Welcome to Helsinki. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. This evening, come together for a welcome reception.

This morning after breakfast, board your included flight to Rovaniemi and travel on to your accommodation, where you will stay in a glass igloo for two nights. This evening, be shown how to take the best pictures on your own camera, which will come in handy should you see the northern lights. Later, snuggle in and feel as if you’re sleeping in the open air, while being warm and cosy inside. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the ethereal northern lights from your igloo.

This morning, visit the Arktikum, a science museum that provides an insight into the history of the region. You will also enjoy a short presentation, ‘The Land of Snow and Northern Lights’. Enjoy lunch in a traditional Sámi hut, where you can sample the local coffee, unique crowberry juice and homemade pastries.

Signature Experience – Reindeer Farm

Visit a reindeer farm and be awed by these fascinating creatures. Set out on an exhilarating sleigh ride and take in your surroundings before feeding the reindeer. 

The choice is yours when it comes to today’s sightseeing. Later, head to Santa Claus Village for a private visit with Santa before returning to the centre of Rovaniemi. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant known for its traditional Lappish cuisine.

Freedom of Choice – Snowshoe Excursion

Embark on an active snowshoe excursion, where a local expert guide will lead you along an incredible series of snow-covered forest trails.

Freedom of Choice – Ice Fishing Excursion

Venture out to a nearby frozen lake to try the traditional Lappish activity of ice fishing. Drill through the thick ice and cast your line, searching for fish beneath the frozen surface.

Today, a Signature Experience awaits. Later, return to Rovaniemi, where you will have the evening at leisure. 

Signature Experience – Husky Safari

Take in the serene beauty of the Lappish wilderness on an unforgettable husky safari. Be enchanted as a team of affectionate and friendly huskies effortlessly pull your sleigh along a three-kilometre track through the glistening snow. 

Transfer to Rovaniemi airport for your included return flight to Helsinki. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Iittala & Arabia Design Centre, where you’ll learn about the history of Finnish ceramic art and glass design.  

Enjoy a guided exploration of Helsinki’s best sites today, starting with a visit to Temppeliaukio, the famous ‘Rock Church’. In Sibelius Park, view the Sibelius Monument before moving on to the Olympic Stadium and the impressive Oodi Library. Stroll along the city’s main street, Mannerheimintie, and see its many exquisite buildings, including the Opera House, the architectural wonders of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, and the National Museum of Finland. Tonight, savour a farewell dinner.

Take an included flight to Budapest, then board your ship for your Magnificent Europe river cruise.

Perhaps take a guided discovery of Budapest and delve into its most fascinating sights, then get into the festive spirit with a visit to two of the city’s charming Christmas markets, where you’ll have the chance to sample mulled wine and some local delicacies. Alternatively, delight in your chosen sightseeing option. Later, set sail for Vienna. 

Freedom of Choice – Budapest Highlights 

Join a city tour of Budapest, visiting historic monuments along the way. See Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen's Basilica. Afterwards, stroll through the Great Market Hall and savour tastings of local produce.  

Freedom of Choice – Fisherman's Bastion 

Enjoy a funicular ride up to Castle Hill and take in the sweeping views over the river, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion, a beautiful historical monument. 

Freedom of Choice – Budapest Thermal Baths 

Relax in the thermal springs of one of Budapest’s popular thermal baths. 

Take in Vienna’s Ringstrasse, plus enjoy a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral. Afterwards, wander through the Christmas markets and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. As the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the wintry air, you’ll be reminded that the festive season in Europe is nothing short of magical.

Spend this morning on your preferred activity. In the evening, an extraordinary Signature Experience awaits.

Freedom of Choice – Explore Schönbrunn Palace 

Perhaps visit the 1,441-room Schönbrunn Palace and its gardens, including the traditional Christmas market in the Parade Court.

Freedom of Choice – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia 

Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev.   

Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace 

After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss, and you will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.

Enjoy free time to explore Dürnstein before cruising through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Melk. Here, visit striking Melk Abbey, one of the finest Baroque buildings in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Wachau Valley Scenic Cruise

Admire stunning landscapes dotted with vineyards, charming villages and historic castles nestled amid lush hills. 

Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and 'Sound of Music' Show

Be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music’.

Discover Regensburg and explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Afterwards, visit one of Bavaria’s most beautiful Christmas markets, located in the courtyard at Thurn and Taxis Palace. Wander the various stalls selling handicrafts from the region and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies.

Set out on a guided exploration to discover Nuremberg’s history, with its Gothic churches and World War II sites. Afterwards, explore the Christmas market, one of the oldest and most well-known Christmas markets in the world. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample glüwhein, traditional German spiced wine.

On arrival into Bamberg, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything this World Heritage-listed city has to offer.

Your day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today. 

Freedom of Choice – Visit the Würzburg Residence  

The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.   

Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg  

Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colourful houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wohlfahrt’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest selection of German Christmas decorations in the world.  

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress  

Enjoy a hike to Würzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Fortress, an imposing castle overlooking the city, which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries. 

Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on a guided exploration. Wander through the cobblestone streets and admire the town’s enchanting half-timbered houses before time at leisure to explore on your own.

Dock in Rüdesheim, where you’ll choose your activity, followed by free time to enjoy the festive atmosphere or perhaps sample a local Rüdesheimer coffee in a cosy cafe.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. Arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.

Freedom of Choice – Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, an eccentric and unique museum which is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history. 

Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar

Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions. 

Today, enjoy a Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent cruising onwards to the Netherlands.

Signature Experience – Namedy Castle

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a 14th-century residence set near the Rhine River in Germany. Go beyond the gates and wander about the rooms, hidden nooks and manicured grounds. You’ll then enjoy a morning tea where a pianist playing classical music sets the mood. 

Arrive into Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. Tonight, enjoy a captain’s farewell dinner. 

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise

A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous. 

Freedom of Choice – Old Amsterdam Cheese Store Visit

Visit the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a cheese tasting perfectly matched with wine. 

Your incredible journey comes to an end today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.