Discover the timeless treasures of fairytale Bavaria, before exploring nine enchanting medieval cities on a luxurious river cruise along the scenic Rhine and Danube

Meeting the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, our holiday starts as we board the Eurostar to Paris. After a coach transfer to change trains, we continue by rail to the city of Stuttgart, where we spend our first night. The majestic spires of the historic Old Palace and the soaring TV Tower are two of the city's architectural landmarks while its nickname 'cradle of the automobile' comes from the famous car museums such as the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums.

Arriving in the city this evening, we check in to our hotel before dinner.

This morning we journey to the traditional town of Füssen by rail, where we spend the next three nights. After checking into our hotel, you are free to explore this classic Bavarian town at leisure. Sitting on the banks of the glistening Lech River, characterful Füssen offers a snapshot of Bavarian life, with pretty squares and cobbled streets.

Famed for its iconic Neuschwanstein Castle, the town is also known for its violin and lute-making industry which dates back to the 16th century. The artisans who craft these instruments pour their passion and expertise into each piece, creating a beautiful harmony between art and music. You may like to find out more about the town's culture on a visit to Museum of Füssen, housed in a former Benedictine monastery. After taking time to get to know the town independently we regroup for dinner at our hotel this evening.

One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us after breakfast today. After a coach journey to Schwangau village we reach this magnificent castle where entrance is included and we can admire spectacular views across the valley. Commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is an architectural masterpiece and a testament to the king's romantic vision.

Built in a striking Romanesque Revival style, it features soaring towers, turrets, and battlements, all of which are set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and verdant forests. Its interiors are just as impressive, with ornate carvings, lavish murals, and an opulent throne room.

Interestingly, the castle's construction was plagued by setbacks and financial difficulties, so it was not fully completed during King Ludwig's lifetime. However, Neuschwanstein castle remains a symbol of the king's visionary spirit and a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world. Most notably, the castle was the inspiration behind Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty'. After free time to savour the views, we are at leisure in Schwangau village before returning by coach to our hotel for dinner.

Today's excursion starts with a transfer to Garmisch-Partenkirchen station where we board the iconic Zugspitze Railway to ascend the highest mountain in Germany, the noble Zugspitze.

After a rail journey through beautiful landscapes we reach the Zugspitze Platt where we complete the final leg of our journey by cable car. Climbing high above the clouds to the summit, there is free time at the top to marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. On our descent, we stop at beautiful Lake Eibsee where there is time to soak up the views before driving back to our hotel. On arriving at the hotel, there is time to relax and freshen up before dinner this evening.

After breakfast this morning, we begin the next part of our holiday. First, our coach takes us to the spa town of Prien am Chiemsee, a tranquil location next to a vast lake - Chiemsee - also known as 'the sea of Bavaria'. After free time in this peaceful town we continue our journey by coach to the port of Passau where our luxurious ship, the Amadeus Cara, awaits.

We are welcomed on board the ship* with a refreshing cocktail which you may choose to enjoy on the deck. After settling in to our cabins, we set sail into the serene Danube before the first dinner of our cruise.

*Please note: the sundeck may be closed at times during your cruise due to safety reasons or weather conditions.

Regensburg is our first port of call this morning, which we discover on a guided city walk. Exploring the historic streets, we view the Dom St Peter cathedral, a grand building admired especially for its beautiful stained-glass windows.

After lunch, we visit the lovely Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Benedictine monastery in Bavaria which sits on a scenic bend of the Danube Gorge - a magical setting. The Abbey is a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with its stunning frescoes, intricate stucco work, and grand façade that is both imposing and inviting.

One of the Abbey's highlights is the stunning Baroque altar, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The high altar is an exquisitely carved masterpiece, richly decorated with gold leaf featuring a beautiful painting of the Annunciation.

Weltenburg is also famous for its brewery, which produces some of the finest beer in the world. The beer, which is brewed using traditional methods, is made from local ingredients and is renowned for its rich, full-bodied flavour.

After a morning of gentle cruising, our ship moors in the historic city of Nuremberg. After lunch on board, we disembark here for a tour of this magnificent walled city which was once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Travelling into the city by coach for an afternoon guided tour, we view the imperial Kaiserburg castle, impressively situated overlooking the enchanting Altstadt marketplace.

There's a unique charm in this historic square, from the vibrant figurines to the stone sculptures and murals that depict the city's rich medieval history. We return to our ship with time to unwind before a relaxing dinner onboard. During our meal this evening we set sail for Bamberg, cruising overnight.

Early this morning we arrive in the beautiful 9th-century Bamberg, a World Heritage site. After disembarking for an early morning walking tour, we explore this enchanting medieval town on a guided tour. Among the impressive buildings we are shown are the exquisite Bamberg Cathedral, whose spires soar above the city, and the frescoed townhall which is built on a bridge over the Regnitz river. We also walk through the district of 'Little Venice', where quaint half-timbered houses line the picturesque riverside.

After our walking tour we return to our ship for lunch onboard before continuing to sail into the afternoon and through the night, to our next destination. An afternoon aboard our luxurious ship provides a chance to enjoy the passing scenery in style and comfort.

Mooring in the port of Ochsenfurt this morning, we drive along Bavaria's beloved Romantic Road to the historic walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This small and picturesque city, often referred to as the 'Jewel of Germany', is filled with medieval marvels and was even featured in the classic film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang due to its perfectly preserved medieval charm.

During a sightseeing tour, we stroll along atmospheric cobbled lanes, past brightly painted houses and characterful squares, taking in the city's fascinating history and culture. After our tour, we rejoin the ship in Würzburg for lunch before continuing on to our next stop - the Würzburg Residenz, a grand palace. Known for its mix of architectural styles from French château to Viennese baroque, the palace was owned by several generations of the Schönborn family. Here, we indulge in a wine-tasting experience, savouring the rich flavours of the region.

This morning we arrive into the town of Wertheim where we step off the ship and are transferred by coach to start a guided walking tour. Our tour takes in the town's ancient castle overlooking its medieval centre and marketplace, before we visit the Glass Museum. Here, we can admire an extensive collection of glass objects from the past and present.

Next, we head by coach to Miltenberg, a town surrounded by dense green forests and gentle hills. Its medieval centre has been impeccably preserved, and we have the pleasure of touring it with a guide. One of the most notable landmarks is the castle which sits on a hilltop, overlooking the town. This 12th-century building has been renovated and restored over the years and now serves as a museum which showcases the town's rich history.

After a morning of exploration, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our overnight cruise towards Mainz, our penultimate stop.

Mainz is set on the banks of the Rhine River in the heart of Germany's winelands and after an early breakfast we embark on a guided tour of the city. An important centre of the Holy Roman Empire, Mainz had a rich medieval history, was badly damaged during World War II, and is now known as one of Germany's media cities. We discover its fascinating and complex history as we explore the city with our guide. We view the striking 1,000-year-old Romanesque cathedral, the Mainz Dom, and walk among the city's preserved half-timbered buildings and red-stone buildings of its Old Town.

Returning to our ship for lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring the city independently. We enjoy our last dinner onboard before our ship sails to Cologne where we moor overnight.

This magical holiday in Bavaria and luxury cruise began in the town of Füssen, where we immersed ourselves in Bavarian culture, exploring the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle and ascending the superb Zugspitze mountain. Cruising down the Danube and along the Main and Rhine, we stopped to explore significant towns and cities, each offering unique historical and cultural treasures.

After breakfast onboard this morning, we disembark in Cologne, where we head to the station to board the Eurostar service to London St Pancras. On arrival late afternoon, our holiday comes to an end and you are free to continue your journey home.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

We enjoy a journey on the narrow-gauge Zugspitze Railway on some of our tours. The line takes us from the charming Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen on an 11-mile journey to the peak of Germany's highest mountain - overcoming a height difference of 2,897ft.

On leaving Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the electric train runs through the gentle countryside surrounding the town, including flat, fertile farmland and glorious meadows. Continuing past a scattering of small villages, the line begins its ascent; about four miles from Garmisch the train begins to use a rack-and-pinion system to negotiate the steep gradient.

From the base of the mountain, the scenery becomes ever-more dramatic, with the spiky, snow-covered peaks towering over dense patches of woodland below. After pausing at Eibsee station, our journey continues into the mountains, using a series of wide curves to gain height. Zugspitze Railway then passes through Höllental or 'Hell Valley' named for its dramatic slopes and narrow gorge that made climbing the mountain difficult. We then run through an area thick with pine trees before disappearing onto a long tunnel built to protect the railway from the most extreme weather. We emerge near the summit of Zugspitze, where the views out over Bavaria and Austria are incredible.

The Amadeus Cara joined the Amadeus fleet in 2021. Offering impeccable cabin spaces with 73 deluxe cabins and 12 Amadeus suites, each room has a spacious en suite bathroom, a minibar, a flatscreen television and a walk-in wardrobe. Some rooms also offer panoramic windows, balconies, or a comfortable corner sofa. With four decks, the ship features amenities like the river terrace, restaurant, hair salon and fitness centre, where you can exercise or book a relaxing massage.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.