Festive Christmas Markets with Magnificent Europe

Treat yourself to an early Christmas gift as you wander in awe of Europe’s festive markets, including Striezelmarkt – the oldest of its kind in Germany. Then it’s time to explore the best of Europe on a festive river cruise.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Berlin

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

Day 2: Berlin

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

Day 3: Berlin, Potsdam

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. 

Day 4: Berlin, Meissen, Dresden

En route to Dresden, stop at Meissen where you will set out on your preferred experience.

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.

Day 5: Dresden, Prague

Spend this morning on your preferred activity.  

Freedom of Choice – Volkswagen Factory

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 – Striezelmarkt Christmas Market

Take some time to browse Germany’s oldest Christmas market, Striezelmarkt. Founded as a one-day market in 1434

Return to Dresden for lunch at a local restaurant.

Signature Experience – Nutcracker Workshop

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

Later travel on to Prague.

Day 6: Prague

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.

Day 7: Prague

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.  

Day 8: Prague, Velké Bílovice, Budapest, Embark Ship

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

Day 9: Budapest

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. 

Day 10: Vienna

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.

Day 11: Vienna

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.

Day 12: Durnstein, Melk

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. 

Day 13: Linz, Salzburg, Passau

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’.

Day 14: Regensburg

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.

Day 15: Nuremberg

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.

Day 16: Bamberg

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

Day 17: Wurzburg

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. 

Day 18: Miltenberg

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.

Day 18: Rüdesheim

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. 

Day 19: Andernach

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. 

Day 20: Amsterdam

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. 

Day 21: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

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