Day 1 – Arrive Munich (L)

Passengers travelling with the tour host from Brisbane will arrive in Munich, while interstate travellers will meet the group en route or at the airport. After collecting luggage and completing Customs and Immigration, enjoy a half-day guided city tour of Munich’s main sights. Following lunch, transfer to the hotel for check-in, with the afternoon and evening free at leisure.

Day 2 – Munich (CB-D)

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and make use of the hotel facilities or explore the city at your own pace. Your tour host will be available to offer suggestions and recommendations for local attractions and activities.

Day 3 – Munich – Nuremberg – Regensburg – Munich (CB-D)

After breakfast, enjoy a full-day excursion to Nuremberg and Regensburg. In Nuremberg, discover the medieval Old Town and visit the historic Nazi Party Rally Grounds with a local guide, followed by free time to explore the famous Christkindlesmarkt Christmas Market and its festive stalls. Continue to UNESCO-listed Regensburg, where you can wander through cobblestone streets, admire the Gothic cathedral and historic Stone Bridge, or relax at a café along the Danube. Return to Munich in the late afternoon for dinner.

Day 4: Munich – Schwangau – Garmisch-Partenkirchen – Munich (CB-L)

After breakfast, travel with an English-speaking guide to the picturesque Bavarian villages of Hohenschwangau and Oberammergau. Visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, King Ludwig II’s fairy-tale masterpiece nestled in the Alps. Reaching the castle involves an approximately 40-minute uphill walk, with shuttle buses available at an additional cost (not pre-bookable). Enjoy lunch featuring regional Bavarian cuisine before continuing to Oberammergau, famous for its painted houses and woodcarving traditions. Spend free time exploring the village before returning to Munich for an evening at leisure.

Day 5: Munich (CB-D)

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Munich at your own pace, discover local attractions, shop, or relax. This evening, come together with the group for dinner.

Day 6: Munich – Passau (CB-D)

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning before checking out and transferring by coach to Passau to board your river cruise. Known as the Bavarian “City of Three Rivers,” Passau welcomes you aboard for a magical Christmas cruise along the Danube. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with the AMADEUS crew, followed by a festive welcome dinner prepared by the onboard chef. The ship remains in Passau overnight.

Day 7: Passau – Linz (HB-L-D)

After breakfast, enjoy a guided walking tour of Passau, the beautiful “City of Three Rivers.” Explore the winding streets of the Old Town, admire the baroque St Stephen’s Cathedral and discover the historic Veste Oberhaus fortress at your leisure. Please note that cathedral visits depend on opening hours and religious services. The walking tour involves longer distances, uneven surfaces and stairs. Return to the ship for lunch as you cruise towards Linz, where the day concludes with a stroll through the festive Christmas market.

Day 8: Linz – Melk/Emmersdorf – Durnstein (HB-L-D)

Arrive in the beautiful Wachau region and visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey, a magnificent Baroque monastery renowned for its grand architecture, stunning frescoes and historic library. Enjoy a guided tour of the abbey’s impressive interiors, including the Marble Hall and library. Please note that the excursion involves a longer walk and several stairs. Celebrate Christmas Eve back on board by decorating the Christmas tree, singing carols and enjoying a festive Christmas dinner. After dinner, those interested may attend Christmas Mass in Dürnstein before the ship continues to Vienna late at night.

Day 9: Dürnstein – Vienna (HB-L-D)

Merry Christmas in Vienna, Austria’s elegant capital, known for its grand architecture and historic landmarks. Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour along the famous Ringstrasse, passing the Opera House, Parliament, Court Theatre and City Hall. Continue with a guided walk through the city centre, visiting the Hofburg Imperial Palace, Kohlmarkt and St Stephen’s Cathedral. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to explore Vienna’s pedestrian streets and shops. The excursion includes moderate walking and may involve stairs.

Day 10: Vienna – Bratislava (HB-L-D)

Spend the morning exploring Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, with a sightseeing drive past St Martin’s Cathedral and Grassalkovich Palace, followed by panoramic views from Castle Hill. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic Old Town, discovering Michael’s Gate, Primatial Palace, the Main Square, Old City Hall and the Opera House. Sample traditional Pressburger rolls filled with nuts or poppy seeds before enjoying free time to explore. Return to the ship at midday as it continues downstream. In the evening, celebrate with an elegant Captain’s Gala Dinner. Please note that the excursion involves a longer walk and may include stairs.

Day 11: Bratislava – Linz (HB-L-D)

Enjoy a relaxing morning on board as you admire the winter scenery along the Danube. At midday, arrive in Linz, Austria’s third-largest city, for an afternoon walking tour of its historic centre. Explore the main street and medieval Main Square, see the Mozarthaus, Renaissance villas and the Old or New Cathedral, subject to opening hours. Admire views of the pilgrimage basilica on Pöstlingberg and the modern Lentos Art Museum and Ars Electronica Centre. The tour involves moderate walking and may include stairs. In the evening, the ship departs for Passau.

Day 12: Linz – Passau – Innsbruck (HB-D)

After breakfast, bid farewell to the AMADEUS crew and disembark in Passau, where a coach and local guide will meet you for the transfer to Innsbruck. Upon arrival, check into the hotel and enjoy time to freshen up before gathering for dinner.

Day 13: Salzburg (CB-D)

After breakfast, travel to Salzburg with an English-speaking guide for a full-day excursion. Enjoy a guided city and walking tour of the charming Old Town, visiting highlights such as Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s Birthplace, Salzburg Cathedral and Residenzplatz. Discover more about Mozart’s life at the Mozart Museum, located in his birthplace. Enjoy free time for lunch at your own expense and further exploration before returning to Innsbruck to freshen up and gather for dinner.

Day 14: Innsbruck (CB-L)

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic half-day excursion to Wattens to visit Swarovski Crystal Worlds, featuring dazzling crystal displays, imaginative Chambers of Wonder and landscaped gardens. Return to Innsbruck for lunch before visiting the Imperial Hofburg to explore its opulent apartments and learn about the Habsburg dynasty. Enjoy a leisurely walk back to the hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon and evening free to explore, shop or relax.

Day 15: Innsbruck (CB-D)

Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Innsbruck at your own pace, shop or relax. This evening, gather at the hotel for a special New Year’s Eve celebration dinner and welcome the New Year with your fellow travellers.

Day 16: Innsbruck (CB-D)

Enjoy breakfast at leisure and a relaxing morning before joining an English-speaking guide for a walking tour of Innsbruck. Discover the city’s rich history and alpine charm as you explore Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the famous Golden Roof, the Imperial Court area and the Opera House. Spend the late afternoon relaxing and enjoying the mountain scenery before gathering with fellow travellers for a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Day 17: Transfer Innsbruck – Munich (CB)

Collect a boxed breakfast before checking out and transferring by coach to Munich Airport for your flights home. Say farewell to fellow interstate travellers along the way, taking home wonderful memories of your European Delights journey.

* Please note that tour itineraries are subject to change at any time by the tour company and are not guaranteed