Oberammergau and Danube Cruise

We meet at our dedicated Departure Office at London St Pancras where we board the Eurostar service to Paris. From here, we join the rail service to Stuttgart. We spend the night here before continuing the following day down to the beautiful Oberammergau region in southern Germany, our base for the next two nights.

• Day 1 - Eurostar Meal, Dinner
• Day 2 - Breakfast, Dinner

The magnificent Oberammergau Passion Play is held only once every 10 years and is a spectacle worthy of all that preparation. Depicting the final days of Jesus Christ, this theatrical extravaganza features a cast and crew numbering up to the thousands, and features a dazzling array of props, costumes and backdrops. The play is the oldest Passion Play in the world, first put on by the villagers in 1634 as a plea to God to save them from the plague which was ravaging Germany at the time. When the plague 'miraculously' cleared up, the villagers vowed to put on a play for every ten years thereafter. The result is a marvellous display, one which is produced by everyone in the village for thousands of international visitors each decade.

Our tickets for the play are top tier, providing us with front and central seats under the roof of a specially-made auditorium. Split into two halves with a break for a special dinner, we enjoy the performance in the afternoon.

• Breakfast, Dinner

We leave Oberammergau today, travelling by rail via Munich to Budapest. Arriving in the Hungarian capital, we board the Amadeus Silver II and are welcomed with a cocktail in the lounge before dinner. Later be sure to take in the illuminated sights from the panoramic lounge or the sun deck as we sail around the city. We are also treated to a performance from a local Hungarian folk band in the lounge whose music is a hugely important part of this nation's storied culture.

• Breakfast, Dinner

Today we enjoy a guided coach tour, introducing us to Budapest's main sights. We pass impressive 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, all soaked in the golden glow of twilight.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your morning is at leisure aboard before we moor up early this afternoon in Bratislava. After lunch, we set out on a guided coach tour of the Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly divides the city into two 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. 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 into glorious Vienna for a comprehensive sightseeing tour. A metropolitan treasure trove of culture and history, Vienna has been enchanting visitors for centuries, and our tour takes us to the iconic Vienna State Opera, the city hall and the grandiose and majestic Schönbrunn Palace, complete with its extensive parkland and gardens. Later tonight, a real treat awaits us on board, where after dinner we are joined by musicians from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for an exclusive, private recital. Be whisked away by the music and immerse yourself in this exceptional experience, as the Vienna Philharmonic is one of the most popular orchestras in the world.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we reach Austria's Wachau Valley, a famous wine-making region. We arrive in the idyllic village of Dürnstein where you have time at leisure. As we sit down to lunch on board we begin cruising along the picturesque Wachau Valley, an extremely scenic area with green valleys and vineyards rising up from the river, picturesque riverside towns, and commanding fortresses with sweeping views. We then journey by coach to Melk Abbey, enjoying entrance to this 11th century Benedictine Abbey.

• Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We disembark in Linz this morning, where you have a choice of excursions. You could head further into the countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery of the Austrian lakes. Make stops in UNESCO listed Hallstatt, one of Austria's most photographed villages thanks to its traditional, pastel-coloured houses perched on the tiny plain between the mountains and Hallstättersee Lake, 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 wedding scenes of '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 reveals the city's internationally renowned Baroque architecture, a well-deserved UNESCO World Heritage site. We rejoin the ship 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 trading centre which had a huge influence on the whole region from the 9th century onwards. Back on board tonight, we attend the Captain's gala dinner, a chance to don our evening-wear and celebrate our cruise experience. On Day 11 we disembark to start the journey back to the UK by rail, travelling first to Frankfurt before continuing on to Brussels and finally, London.

• Day 10 - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Day 11 - Breakfast, Eurostar Meal