DAY 1: UK - Frankfurt.
Fly to Frankfurt where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your ship, Avalon Affinity. Your cruise includes full board from dinner tonight until breakfast on day 6. (D)

DAY 2: Miltenburg - Wertheim.
This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Miltenberg - a medieval Bavarian village on the banks of the Main that once thrived on income from its river traffic. This picturesque town is crammed with gabled medieval houses and narrow cobbled streets and boasts a splendid Gothic Merchant Hall and fabulous Christmas Market all within strolling distance of your ship. After lunch, learn how to bake the soft cookies sold in local markets before heading for Wertheim. Threaded with winding streets and half-timbered houses, this charming town is renowned for its glassblowing, which in wintertime, specialises in producing exquisite glass Christmas tree baubles. Admire these magical decorations in Wertheim's shop windows before strolling through its fairytale Christmas Market. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: Würzburg - Rothenburg.
Framed by vineyard-cloaked hills, Würzburg is known as the 'Pearl of the Romantic Road' and a regional hub for trade and wine. Its showpiece is its magnificent Bishops' Residenz - a majestic 18th century baroque palace designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its breathtaking frescoes, vaulted chambers and spectacular Mirror Cabinet, a room encased in mirrored walls. This afternoon, travel to Rothenburg via the most scenic section of the famous 'Romantic Road', the spectacular route curling through Bavaria to the Alps. Regarded as one of Germany's most beautiful medieval towns, Rothenburg still has well-preserved walls enclosing a storybook old quarter of gabled houses, fountains, cobbled passageways and gothic churches. Step back in time as you walk the enchanting streets and perhaps try a 'Schneeball', the town's famous snowball-shaped sweet, at its fantastic Christmas market. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Bamberg.
Look forward to exploring another stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site today as you disembark at Bamberg. Founded back in 902 AD, this wonderfully preserved medieval town boasts over 2,000 protected buildings and monuments set on the banks of the Regnitz River. This morning, admire the imperious 'Kaiserdom' cathedral and frescoed Town Hall straddling the river before viewing the winding streets lined with handsome houses and 18th-century mansions. At this time of year the whole town twinkles with Christmas lights and is decorated with magical nativity scenes hand-crafted by local people. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Nuremberg.
Tucked near Germany's border with the Czech Republic, medieval walled Nuremberg suffered catastrophic damage during WWII. Today though, this beautiful town has risen from the ashes, having been fully returned to its former glory. Wonder at its mighty walls, fine gothic churches and elegant, timber-framed patrician residences, all festooned in festive lights and decorations, before heading for the stunning central marketplace. Every December, this charming square lights up with Germany's best-known Christmas Market - the 'Christkindl', whose origins date back to 1628. Comprised of 200 wooden stalls stuffed with sparkling gifts, wooden toys and speciality foods, this wonderful market is steeped in atmosphere and festive spirit. Sample 'Glühwein', the warming local mulled wine and perhaps buy some 'Lebkuchen', the area's decorated soft gingerbread. There's more to enjoy after dinner this evening when you're invited to join us as we sample some of Germany's best-known beers. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Nuremberg - Prague.
Disembark your cruise ship after breakfast and transfer across the Czech border for your visit to the 'Golden City' of Prague. (B)

DAY 7: Prague.
Arguably Europe's most beautiful city, 1,000-year-old Prague straddles the Vltava River and is an architectural treasure box filled with towers, spires and pinnacles all hardly touched by time. Today, marvel at its famous Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all Europe, stroll the magnificent Charles Bridge with its statues of saints and gaze in awe at St. Vitus Cathedral and monumental Hradacany Castle. There's also time to delve into the narrow streets of the atmospheric Old Town, browsing its shops for hand-cut crystal and art books before exploring the magical Christmas Market. Spread out in the huge Old Town square and crowned by a magnificent Christmas tree, this brightly lit circus of wooden huts is fantastic for souvenir shopping. Shop for traditional Czech handicrafts, hand-painted Christmas ornaments and cheerful wooden toys, perhaps stopping for a cup of 'Svarene Vino', the local hot and sweet mulled wine, and plate of traditional roast pork on your wanders. (B)

DAY 8: Prague - UK.
Transfer to the airport in Prague for your return flight to the UK. (B)