APT Imperial Europe

Fly from the UK to the iconic canal-covered city of Amsterdam. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship before getting to know your fellow travellers and APT Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception.

After your first dinner on board, you may like to explore the city at your own pace.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing

Perhaps admire Amsterdam’s canals from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th-century homes, churches and merchant houses.

Or visit Zaanse Schans, a lovely village famous for its traditional Dutch houses, windmills and specialty produce. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxing morning sailing down the Rhine, while a local baker conducts a ‘stroopwafel’ demonstration.

Tonight, enjoy a Gala Welcome Dinner.

This morning, awake to a new country, a new city, with unlimited possibilities for what the day could bring.

You’ll then travel to Andernach for your first Signature Experience.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Go beyond the gates of Namedy Castle and wander about the rooms, hidden nooks and grounds, then enjoy a cocktail party in the ballroom.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Take a discovery through Bonn’s historic city centre or set off on a bike to explore.

Today 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.

Dock in Rüdesheim, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities, and choose todays Freedom of Choice Sightseeing activity.

Tonight, you will enjoy a tantalising dinner on board and reflect on your day of activity before retiring to your suite.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to the world’s most beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments.

Alternatively, sample wines from the Rhine Valley during an onboard tasting.

Witness the skilful art of glass-blowing on board as you cruise toward the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg this morning. Watch on in wonder as a highly skilled expert creates beautifully crafted objects using traditional techniques, and learn more about this time-honoured tradition.

Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town of Miltenberg is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war.

Featuring remarkably preserved buildings and lively town squares, this is a beautiful example of Germany’s pre-war history.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ Sightseeing

Perhaps stroll along the winding cobblestone lanes, explore quaint half-timbered shops, mingle with friendly residents and sample some delicious local fare along the way.

Alternatively, acquaint yourself with the German language during an interactive lesson on board your ship.

Otherwise be guided through a picturesque Franconian vineyard as you learn about the specialty wines of the region during a hike.

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™- Sightseeing

If you prefer to see more of the countryside, embark on a journey along the Romantic Road, one of Germany’s original and most celebrated holiday routes. This beautiful thoroughfare takes you through lush wooden swathes of land to the marvellous medieval town of Rothenburg where you’ll stop for an insightful tour.

Otherwise, visit a family-owned farm, where you’ll tour the property before sitting down to morning tea as you learn about local farming life.

This morning your ship will arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II.

Here you will explore the Old Town, with a guide, to discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the River Regnitz. Following your tour, rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal.

Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas and is recognised as a feat of modern engineering.

Nuremberg is a joy to explore during the festive season. On arrival, set out on your preferred activity.

Delve into Nuremberg’s history on a World War II sites tour, or perhaps hike through the Schwarzach Valley.

Choose your sightseeing activity today in Regensburg.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing

On a guided walking tour taking in the city’s highlights, see such sites as the iconic Old Town Hall and the World Heritage-listed city centre.

Alternatively, learn how to polka during a fun Bavarian dance lesson. Another option is a gourmet walking tour, where you will discover culinary secrets of past centuries. Then, gain an insight into the art of haute cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Storstad, where you will enjoy a presentation and the chance to sample a variety of delights.

Or perhaps hear an informative talk on board from a student of the University of Regensburg.

Travel to Salzburg, where a city tour takes you to several sights from Rogers and Hammerstein’s classic film, The Sound of Music.

Afterwards, head to Linz to re-board your ship.

SIGNATURE EXERIENCE Take in a traditional Krampus mask show, a Salzburg Christmas custom.

Cruise through the Wachau Valley wine region today. On arrival to Dürnstein, roam the village’s cobblestone lanes at your leisure and perhaps view the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was -imprisoned in 1192.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™- Sightseeing

Disembark in Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. Or join a local guide for a tour of the town. You may then choose to ride a bike along the banks of the Danube River from Melk to -Durnstein, or rejoin your ship and cruise to -Durnstein instead.

Today, enjoy a special festive guided tour of Vienna. Walk through the beautifully decorated city centre and enjoy a stop at the charming Christmas markets at City Hall.

Here, sample spiced wine and gingerbread before free time to browse the market.

Later, take in an enchanting Christmas recital in a local church.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Tonight, visit the family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace and attend an exclusive cocktail reception and a private festive concert.

A second day in Vienna presents a host of options for discovery. FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Perhaps join an excursion to Bratislava, the diverse capital of nearby Slovakia. Its mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist-era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts.

Another option is to embark on a horse and carriage ride through Vienna, taking in the city’s beautiful Christmas decorations.

Alternatively, enjoy an onboard baking demonstration on how to make the perfect Christmas cookies.

Travel to Schönbrunn Palace for a guided tour before free time to explore the famous Christmas market right in front of the palace.

Afterwards, see how traditional apple strudel is prepared at the Residenz Café.

Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport for your flight to the UK.

Today, enjoy a special festive guided tour of Vienna.

Walk through the beautifully decorated city centre and enjoy a stop at the charming Christmas markets at City Hall. Here, sample spiced wine and gingerbread before free time to browse the market.

Later, take in an enchanting Christmas recital in a local church.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE

Tonight, visit the family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace and attend an exclusive cocktail reception and a private festive concert.

A second day in Vienna presents a host of options for discovery.

Perhaps join an excursion to Bratislava, the diverse capital of nearby Slovakia. Its mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist-era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts.

Another option is to embark on a horse and carriage ride through Vienna, taking in the city’s beautiful Christmas decorations.

Alternatively, enjoy an onboard baking demonstration on how to make the perfect Christmas cookies.

Travel to Schönbrunn Palace for a guided tour before free time to explore the famous Christmas market right in front of the palace.

Afterwards, see how traditional apple strudel is prepared at the Residenz Café.

Perhaps roam Dürnstein’s cobblestone lanes at your leisure. You will then enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Wachau Valley as you cruise to Melk, where you’ll select your preferred activity.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey, otherwise a local expert is on hand to show you around town.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing From Linz, head to Salzburg to visit some of the incredible sights featured in Roger and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music.

Or set off on into the Czech Republic, where Český Krumlov awaits.

Either way, you will re-board your ship in the German town of Passau.

Alternatively, relax on board for the entire day, then explore Passau.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing In Regensburg, explore its World Heritage-listed city centre.

Maybe take a culinary walk and visit the Michelin-starred Storstad.

Return to your ship after the morning’s activity.

A student from the University of Regensburg will come aboard for a presentation.

This amazing city features a grand medieval castle, Gothic churches and poignant World War II sites, such as the Reich Party Rally Grounds. Today, you will set off on the activity of your choice. You will be rewarded with freshly baked gingerbread on your return.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Perhaps embark on a journey through Nuremberg’s history, or keep fit with a hike through the Schwarzach Valley.

Continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg.

On arrival into Bamberg, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything World Heritage-listed Bamberg has to offer.

Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Seize the day with a walk to the 18th-century palace, Würzburg Residence. Perhaps journey along Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg.

Or meet the locals with a visit to a family-owned farm, where a home-cooked morning tea is on the menu.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Pick up the pace and hike through a forested area overlooking spectacular Franconian vineyards.

Or, go slow and head to a local cellar for a tipple or two. You can even stay on your ship and learn a little German.

Relax on board as you cruise into Miltenberg.

Here, you’re free to do as you please or embark on a Freedom of Choice experience.

A little further up the Rhine, your ship is docked at Rüdesheim. Set out on one of three experiences here.

Afterwards, cruise through the scenic Rhine Gorge.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing A gondola ride over the Rhine Valley is a great way to give you a perspective of the town. If you’re up for something a little more quirky, discover Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Otherwise, a fine selection of Rhine Valley wines eagerly await your palate at an onboard tasting.

SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE Later in Andernach, go beyond the gates of Namedy Castle for an exclusive wander through the grounds, followed by a cocktail reception and a piano recital in the ballroom

Welcome to Amsterdam, our final port of call. Set out on your selected experience.

Tonight, celebrate the days that have just gone by with the captain’s farewell dinner.

FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ – Sightseeing Perhaps slow things down and cruise the canals on a glass-top boat.

Or visit Zaanse Schans – known for its windmills and specialty produce. Otherwise, stay on board and relax and unwind.