Scandinavia by Rail with European Gems

Be met on arrival in Copenhagen and transfer to your hotel. This evening, get to know your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Today’s tour of Copenhagen takes you into the heart of the Danish capital, where historic buildings and cobbled streets line the waterways. See the The Little Mermaid statue and the Gefion Fountain, the royal residence of Amalienborg, and the colourful Nyhavn canal with its lively restaurants and cafes. You’ll also pass Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament, and the Copenhagen Opera House, among other notable sights. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

Bid farewell to Copenhagen as you transfer to the station for your rail journey to Stockholm. Sit back in comfort and watch the Scandinavian landscapes pass by. On arrival, transfer to your hotel before enjoying an included dinner this evening.

Today, embark on a guided tour of Stockholm, often referred to as the Venice of the North. Begin at Fjällgatan for magnificent views over the Swedish capital, spread across 14 islands between Mälaren (Lake Malar) and the Baltic Sea. Explore the old town with its narrow cobblestone alleys, and see the Royal Palace, the Stockholm Cathedral and City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize celebrations take place. Continue to the island of Djurgården, home to many of the city’s finest museums, and visit the Vasa Museum. See the Vasa warship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was raised after 333 years on the seabed. Today, it is the world’s only almost fully intact 17th-century ship and one of Scandinavia’s most visited attractions. The remainder of the day and evening are at leisure for you to relax and explore.

Transfer to Stockholm Central Station for your rail journey to Oslo. Sit back and relax as the train carries you across the Scandinavian countryside into Norway. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure before dinner this evening.

On your tour of the Norwegian capital, admire landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the National Theatre, the Storting building, the waterfront Oslo Opera House and the medieval Akershus Fortress. There will also be time for a pleasant stroll through Frogner Park, famed for the striking sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Today, travel on the famous Bergen Railway from Oslo to Myrdal, widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, crossing Europe’s highest mountain plateaus. From Myrdal, continue by rail to the fjordside village of Flåm for a special Insider Experience. On arrival in Flåm, transfer by coach to Bergen, where your evening is free to relax at your hotel or head out to experience the local dining scene.

Insider Experience – Flåm Railway

Board the iconic Flåm Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, descending from high mountain terrain to the shores of Aurlandsfjord. Along the way, pass deep valleys, rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls, including a stop at the dramatic Kjosfossen Falls.

A guided tour of Bergen introduces you to its most iconic sights, including the colourful wooden houses of the historic wharf. Then ride the Fløibanen funicular to the summit of Mt Fløyen for sweeping views over the city and surrounding fjords.

With the day at leisure in Bergen, you may wish to join an optional excursion to Hardangerfjord. This evening, come together for a Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey – Hardangerfjord Cruise

Sail through Norway’s spectacular coastal and fjord scenery on a cruise from Bergen to Rosendal, a charming village on Hardangerfjord. Surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and shimmering waterways, Rosendal offers a quintessential taste of Norway to explore at your own pace.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Amsterdam. Upon arrival, transfer to your contemporary river ship. Perhaps grab a map to explore this carefree, cosmopolitan city. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and fellow passengers at a Welcome Reception.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight’s special Gala Dinner.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most scenic stretch of the Rhine. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of Germany’s finest collections of automated musical instruments.

Enjoy free time in Miltenberg exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Gardens. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg.

Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll see highlights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main–Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan shops. Later, cruise the Main–Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide via its remarkable series of 16 locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, arrive in Regensburg. Docked in the heart of town, spend the day exploring this charming city on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in nearby Abensberg, a family-owned brewery featuring the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer Brewery Visit

Visit Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg, tour the brewery and see the colourful Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in Passau, otherwise known as the 'City of Three Rivers', where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

Journey through Austria’s scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.

After crossing into Austria, dock in Melk and join a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, townhouses and taverns, or perhaps join an optional regional wine tasting.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey to sample local Wachau wines, including Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, accompanied by a tasting of regional brandy.

In Vienna, join a guided walking tour taking in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg and the Albertina museum. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city’s famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Enhance Your Journey – Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience

Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa. Explore the elegant palace apartments adorned with fine textiles and chandeliers, then stroll through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, visit the stables for a private introduction to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Learn about their breeding, care and training before witnessing a special demonstration of their grace and discipline.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Visit Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city’s fascinating past.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship glides into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.

Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Performance

Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Explore this fascinating museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. Built in 1941 as a first-aid shelter, it was designed to withstand the impact of aerial bombing.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.