2021 Budapest > Paris

A festive tradition

Europe at Christmas transforms into a happy hive of activity as markets spring to life in every town and market square.

From charming villages to great cultural centres, you can look forward to the hum and buzz of Christmas as treats, toys, charms and trinkets of every description come out in a joyful display. In many places, the delicacies and decorations still honour age-old traditions.

Tour Code:: CMPA
Duration:: 18 days
Departure City:: Budapest
Return City:: Paris

Selected Itinerary

18 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Budapest

Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Budapest

Freechoice

Join a guided tour of Budapest, or relax at the city’s Thermal Baths and Spa. Alternatively, take an active hike to Buda Hill, or brave the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Vienna

Enjoy the many splendid vistas as you cruise the beautiful Danube river.

Enrich

Be enthralled by a private classical evening concert at the enchanting Palais Liechtenstein.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Vienna

Freechoice

Take a guided tour of Vienna, or visit Schönbrunn Palace. Alternatively, learn about Viennese coffee culture during a guided tour, or cycle to the Danube Island.

Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Vienna’s magical Christmas markets.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Dürnstein > Melk

Freechoice

Enjoy a guided bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk, or be guided through Melk’s Benedictine Abbey. Alternatively, meet a Schnapps producer and sample some of the many flavours on offer.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Salzburg

Freechoice

Enjoy a guided tour of the Baroque Old Town of Salzburg, or join a walking tour focused on sights from the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music’.

Enrich

Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Regensburg

Enjoy a guided walking tour of this fabulous city including its well-preserved medieval centre.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Nuremberg

Freechoice

Take a walking tour of this fascinating city, or visit moving WWII sites. Alternatively, join a gingerbread baking class.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Bamberg

Explore the old town of Bamberg with a local guide.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Würzburg

Freechoice

Take a guided tour of Rothenburg with time to wander the famed Reiterlesmarkt that has a history dating back to the 15th century, or stay in Würzburg and visit the Bishop’s Residenz Palace and sample some delicious wine.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - Miltenberg

Freechoice

Visit a local monastery and learn about beer production, or meet a winemaker and join him for a taste of his fine wines. Alternatively, be introduced to a Baron and Baroness and discover how they celebrate Christmas, or opt to visit a Schnapps producer or a local farming family, and toast the festive season as you sample some of their produce.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Rhine Gorge > Rüdesheim

Explore charming Rüdesheim, including a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
Enjoy free time and perhaps try delicious glühwein or hot chestnuts amid the stalls.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 - Cologne

Take a guided tour through Cologne before time at leisure to explore the delights of the Christmas markets set with the wonderful Cathedral as their backdrop.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 - Amsterdam

Freechoice

Explore the city by bicycle, or by foot during a guided tour. Alternatively, experience an iconic canal cruise, or visit the villages of Schermerhorn & Alkmaar.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 - Amsterdam > Paris

Travel by high-speed train to Paris, and spend three nights at one of our luxurious hotels, located in the heart of the Opera district.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 16 - Paris

Freechoice

Discover Paris on a guided tour or enjoy a guided tour of Montmartre.

Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 17 - Paris

You have a free day today to explore Paris at leisure.

Freechoice Dining

Tonight, savour delicious cuisine at the Brasserie on the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower. Alternatively, take in dinner and a show at the world-famous Lido.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 18 - Paris

Farewell Paris after breakfast, taking with you many wonderful memories.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above.

Meals Included: Breakfast