Eastern Bloc with Magnificent Europe

Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. Set around the Vltava River, fairytale-like architecture and Prague’s stunning castle charm await all who visit. We will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. Tonight, come together with your fellow travellers for a welcome reception.

This morning, take in outstanding city views from the majestic Prague Castle, then stroll over the historic Charles Bridge, dating back to 1357. Marvel at the Old Town Square, Prague’s central marketplace in medieval times. The highlight of the square is the old astronomical clock. Installed in 1410, the clock tracks the movements of the sun and the moon as well as the time. Tonight, dine at Alcron restaurant, a contemporary, fine-dining restaurant known for its use of local Czech produce. With a plant-forward philosophy, the restaurant’s dishes combine the rich tradition of the region with a modern twist.

Today is set aside for a special experience, just outside of the city. The evening is then yours to relax or further explore. 

Signature Experience – Chateau Jemniště Savour a day out at Chateau Jemniště, originally designed by the renowned Czech architect, Frances Maxmilián Kaňka. Be greeted by descendants of the Czech Republic’s oldest aristocratic family. Explore the 18th-century estate on a private guided tour and soak in the spectacular baroque architecture. Indulge in a delicious lunch before watching an awe-inspiring display as impressive birds of prey free-fly during a falconry display.  

Venture into Germany and on to the Dresden Elbe Valley. Visit the Transparent Factory, a building where innovation and stunning architecture meet, which also happens to be the showroom of renowned car manufacturer, Volkswagen. Continue to Berlin for dinner. 

Embark on a fascinating discovery of Berlin including a visit to Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate, as well as the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. 

After this morning’s activity, take an excursion to Potsdam, once the residence of Prussian kings. Here, you’ll enjoy a tour of the former summer palace of Frederick the Great, Sanssouci. The evening is yours at leisure.

Freedom of Choice – River Spree Boat Ride

Embark on a charming boat ride along the river Spree, sipping on mulled wine as you glide by some of the German capital’s greatest sites in comfort and style. Pass by sights including Bellevue Palace, the Reichstag, Museum Island, Berlin Cathedral and Schlossplatz City Palace among others. This impressive river is 400km in length and is the main river in Berlin.

Freedom of Choice – Artist District Visit

Discover a different side of Berlin with a visit to the one-of-a-kind artist district. Stroll through small streets and renovated courtyards, whichonce formed part of the centre of Jewish life in Berlin. On your route you will encounter traces of the eventful past of this former ‘tolerance district’, in which different religions lived peacefully together. 

Travel into Poland and arrive in Warsaw. Enjoy dinner at a Polish inn that features classic cuisine alongside live folk music. 

Gain a glimpse into the effect war has had on the city of Warsaw and its people during a walking discovery today. Visit the site of the Jewish Ghetto then head to Łazienki Park, where you’ll keep an eye out for the unique birdlife that surrounds Łazienki Palace.  

Signature Experience – Private Concert of Chopin’s work  Relish a musical celebration of locally born composer Frédéric Chopin during a private concert performance of his famous work. Hosted in Fryderyk Concert Hall, celebrate his legacy as you listen to his heartfelt melodies. 

Today in Auschwitz, visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum for a tour revealing the sombre history of the concentration camp, as well as a walk through the grounds. Later, travel to Kraków, where you will have dinner.

Today you have a choice of experiences. This afternoon gain insight into over 700 years of history of mining in Europe with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine. Be amazed by the underground passageways that began operating in the 13th century. The evening is yours to check out the local dining scene or relax at your hotel.  

Freedom of Choice – Kraków Walking Tour  Take in the sights of Kraków on a walking exploration, including its 13th-century square. One of the leading centres of Polish academic, cultural and artistic life, stroll through the city. Delight in an array of gothic and renaissance architecture.   

Freedom of Choice – Polish Cooking Class  Learn to make authentic Polish food, such as pierogis, with a local cook as you uncover the secrets to this tasty cuisine. Discover the fresh ingredients and intricate methods it takes to prepare these traditional dishes. Sample your efforts over lunch. 

Welcome to Budapest. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today before setting sail for Vienna. This evening, enjoy a gala welcome dinner. 

Freedom of Choice – City Tour

Enjoy a morning 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.  

Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride 

Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.  

Freedom of Choice – Thermal Baths Visit

You may wish to relax in the thermal water pools at the historic Gellért Thermal Baths, which first opened its gates over 100 years ago. 

Gala Welcome Dinner

Enjoy a multi-course meal with an enhanced menu. 

Enjoy a relaxing morning sailing to Vienna. On arrival, take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen’s Cathedral.

After your chosen activity this morning, we have arranged a special Signature Experience.

Freedom of Choice – Schönbrunn Palace Visit

Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.   

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.   

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.

Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein before choosing your activity. 

Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley

Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, where you’ll roam its cobblestoned 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.

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’.

Once again, enjoy the chance to personalise your day.

Freedom of Choice – Explore Regensburg’s World Heritage-listed City Centre

In Regensburg, explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre or perhaps get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial.

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.

This morning, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. On arrival in Nuremberg, Set out on your preferred activity.

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.

On arrival into World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another of the few German cities that wasn’t 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 River Regnitz. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.

Your day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.

Freedom of Choice – Visit the Würzburg Residence

The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today 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 – Explore Rothenburg

Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestoned streets and admire the pretty coloured-fronted houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wolfhart’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest selection of Germany Christmas decorations in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress

Enjoy a hike to Wurzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries.

Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on a guided exploration. 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. Featuring remarkably preserved buildings and lively town squares, this is a beautiful example of Germany’s history. Set out on a guided exploration of the town before time at leisure to explore. Sail along the Main River.

Dock in Rüdesheim this morning, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, you’ll set out on your chosen activity. This afternoon, 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.

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 the late 1880s.

Freedom of Choice – Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, an eccentric and unique museum which 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.

Today enjoy a Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent sailing onwards to the Netherlands.

Signature Experience – Namedy Castle

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a 14th century residence set near the Rhine River in Germany. Go beyond the gates and wander about the rooms, hidden nooks and manicured grounds. You’ll then enjoy a morning tea where a pianist playing classical music sets the mood.

Arrive in Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise

A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.

Freedom of Choice – Old Amsterdam Cheese Store Visit

Visit the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a cheese tasting matched with wine.

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

Guests travelling on select spring departures may 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.

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.