DAY 1: UK - Berlin.
Fly to Berlin, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)

DAY 2: Berlin - Potsdam.
Germany's capital is an exhilarating blend of old and new. Enjoy a morning tour exploring the grandiose architecture of the Western district before moving to the former Russian zone, passing through the famous Checkpoint Charlie entry point. Here, gaze at the renowned Berlin Wall, which divided the city until 1989, and admire the majestic Brandenburg Gate and Avenue 'Unter den Linden'. This afternoon brings more delights, with an optional visit to Potsdam to see the 18th century New Palace, a vast Baroque mansion built by Frederick the Great to receive visiting dignitaries. Explore Sanssouci, Frederick's extravagant Rococo-style summer palace, said to rival Versailles for its beauty. (B)

DAY 3: Berlin - Meissen - Dresden.
An early morning drive to Dresden to experience this 800-year old Baroque city, now risen from the ashes after its devastation in World War II. En-route, you will stop at Meissen, a quaint medieval town famed for manufacturing Europe's first porcelain. Enjoy an optional tour of its world-famous factory to see the delicate porcelain being made and inspect its collection of finished pieces, perhaps buying some souvenirs of your visit. (B)

DAY 4: Dresden - Prague.
This morning, discover the splendours of Dresden close-up on an included city tour. Set on the River Elbe, the city's main attractions include the wonderful Zwinger Palace with its Baroque pavilions and gardens, the graceful Opera house, and the Church of Our Lady. There's time this afternoon to explore more of the city at leisure before your journey to Prague, arriving in the Czech Republic's capital in the early evening. (B, D)

DAY 5: Prague.
Known as the 'Golden City', Prague inspires everyone who visits. Boasting a magnificent medieval Old Town of cobbled streets and romantic courtyards, highlights include the Old Town Hall with its astronomical clock, the ornate Charles Bridge, and Hradcany Castle - one of the world's largest ancient castles. Amble along delightful Golden Lane and admire the charming castle district, dominated by the glorious St Vitus Cathedral, a coronation site for Czech royalty. Later, explore the city at your own pace, perhaps relaxing at one of the lively pavement cafes, visiting Jan Palach Square or meandering around its postcard-perfect centre. (B)

DAY 6: Prague - Nuremberg.
Today, drive to Nuremberg to board MS Amadeus Symphony for your seven-night river cruise, setting sail in the evening. Your cruise includes full board from dinner this evening until breakfast on day 13. (B, D)

DAY 7: Nuremberg - Regensburg.
This morning we continue sailing to the beautifully preserved medieval city of Regensburg. An included walking tour this afternoon will reveal the highpoints of its charming centre, including the atmospheric Market Square, Old Town Hall and fine 12th century bridge. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Passau - Linz.
Sitting at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers, arcaded Passau will capture your heart with its 2,000-year-old history. Explore ornate St Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world's largest pipe organ, the New Episcopal Residence, the impressive Town Hall and many more architectural jewels on an included city walk. Perhaps join the optional excursion to Salzburg, the 'City of Music' and once home to Mozart. View its beautiful old quarter, see Mozart's former house and enjoy a specially organised concert of works by the great composer and Haydn. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Melk - Dürnstein.
Arrive in Melk this morning for a leisurely optional excursion of the town, visiting the spectacular 900-year old Benedictine Abbey, with its stunning views of the Danube and surrounding countryside. Continue cruising through the lush, vine-rich countryside of Austria's Wachau Valley to medieval Dürnstein where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned. Enjoy a walk through this pretty little baroque town, surrounded by the fortifying walls of Keurnringsberg Castle. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Vienna.
Enjoy a memorable tour of Vienna's Imperial architecture on a drive around the majestic Ringstrasse to see the lavish Opera House, stunning Parliament and other grand buildings. You'll also have free time to explore more of Vienna's Baroque elegance, or perhaps join an optional excursion to the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Habsburgs, to admire its frescoes, ornate chambers and exquisite gardens. This evening, enjoy an optional Vienna by night excursion and see beautifully illuminated buildings on the Ringstrasse before visiting a traditional Austrian 'Heuriger' wine tavern. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Vienna - Bratislava.
Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of Bratislava this morning. Burgeoning with historic landmarks, including the splendid Grassalkowich Palace and Archbishop's Summer Palace, the Slovakian capital never fails to delight. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Budapest.
Dubbed the 'Queen of the Danube', the Hungarian capital has two districts - old 'Buda' and more modern 'Pest' - linked by seven magnificent bridges. Lose yourself in this spellbinding, lively city by ambling along its broad avenues, discovering its picturesque castle-topped old quarter and admiring the turreted Fisherman's Bastion and St Matthias Church on an included tour. Finish your evening with a traditional folklore program. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Budapest - UK.
After breakfast this morning, transfer to Budapest airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)