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Embark on a 15 day river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, enjoying festive Christmas markets, luxurious dining and unique cultural experiences along the way. Hosted by Paul Williams!
Explore Europe waterways in unparalleled luxury onboard APT Solara and APT Ostara in 2026 – APT's brand-new river ships that redefine European river cruising. Offering six world-class dining venues and one of the highest guest to staff ratios on Europe's rivers. Whether enjoying a cocktail up on the sun deck or retreating to a spacious, light-filled suite, there is so much to discover on board!
Inclusions
14 nights on a luxury river ship
Experiences in 14 destinations
In-suite dining and beverage service in all suites
All-inclusive sightseeing experiences
Transfers and port charges included
All tips, charges and local taxes included
A total of 41 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
The services of an expert Cruise Director
Phil Hoffmann Travel host -Paul Williams
onboard host is subject to minimum numbers.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship
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.
Stay: 14 Nights, APT Solara or APT Ostara
Daily: Dinner
Day 2 Budapest
Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. This afternoon, your ship will begin cruising towards Vienna.
Freedom of Choice – City Tour
Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, exploring historic monuments like Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Freedom of Choice – Culinary Tour
Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride
Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 Vienna
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.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Vienna
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.
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.
Freedom of Choice – Vienna Culinary Tour
Immerse yourself in Viennese cuisine on a culinary tour of Vienna's narrow streets. Visit a traditional cafe, try a classic Viennese sausage, and sample a sweet treat from one of the city's famous patisseries.
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.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Dürnstein, Melk
Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein before choosing your activity. Later, visit Melk Abbey.
Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley
Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk. Admire stunning landscapes dotted with vineyards, charming villages and historic castles nestled amid lush hills.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride from Dürnstein to Melk
Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Dürnstein to Melk, and take in the scenery of the picturesque Wachau Valley.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Linz, Salzburg, Passau
Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.
Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ Show
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’.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Regensburg
Enjoy the chance to personalise your day with a choice of sightseeing activities on offer.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Tour of Regensburg’s World Heritage-Listed City Centre
Explore Regensburg's World Heritage-listed city centre on a guided tour. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Your tour will finish with a tasting at Regensburg’s historic sausage kitchen, thought to be one of the oldest working restaurants in the world.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial
Set out on a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany’s past.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Nuremberg
This morning, 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 toconstruct, the canal links the North and Black seas. On arrival in Nuremberg, set out on your preferred activity.
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, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Bamberg
Arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t 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. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Würzburg
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.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Miltenberg
Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war.
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.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 Rüdesheim
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.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Andernach
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.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Amsterdam
Arrive in Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. This evening, savour fresh, locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine.
Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise
A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.
Freedom of Choice – Cheese Tasting
Visit a local cheese store for a tasting of regional cheeses. The Netherlands is renowned for its cheese production, including iconic varieties such as Edam and Gouda.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride
Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.
Freedom of Choice – Keukenhof Gardens in Spring
On select spring departures, you also have the option to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam
Your spectacular journey comes to an end today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.
Daily: Breakfast
Dates/Prices
4 December - 18 December 2026
Twin Window
Balcony Suite (A)
Balcony Suite (P)
Twin share
$12,695pp twin share
$16,395pp twin share
$16,995pp twin share
Solo
Sole Occupancy Price on application
Sole Occupancy Price on application
Sole Occupancy Price on application
Advertised pricing is based on per person twin share.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
