Magnificent Europe with Paris and Budapest

Arrive in France’s grand capital. Paris is renowned for its romantic scenery, rich history, delicious cuisine, and abundance of stylish shops and cafes. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy a welcome reception tonight. 

Today, embark on an enriching discovery of Paris, accompanied by a local expert. Discover a number of highlights from the 'City of Light', which have famously featured in countless films and stories. Stroll through the bustling Avenue des Champs-Élysées lined with grand storefronts. Crowning the western end of the avenue is the Arc de Triomphe, a structure commemorating those who fought and died in the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. Arguably the most iconic monument in Paris, the Eiffel Tower stands tall in the heart of the bustling city. Be mesmerised by the beauty of this remarkable iron structure, built for the world fair in the late 19th century.

Then, savour a delectable lunch during an unforgettable boat tour of Paris along the Seine River. Departing from the Eiffel Tower, glide past famous sights such as Les Invalides, Musée d'Orsay, and the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral. Pass under the elegant Pont Alexandre III bridge before catching a glimpse of the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe and the Statue of Liberty.

It might be difficult to choose your preferred experience today, but you can never make a bad choice when it comes to Paris. In the evening, enjoy a fabulous cabaret extravaganza at the famous Moulin Rouge located in Pigalle.

Freedom of Choice – Culinary Walk

It’s no secret that Paris is famous for its food, but there are still plenty of culinary hidden gems throughout the city waiting to be discovered. Follow a trail of Paris’ fine food during a culinary walk.

Freedom of Choice – Citroën 2CV Drive

Embark on a journey in a special Citroën 2CV vintage car, a true icon of French heritage. A national treasure, this stylish vehicle made its debut at the Paris Motor Show in 1948. Drive through Paris' dazzling cityscape and charming backstreets, discovering the city's famous landmarks and star attractions as you cruise around in this open-top vehicle.

Freedom of Choice – Visit Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Soak up the Parisian atmosphere as you explore the charming hilltop district of Montmartre (the Mount of Martyrs), historically frequented by famous artists and a hub for creatives to this day. Gaze in wonder at the beautiful Sacré-Cœur Basilica, a stunning Roman Catholic church. Admire the spectacular interior features, including the grand pipe organ. Take in the panoramic views of the city from the church’s exterior.

Say au revoir to Paris and travel by coach through northern France and into Belgium. Arrive in Ghent and enjoy a light lunch while cruising along the city’s canals. Continue to Amsterdam and board your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. You’ll have time to unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

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.

This morning, visit the Hungarian State Opera House, one of the world's finest examples of neo-Renaissance architecture. Absorb the grandeur of the building before venturing inside for a tour and a private opera recital of two or three ariettas. Then, enjoy a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Etyek Culinary Tour

Set out on an incredible culinary journey in the village of Etyek in the Etyek-Buda wine region. Savour a wine tasting and delectable lunch at Rokusfaly Estate as you take in spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards. Afterwards, enjoy a cheese tasting and guided tour at the Hegedűs Cheese Workshop. Watch a cheesemaking demonstration, sample different types of cheese and take a tour of the 'Cheese Cave', the cheese ripening cellars located nine metres below ground level. Conclude with a visit to an eatery called Sonkamester, which translates to ham master. Here, you’ll learn about the traditional methods of making ham before tasting this local specialty.

Today, enjoy a visit to Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church. Afterwards, relish a delicious lunch with views of the Danube River and Hungarian Parliament Building. Later, embark on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock, a museum dedicated to the former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.

Your tour concludes this morning. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.