Fairytale Bavaria & Medieval Cities of Germany

Meeting at London St Pancras, our holiday begins as we board the Eurostar to Paris. We continue by rail to the compelling 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 automobile museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and Porsche Museum.

• Dinner

This morning we journey to Füssen by rail, where we spend the next three nights. After checking into our hotel, explore this classic Bavarian town at leisure. Sitting on the banks of the glistening Lech River, 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.

• Breakfast, Dinner

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 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 interior is just as impressive, with ornate carvings, lavish 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.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we ascend the highest mountain in Germany, the noble Zugspitze. To reach the summit, we first board the wonderful Zugspitze Railway and journey through beautiful landscapes as we climb higher. The final leg of our journey is taken by cable car and, with free time at the summit, we marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. On our descent, we stop at beautiful Lake Eibsee.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we journey by rail to Passau where our luxurious ship awaits us and we're welcomed on board with a refreshing cocktail. After settling in, we set sail into the serene Danube.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Regensburg is our first port of call this morning, which we discover on a guided city walk. Exploring the historic streets, we see the Dom St Peter cathedral, a grand building with 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 its highlights is the stunning baroque altar, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The high altar is an exquisitely carved masterpiece that is richly decorated with gold leaf and features a beautiful painting of the Annunciation, which is surrounded by an array of stunning sculptures.

The Abbey 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.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

At lunchtime, our ship moors into the historic city of Nuremberg - once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. On a guided tour, we see the imperial Kaiserburg castle, impressively situated overlooking the enchanting Altstadt marketplace. There's a unique charm here, from the vibrant figurines to the striking stone sculptures and murals that vividly depict the city's rich medieval history. During dinner this evening we set sail for Bamberg, cruising overnight.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We arrive and moor in beautiful 9th-century Bamberg this morning. Exploring this medieval town on a guided tour, we see the stunning Bamberg Cathedral and the charming district of 'Little Venice' where quaint half-timbered houses line the riverside. During lunch onboard, we begin an overnight sailing.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mooring in Ochsenfurt this morning, we drive along Bavaria's wonderful 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 the tour, we rejoin our ship in Würzburg for lunch before continuing on to our next stop - the Würzburg Residenz, a grand Baroque palace. Here, we indulge in a wine-tasting experience, savouring the rich flavours of the region.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we arrive into the town of Wertheim for a guided tour. We see the town's ancient castle which overlooks its medieval centre and marketplace before we visit the Glass Museum. Here, we can admire its extensive collection of glass objects from the past and present.

Next, we head 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. As we explore, 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 that showcases the town's rich history.

After a morning of exploration, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our next overnight cruise.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the heart of Germany's winelands, Mainz has a fascinating ancient history. We explore it today on a guided tour, seeing its 1,000-year-old Romanesque cathedral, the Mainz Dom, and walking among the city's lovely half-timbered buildings.

Returning to our ship, we enjoy our last night onboard.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After arriving into Strasbourg, we say goodbye to our wonderful crew and head to Strasbourg station for the train to Paris. Here, we join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras where our holiday comes to an end.

• Breakfast