Festive Christmas with Magnificent Europe and Paris

Your journey begins with a transfer to your hotel, where you will get to know everyone at a welcome reception later this evening.

Explore Berlin on a guided tour. This afternoon, wander through the Christmas markets. Come together for a relaxed welcome dinner this evening.

Journey to Potsdam, once the residence of Prussian kings. Here, you’ll enjoy a discovery of the former summer palace of Frederick the Great, Sanssouci. Return to Berlin and choose how you’d like to explore. The evening is yours at leisure.

Freedom of Choice – River Spree Boat Ride 

Set off on a charming boat ride on the River Spree, sipping mulled wine as you glide by some of the German capital’s greatest sites in comfort and style. 

Freedom of Choice – Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market 

Visit one of Berlin’s most beautiful Christmas markets, the iconic Charlottenburg Palace Christmas Market, which is home to an array of vendors offering delightful treats and souvenirs. 

En route to Dresden, stop at Meissen where you will set out on your preferred experience. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the Volkswagen Transparent Factory in Dresden. Learn about the future of electric mobility from an expert and see the production process first-hand.

Freedom of Choice – Albrechtsburg Castle

Travel to Meissen and visit the 15th century Albrechtsburg Castle, which rises majestically above the Elbe River Valley.

Freedom of Choice – Meissen Porcelain Factory

Alternatively, visit the world-famous Meissen Porcelain Factory, which showcases its heritage of fine porcelain art.

This morning you’ll have the opportunity to browse Germany’s oldest Christmas Market, Striezelmarkt. Founded as a one-day market in 1434, it will celebrate its 590th anniversary in 2025. You’ll then enjoy a special Signature Experience. Later, arrive in Prague, the charming capital of the Czech Republic.  

Signature Experience – Nutcracker Workshop

Visit an enchanting Nutcracker workshop and perhaps try your hand at making their famous wooden Christmas toys. 

Take a guided discovery of Prague and visit its charming Old Town, spending time wandering its cobblestoned streets as well as Charles Bridge. Tonight, enjoy dinner at the Alcron restaurant, a fine dining restaurant known for its use of local Czech produce.

Today is set aside for a memorable experience just outside of the city.

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.  

Travel to historic Velké Bílovice, then continue to Budapest and board your river ship.

Perhaps take a guided discovery of Budapest and delve into its most fascinating sights, then get into the festive spirit with a visit to two of the city’s charming Christmas markets, where you’ll have the chance to sample mulled wine and some local delicacies. Alternatively, delight in your chosen sightseeing option. Later, set sail for Vienna. 

Freedom of Choice – Budapest Highlights 

Join a city tour of Budapest visiting historic monuments along the way. See Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterwards, stroll through the Great Market Hall and savour tastings of local produce.  

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. 

Freedom of Choice – Budapest Thermal Baths 

Relax in the thermal springs of one of Budapest’s popular thermal baths. 

Take in Vienna’s Ringstrasse, plus enjoy a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterwards, wander through the Christmas markets and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. As the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the wintry air, you’ll be reminded that the festive season in Europe is nothing short of magical.

Spend this morning on your preferred activity and this evening on a Signature Experience.

Freedom of Choice – Explore Schönbrunn Palace 

Perhaps visit the 1,441-room Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, including the traditional Christmas market in the Parade Court.

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, and you will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.

Enjoy free time to explore Durnstein, before sailing through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey, one of the finest Baroque buildings in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Wachau Valley Scenic Cruise

Admire stunning landscapes dotted with vineyards, charming villages and historic castles nestled amid lush hills. 

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’.

Discover Regensburg today. 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. Afterwards, one of Bavaria’s most beautiful Christmas Markets in the courtyard at Thurn and Taxis palace. Wander the various stalls selling handicrafts from the region and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies.

Set out on a guided exploration to discover Nuremberg’s history, with its Gothic churches and World War II sites. Afterwards, explore the Christmas market, one of the oldest and most well-known Christmas markets in the world. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample glüwhein, traditional German spiced wine.

On arrival into Bamberg, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything this World Heritage-listed city has to offer.

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 German Christmas decorations in the world.  

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress  

Enjoy a hike to Wurzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Fortress, 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. Wander through cobblestoned streets and admire the town’s enchanting half-timbered houses before time at leisure to explore on your own.

Dock in Rüdesheim, where you’ll choose your activity, followed by free time to enjoy the festive atmosphere or perhaps sample a local Rudesheimer coffee in a cosy cafe.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. 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, 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 cocktail party where a pianist playing classical music sets the mood. 

Arrive into 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. 

Travel to the Belgian town of Ghent, one of the best-kept secrets in Europe. Here, embark on a cruise to explore its maze of canals, then enjoy a light lunch. Continue to Paris.

A local expert will take you on a discovery of Paris. See the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Tonight, enjoy a fabulous cabaret extravaganza at the Moulin Rouge.

It might be difficult to choose your preferred experience today, but you can never make a bad choice when it comes to Paris.

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 that aren’t as well-known. Follow a trail of Paris’ fine food during a culinary walk.

Freedom of Choice – Citroën 2CV Drive 

Embark on a journey in a special 2CV vintage car, a stylish vehicle rich in heritage. It is a national treasure, having been first manufactured in 1948. Drive around the sparkling cityscape and Paris’ backstreets, spotting the city’s star attractions and Parisian icons in this open-top vehicle.

Freedom of Choice – Visit Montmartre and Sacre-Coeur 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. Admire the beautiful Sacré-Coeur 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.

Your journey draws to a conclusion today with a transfer to the airport.