This morning enjoy a drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings including the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall. The panoramic drive is followed by a guided walk with Douglas Skeggs through the city centre beginning with the Hofburg Imperial Palace, before continuing to walk along the Kohl market finishing at Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s cathedral.

Lunch on board. The remainder of the day is spent on the ship. Enjoy afternoon tea and dinner on board.

This morning arrive in Emmersdorf in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage region of the Wachau. Guided tour with a local guide of Melk Abbey, an Austrian Benedictine abbey built between 1702 and 1736, and one of the world’s most famous monastic sites, perched high above the river. Particularly noteworthy is the Abbey church with frescoes by Johann Michael Rottmayr and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts and frescoes by Paul Troger. Continue through the Abbot’s chambers, along the Imperator’s Walk, and through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.

Lunch on board. The remainder of the day is spent on board, where you will have a wonderful view of the passing winter landscapes as your cruise ship travels towards Passau. Tea and dinner on board.

This morning arrive in Passau, also known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, and enjoy a walking tour with Douglas Skeggs through the romantic old town with its historic buildings including the baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its impressive pipe organ. There will also be the opportunity to visit the Veste Oberhaus, one of the largest fortress complexes in Europe. Optional visit to the traditional Passau Christmas market in front of St. Stephen’s Cathedral offering traditional handicrafts, gingerbread, spices and delicious treats.

Lunch on board. Boat departs for Ragensburg. Afternoon at leisure. Tea and dinner on board.

This morning arrive in the historic city of Regensburg, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Germany. Enjoy a walking tour of the town with Douglas Skeggs passing the Regensburg Cathedral, dedicated to St. Peter, with its impressive Gothic architecture, the town hall and the oldest bridge to span the Danube since the 12th century. Lunch on board.

This afternoon there will the opportunity to explore the romantic Christmas market in the Thurn and Taxis Palace in Regensburg (bookable on board and at a supplementary price). Revel in the festive pre-Christmas atmosphere filled with the aroma of lebkuchen (gingerbread) and roasted almonds, and stalls filled with local handicrafts. Captain’s Gala dinner.

This morning enjoy watching the beautiful scenery as you cruise to the Bavarian town of Roth.

Lunch on board. Afternoon drive to the historic town of Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria and the capital of Franconia, for a city tour. During the reconstruction work following the devastation of the Second World War, the style of the Old Town was maintained. Ringed walls, towers and the castle provide a vivid image of the town as it may have looked during medieval times. After passing the Palace of Justice, the venue of the Nuremberg trials, continue to the old town at the heart of Nuremberg. Stroll through the narrow medieval alleyways and visit the Christmas market selling world-famous Nuremberg lebkuchen (gingerbread) and Glühwein before returning to the ship. Dinner on board.

This morning disembark from the boat and transfer to Munich airport for suggested flight (not included) British Airways BA 951 departing Munich at 12.40 hrs arriving London Heathrow at 13.40 hrs.