal Water Tower, with the Swiss Alps as a spectacular backdrop.

Board the Luzern–Interlaken Express for a memorable journey into the heart of the Swiss Alps.

Insider Experience – Luzern–Interlaken Express

Travel along the shores of crystal-clear lakes, past romantic waterfalls and over the magnificent Brünig Pass. Through large panoramic windows, admire some of the Alps’ most spectacular scenery before arriving in Interlaken, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Today, journey high into the Swiss Alps as you travel by mountain railway to Jungfraujoch, 3,454 metres above sea level — the highest railway station in Europe. Known as the 'Top of Europe', this remarkable ascent carries you through the heart of the Bernese Alps, revealing ever-changing views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers and alpine valleys. At the summit, admire sweeping panoramas across the surrounding mountains and explore the Ice Palace and the Sphinx Observatory, completing an unforgettable visit to one of Switzerland’s most iconic alpine destinations.

Today, travel by regional train to Zermatt, set beneath the iconic Matterhorn. This picturesque alpine village is entirely car-free, making it a pleasure to explore on foot. This evening, breathe in the crisp mountain air as you wander its charming streets and wooden chalets at a relaxed pace.

After breakfast, join a morning tour of Zermatt. Discover the charming Hinterdorf (Old Village), where around 30 traditional chalet-style barns and storehouses dating from the 16th–18th centuries still stand. The afternoon and evening are yours at leisure — perhaps choose an optional scenic helicopter flight for unforgettable views across the Swiss Alps.

Enhance Your Journey – Scenic Helicopter Flight

Soar above the Swiss Alps on a breathtaking helicopter flight, taking in sweeping panoramas of snow-capped peaks and deep alpine valleys.

Today board the legendary Glacier Express for a spectacular journey to the alpine resort town of St. Moritz. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

Insider Experience — Glacier Express

Enjoy a journey aboard the famed Glacier Express. From the comfort of panoramic carriages, admire ever-changing scenery — soaring peaks, deep valleys, forested slopes and flower-filled meadows — as the train winds through the heart of the Swiss Alps to glamorous St. Moritz.

After breakfast, enjoy an Insider Experience aboard the Bernina Express. Later, return to St. Moritz by regional train.

Insider Experience — Bernina Express

Board the Bernina Express for one of the world’s most spectacular rail journeys, travelling from St. Moritz to the charming Italian town of Tirano. Marvel at glittering lakes, the mighty Morteratsch Glacier and the dramatic Bernina Pass before descending past turquoise alpine lagoons, sweeping valleys and the iconic Brusio Circular Viaduct. Pause at Alp Grüm, 2,091 m above sea level, for photographs overlooking the Palü Glacier and the Val Poschiavo.

This morning, journey into Austria, travelling to Innsbruck en route to Salzburg. On a guided tour, discover this alpine city where imperial history, mountain scenery and lively local culture come together. Later, continue to Salzburg.

Enjoy a guided tour of Salzburg and its charming Old Town, where melodies drift from bustling coffee houses. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional excursion through the Bavarian Alps to the historic Eagle’s Nest. This evening, enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers.

Enhance Your Journey — The Eagle’s Nest

Travel through the Bavarian Alps to the Eagle’s Nest, a mountaintop retreat built as a teahouse for Adolf Hitler’s 50th birthday.

Today, travel from Salzburg to Munich by train. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided discovery of the Bavarian capital, regarded by many as Germany’s most beautiful city. See the famous Glockenspiel at the Town Hall and explore the historic city centre, home to the iconic Frauenkirche. The afternoon is yours to relax or continue exploring at your leisure.

Today, visit Neuschwanstein Castle for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience — Neuschwanstein Castle

Embark on a coach journey into the Bavarian Alps. Visit the impressive Neuschwanstein Castle, perched high above the village of Hohenschwangau. Renowned for its romantic architecture, this fairy-tale castle inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle. Surrounded by mountains, forests and lakes, the interior is equally captivating, adorned with colourful murals and lavish decoration.

This morning, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Budapest. Upon arrival, transfer to your river ship. Later this evening, join your Cruise Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

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.