Fairytale Bavaria & Three Rivers Cruise

Meeting the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, our holiday starts as we board the Eurostar to Paris. After a coach transfer to change trains, we continue by rail to the 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 car museums such as the Mercedes-Benz and Porsche museums.

Arriving in the city this evening, we check in to our hotel before dinner.

• Dinner

This morning we journey to the traditional town of Füssen by rail, where we spend the next three nights. After checking into our hotel, you are free to explore this classic Bavarian town at leisure. Sitting on the banks of the glistening Lech River, characterful 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. You may like to find out more about the town's culture on a visit to Museum of Füssen, housed in a former Benedictine monastery. After taking time to get to know the town independently we regroup for dinner at our hotel this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

One of Bavaria's finest castles awaits us after breakfast today. After a coach journey to Schwangau village we reach this magnificent castle where entrance is included and we can admire spectacular views across the valley. Commissioned by 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 interiors are just as impressive, with ornate carvings, lavish murals, and an opulent throne room.

Interestingly, the castle's construction was plagued by setbacks and financial difficulties, so it was not fully completed during King Ludwig's lifetime. However, Neuschwanstein castle remains a symbol of the king's visionary spirit and a source of inspiration for millions of people around the world. Most notably, the castle was the inspiration behind Disney's 'Sleeping Beauty'. After free time to savour the views, we are at leisure in Schwangau village before returning by coach to our hotel for dinner.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today's excursion starts with a transfer to Garmisch-Partenkirchen station where we board the iconic Zugspitze Railway to ascend the highest mountain in Germany, the noble Zugspitze.

After a rail journey through beautiful landscapes we reach the Zugspitze Platt where we complete the final leg of our journey by cable car. Climbing high above the clouds to the summit, there is free time at the top to marvel at the breathtaking landscapes. On our descent, we stop at beautiful Lake Eibsee where there is time to soak up the views before driving back to our hotel. On arriving at the hotel, there is time to relax and freshen up before dinner this evening.

• Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast this morning, we begin the next part of our holiday. First, our coach takes us to the spa town of Prien am Chiemsee, a tranquil location next to a vast lake - Chiemsee - also known as 'the sea of Bavaria'. After free time in this peaceful town we continue our journey by coach to the port of Passau where our luxurious ship, the Amadeus Cara, awaits.

We are welcomed on board the ship with a refreshing cocktail which you may choose to enjoy on the deck. After settling in to our cabins, we set sail into the serene Danube before the first dinner of our cruise.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Regensburg is our first port of call this morning, which we discover on a guided city walk. Exploring the historic streets, we view the Dom St Peter cathedral, a grand building admired especially for its 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 the Abbey's highlights is the stunning Baroque altar, considered one of the most beautiful in the world. The high altar is an exquisitely carved masterpiece, richly decorated with gold leaf featuring a beautiful painting of the Annunciation.

Weltenburg 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

After a morning of gentle cruising, our ship moors in the historic city of Nuremberg. After lunch on board, we disembark here for a tour of this magnificent walled city which was once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Travelling into the city by coach for an afternoon guided tour, we view the imperial Kaiserburg castle, impressively situated overlooking the enchanting Altstadt marketplace.

There's a unique charm in this historic square, from the vibrant figurines to the stone sculptures and murals that depict the city's rich medieval history. We return to our ship with time to unwind before a relaxing dinner onboard. During our meal this evening we set sail for Bamberg, cruising overnight.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early this morning we arrive in the beautiful 9th-century Bamberg, a World Heritage site. After disembarking for an early morning walking tour, we explore this enchanting medieval town on a guided tour. Among the impressive buildings we are shown are the exquisite Bamberg Cathedral, whose spires soar above the city, and the frescoed townhall which is built on a bridge over the Regnitz river. We also walk through the district of 'Little Venice', where quaint half-timbered houses line the picturesque riverside.

After our walking tour we return to our ship for lunch onboard before continuing to sail into the afternoon and through the night, to our next destination. An afternoon aboard our luxurious ship provides a chance to enjoy the passing scenery in style and comfort.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mooring in the port of Ochsenfurt this morning, we drive along Bavaria's beloved 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 our tour, we rejoin the ship in Würzburg for lunch before continuing on to our next stop - the Würzburg Residenz, a grand palace. Known for its mix of architectural styles from French château to Viennese baroque, the palace was owned by several generations of the Schönborn family. 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 where we step off the ship and are transferred by coach to start a guided walking tour. Our tour takes in the town's ancient castle overlooking its medieval centre and marketplace, before we visit the Glass Museum. Here, we can admire an extensive collection of glass objects from the past and present.

Next, we head by coach 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. 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 which showcases the town's rich history.

After a morning of exploration, we return to our ship for lunch and begin our overnight cruise towards Mainz, our penultimate stop.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mainz is set on the banks of the Rhine River in the heart of Germany's winelands and after an early breakfast we embark on a guided tour of the city. An important centre of the Holy Roman Empire, Mainz had a rich medieval history, was badly damaged during World War II, and is now known as one of Germany's media cities. We discover its fascinating and complex history as we explore the city with our guide. We view the striking 1,000-year-old Romanesque cathedral, the Mainz Dom, and walk among the city's preserved half-timbered buildings and red-stone buildings of its Old Town.

Returning to our ship for lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to continue exploring the city independently. We enjoy our last dinner onboard before our ship sails to Cologne where we moor overnight.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This magical holiday in Bavaria and luxury cruise began in the town of Füssen, where we immersed ourselves in Bavarian culture, exploring the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle and ascending the superb Zugspitze mountain. Cruising down the Danube and along the Main and Rhine, we stopped to explore significant towns and cities, each offering unique historical and cultural treasures.

After breakfast onboard this morning, we disembark in Cologne, where we head to the station to board the Eurostar service to London St Pancras. On arrival late afternoon, our holiday comes to an end and you are free to continue your journey home.

• Breakfast