DAY 1: UK - Budapest.
Fly to Budapest where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay.

DAY 2: Budapest.
Divided by the Danube with its old quarter of Buda on the right bank and bustling, commercial Pest on the left, Budapest is arguably Eastern Europe's most vibrant and graceful city. Brimming with excitement, yet still exuding historic charm, the two parts of the city are connected by seven majestic bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth bridges. Our sightseeing tour includes its multi-spired Fisherman's Bastion, as well as other landmarks. (B)

DAY 3: Budapest.
Continue to enjoy the city at your own leisure. In the afternoon transfer to your cruise ship, MS Avalon Artistry for embarkation, where your crew waits to welcome you on board. (B, D)

DAY 4: Budapest - Vienna.
Sit on deck or in your ship's comfortable lounge today and enjoy the magnificent, ever-changing scenery as we sail through Hungary and Slovakia to Vienna in Austria. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Vienna.
Today, discover the many delights of imperial Vienna, the capital of Austria. Known as the 'City of Music' for being the home of great composers Johann Strauss, Brahms, Mozart and Beethoven, the city glows with elegant Baroque architecture, rich cultural treasures and elegant coffee houses and it's hard not to explore without imagining the sounds of waltzes swirling around you. Once the seat of the mighty Hapsburg Empire, its streets are inlaid with magnificent palaces, grand mansions and delightful squares. See the majestic Hofburg Palace, dramatic St Stephen Cathedral, Vienna State Opera and the ornate Parliament Building and Town Hall. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Dürnstein - Melk.
This morning, your ship cruises through Austria's beautiful Wachau Valley to the delightful town of Dürnstein. Set against craggy hillsides and known for its enchanting blue-and-white Baroque church or Stiftskirche, the town is overlooked by the ruins of a castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. From here, our journey continues to Melk, where a guided tour takes you to the town's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. This stunning 900-year old building features an astonishing library with 365 windows and a church decorated in red, orange and gold, all atop a dramatic cliff top perch. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Linz - Passau.
Austria's third largest city, Linz boasts an illustrious history and a charming old town of cobbled streets radiating from a fine medieval square and grand Cathedral. From here, test your singing voice by taking an optional full-day excursion to Salzburg to take in 'The Sound of Music' sights. Later, cruise to Passau, an ancient German town located where the Danube meets the Ilz and Inn Rivers and bursting with elegant Baroque and Gothic buildings. Our sightseeing tour includes many of this entrancing town's major sights, including its splendid St Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world's second largest organ, which features a staggering 17,774 pipes. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Regensburg.
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Regensburg, one of Germany's largest and best-preserved medieval cities. Admire the soaring spires of the Gothic St Peter's Church with its superb stained glass, see the glorious Town Hall and the fine 12th century Stone Bridge, the oldest in the country. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Nuremberg.
Surrounded by 13th century walls, medieval Nuremburg offers a wealth of beautiful sights, despite suffering extensive damage during World War II. Best known as the venue of the post-World War II war crimes tribunal, the city is also famed for its traditional toy making, handicrafts and fancy metalworking industries. At its heart is a quaint old quarter with a vast town square, stately patrician houses and Gothic churches. Today, see Nuremburg's old town, Imperial Castle and 900-year old ramparts, which are surprisingly well preserved. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Nuremberg - Prague.
Disembark your cruise ship today for our drive across the German-Czech border to Prague for a three-night stay. (B)

DAY 11-12: Prague.
Enjoy two full days in this glorious city, the capital of the Czech Republic, set on the Vltava River. With its spectacular skyline of gleaming spires, domes and pinnacles, this spellbinding city is so beautifully preserved it seems to have dismissed the march of time out of hand. Our included sightseeing covers many of the most striking landmarks amid its wonderful Baroque and Romanesque streets, such as the handsome National Theatre, stunning Church of St Nicholas and Charles Bridge, and the ancient Town Hall with its astronomical clock. There'll be plenty of time to explore in your own way too, perhaps sampling the hearty local cuisine, shopping for hand-cut Bohemian crystal, visiting the charming cafés and soaking up the ebullient atmosphere at famous Wenceslaus Square. (B)

DAY 13: Prague - UK.
Transfer to the airport in Prague for your return flight to the UK. (B)