Day 1: Arrive Munich                                          L

Today those passengers that have travelled on the same flights at the tour host, from Brisbane, will arrive in Munich. Interstate travellers, you will meet your host and fellow travellers either enroute or at Munich Airport. Upon arrival in Munich, and once we have collected our luggage and completed Customs & Immigration, we will be taken on a half day city tour with a local guide, to see the main sights of the city. Following lunch we are transferred to our hotel for check-in* and then have the remainder of afternoon and evening free at leisure.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Munich City Centre – 4 Star – or similar (5 nights)

*please note, standard hotel check in time is 3pm. 

Day 2: Munich                                                  CB-D

Today we have a full day free at leisure. Some may wish to take the time to relax and enjoy the hotel facilities, taking a little time to rejuvenate after travelling, some may like to venture out into the city. You tour host will be on hand for suggestions if needed.

Day 3: Munich – Nuremberg – Regensburg – Munich                 CB-D

This morning following breakfast we embark on a full-day excursion to two of Bavaria’s most fascinating historic cities, Nuremberg and Regensburg. Our tour begins in Nuremberg, where we are joined by an expert local guide for an insightful city tour. Discover the rich history of this medieval city, from its beautifully preserved Old Town to its significant role in 20th-century history. A highlight of the visit is the Nazi Party Rally Grounds, where your guide will provide context and commentary on this important and sobering site. Whilst here we will also have some free time at the Christmas Market, known as the Christkindlesmarkt, is one of Germany’s most famous and traditional festive markets. Set against the backdrop of the historic Old Town, it features beautifully decorated wooden stalls offering handcrafted gifts, gingerbread (Lebkuchen), and warm mulled wine, creating a truly magical holiday atmosphere. We then continue to the UNESCO-listed city of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval towns. Here, we have free time to explore at your own pace wander through narrow cobblestone streets, admire the stunning Gothic cathedral, stroll across the historic Stone Bridge, or relax at a local café along the Danube. In the late afternoon, we return to Munich, where the day concludes with dinner, offering a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the day’s experiences together.

Day 4: Munich – Schwangau – Garmisch Partenkirrchen – Munich      CB-L

Begin the day with breakfast before we set out on a full-day excursion to the picturesque Bavarian villages of Hohenschwangau and Oberammergau. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide we first journey to Schwangau, nestled in the foothills of the Alps, where we will visit the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, Ludwig II’s fairy-tale masterpiece, set against a stunning mountain backdrop. It’s approx. 40 min walk uphill to reach the castle or shuttle buses are available at a nominal cost. Please note shuttle bus transfers to the Castle are not included as they cannot be pre-booked or pre-paid. Following our castle visit, we will enjoy lunch together offering a chance to sample regional Bavarian cuisine. We continue on to the charming village of Oberammergau, renowned for its beautifully painted houses and woodcarving traditions. Here, we will have free time to explore at our own pace. Stroll through the village streets, browse local artisan shops, or simply take in the alpine atmosphere. Afterwards we return to Munich for an evening at leisure.

Day 5: Munich                                                 CB-D

Today is a full free day at leisure to explore as you wish. We will come together this evening for dinner.

Day 6: Munich – Passau                                         CB-D

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and morning before we check out, board the coach and transfer to Passau to board our river cruise. Welcome to this magical Christmas cruise along the wintery Danube! We embark in the Bavarian “City of Three Rivers”, Passau, where a Welcome Cocktail with the AMADEUS-crew awaits us. At the start of our trip, the chef will spoil us with a festive Welcome Dinner. Our ship remains in Passau overnight.

River Cruise Ship: Amadeus Imperial (6 nights)

Day 7: Passau – Linz                                            HB-L-D

After breakfast, get to know the most beautiful sights of Passau during the course of a city sightseeing walk. The baroque city on three rivers has long been a magnet for traders and travellers. Their “Little Venice” will astonish from our first moments in its winding streets. In the heart of the Old Town lies the most known site – St Stephen’s Cathedral, often known as a baroque cathedral with a gothic soul. The impressive pipe organ helps make St Stephen’s a true highlight of our three-river city. High above the Old Town sits one of the largest fortress complexes in all Europe – the Veste Oberhaus which can be discovered at leisure after the walking tour. Accessible via the exterior walls, never conquered, never completely destroyed; the Veste Oberhaus is a prime example of long term historical construction. (Please note: Visit to the cathedral is subject to opening hours, availability and Holy Masses or similar).

Walking grade: Level 5 – Considerable walk with longer distances and may include uneven surfaces and stairs.

Upon returning to the ship enjoy lunch as we cruise to Linz. End the day and wind down with a walk through the festive Christmas market in Linz.

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

Early in the morning, the ship arrives in Melk/Emmersdorf, which is situated in the beautiful Wachau region. We tour to the 900-year-old Melk Abbey, an Austrian Benedictine abbey and one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. The impressive Baroque abbey was built between 1702 and 1736 and is the biggest monastery complex of the Austrian baroque period. The abbey’s church, with frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr, and the impressive library with countless medieval manuscripts and frescos by Paul Troger are particularly noteworthy. A guided tour takes us through the abbot’s chambers, along the imperator’s walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library.

Walking grade: Level 3 – The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.

Celebrate Christmas Eve on board with a festive ambience. Take part in decorating the Christmas tree to the sound of contemplative carols, followed by the magical Christmas dinner on board. Those who wish can attend a Christmas mass in Dürnstein after dinner. Late at night, our cruise continues to Vienna.

Day 9: Durnstein – Vienna                                       HB-L-D

Wishing you a Merry Christmas! Christmas day is spent in the Austrian capital, Vienna, which will amaze you with its countless sights and imposing architecture. Don’t miss the city sightseeing tour in the morning! While it may take days or weeks to fully discover Vienna, this tour will give us an overall impression of the most important sights Vienna has to offer. First, we drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings like the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall. The panoramic drive is followed by a guided walk through the city centre where we will get to know Vienna at its fullest. Starting at the well-known Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market and finish at Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s cathedral. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to stroll along the pedestrian area.

Walking grade: Level 2 – The excursion by bus is followed by a moderate walking tour. You may need to climb stairs.

Day 10: Vienna – Bratislava                                       HB-L-D

Spend the morning in Bratislava, where our ship docks during the night, and get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. First, we drive passed St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace before continuing to the castle hill above the old town, where there are stunning, panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas. Afterwards a guided walking tour leads us through the old town. From Michael’s Gate through the historic city centre, admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings, as well as the Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city, dating back to the 15th century. We’ll see the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain. From the Main Square we continue to a cozy out of the way place to enjoy the famous Pressburger rolls with nut and poppy seed filling. We will end our walk at the historical Opera House in front of glorious Ganymede’s Fountain. Afterwards, there will be some free time to explore further. At midday we will return to the ship, which continues its journey downriver.

Walking grade: Level 3 – The excursion by bus is followed by a longer walk. You may need to climb several stairs.

An elegant captain’s Gala Dinner awaits us in the evening, bringing a fitting and festive close to the second day of Christmas.

Day 11: Bratislava – Linz                                         HB-L-D

Spend the morning on board, enjoying the view of the passing wintery landscapes from the comfort of our five-star premium ship. At midday, we arrive in Linz – Austria’s third-largest city. In the afternoon, discover the upper Austrian state capital Linz on a walking tour. It was a provincial and local government city of the Holy Roman Empire, and an important trade centre, connecting several trade routes. As the city where the Habsburg Emperor Friedrich III spent his last years, it was, for a short period of time, the most important city in the Empire. It lost its status to Vienna and Prague after the death of the Emperor in 1493. We take a stroll down the main street, which leads to the main square. In addition to the medieval town square in the historic old town and the Mozarthaus, you can see the Renaissance villas, the old cathedral with the Bruckner organ or the new cathedral. Visits depend on Cathedral and Mass openings/times. Visible from afar is the pilgrimage basilica on the mountain Poestling, the landmark of the town. A modern counterpart are the Lentos art museum and the Ars Electronica centre, with its striking glass facade offering a diverse play of colour in the darkness.

Walking grade: Level 4 – Moderate walking tour. You may need to climb some stairs.

In the evening, our ship departs and heads towards Passau.

Day 12: Linz – Passau – Innsbruck                                  HB-D

After a generous breakfast on board, it is time to bid farewell to our river cruise ship and the entire AMADEUS crew will be there to wish us a pleasant onward journey and a happy New Year! Our coach and local guide meet us in Passau as we disembark and are transferred to our hotel in Innsbruck. After checking into our rooms and having time to freshen up, we’ll meet for dinner.

Accommodation: Grauer Baer Hotel – 4 Star – or similar (5 nights)

Day 13: Salzburg                                                CB-D

Start the day with breakfast before we depart on a full-day excursion to the elegant city of Salzburg, accompanied by an English-speaking guide.. Upon arrival, we will have a guided city tour followed by a walking tour through Salzburg’s charming Old Town. Discover the city’s rich cultural heritage as we visit its most iconic landmarks, including the beautiful Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s Birthplace, the impressive Dom Cathedral, and the historic Residenzplatz, along with other notable sights. Gain further insight into the life and legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at the Mozart Museum, located in his birthplace. There will be free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure (own expense), offering the opportunity to sample local Austrian cuisine or explore Salzburg a little more at your own pace. We return to Innsbruck with time to freshen up before coming together for dinner.

Day 14: Innsbruck                                              CB-L

Following breakfast this morning we set out on a scenic half-day excursion. Travelling to the town of Wattens, we visit the enchanting Swarovski Crystal World, where art, design, and sparkling installations come together in a unique and immersive experience. Explore the imaginative Chambers of Wonder and beautifully landscaped gardens, showcasing the brilliance of Swarovski crystal. We then continue back to Innsbruck, where we will enjoy a relaxed lunch together. In the afternoon, we visit the Imperial Hofburg and discover the opulent Imperial Apartments, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Habsburg dynasty. Afterwards, we take a leisurely walk back to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure, providing time to further explore, shop or simply relax a the hotel.

Day 15: Innsbruck                                             CB- D

We have a full day at leisure today. Then this evening come together in the hotel for a New Year’s Eve celebration dinner and ring in the New Year with your newfound friends

Day 16: Innsbruck                                               CB-D

Enjoy breakfast at leisure followed by some free time in the morning to relax. Later, we meet our English-speaking guide for a walking tour of the city. Discover Innsbruck’s rich history and alpine charm as we visit its landmarks, including Maria-Theresien-Strasse, the famous Golden Roof, and the Imperial Court area, as well as the Opera House and other notable attractions. Late afternoon there will be time to relax and take in some final moments in the stunning mountain surroundings. In the evening, we come together for a memorable Farewell Dinner, the perfect opportunity to reflect on our journey and celebrate time spent together.

Day 17:Transfer Innsbruck – Munich                               CB

Early this morning we collect a boxed breakfast, check out and the board coach to Munich airport for our flights home. Say goodbye to our interstate passengers enroute as we all board our onward flights home filled with memories of the European Delights.