Grand Alpine Explorer & Danube Cruise

We meet at our Departure Office in London St Pancras to board the Eurostar to Paris. We continue by train Montreux, in Switzerland, before transferring to our hotel for 2 nights, close to the shores of Lake Geneva.

• Dinner

Today, we take a local train to Cully in the Lavaux region, where terraced vineyards rise from the shores of Lake Geneva. We enjoy a guided tour of the vineyards from on board a charming local land train before visiting a nearby winery for a talk and a wine tasting. Later, we return to Vevey by rail where the rest of your day is free to relax.

• Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, we embark on what is undoubtedly one the highlights of our holiday, enjoying a journey on the iconic Glacier Express. Affectionately referred to as 'the slowest express train in the world', we wonder at the panoramic views across sprawling Alpine landscapes as the train makes its way through quintessentially Swiss mountain scenery.

The climax of our journey comes as we cross the famous Landwasser Viaduct and traverse the terrain of the upper Rhine Valley. The train climbs steadily up and over the Oberalp Pass, the peak of the route, then spirals downwards past countless villages before reaching the town of Chur. Here, we transfer into our hotel* for the night.

*Hotel may vary depending on departure date.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we travel by rail to Innsbruck. Located in the Inn Valley and set against the dramatic backdrop of the Alps, Innsbruck is known for its imperial buildings and quaint Old Town. Magnificently preserved, this area still reflects the Tyrolean capital's historic and cultural past, boasting wonderful Renaissance and Baroque buildings, as well as traditional Tyrolean architecture. After checking into our hotel, the rest of our evening is free to explore or relax.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We take a trip on the Zillertalbahn today, taking in the breathtaking scenery of Austria's Tyrol region. After journeying to Jenbach by mainline rail, we take our seats in the train's cheerful red carriages for a journey that takes us across the Ziller valey floor, offering a glimpse into the distinct charm of Austria's verdant countryside. We snake our way past quaint Tyrolean towns and villages on the way to the ski resort of Mayrhofen, where there's some free time. The picturesque town is a delight to explore, with cobbled streets lined with a host of enticing shops, restaurants and pavement cafés.

• Breakfast

Our destination today is Budapest. After breakfast we make the rail journey to Salzburg, where we change trains for Budapest. On arrival in the Hungarian capital, we board our Amadeus ship and are welcomed with a cocktail in the lounge. This evening we take in the illuminated sights of this city, which is split into 2 halves, 'Buda' and 'Pest'. During our tour, we sail past impressive riverside attractions such as the Parliament building, Buda's Castle Quarter, the Széchenyi Chain Bridge and Gellért Hill with its Liberty Statue standing proud, sat above spotlights. After a delicious welcome dinner, we are treated to an on-board performance from a local Hungarian folk band.

• Breakfast, Dinner

This morning we enjoy a guided coach tour, introducing us to Budapest's main sights. We pass imposing buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnificent State Opera House and St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and Fishermen's Bastion. We return to the ship for lunch, after which you have some free time before we begin cruising to Bratislava, passing through the splendid Danube Bend along the way. This section of the river has a long and fascinating history, and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar, you'll be able to see castle ruins, churches, pretty houses hidden in the hills and dense forests.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We moor in Bratislava, setting out after lunch for a guided coach tour of the Slovakian capital. Bratislava straddles the Danube, neatly dividing the city into 2 parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the new city. This picture-postcard destination boasts historic Gothic buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and galleries, and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic centre features delightful cobblestoned roads, pedestrianised plazas, 18th-century Rococo buildings and street cafés galore where you can try Slovak dishes such as bryndzové halušky (dumplings with sheep's cheese) or pierogis. Following our excursion, we return to the ship for another delicious 5-course dinner.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a calm night of cruising, we arrive in glorious Vienna for a comprehensive sightseeing tour. The tour starts at Südtiroler Platz and takes us along the Ringstrasse boulevard, where we see many of the popular tourist attractions. Firstly, we take a look at the impressive Vienna State Opera, one of the most acclaimed opera houses in the world and home to the famous "Opera Ball" which takes place every year. Next, we see the monumental buildings of the Museums of Fine Art and Natural History, the neo-classical Parliament, the acclaimed Burgtheater, and the striking City Hall, where the legendary Life Ball takes place. Tonight, after dinner, a real treat awaits us on board as we are joined by musicians from Vienna's Philharmonic Orchestra for an exclusive, private recital. Be whisked away by the music and immerse yourself in this singularly exceptional experience as we're serenaded by members of one of the most skilled orchestras in the world.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we reach Austria's Wachau Valley, a famous wine-making region. We arrive in the idyllic town of Dürnstein where you have free time to explore its castle and learn about its history. Or perhaps the family-owned wineries and vineyards take your fancy? Later, we sit down to lunch on board our ship and begin cruising along the Wachau Valley, a scenic region characterised by tiered vineyards, picturesque riverside towns, and commanding fortresses. Arriving into Emmersdorf, we journey by coach to Melk Abbey, enjoying entrance to this 11thcentury Benedictine Abbey. We re-join our ship in the evening to begin sailing to Linz.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we disembark in Linz, where you have a choice of excursions: you could head into the countryside for a day amidst the spectacular Austrian lakes. Make stops in UNESCO-listed Hallstatt, one of Austria's most photographed villages thanks to its traditional, pastel-coloured houses, as well as Mondsee. This pretty town is set on the lake of the same name and its most famous sight is the 15th-century parish church, which featured in 'The Sound of Music'. Otherwise, travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee, one of Austria's most famous cities and known as the birthplace of Mozart. A guided sightseeing tour here reveals the city's renowned Baroque architecture that makes it a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage site. We join the ship again in Passau.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Regensburg is our port of call this morning, which we explore on foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that testify to its history as a prosperous trading centre. Our tour takes us around Regensburg's beautiful Old Town, where sights include the Porta Praetoria, the Old Town Hall, and the medieval patrician houses - the old city homes of wealthy landowners - with their impressive towers. Back on board tonight, we attend the captain's gala dinner, a chance to don our finest evening wear and celebrate.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We disembark after breakfast, bidding a farewell to Regensburg. We board our train at Passau station and travel to Frankfurt. Here, we continue to Brussels before boarding the Eurostar to London St Pancras. Arriving in the evening, our holiday comes to an end.

• Breakfast