A late evening transfer from Gippsland to Melbourne Airport for our early morning flight.

We depart Melbourne early this morning for our flight to Singapore and connecting flight to Shanghai. We will meet our guides on arrival and transfer downtown on the fastest train in the world – Shanghai’s famous MAGLEV! Our luggage will be transferred directly to our hotel – the centrally located Ramada Hotel. We check in for a stay of three nights and have time to refresh before dinner at a local restaurant. Our evening is at leisure, to rest up after a long day travelling.

We start the day with a panoramic view over the city from the top of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and learn about Shanghai’s development from a small village to the present metropolis at the History Museum at the base of the tower. We will also have a walk along The Bund, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai with dozens of historical buildings lining the Huangpu River. Tonight we can enjoy an evening cruise after dinner on the Huangpu River to see the spectacular city lights.

A free day in Shanghai today. An opportunity exists for those who would like to attend the much publicised World Fair for the day (entrance fee at own expense). We will be advised of the time to be ready in the lobby for dinner this evening.

After breakfast we check out of our hotel but have time to stroll in the People’s Square and visit the Urban City Planning Exhibition Hall before we depart by coach for the beautiful lakeside city of Hangzhou. On arrival, we check into the Lake View Hotel, or similar, for a stay of two nights.

Today we have a full day of touring which includes a boat ride on West Lake,  a visit to Lingyin Temple and Flying Peak, Six Harmonious Pagoda and a local Tea Plantation.

A visit to the Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine is sure to intrigue us before we depart Hangzhou. Our coach will take us to the ancient canal town of Wenzhen and we can wander the charming network of narrow streets and criss-crossing canals. Next we visit the age-old workshops and see how the culture of the town flourished from the late Tang Dynasty through its proximity to the Grand Canal, an essential trade route before we continue on to Suzhou, famous for its silk production, exquisite gardens and traditional canal living. We stay two nights at the Holiday Inn Jasmine Hotel, or similar.

This morning we can take a stroll through the classical Humble Administrator's Garden and learn about silk production and see highly skilled textile work at a silk factory. When we visit Tiger Hill we will make the gentle climb to the top to see the Leaning Pagoda. After dinner, we are charmed by a variety of musical performances at the Master of Fisherman's Net Garden.

There will be some free time this morning to self explore the city before being transferred to Shanghai Airport for our afternoon flight to Yichang. We transfer dockside and embark on our five star cruise ship for a relaxing upstream cruise on the famous Yangtze River.
Settle in and become familiar with the ship’s facilities before dinner is served on board tonight.
Note: Different ships have their own itinerary - actual Cruise Itinerary may vary slightly from the following description.

Visit the Three Gorges Dam Site – the largest project of its kind in the world. Sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges. Later today enter the Three Gorges Dam ship locks. The Captain will host a welcome dinner tonight.

Enter Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty and forest-covered mountains. Then sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic gorge. Take an excursion through the Daning River Small Gorges, which are narrower than the Three Gorges and very impressive.

A shore excursion to the unique wooden cliff hugging structure of Shibaozhai Temple today. Pass Qutang Gorge and enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Banquet this evening.

This morning our cruise ends as we disembark at Chongqing around 10am. We will have time to visit Erling Park and stroll through Ciqikou old town before we transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Guilin . On arrival, we are transferred to the centrally located Bravo Hotel, or similar, for a stay of two nights.

Our tour takes us to we see the incredible underground scenery in the Reed Flute Caves, visit the Elephant Trunk Hill and climb Fubo Hill for fabulous views over the city.

Today we cruise the unique Li River which meanders through beautiful, diverse scenery and disembark at the riverside town of Yangshou which is surrounded by limestone pinnacles. We can wander through the town and market before checking in at the Green Lotus Hotel, or similar, for the night.
After dinner there is a fascinating outdoor cultural show, ‘Impressions of Sister Liu’, which is a stunning performance involving hundreds of cast members and takes full advantage of the local scenery.

We have the opportunity to choose our own style of transport today, to best enjoy the rural Yangshou scenery –either to cycle or travel by electric cart! Later, we transfer to the airport for our flight to Xian, one of China’s ancient capitals and the gateway to the fabled Silk Road trading routes. On arrival we will transfer downtown and check into the centrally located New World Hotel, or similar, for a two night stay.

An amazing sight is the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, still standing in battle formation as placed 2000 years ago. Included in our visit today is a full circle movie presentation providing the historical perspective for the main exhibition halls where excavation and restoration work is on-going. Later we visit the remains of the 6,000 year old Banpo Village before ending the day with a traditional Dumpling Dinner whilst being entertained by the colourful Tang Dance Show.

This morning we will have a chance to climb onto the Old City Walls – the best preserved example in China – before visiting the Wild Goose Pagoda which, not only is a very significant temple, but also provides some of the best elevated views of the old city.
We transfer to the airport for our afternoon flight to Beijing, the modern capital of China that blends historical relics with modern skyscrapers making it truly one of the world’s great cities. On arrival, we transfer out of town to the delightful Mutianyu Village Complex where we will be accommodated in a number of uniquely restored homes within the complex located close to the Great Wall of China – each room will have private en suite facilities. This complex provides a unique opportunity to spend the night in the close proximity of the Great Wall and you can experience sunset and sunrise (for early risers) on the wall itself – something not many tourists experience! Dinner this evening will be served at a venue within the complex.

There is an opportunity this morning to arise early and walk to the Great Wall for the sunrise – hopefully the weather will afford us some memorable photo opportunities. We return to the village complex for breakfast which will be served in the schoolhouse this morning. Later we can climb to the top of the wall where we can walk and appreciate the scale of this remarkable structure as it snakes down valleys and along ridge lines as far as the eye can see. After lunch at another unique village venue, on our way to Beijing, we stop en route at the Ming Tombs for a stroll along the Sacred Way lined with animal statues. On our arrival in Beijing, we check into the centrally located Jianguo Garden Hotel, or similar, for a stay of three nights. This evening after dinner, we enjoy the skill and dexterity of the Beijing Acrobatics Theatre.

Today we will visit the famous sights of Beijing including the sprawling buildings and gardens of the Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square – the largest public square in the world, the China National Grand Theatre designed by Paul Andre, and the majestic Temple of Heaven. In the evening we attend a performance of the Chinese Kongfu Show.

In the morning we tour the Hutongs, Beijing’s ancient, narrow streets, by rickshaw, then visit the Summer Palace, the summer retreat of the imperial court set in beautiful gardens with lakes and pavilions.
A highlight today is a visit to the Panda House at the Beijing Zoo before a tour of some of the magnificent sporting facilities established for the Beijing Olympics in 2008 – see the so called Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube venues. Farewell China with a memorable Peking Duck Banquet at a specialty duck restaurant this evening.

There is time for some last minute shopping at Silk Street before checking out by midday and transferring to the airport after lunch. We depart Beijing this afternoon on Singapore Airlines connecting with an overnight Singapore Airlines flight to Melbourne.

An evening transfer from Gippsland to Melbourne Airport to depart on an overnight Emirates flight to London.  Departures will also be available from other Australian cities.

We arrive in London and transfer to the LONDON BEACH COUNTRY HOTEL & SPA, or similar, for a three  night stay. The historic market town of Tenterden is in the County of Kent.  It stands on the edge of the Weald, overlooking the valley of the River Rother.  There will be time to wander around this beautiful village before we get together for dinner and meet our tour guide.  Roy, who lives in Dorset has been a tour guide for over 20 years.  Having studied history he is now completing a Master's degree in Archaeology and Heritage.  In addition to his studies and taking tour groups, Roy works part-time as a Building Correspondent for the Council of British Archaeology.  Apart from his interest in buildings and architecture, Roy particularly enjoys Prehistoric and Roman archaeology. He also enjoys gardening, cycling and walking and loves Australia, with one son working on a station near Alice Springs.

After breakfast we head out for a full day of sightseeing that will include Batemans, a 17th-century house located in Burwash, East Sussex. British author Rudyard Kipling lived in Bateman's from 1902 till his death in 1936. Our lunch today is included in the historic and charming town of Rye.  After lunch we will see the magnificent Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. Designed as a series of "rooms", each has a different character of colour and/or theme, divided by high clipped hedges and pink brick walls. We arrive back at the hotel in the late afternoon with time to refresh before evening cocktails at a surprise location!

Today our full day of sightseeing will include Canterbury Cathedral, one of the oldest Christian churches in England founded in 602AD.  We travel on the Kent & Sussex Railway, a rural light railway that gently wends its way from Tenterden through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley to the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam. We then travel on to Great Dixter, which dates from the mid 15th century, famous for its garden which is regarded as the epitome of English plantsmanship. Tonight you may care to join me for an optional outing to a local pub for dinner.

Heading to Salisbury we will pass through Brighton, situated along England's south coast. Once a tiny fishing village, Brighton has earned a reputation as a hip, somewhat bohemian resort town.  We then visit the world famous Beaulieu Palace House and Gardens which has been home to the Montagu family since 1538 and has extensive gardens to explore.  Beaulieu also includes the National Motor Museum where you will see a collection of over 250 vehicles from every motoring era.  On arrival in Salisbury we check into the MILFORD HALL HOTEL, or similar, for a one night stay, then get together for dinner.

An early start this morning to visit the world heritage site of Stonehenge, a powerful reminder of the once-great peoples of the late Stone and Bronze Ages. Erected between 3,000 BC and 1,600 BC, a number of the stones were carried hundreds of miles over land and sea, while antlers and bones were used to dig the pits that hold the stones.   Our tour then takes us to Cornwall through the beautiful county of Somerset via Dartmoor, where we will stop for lunch at Widecombe in the Moor, a small village located within the heart of the Dartmoor National Park.  On reaching Cornwall we will check into the MANNINGS HOTEL in Truro, or similar, for a two night stay.  Dinner tonight is included.

We have a  full day of sightseeing in western Cornwall  including Land’s End, the most westerly point in mainland England, Tate St Ives Art Gallery, The Minack Theatre, (an open-air theatre, constructed above a gully with a rocky granite outcrop jutting into the sea),  Lost Gardens of Heligan (one of the most popular botanical gardens in the UK) and lovely Cornish villages where you can try a famous Cornish Pasty. 

As we head towards Mickleton we stop and have time for a walking tour in Bath, a unique city with its hot springs, splendid Abbey and Georgian stone crescents.  We will visit The Roman Baths, the heart of the World Heritage Site, where Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water.  We then continue on to Mickleton in the heart of the Cotswolds.  Our hotel for the next three nights is the THREE WAYS HOTEL, Home of the Pudding Club.  Dinner tonight is included.

There is a lot to see in this stunning area so we have two full days of sightseeing in the Cotswolds including Oxford, famous for its University, Stratford upon Avon where we visit Shakespeare’s Birth Place and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and Blenheim Palace, home to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Set in 2100 acres of beautiful parkland, the exquisite baroque palace is surrounded by sweeping lawns, formal gardens and the magnificent lake.  On one of our days in the Cotswolds, lunch will be at a surprise location. We also spend time visiting beautiful Hidcote Manor and enjoying the beauty of the Cotswold region.

Today we drive to the Lake District via Stoke on Trent, which is made up of six separate towns: Tunstall, Burslem, Hanley (the city centre), Stoke, Fenton and Longton- collectively known as ‘The Potteries' amongst locals.   This is also the home of Wedgewood and many more.  If time is available we will have a visit to a pottery.    The next two nights will be spent in the Lake District at the LINDETH HOWE HOTEL, a home formerly owned by Beatrix Potter.

This morning our sightseeing will include a cruise on Lake Windermere, the largest natural lake in England and a visit to Hill Top where Beatrix Potter wrote many of her stories.  Beatrix Potter's house Hill Top remains as she left it, and was the inspiration for many of her tales. Each room contains something that appeared in her books. Beatrix valued the house and its contents highly and when she died she left Hill Top to the National Trust to open it to the public, on the condition that the house was kept with all her belongings in place.  You will have a free afternoon to relax or explore.

A highlight on our way to Edinburgh is Hadrian’s Wall, a stone or turf and timber fortification built by the Roman Empire across the width of what is now northern England. The wall was the most heavily fortified border in the Empire. We will also stop at Stirling, originally a Stone Age settlement, and  strategically significant since at least the Roman occupation of Britain, due to its naturally defensible crag and tail hill and its commanding position at the foot of the Ochil Hills.  On reaching Edinburgh we have a two night stay at the Roxburghe Hotel, or similar.  Dinner tonight is included.

The historic City of Edinburgh has preserved over the years its own medieval atmosphere. Every corner of the city has its own story or legend.  Our city sightseeing will include Princes Street, the Royal Mile, views of the Scottish Parliament, Holyrood House and a guided visit of Edinburgh Castle.   Our tour will end with a visit to the Royal Yacht Britannnia and then free time to enjoy this wonderful city.
Optional:  Evening performance of the Edinburgh Tattoo (subject to ticket availability).

Our tour today departs for Culross, a National Trust village of beautifully preserved 16th and 17th century houses.  In the 16th and 17th centuries, Culross was a thriving community, with a flourishing trade with the Low Countries, as evidenced by the architectural style of the village.   We continue on to St Andrews with time to enjoy the medieval town and the famous golf course.  St Andrews is the home of golf, the sport having been played here for some 600 years. The Old Course is arguably the most famous golf course in the world.   We arrive in Dunkeld to check into the DUNKELD-HILTON HOTEL, or similar, for one night.  There is time to relax before dinner, which is included.

Our tour heads to Inverness, a city in the magnificent Highlands with a visit to Edradour Distillery in Pitlochry, the smallest and most picturesque distillery in Scotland. Edradour Whiskey is as hand made today as it was over 150 years ago by just three men who are devoted to the time-honoured methods of whisky making.  Our two night stay is at the INVERNESS-WATERSIDE HOTEL, or similar, with dinner included.

Today our sightseeing in this historic area will include the Culloden Battlefield site.  The Battle of Culloden (16 April 1746) was the final clash between the French-supported Jacobites and the Hanoverian British Government in the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Culloden defeated the Jacobite cause—to restore the House of Stuart to the throne of the Kingdom of Great Britain—a decisive defeat. It was the last battle ever to be fought on British soil.  Our sightseeing also includes Cawdor Castle, dating from the late 14th century and Clava Cairns, a type of Bronze Age circular chamber tomb cairn.

We depart Inverness via Fort Augustus and drive along the shores of Loch Ness, a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 37 km (23 miles) southwest of Inverness. Its surface is 15.8 metres (52 ft) above sea level.  Loch Ness is best known for the alleged sightings of the legendary Loch Ness Monster, also known as "Nessie".   We will have a chance to visit either Urquhart Castle which sits beside Loch Ness or Eilean Donan, a small island in Loch Duich. The island is dominated by a picturesque medieval castle, originally used in the early 13th century as a defence against the Vikings. After our lunch break we head across the bridge to the Isle of Skye, where we will check in to the SKYE-CUILLIN HILLS HOTEL, or similar, for a two night stay.  Dinner tonight is included.

Today we will be travelling around the Isle of Skye.  The island is renowned for its spectacular scenery, vibrant culture and heritage, and its abundant wildlife with birds from the tiny Goldcrest to magnificent Golden Eagle, mammals from Pygmy Shrew to Red Deer and fish from Saithe to Salmon. The wide range of geology and topography provides habitats for many wild flowers.  As you travel around the Island it's not unusual to hear snatches of Scottish Gaelic, the indigenous language of the area. Gaelic culture and heritage pervade the atmosphere, each part of the Island having its own tales of times past and plans for the future.

We leave the beautiful Isle of Skye and head towards Glasgow via Glencoe, probably Scotland’s most famous and most scenic Highland glen.  We also pass Loch Lomond which is 24 miles long and five miles wide and at its deepest point is some 600 feet deep. Loch Lomond must be the world’s most famous Loch and has been much written about, both in song and verse. Dinner tonight is included after we settle in at the GLASGOW-RADISSON SAS HOTEL for one night.

This morning we have a tour around the city of Glasgow, one of the most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. The city has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture. Glasgow boasts world famous art collections and the best shopping in the UK outside London. A must see is the splendour of Scotland's best known architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose style adorns many unique attractions throughout Scotland's largest and greatest city.  Later we transfer to the airport for our flight to Dublin.  On our arrival in Dublin we will be transferred to the DUBLIN-RADISSON ROYAL HOTEL for two nights.  Dinner tonight is included.

Our morning sightseeing tour of Dublin will include views of St Patrick’s Cathedral, built in 1191 and a visit to Trinity College, probably best known as the home to the famed 8th century the Book of Kells. We shall also visit the Dublin Writers Museum, a beautifully restored Georgian Mansion that holds a vast collection of books, poetry, portraits and letters from Ireland’s most famous literary icons of the past 300 years.  We end today’s tour with a visit to the world famous Guinness Storehouse. The afternoon is free to enable you to further explore the medieval history of ‘old’ Dublin or get to know the city’s locals who are always willing to join in for ‘craic’ (a good time).  

Today we head to Tully, Kildare to visit the Irish National Stud, home of Ireland’s finest thoroughbreds, a source of national pride.  Situated in the same grounds are the famous Japanese Gardens, created between 1906 and 1910.  We then drive on to the Waterford Crystal Visitor Centre and the stunning coastal resort of Youghal before arriving in Cork at the CORK-CLARION HOTEL for one night.  Dinner tonight is included.

A half day orientation sightseeing tour of London will take in sights such as Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Houses of Parliament, Westminster, Piccadilly, Marble Arch and Kensington Palace.  We shall then take a river cruise to Greenwich Village where will have a three course lunch at a riverside pub.  The rest of the day will be free.

Our morning tour will include a visit to Buckingham Palace State Rooms and then we shall see the Changing of the Guard (weather permitting).  A visit to the Cabinet War Rooms is included to learn more about the man who inspired Britain’s finest hour.  This afternoon will shall take the famous London ‘Tube’ to visit the Tower of London. The evening is free.

Travellers leaving from Melbourne will be transferred from Gippsland to Melbourne Airport for your evening Emirates flight to Paris.

Arrive in Paris to meet travellers from UK & Ireland tour arriving by Eurostar from London.  We will be transferred to the PARIS-HOTEL DU LOUVRE, or similar, for a four night stay.  Tonight we will all get together for Welcome Drinks and Dinner and meet our Belgian Tour Director, Valentin, a wonderful man with many diverse interests from art history to cooking! He has a Masters degree in Art History and is a Bachelor in Musicology. Valentin lives in Brussels and when he is not lecturing at the university he looks after tour groups and shares his passion and knowledge of this part of the world. His gentle sense of humour and love of good food ensure that we shall enjoy all aspects of this part of the world.

This morning we set out in Citroen 2CVs on an intimate and authentic journey through the heart of Paris. Depending on traffic the 1½ hour tour in these most enchanting cars will take to the Trocadero, the Invalides, the Opera Garnier, Place Vendome, the Louvre, Notre Dame, Ile de la Cite, Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysees and Arc de Triomph.  We will then take in the sights of Paris from the water on a Seine cruise and from the top of the Eiffel Tower.  The afternoon is free to wander down the Champs Elysees, visit the famous Louvre Museum or do some shopping at Galleries Lafayette.

Following breakfast at the hotel we will have a full day’s tour to the spectacular Palace of Versailles and the impressionist artist Monet’s Garden at Giverny, home of the famous water lily garden. The Palace of Versailles began as a modest hunting lodge before Louis XIV enlarged and enrobed the old lodge and turned it into the great Chateau we know today. Today’s tour, with audio guide, will include the Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s Apartments. Lunch will be en-route.

Today is a free day to explore this beautiful city.  This evening we have a fabulous Dinner and Show at Le Bal du Moulin Rouge, the prestigious Cabaret of Paris costumes of feathers, rhinestones and sequins, and the famous French Cancan.

Following breakfast and check-out, we depart for Bruges, taking a scenic drive through the Somme Battlefields.  On arrival in Bruges we will check into the HOTEL TUILIEREEN, or similar, for a two night stay.  In the evening we will have dinner at one of the restaurants in Bruges.

In the morning you can take in the sights of Bruges from a horse tram ride in the old city.  Known as the ‘Venice of the North’, Bruges is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and the entire historical city centre is on the World Heritage list. Walking along the maze of winding cobbled alleys and romantic canals, you can easily imagine yourself to be in medieval times. The remainder of the day will be free for to discover this beautiful town at your own pace or take some time to relax at our hotel which is conveniently located on the magnificent Burg Square with the Chocolate Museum nearby!

After breakfast we depart for Amsterdam by coach stopping in Brussels on the way for a sightseeing tour. Brussels, the capital of Belgium and administrative centre of the European Union, has been given its character by the coexistence of French and Flemish culture. The vibrant atmosphere of Brussels is further enhanced by picturesque medieval streets, lively squares, beautiful boulevards, impressive monuments and cosy cafés.  On arrival in Amsterdam we will say farewell to Valentin before we transfer to the cruise ship ms Amadante for 14 nights of luxury river cruising.  Tonight enjoy the chance to meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. After dinner, settle in to your suite, relax in an onboard lounge or walk into town to experience the nightlife of the Dutch capital.

Today you have the opportunity to select your activity from two APT touring options. Perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the city’s architecture as you sail in a glass-top boat past 17th century homes, charming churches and 16th century merchant houses. Alternatively, you could visit the famous Van Gogh Museum, containing the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. Wander amongst the intriguing and famed paintings for a first-hand appreciation of the Dutchman’s artistic genius. Later, rejoin your ship and cruise through the pretty town of Utrecht on the Rhine River. Tonight, enjoy the special Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner with your fellow travellers.

Having entered Germany, this morning we cruise past Düsseldorf and arrive in Cologne. Here, enjoy a tour through the old part of Germany’s fourth largest city. Later, during lunch on board, the ship continues along the Rhine past quaint villages and dramatic landscapes to 2,000 year-old Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle rivers. Set in one of Germany’s most important wine-producing regions, Koblenz boasts an abundance of cultural monuments, historic buildings, cosy lanes and narrow alleys. After dinner, disembark and stroll through the middle of this charming city to discover the relaxed vibe of its squares and river promenades.                                            

Today cruise through the Rhine Gorge on what is regarded as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. Enjoy views of the steep slopes covered in vineyards and dotted with ancient castles and castle ruins. Cruise past the pretty villages of St Goarshausen and Boppard, among others, as well as Lorelei Rock, rising almost vertically to over 130 metres above the water. Later, arrive in Rüdesheim, a Rhine Valley wine town, where the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a tour. Late this afternoon, the ship enters the Main River. Tonight’s Crew Show concludes a great day.                                                                        

Still in Germany this morning, you’ll arrive in Wertheim and disembark the ship. Then travel by coach to Miltenberg for a tour of this lovely Franconian town, revealing narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Take a moment to go shopping before re-boarding the coach and returning to Wertheim.  Known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people, Wertheim is strategically located where the Main and Tauber rivers meet. The time you’ll spend here is an ideal introduction to a typical medieval village. Watch a local glass-blowing demonstration and then relax as you cruise through the valleys of the meandering Main. Your ship continues through the night for Würzburg.

Surrounded by green hills covered with vineyards, Würzburg is the capital of Lower Franconia and a crucial centre for wine and trade. During a tour here, see the impressive Residential Palace and see churches ranging in styles from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque to Modern. Later, enjoy time at leisure or embark on an included excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town on the Romantic Road that overlooks the Tauber River. After dinner, the ship continues towards Bamberg and the Main-Danube Canal.

After breakfast, disembark and travel to World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that weren’t destroyed by bombs during World War II. Here, tour the city’s streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions. Then, during time at leisure, you have the chance to visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy a local brew compliments of APT. Later, return to your ship and cruise into the Main-Danube Canal.  Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal was completed in 1992 and is truly a feat of modern engineering. It links the North and Black seas, enabling ships to cross the entire continent. During dinner, your ship continues cruising towards Nuremberg. 

Nuremberg played a pivotal role for the Nazi Party and was thus systematically bombed by the British and US air forces during World War II. It went on to act as the symbolic host of the Nuremberg Trials. Today, select from two APT touring options. Perhaps take a World War II tour and visit a range of significant sites from the war. Or take a medieval tour and see the 900 year-old ramparts that surround Nuremberg, the Imperial Castle, the Kaiserburg Fortress and more. At lunch, re-board your ship and continue along the Main-Danube Canal. Today, thanks to the series of stair step locks, you’ll arrive at the highest point of the cruise, 435 metres above sea level, and cross Europe’s Continental Divide.

Arrive in Regensburg today, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Here you’ll have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and take a tour of the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage-listed city centre and the Porta Pretoria – gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The streets of Regensburg are bicycle-friendly, so you may even like to borrow one of the ships bikes and take in the sights from a different perspective. Tonight, enjoy a music performance on board after dinner.  

This morning arrive in Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. You can select from three APT touring options. Perhaps travel by coach to the city of Salzburg and take a tour of the city’s famous ‘Sound of Music’ sights, including the Wedding Church, Mirabell Gardens and Great Salzburg Festival Hall. Then travel by coach to Linz and rejoin the ship. Or you may like to take a day tour to the World Heritage-listed town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, take a tour of Passau, including a trip to St Stephen’s Cathedral, before enjoying a scenic cruise into Austria and to Linz. After dinner tonight, you may like to take an evening stroll through Linz.     

Cruise through the scenic Strudengau region to the pretty Wachau Valley this morning and take a guided tour of Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. Located above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, it has the rare distinction of surviving as an active Benedictine monastery continuously since its foundation. When it’s time to depart Melk, perhaps borrow one of the bicycles stored on board and take a leisurely ride on a path along the banks of the Danube from Melk to -Dürnstein. Otherwise, rejoin your ship and continue to -Dürnstein for a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets that reveal 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Here, above town, lie the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Afterwards, cruise back through the Wachau Valley to the town of Weissenkirchen, where this evening you’ll have the chance to sample delicious Wachau Valley wines.

Today enjoy a full day to savour the elegance of Vienna. This morning, select one of the APT touring options. The first, a city tour that takes you to see Hofburg Imperial Palace, the Vienna Opera House, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Ringstrasse as well as a traditional coffee house to sample delicious Austrian coffee and cake. Your second option is to travel by coach to Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Hapsburgs and former home to Empress Maria Theresa. Tour the inside of this magnificent residence then enjoy ample time to explore the beautiful gardens at leisure. Both groups return to the ship for lunch on board. With the afternoon at leisure, perhaps stroll along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse.  There is also a range of independent excursions that are available in Vienna. After dinner tonight, perhaps enjoy an optional Mozart and Strauss concert (own expense).                   

This morning depart the Austrian capital and cruise into Slovakia. Upon arrival in the capital of Bratislava, disembark the ship and visit Bratislava Castle, where you will marvel at the sweeping views across three countries – Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. Then select an APT touring option. You might like to embark on a medieval tour of the city, taking in the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St Martin’s Cathedral. Or perhaps take a Communist tour that will examine the architectural landmarks of the city’s not-so-distant Communist past. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to further explore. Later, re-board your ship for dinner and an evening music performance.         

Still on the Danube, arrive in Budapest, the romantic Hungarian capital. With its intriguing history, incredible architecture and rich cultural heritage, Hungary’s capital deserves its reputation as the Paris of Central Europe. Following breakfast, disembark for a sightseeing tour that includes such places as 500 year-old Matthias Church, St Stephen’s Basilica, the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvellous Royal Palace and historic Buda Castle, where you have views of Buda and Pest over both banks of the river. In the afternoon, exclusive to our cruise, visit the Hungarian State Opera House which hosted its inaugural concert in 1884, and is today widely recognised as one of the most splendid examples of Neo-renaissance architecture in the world. Absorb the grandeur of the building from outside, then ascend its majestic steps and venture inside to bask in the intimacy of an exclusive guided tour, a glass of champagne and a delightful private opera recital of two or three ariettas. This evening, as the beautiful lights of the city sparkle all around, enjoy a Farewell Dinner and an onboard performance by Gypsy violinists.               

After breakfast this morning, we will disembark the ship and be transferred to the airport for our Malev flight to Athens and connecting Emirates flight back to Australia.