Scotland by Rail with European Gems

On arrival in Edinburgh, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Set out on a guided walking tour to discover the heritage of Scotland’s historic capital. Stroll along the Royal Mile, admire St Giles’ Cathedral and uncover hidden courtyards as you learn how the old town has evolved over the centuries. Continue with a guided visit to Edinburgh Castle, dramatically perched above the city and offering sweeping views across the skyline.

Insider Experience – Scottish Cultural Show

This evening, enjoy a lively Scottish cultural show featuring traditional music and dancing, accompanied by a classic Scottish dinner.

This morning, board your train for a scenic journey north from Edinburgh to Aberdeen. Travel across two of Scotland’s great engineering landmarks — the striking red cantilever Forth Bridge and the Tay Bridge spanning the River Tay. Continue along the dramatic east coast, with views of rugged cliffs, seaside towns and open water. On arrival, join a panoramic tour of Aberdeen, the 'Granite City', famed for its silver-grey architecture built from local stone. Explore the historic streets of Old Aberdeen, home to the university and St Machar’s Cathedral, then continue to nearby Footdee ('Fittie'), a characterful 19th-century fishing village beside the harbour, where colourful cottages offer a glimpse of traditional coastal life.

Today’s journey takes you into Royal Deeside, a region closely linked with the British Royal Family and renowned for its mountain scenery and heritage. Following the route once used by Queen Victoria to reach her Scottish retreat, journey west from Aberdeen toward the Cairngorms. Visit Craigievar Castle, famous for its pink exterior, and step inside to view period furnishings and historic portraits.

Continue to the royal village of Braemar where you’ll see the restored Royal Waiting Rooms and former railway station built for Queen Victoria. Visit the Braemar Highland Games Centre to learn about traditional events such as caber tossing and the history of the famous Braemar Gathering. Depending on seasonal access, there may also be an opportunity to visit Balmoral Castle. Return to Aberdeenshire and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Depart Aberdeen this morning and board your train northwest towards Inverness. En route, alight in the whisky town of Keith in the heart of Speyside, Scotland’s most celebrated whisky-producing region. Visit one of the area’s historic distilleries, where a guided tour reveals the whisky-making process — from malting and mashing to distillation and maturation — followed by a tasting of the region’s smooth, distinctive style.

Spend the morning at leisure in Inverness, with time to explore at your own pace. Wander along the banks of the River Ness and visit the Inverness Castle viewpoint for sweeping views. Perhaps relax in a local cafe and soak up the city’s Highland atmosphere before a special Insider Experience this afternoon.

Insider Experience – Loch Ness Cruise

Set out on a scenic cruise on Loch Ness. Glide across its dark waters surrounded by dramatic Highland scenery while learning about the loch’s history and the enduring legend of its most famous resident.

This morning board your train for the journey west to Kyle of Lochalsh along the famous Kyle Line, regarded as one of the Highlands’ most scenic rail routes. Watch the landscape change as the train passes moorland, mountains and shining lochs, with views of remote stations and small villages along the way. On arrival, continue by road to visit iconic Eilean Donan Castle. Set on a small tidal island where three sea lochs meet, the beautifully restored fortress is one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks. Take time to explore the castle and its history before returning to Inverness, where the evening is at leisure.

Travel along the shores of Loch Ness to Fort William, where you’ll board one of the world’s most famous rail journeys. On arrival in Mallaig, enjoy time at leisure to explore the harbour village, known for its fishing heritage and fresh seafood, before returning to Fort William.

Insider Experience – The Jacobite Steam Train

Step aboard The Jacobite steam train for a nostalgic journey to the fishing port of Mallaig. Sit back as the train travels through heather-covered hills, rugged moorland and beside tranquil lochs, showcasing some of Scotland’s most cinematic scenery. A highlight is crossing the iconic Glenfinnan Viaduct, recognised from the Harry Potter films, with sweeping views towards Loch Shiel and the Glenfinnan Monument.

This morning board the West Highland Line, often regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys. Travel south from Fort William through remote moorlands, past shimmering lochs and beneath towering mountains as you make your way to Arrochar near the head of Loch Long. From here, visit the picturesque village of Luss on the shores of Loch Lomond, known for its charming cottages and scenic views. Continue by coach along the banks of Loch Lomond to Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner.

After breakfast, your rail journey concludes with a transfer to the airport for your included flight to Amsterdam. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your river ship. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight’s special Gala Dinner.

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. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, 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 are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most scenic stretch of the Rhine. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of Germany’s finest collections of automated musical instruments.

Enjoy free time in Miltenberg exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Gardens. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg.

Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll see highlights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main–Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan shops. Later, cruise the Main–Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide via its remarkable series of 16 locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, arrive in Regensburg. Docked in the heart of town, spend the day exploring this charming city on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in nearby Abensberg, a family-owned brewery featuring the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer Brewery Visit

Visit Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg, tour the brewery and see the colourful Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in Passau, otherwise known as the 'City of Three Rivers', where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

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

Journey 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.

After crossing into Austria, dock in Melk and join a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, townhouses and taverns, or perhaps join an optional regional wine tasting.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey to sample local Wachau wines, including Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, accompanied by a tasting of regional brandy.

In Vienna, join a guided walking tour taking in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg and the Albertina museum. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

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.

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, the capital of Slovakia.

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. Explore the elegant palace apartments adorned with fine textiles and chandeliers, then stroll through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, visit the stables for a private introduction to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Learn about their breeding, care and training before witnessing a special demonstration of their grace and discipline.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Visit Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, 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 fascinating past.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship glides into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.

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.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Explore this fascinating museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. Built in 1941 as a first-aid shelter, it was designed to withstand the impact of aerial bombing.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.