Magnificent Europe: The Rhine & Danube with APT

Begin with complimentary home-to-airport private transfers and lounge access before your flight to Amsterdam. On arrival, an included transfer will bring you to the luxurious Concerto River Ship, which boasts some of the largest suites on Europe’s rivers. During your cruise, you'll enjoy complimentary beverages and a spread of all-inclusive dining experiences, from casual bistro lunches to six-course degustation extravaganzas. And, the facilities are equally impressive. There’s a wellness centre, floor-to-ceiling views from the comfortable lounges, and the Sun Deck’s heated pool. Today, either side of a welcome reception and gourmet dinner, you’ll have some time to explore the city at your leisure.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

After breakfast, you’ll be treated to the first of your included excursions, with APT’s expert guides leading an excellent choice of activities. Perhaps you’ll want to see Amsterdam’s canals from a glass-top boat, cruising past pretty churches and 17th-century merchant houses. Or, you might want to head out to Zaanse Schans, an idyllic Dutch village complete with traditional homes, specialty produce and, yes, windmills. But, if you want to take things easy, simply relax onboard as the Rhine scenery drifts by and a local baker conducts a stroopwafel demonstration. If you’re departing in spring, there’s also the option of visiting the tulip-lined Keukenhof Gardens.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

After a morning of leisurely cruising, you'll enjoy a Signature Experience as you go 'beyond the gates' at Namedy Castle, taking the chance to explore its stunning interiors in the company on a guide, taking in all its grand rooms and hidden nooks before heading to the ballroom for a piano-accompanied cocktail party. You'll then sail on to Koblenz where you'll have the option to join your cruise director for an evening stroll.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

Today, you’ll be treated to perhaps the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine as you glide past crumbling ruins that cap rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides terraced into pretty vineyards. You’ll even be able to sample their world-class varietals on an on-board tasting. Alternatively, explore Rüdesheim’s pretty collection of half-timber houses, abbey-dotted hills and nation-defining monuments before enjoying a tour of Siegried’s Mechanical Music Museum. It’s the world’s most beautiful collection of automated instruments and a fascinating insight into their history. There's even the choice to board a scenic gondola for exceptional views over the Rhine Valley.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

Enjoy a leisurely cruise to Miltenberg this morning. Having been spared from bombing in WWII, it’s a true step back in time, full of old-word charm. As you stroll down cobblestone lanes, you’ll mingle with friendly residents in lively squares and pause to sample local fare at quaint, half-timbered shops.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

Würzburg is a town of immense architectural wonders, not least its 18th-century palace that once belonged to the region’s prince-bishops. Inside, you’ll marvel at everything from ornate tapestries to gilded stucco work and dramatic ceiling frescos. Alternatively, see more of Germany’s rural beauty with a drive along the aptly named Romantic Road. This historic route will bring you through lush forests to Rothenberg, a truly idyllic medieval town. Your last option is a visit to a family-owned farm for a tour of the property and sit-down morning tea as you learn about local agricultural life.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

This morning, you’ll arrive into Bamberg, a UNESCO-listed jewellery box. Having also escaped the bombing, it’s a fascinating glimpse into pre-war Germany, with your guided tour here bringing you between historic churches, narrow streets and the impressive riverside town hall. It’s all split between canals and rolling hills – the pretty setting for pavement cafés and smoked beer breweries. Reboarding your ship, you’ll then set sail on the Main-Danube Canal, a modern engineering marvel that links the North and Black seas.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

Between its medieval heritage and WWII-era sites, Nuremberg is a historical treasure trove. Take in its chequered past with a visit to the Reich Party Rally Grounds where Hitler held his infamous assemblies before heading further back in time with the Imperial Castle. This 900-year-old fortification is resplendent in imposing ramparts and great brick towers. Otherwise, for something more active, follow in the footsteps of the Swedish King Gustavus-Adolphus with a hike through the Schwarzach Valley. Here, a pretty trail lead between rushing rivers and contours carpeted in dense forest. Back on board, you’ll continue along the Main-Danube Canal.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

Today, you’ll dock in UNESCO-listed Regensburg. Originally a Roman settlement, this imperial city is host to two millennia of heritage, evidenced in everything from 12th-century stone bridges to a spectacular old town. Here, you’ll uncover pretty squares, great cathedrals and gilded churches. There’s also a range of included excursions, including a city sightseeing tour or a bike ride to the Walhalla Memorial.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

Disembarking at Passau, head to Salzburg, a perfect introduction to the pristine alpine countryside of Austria, bringing you to the sights from that movie classic – The Sound of Music. Or embark on a full-day journey to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, renowned for its World Heritage-listed status. With a stunning 13th-century castle above the Vltava River, its old town square and quaint lanes are teeming with historic architecture. Both touring options will then conclude in the pretty city of Linz, where you will re-board your river ship. A third alternative is to enjoy a walking tour of Passau's 13th-century fortress and Baroque old town, then cruise into Austria and on to Linz. 

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

Continuing through Austria's Wachau Wine Valley, you’ll arrive into Melk, its cobbled streets bringing you between historic churches. However, it’s the town’s Benedictine abbey that’s the most impressive sight, perched precipitously on a rocky outcrop with spectacular river views. Its squats on almost a thousand years of history, with your tour bringing you among libraries host to medieval manuscripts and marble halls beautified by spectacular frescoes. Then, either re-joining the ship or cycling along the Danube’s vineyard-dotted banks, you’ll continue to Dürnstein. Your touring here will see you wander the village’s historic laneways to take in its centuries-old castle ruins. In autumn, you can even join in the wine harvest.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

With a full day in the Austrian capital, you’ll get your bearings on a guided walking tour. Alongside its Baroque grandeur, spectacular palaces and masterpiece-filled galleries, you’ll centre on the stunningly tiered St. Stephen’s Cathedral. After dinner, you’ll also be treated to a cocktail reception and private concert at the princely Liechtenstein City Palace, enjoying performances from a full orchestra and members of the Mozart Boys’ Choir. 

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

Arriving into the Hungarian capital, you'll take in its contrasting medieval and Neo-Baroque delights, from its great Buda Castle to its grand Royal Palace. It's then time for a trip highlight. After a welcome reception at Budapest's Royal Waiting Room, you'll board the grand 1900s carriages of an elegant steam train, enjoying a regal game lunch and pausing for a tour of the aristocratic Gödöllő Palace. It all concludes with a dinner on the train as you return to Budapest. This included excursion operates on all departures between April and September. The next day will see you enjoy a morning city tour, finishing in style with a nighttime cruise along the Danube, framed by its twinkling buildings.

Stay: Concerto River Ship (Deluxe)

After a final breakfast, an included transfer will see you to the airport for your flight home. Then, back in the UK, you'll be treated to a complimentary private transfer from the airport to your home.