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Booval

07 3202 3355

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07 3245 4377

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07 3369 5899

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07 3558 1556

Our Agents

Booval

07 3202 3355

Capalaba

07 3245 4377

Carindale

07 3369 5899

Mt Ommaney

07 3558 1556

Magnificent Europe with Christmas

15-Day Europe River Cruise

  • APT Tours & Cruises

From: $13,395

Save $700 – Twin Share (Per Person)

  • Trip Length: 15 Days
  • Trip Starts: Budapest
  • Trip Finishes: Amsterdam

All prices displayed on this website are subject to availability and may change without notice due to supplier price changes, taxes, fees, or currency fluctuations. Prices are indicative only and are not guaranteed until the booking is confirmed and full payment has been received. While we make reasonable efforts to ensure accuracy, errors may occur and will be corrected when identified. Nothing in these terms limits or excludes your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

Overview

Experience Christmas in Europe as you travel in unrivalled luxury on our most popular river cruise. Commence in Budapest, Hungary's grand capital overlooking the Danube River. Enter Austria, and explore Vienna, including an exclusive cocktail party and private recital at the City Palace, before heading along the Main, stopping at delightful medieval German towns on the way. Here, you'll be immersed in the festive atmosphere of some of Europe's most enchanting Christmas markets. Your cruise culminates in Amsterdam. A 16-day Magnificent Europe with Christmas and New Year's Eve cruise is available in 2026 (refer to EUMCX16).

Itinerary

Welcome to Budapest. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome to remember. Enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music while you indulge in local brandy, as well as artisan meats and cheeses.

Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 14 nights, APT Solara

Choose your sightseeing activity in Budapest today. Later this afternoon, cruise to Vienna.

Freedom of Choice – City Tour and Christmas Markets Visit

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica before a visit to two of Budapest’s Christmas markets.

Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride

Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Vienna. On arrival, take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral. during the city’s time under communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity this morning. In the evening, an unforgettable Signature Experience awaits.

Freedom of Choice – Schönbrunn Palace Visit

Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds. Afterwards, spend some time at the Christmas Markets at the forecourt of the Palace.

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. You will also be enchanted by an operatic performance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein and roam its cobblestone lanes at your leisure. You’ll then cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk, where you’ll visit the spectacular Melk Abbey, adorned with intricate statues.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ Show

Be welcomed by a Jagdhornblaser – 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’.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set out on a guided tour to explore Regensburg’s 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, enjoy exploring Regensburg’s beautiful Christmas markets. 

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning gives you the chance to choose your sightseeing activity, afterwards enjoy a Glühwein as you stroll through Nuremberg’s Christmas Markets. This afternoon, continue cruising along the Main-Danube Canal while indulging in a Bavarian beer, sausage and pretzel tasting on the Daystar Deck. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas.

Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites

Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.

Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour

Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and the main market square, as well as its 14th century Gothic church.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, your ship will arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another one of the few German cities that was not destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the Regnitz River. Following your tour, rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today 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 collection of German Christmas decorations in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress

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

Freedom of Choice – Tastes of Franconia

Travel to the Volkacher Mainschleife, the largest wine-growing region in Franconia and home to one of the most famous Franconian whisky distilleries. Here, enjoy a guided tour and meet the whisky and winemaker to uncover the art of making whisky. Savour a tasting of their finest creations paired with freshly baked bread from a local bakery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Wake to a magical Christmas Day as you enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Main River towards Miltenberg. Enjoy a traditional Christmas lunch on board before exploring with your chosen sightseeing activity.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Walking Tour and Liqueur Tasting

Embark on a guided exploration of Miltenberg. Discover the town’s remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares, offering a unique glimpse into Germany’s rich history. Then, visit one of Franconia’s oldest wine cellars for a tasting of local liqueurs.

Freedom of Choice – Local Monastery Visit

Travel to the hills overlooking Miltenberg for a visit to a local monastery. Here, you’ll meet with a Franciscan friar to hear about life in the monastery. You’ll also sample some homemade sausages, cheese and bread before free time to wander through the gardens and vineyard.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dock in Rüdesheim this morning, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, embark on your chosen activity. This afternoon, you’ll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, 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. This eccentric and unique museum 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, enjoy an exclusive 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.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend today on your preferred activity. Rejoin the ship in Utrecht and cruise towards Germany in the afternoon.

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise 

A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, step aboard a glass-top boat and glide through the city’s iconic maze of World Heritage-listed canals, admiring the unique architecture along the way.

Freedom of Choice – Culinary Discovery

Discover the culinary favourites of The Netherlands. See and taste a variety of Dutch favourites as you visit local producers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, your unforgettable European Christmas adventure comes to an end. Following breakfast, say goodbye and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Trip Inclusions

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a royal escape set near the Rhine River in Germany. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens during this exclusive Signature Experience, you’ll attend a cocktail party, where a pianist sets the mood.

Head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of the Austrian capital of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. During this extraordinary Signature Experience, a full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.

On this incredible Signature Experience in Austria, 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’.

Dates & Pricing

Trip Dates:

15 Dec 2027

Room Type:

Twin Share
Solo (Own Room)

  • Wednesday

    15 Dec 2027

    Budapest

    Wednesday

    29 Dec 2027

    Amsterdam

    Retail Price: $14,095

    Our Price

    AUD $13,395

    Save $700

    Twin Share (Per Person)

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