We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Brussels in First Class. Here we join our train for Cologne, then on to Nuremberg in Bavaria. Upon arrival we transfer by coach to our 5-star ship MS Amalyra for a cocktail reception and welcome dinner. Once our cruise begins, the pace of the holiday is set by you alone - you may wish to take part in our included shore excursions or explore independently, enjoy the facilities on board or simply take it easy. The choice is yours! (D)

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the historic city of Nuremberg. See the fabulous Gothic churches, the old ramparts which surround the city and one of Germany's largest Christmas Markets where you can soak up the atmosphere and maybe sample some of the typical festive treats such as warming mulled wine or tasty gingerbread. After lunch back on board ship, we sail on the Main-Danube Canal and descend through its stair-step locks towards charming Dietfurt where we moor for the night. (B,L,D)

We arrive in Regensburg, which has one of the best preserved medieval city centres in Europe for a guided tour. Highlights include the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, the gate to a Roman Fort dating from 179 AD. Perhaps you will wish to visit either the Christmas Market at the old Corn Market with its stalls decked with fir branches or the "royal" Christmas Market at the Thurn und Taxis Palace where you can see local craftsmen make their traditional handicrafts. After dinner, we enjoy a folklore performance on board ship. (B,L,D)

After breakfast we arrive in Baroque Passau on the border of Germany and Austria, where the Rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Here we take a walking tour of the town which was founded over 2,000 years ago. There is the option to join a tour (payable locally) to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart. For those staying on board,enjoy the scenery as we cruise into Austria and on to the delightful town of Linz for the night. (B,L,D)

This morning we reach the pretty Wachau Valley. We disembark to visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey at Melk which stands on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. At lunchtime we continue through the Wachau Valley with views of hillside vineyards, pretty towns and towering ruins to arrive late afternoon in Austria's capital, Vienna. We spend the night here and you are free to spend the evening strolling around this beautiful city or perhaps enjoying a Mozart or Strauss concert (payable locally). (B,L,D)

Today we take a guided sightseeing tour of Vienna, one of Europe's finest capital cities which includes the Hofburg Palace, the famous Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral and the delightful Christmas Market which takes place in front of the Town Hall. Your afternoon is at leisure, so you may wish to further enjoy the market or why not pay a visit to one of the wonderful coffee houses for which the city is renowned? We leave Vienna behind this evening as we sail towards Hungary. (B,L,D

This morning we cruise the Danube Bend passing pretty little towns nestling on the curve of the river, arriving into Hungary's capital city, Budapest mid morning. Our guided sightseeing tour includes both halves of the city - stately Buda and lively Pest. From the historic Buda castle, admire the splendid views of the city and its distinctive landmarks such as the stunning parliament building which sits on the banks of the river. The tour also includes St Stephen's Basilica and the marvellous Royal Palace. In the afternoon you will have time to explore the Christmas Market before we enjoy a gala farewell dinner back on board MS Amalyra. (B,L,D)

Our cruise comes to an end today as we disembark and take the train back to Würzburg, changing in Vienna. We overnight here at the Maritim Hotel and have dinner together in the hotel. (B,D)

This morning we leave Würzburg for our journey by train to Cologne and onward to Brussels. Here we connect with the Eurostar service to St Pancras International. (B)

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

Please note that the 5 December departure will operate in reverse although the same destinations are visited. We will spend one night at the Maritim Hotel in Nuremberg before travelling to Budapest to join the cruise ship. The ship will cruise for seven nights from Budapest to Nuremberg and from here we will travel back directly to London. Please ask for further details when booking.