Discover the timeless treasures of fairytale Bavaria, before exploring nine enchanting medieval cities on a luxurious river cruise along the scenic Rhine and Danube

Your holiday begins at London St Pancras, meeting the Tour Manager and fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. After changing 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.

This morning after breakfast, we journey to the traditional town of Füssen by rail, where we spend the next three nights. After checking in to 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 the 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.

A journey to the village of Schwangau to visit one of Bavaria's finest castles awaits after breakfast today. Commissioned by King Ludwig II, Neuschwanstein Castle is an architectural masterpiece, famed for inspiring Disney's Sleeping Beauty and offering spectacular views across the valley. Inside, ornate carvings, lavish murals and an opulent throne room reveal the castle's fairytale grandeur.

After time to savour the views, we continue to beautiful Lake Eibsee, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain backdrop. There is time to soak up the scenery before we head to Garmisch-Partenkirchen station, to board the iconic Zugspitze Railway. This historic cogwheel train climbs high through dramatic alpine scenery as we ascend Germany's highest mountain. At the Zugspitze Platt, we complete the final stretch by cable car, soaring above the clouds to the summit, where free time allows us to admire breathtaking panoramic views across hundreds of mountain peaks.

Descending the mountain, we return to our hotel in Füssen, where you can relax and freshen up before dinner this evening.

Today, we set out to explore two of Bavaria's cultural highlights. Our first stop is Linderhof Palace, the smallest of King Ludwig II's royal residences. Inspired by the Palace of Versailles, it's surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with ornate fountains and decorative pavilions. Inside, opulent rooms and intricate detailing offer a fascinating insight into the king's vision.

Leaving Linderhof Palace, we transfer by coach to the Church of Wies, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Bavarian Rococo architecture. Built in the 18th century as a pilgrimage church, it was created to house a statue said to have shed tears, drawing visitors from across the region. Set against a tranquil alpine backdrop, the church is renowned for its light-filled interior, elegant stuccowork and stunning trompe-l'œil ceiling.

There is free time to explore and admire the surroundings at leisure before we return to the hotel, where there is time to relax before dinner this evening.

After breakfast this morning, we begin the next part of our holiday. First, our coach takes us to the charming spa town of Prien am Chiemsee, a tranquil lakeside setting on the shores of the vast Chiemsee - also known as 'the sea of Bavaria'. There is free time to stroll along the waterfront, admire the scenery or relax in one of the town's idyllic cafés.

After, we continue our journey by coach to the port of Passau where our luxurious ship, the Amadeus Riva, awaits. We are welcomed on board the ship with a refreshing cocktail which you may choose to enjoy on the deck.

After settling into our cabins, we set sail along the serene waters of the Danube before gathering for the first dinner of our cruise.

Regensburg is our first port of call after breakfast this morning, which we discover on a guided city walk through its beautifully preserved historic streets. A highlight of the tour is the striking St Peter's Cathedral, admired especially for its beautiful stained-glass windows.

After lunch back onboard the ship, we visit Weltenburg Abbey, the oldest Benedictine monastery in Bavaria, located on a scenic bend of the Danube Gorge. This magical setting is home to a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, with stunning frescoes, intricate stucco work and a grand façade. One of the abbey's highlights is the stunning Baroque altar - an exquisitely carved masterpiece, richly decorated with gold leaf and featuring a beautiful painting of the Annunciation - it is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Returning to the ship later this afternoon, there is time to relax before dinner, as we continue our journey along the Danube.

This morning is yours to spend leisurely onboard. You can relax in the lounge area or soak up the scenery on the sundeck as we cruise gently towards the historic city of Nuremberg, arriving this afternoon.

After lunch on board, we disembark for a guided tour of this magnificent walled city, once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Travelling by coach into the heart of the city, we view the imperial Kaiserburg Castle, impressively situated overlooking the enchanting Altstadt marketplace.

The square exudes a unique medieval charm, with vibrant figurines, stone sculptures and murals that bring the city's rich medieval history to life. After, we return to the ship with time to unwind before a relaxing dinner onboard. As we dine, we set sail for Bamberg, cruising overnight.

Early this morning, we arrive in the beautiful 9th-century town of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering a blend of history, Baroque beauty and local Bavarian life.

After disembarking, we set out on a guided walking tour to explore this enchanting medieval town. Among the impressive buildings, we are shown the magnificent Bamberg Cathedral, with spires that soar above the city, and the charming Old Town Hall, adorned with frescoes and uniquely built on a bridge spanning the Regnitz river. We also walk through the district of 'Little Venice', where picturesque half-timbered houses line the riverside.

After our walking tour, we return to the ship for lunch and the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure onboard as we cruise to our next destination of Ochsenfurt. Make the most of the ship's elegant facilities and enjoy the ever-changing scenery before dinner this evening.

We moor in the port of Ochsenfurt this morning before travelling along Bavaria's much-loved Romantic Road to the beautifully preserved town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Often referred to as the 'Jewel of Germany', this picturesque town is brimming with medieval character and was even featured in the classic film Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, due to its fairytale streets and timeless charm.

During a sightseeing tour, we stroll along atmospheric cobbled lanes, past brightly painted houses and characterful market squares, taking in the city's fascinating history and culture.

After our tour, we rejoin the ship in Würzburg for lunch before continuing to our next stop - the Würzburg Residenz. This grand palace is known for its mix of architectural styles, from French château elegance to Viennese baroque splendour, and was home to several generations of the Schönborn family. Leaving the Residenz, we later indulge in a wine-tasting experience, savouring the rich flavours of the region.

This morning, we arrive in the charming town of Wertheim, where we step ashore and travel by coach to begin a guided walking tour. Our tour takes in the town's ancient castle, perched above the medieval centre and historic marketplace, before we visit the Glass Museum. Here, we can admire an extensive collection of glass objects spanning both past and present.

Next, we continue by coach to Miltenberg, a picturesque town surrounded by dense green forests and gentle hills. Its beautifully preserved medieval centre is explored on a guided tour, revealing half-timbered houses, atmospheric streets and one of the town's most striking landmarks - the hilltop castle overlooking the town. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle has been carefully 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 the ship for lunch with the remainder of the day at leisure on board as we cruise gently towards Mainz.

Set on the banks of the Rhine River in the heart of Germany's winelands, Mainz is our destination this morning. After an early breakfast, we disembark for a guided tour of the city. Once an important centre of the Holy Roman Empire, Mainz boasts a rich and complex history - from its medieval prominence to the extensive damage it suffered during World War Two - and today it is known as one of Germany's media cities.

Our guided tour brings this fascinating city to life. Highlights include the striking 1,000-year-old Romanesque cathedral, the Mainz Dom, as well as a stroll through the Old Town, where preserved half-timbered buildings stand alongside distinctive red-stone buildings. There is free time after the tour to soak up the sights of the city independently.

Returning to our ship for lunch, the afternoon and evening is at leisure onboard. We enjoy our final dinner together this evening as our ship sails to Cologne, where we moor overnight.

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 have explored some of Germany's most 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 Brussels. In the Belgian capital, we switch trains to London St Pancras. On arrival in the late afternoon, your holiday comes to an end and you are free to continue your journey home.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

We enjoy a journey on the narrow-gauge Zugspitze Railway on some of our tours. The line takes us from the charming Bavarian town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen on an 11-mile journey to the peak of Germany's highest mountain - overcoming a height difference of 2,897ft.

On leaving Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the electric train runs through the gentle countryside surrounding the town, including flat, fertile farmland and glorious meadows. Continuing past a scattering of small villages, the line begins its ascent; about four miles from Garmisch the train begins to use a rack-and-pinion system to negotiate the steep gradient.

From the base of the mountain, the scenery becomes ever-more dramatic, with the spiky, snow-covered peaks towering over dense patches of woodland below. After pausing at Eibsee station, our journey continues into the mountains, using a series of wide curves to gain height. Zugspitze Railway then passes through Höllental or 'Hell Valley' named for its dramatic slopes and narrow gorge that made climbing the mountain difficult. We then run through an area thick with pine trees before disappearing onto a long tunnel built to protect the railway from the most extreme weather. We emerge near the summit of Zugspitze, where the views out over Bavaria and Austria are incredible.

The MS Amadeus Riva is a 'masterpiece of design' and offers impeccable cabin spaces with 67 deluxe cabins and 12 Amadeus suites. Made up of 4 decks, the ship features several facilities including the panorama bar, restaurant, river terrace, as well as a wellness centre where you can book a relaxing massage, or arrange one of many beauty treatments. Each bedroom onboard comes with a spacious ensuite bathroom, a mini bar, a flatscreen television, walk-in wardrobe, and either a double or twin bed. Some rooms also offer panoramic windows or a balcony.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.