Explore the majestic mountains and castles of Bavaria and cruise leisurely along the Danube River, one of Europe's most iconic and diverse rivers

Meeting at London St Pancras, your holiday begins as we board the Eurostar to Paris. We continue to Stuttgart and spend our first night in this popular city. Famous as the birthplace of Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, the city is a blend of history, innovation, and natural beauty. After settling into our accommodation, we gather for our first dinner together this evening.

This morning, we journey by rail to Füssen, on the banks of the glistening Lech River. We spend our next three nights here amongst the river's stunning beauty.

After checking into our hotel, there's time to explore our new enchanting alpine surroundings before dinner this evening. You could seek out its historic old town, High Castle, St Mang's Abbey or simply enjoy a riverside stroll.

One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us after breakfast today. Entrance to the castle is included where we can enjoy spectacular views overlooking the Schwangau Valley. Commissioned by the reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria, the castle is an architectural masterpiece. It was the inspiration for the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty showing 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 interior is just as impressive, with ornate carvings, murals, and an opulent throne room that showcases the king's fascination with medieval lore and chivalry.

Interestingly, the castle's construction was plagued by setbacks and financial difficulties, and so was never fully completed during King Ludwig's lifetime. However, the castle remains a symbol of the king's visionary spirit and a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world.

Today we ascend the highest mountain in Germany, the Zugspitze. To reach its peak, we first board the scenic Zugspitze Railway, and journey through lush green meadows, rocky terrain, and, eventually, snow-covered mountains.

The final leg of our journey is taken by cable car and, as we step out at the summit, the panoramic views of the incredible German and Austrian Alps surround us. On clear days, up to 400 mountain peaks and four countries are visible - Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland). On our descent, we stop at beautiful Lake Eibsee - a picturesque area of turquoise waters, surrounded by stunning scenery - before returning to Füssen.

Today we travel by rail to the mesmerising city of Budapest. Our luxurious ship awaits us here and we're greeted with a welcome cocktail in the lounge. After settling into our cabins and familiarising ourselves with our ship, we sit down to our first dinner on board. This evening, we also enjoy the enchanting ambience of a traditional Hungarian Folklore troupe.

Once the sun sets, we begin a night-time cruise along the Danube River, taking in the illuminated sights of Budapest. From the Gothic-style Parliament building to Buda castle, the state buildings that line the banks on both sides are all lit up, as well as the stunning Chain Bridge. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy lounge or take in the panoramic views from the sun deck, Budapest's elegant scenery is a spectacular start to our cruise.

Please Note - For departures on 4th September our ship will be the MS Amadeus Nova.

For departures on 27th September our ship will be the MS Amadeus Star.

This morning, we delve deeper into the beauty and history of Budapest that we saw illuminated last night. On a sightseeing tour of the Hungarian capital, known as the 'Pearl of the Danube', we explore its impressive buildings and monuments. From Heroes Square, the State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica on the flatter Pest side, to Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on the Buda hills, each site reveals the grandeur and charm of this appealing city.

There's time at leisure after lunch on board. You could explore the castle district further, pick up some souvenirs or Hungarian paprika at the Central Market Hall, or relax in one of the city's extensive parks.

Sailing upstream through the evening, we navigate the scenic Danube Bend. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you'll have the best views as we pass the village of Visegrad, famous for its hilltop castle, and Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary.

Making our way to Slovakia's capital, we are welcomed by views of Bratislava Castle's gleaming white walls.

Despite being a national capital, beautiful Bratislava is nicknamed the 'Little Big City' due to its compact size. On our tour, we admire attractive squares, idyllic streets, grand palaces and historic churches. Keep an eye out for some of Bratislava's quirky statues, including a sculpture commemorating Schöne Náci, an eccentric local character, and Čumil, a subterranean worker peeking out of a manhole. From the hilltop castle, soak up views across the terracotta roofs of the Old Town and the SNP Bridge - also known as the UFO bridge because of its futuristic design.

After the tour and lunch onboard our ship, you have free time to explore at leisure. Enjoy wandering the Old Town's charming streets, where each corner reveals delightful views, or head out of the centre to uncover iconic Soviet-era architecture, such as the inverted pyramid of the Slovak Radio building or the 12-ton stainless steel linden flower in the Union Fountain. This evening, we set sail again after dinner.

After a peaceful overnight cruise, the noble city of Vienna beckons. On arrival, we embark on a guided tour to uncover Austria's imperial heritage. With our expert guide, we make our way to the illustrious Ringstrasse boulevard. Here, we see many of Vienna's most ornate buildings including the world-renowned Opera House and the imposing Parliament.

Following the tour, there's time to explore the city at leisure. It's a delight to stroll amongst its scenic streets, marvelling at the striking St Stephen's Cathedral or entering one of the countless museums and galleries that bring the city's history to life. You may choose to visit Schönbrunn Palace, once the summer residence of the ruling Habsburg family or indulge in a slice of famous Sachertorte, a delicious Viennese cake, at one of the grand coffeehouses.

Tonight, a real treat awaits us in the lounge as we're joined by four previous members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra who whisk us away with their performances of well-known classical pieces.

Arriving in the riverside village of Dürnstein, there's free time to wander the charming streets and admire its powder blue Baroque church tower. Dürnstein is also home to the hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned during the 12th century, and we get a great view of it from the riverside.

Back on the ship, we enjoy lunch as we set sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley - truly a highlight of the Danube. This scenic area of green valleys and vineyards is dotted with attractive riverside towns and commanding fortresses. It is also one of Austria's most famous wine-making regions, specialising in Grüner Veltliner.

Docking in Emmersdorf this afternoon, we set out for a visit to Melk Abbey. This 11th-century Benedictine Abbey stands atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. On our guided tour, we see the abbey's church, one of the most beautiful Baroque churches north of the Alps.

Waking in beautiful Linz, there are two excursions to choose from after breakfast.

The first option is a day trip to Salzburg, a striking city overlooked by Hohensalzburg Fortress set high on a hill. Enroute, we stop in the Austrian Lake District for a beautiful photo opportunity before arriving in Salzburg. During a guided sightseeing tour, we explore Getreidegasse, the street on which Mozart was born. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with stunning Baroque architecture, beautiful churches, quaint squares and charming alleyways that we can admire on our explorations.

Alternatively, join an excursion into Czechia to visit Český Krumlov, a small Bohemian town that looks like something straight out of a fairytale. On a tour, we explore the palatial castle, occupying an imposing position high above a bend on the Vltava River. A guided walk around the UNESCO-listed Old Town - followed by time at leisure - reveals idyllic streets and picture-perfect squares surrounded by ornately gabled Baroque houses.

We return to our ship for dinner on board and set sail for an overnight cruise into Germany.

Today, we conclude our relaxing cruise along the Danube. Drifting through beautiful scenery into Germany, we admire rising hills covered with vineyards and orchards. The ever-changing landscapes create a picturesque backdrop, occasionally revealing charming villages, medieval castles and centuries-old monasteries that cling to the hilltops.

After lunch, we arrive in our final port of call, the Bavarian town of Passau. We get to know the town as we embark on a guided tour of Passau, which is known as the 'Three Rivers City' because it sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. The delightful Old Town is filled with Baroque architecture, including St Stephen's Cathedral, and lies in the shadow of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress.

Tonight, we enjoy our farewell gala dinner on our ship.

It's time to leave our ship this morning as we say goodbye to our wonderful crew after breakfast.

Travelling first by coach to Munich, we then board a train for a journey through Germany to the city of Cologne. Standing on the Rhine River, this grand city is dominated by its Gothic cathedral with two piercing spires. Just outside Cologne's main train station, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a symbol of the city, and the largest church in northern Europe.

After checking in to our hotel for an overnight stop, there's free time to explore before our final dinner together this evening.

Please note: on the 4th September departure, we will spend the night in Frankfurt.

This tour and cruise holiday has showcased Bavaria's natural beauty and culture. Neuschwanstein Castle and the Zugspitze Railway enchanted us before our cruise showcased the treasures of the Danube. From natural wonders such as Danube Bend and the Wachau Valley to the famed cities and pretty villages lining its banks, the Danube has revealed the landscapes of central Europe.

Leaving Cologne by rail after breakfast, we travel to Brussels where we then board the Eurostar to London. On arrival at London St Pancras, your Danube holiday comes to a conclusion.

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.

Following the historic courses of the Danube and Rhine rivers, the AMADEUS Nova is a 2024 addition to the AMADEUS fleet. This ship effortlessly blends cutting-edge green technology and luxurious onboard amenities to create a memorable cruising experience. Seventy-nine guest rooms and suites are spread across four decks, each room featuring panoramic windows or a balcony from which to enjoy the passing views. Passengers can take their daily meals in the Panorama Restaurant, grab a bite to eat in Café Vienna or enjoy drinks with fellow travellers in the Panorama Bar or Lido Bar on the Sun Deck. Also on the Sun Deck is a heated outdoor pool, a putting green, outdoor games and plenty of loungers and deck chairs in which to relax while meandering along the river. The Nova features a fitness centre, a massage facility, and a range of energy-efficient systems that keep the ship's carbon footprint low and adventures high. Each stateroom comes equipped with a flatscreen TV, a safe, individual climate controls, an ensuite toilet and a spacious wardrobe.

The MS Amadeus Star is a 'masterpiece of design' and offers impeccable cabin spaces with 70 deluxe cabins and 12 Amadeus suites. Made up of 4 decks, the ship features several facilities including the panorama bar, restaurant, river terrace, as well as a wellness centre where you can book a relaxing massage, or arrange one of many beauty treatments. The sun deck on board also provides a fitness suite, which is open all day. Each bedroom onboard comes with a spacious ensuite bathroom, a mini bar, a flatscreen television, walk-in wardrobe, and either a double or twin bed. Some rooms also offer panoramic windows or a balcony.

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.