Danube Christmas Cruise 2012 

We depart St Pancras International by Eurostar for Brussels, travelling in Standard Premier Class. On arrival in Brussels we change trains and continue our journey on the high-speed service to Cologne. Here we spend two nights at the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre, which is situated close to the station, the Rhine and the city's magnificent Gothic Cathedral. (E,D)

Enjoy an exciting day exploring Cologne's many varied Christmas Markets. Just a short walk from the hotel is the Christmas Market at the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, which boasts the largest Christmas Tree in the Rhineland along with 160 festively decorated wooden pavilions. Before the impressive backdrop of Cologne's most famous landmark, you can watch artisans at work, or choose from numerous sweet delicacies. Another popular market is the one on the Rudolfplatz, which takes you to the world of fairytales, as large figures and sparkling illuminations provide a special eye-catcher against the backdrop of the medieval Hahnentorburg. The Medieval Market next to Cologne's Chocolate Museum sets an original tone, or for a different festive experience, visit the floating Christmas Market on board MS Wappen von Köln. Make sure you also take the time to discover Cologne, its elegant squares and beautiful Romanesque churches. (B)

Leaving Cologne, we continue our journey by train to Passau, which straddles the confluence of three rivers, the Danube, Inn and Ilz. The waterways are celebrated here as the source of wealth, for they brought 'white gold' in the form of salt. On arrival we transfer by coach to our home for the next six nights, the MS Belvedere. The pace of your holiday is set by you alone - you may wish to take part in optional excursions (payable locally), enjoy the facilities on board or simply relax and watch the world drift by. (B,D)

We arrive in Regensburg, which has one of the best preserved medieval city centres in Europe. Highlights include the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, the gate to a Roman Fort dating back to 179 AD. Here you have free time to perhaps visit the popular Christmas Markets. The one at the old Corn Market has its stalls decked with fir branches, whilst the market at Thurn und Taxis Palace has many local craftsmen making their traditional handicrafts. This afternoon we sail towards Austria. (B,L,D)

You are free to explore the elegant city of Linz today.The city is the capital of the state of Upper Austria, and was chosen as the European Cultural Capital in 2009. Perhaps visit the Christmas Market or explore the historic Old Town. Otherwise, you could take a tram on the Pöstlingberg Railway from the Main Square to the summit of the Pöstlingberg Mountain at the northern end of the city. This evening we enjoy a Christmas gala dinner on board with the chance to visit mass afterwards. (B,L,D)

On Christmas Day the emphasis is on relaxation. We spend the day cruising at a leisurely pace towards Vienna. As we set sail down the famous river through the impressive scenery of the Wachau, you are free to admire the views from the panoramic windows and relax in the comfortable lounge area, or perhaps indulge in some of the ship's on-board facilities. We arrive in Vienna this evening. (B,L,D)

Today is at leisure for you to explore Vienna, Austria's glorious capital. Perhaps take in the grand Imperial architecture on the famous Ringstrasse. Highlights of this captivating city include the Hofburg Palace, the Opera House, the Parliament building, the lavish Town Hall and the magnificent Cathedral. (B,L,D)

Today we arrive in Melk, situated in Austria's winegrowing region and gateway to the scenic Wachau Valley. Here you can join the optional excursion to the splendid Benedictine Abbey standing on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube (payable locally). This afternoon we continue sailing along the Danube towards Passau. (B,L,D)

After breakfast we arrive back in Baroque Passau, where we disembark TC Belvedere and travel by rail to Cologne.We stay here for the night at the Grand City Hotel Cologne Centre. (B,D)

This morning we leave Cologne, and travel on the high-speed rail service to Brussels. Here we connect with the Eurostar service back to London. Travelling in Standard Premier Class, we enjoy a light meal and drinks before our arrival at St Pancras International. (B,E)

E=Eurostar Meal, B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
These meals, where shown are included in the price of your holiday