Day 1. Geneva
Arrive in Geneva today, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later tonight, get to know your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception at the hotel.
Stay: Geneva, Swissotel Metropole
Day 2. Lake Geneva, Montreux
This morning enjoy a cruise on beautiful Lake Geneva, the largest natural freshwater lake in western Europe. Cruise to Chillon, a castle with over 1,000 years of history. Located between the shores of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, this architectural jewel has inspired artists and writers for centuries. After stopping here, cruise to Yvoire, a medieval town on the French side of Lake Geneva. Disembark the cruise in Yvoire, then travel onwards to Montreux and take a brief orientation tour before a Welcome Dinner at your hotel this evening.
Stay: Two Nights: Montreux, Fairmont Le Montreux
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 3. Montreux
After breakfast, board the Chocolate Train from Montreux. Enjoy coffee and croissants on board as you travel to the medieval cheese-making town of Gruyères. On arrival here, travel by bus into the town and visit a cheese factory as well as the Castle of Gruyères, before re-boarding the train and continuing to Broc, home of the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory. Here, observe chocolate production and enjoy samples.
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
Day 4. Täsch, Zermatt
This morning, travel to Täsch, located in the Mattertal Valley. Board a cog-wheel train for the short journey to Zermatt. Situated at the northern base of the famous mountain, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a truly pristine place. Electric cars and horse-drawn sleighs and carriages are the only transport permitted, ensuring that the alpine air is exceptionally clean. On arrival, check in to your hotel before dinner tonight. The remainder of the evening is yours to spend at leisure.
Stay: Two Nights: Zermatt, Grand Hotel Zermatterhof
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 5. Zermatt, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today ride a cable car to the summit of the Matterhorn for breathtaking panoramic views. This afternoon, enjoy a choice of touring activities. The adventurous might like to opt for an Alpine guided hike or a kickbike scooter tour; alternatively, explore the displays at Matterhorn Museum.
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
Day 6. Como, Dine Around Dinner
Continue your journey to the stunning Italian Lake District and arrive at Como, on the shores of the beautiful glacial Lake Como. Tonight, enjoy a relaxing dinner in the elegant surrounds of your hotel or, enjoy classic Italian fare at a local restaurant.
Stay: Como, Albergo Terminus Hotel
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 7. Lake Como, St Moritz
This morning in Como, take a cruise on the tranquil waters of Lake Como. Thanks to its mountainous backdrop as well as the charming villas and towns sitting on its banks, Lake Como is one of Italy’s most romantic attractions. Then, travel to the historically rich town of Bellinzona. Ride a lift from Piazza Del Sole to Castelgrande, before visiting the Castello De Montebello. Having visited two of Bellinzona’s World Heritage-listed castles, it’s time to depart for one of the most famous winter resorts in the world - St Moritz, which enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Stay: St Moritz, Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 8. St Moritz, Andermatt, Lucerne, Dine Around Dinner
Depart St Moritz today, boarding the Glacier Express for a rail journey known to be one of Europe’s most scenic. Travelling at a deliberately relaxed pace, this three-hour journey allows ample time to absorb the scenery outside your panoramic windows. Cross bridges and viaducts, travel through tunnels and marvel at the alpine landscapes, snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys and pretty villages. During the journey, enjoy lunch on board. Arrive in Andermatt and travel by coach to Lucerne. Check in to your hotel, and enjoy a Dine Around Dinner tonight. Relax and dine in the elegant surrounds of your hotel, or enjoy a unique dining experience at Stadtkeller Musik Restaurant, where cow bells, costumes and yodelling will bring your evening to life alongside delicious traditional food.
Stay: Three Nights: Lucerne, Palace Hotel Luzern
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 9. Lucerne, Freedom of Choice Touring
Explore Lucerne, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne and within sight of spectacular Mt Pilatus and Mt Rigi, with a choice of touring activities. Cruise the beautiful lake, or discover Lucerne with a walking tour. If you’re feeling adventurous, you may enjoy a husky dogsled experience, a unique way to explore this beautiful mountain region. This afternoon, tour nearby Zürich, including such sights as the famous commercial centre, the Old Town, Fraumünster Church with its famous Chagall windows and historical Limmatquai.
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
Day 10. Lucerne, Engelberg, Mt Titlis
After breakfast this morning, board your coach and travel from Lucerne to the neighbouring mountain resort town of Engelberg. Here, enjoy a brief tour taking in Engelberg Abbey and more. Then enjoy the truly breathtaking opportunity to ride the cable car from the town, over the scenic mountain landscape and up to Mt Titlis.
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
Day 11. Munich
Travel to Munich today, enjoying the magnificent Swiss scenery as you travel aboard your luxury coach past stunning alpine mountainscapes. Arrive in Munich and relax at your hotel.
Stay: Three Nights: Munich, Sofitel Bayerpost
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
Day 12. Munich Sightseeing, Freedom of Choice Touring
Explore the beautiful capital city of Bavaria today with a sightseeing tour this morning and a range of touring activities in the afternoon. You may like to visit the BMW museum, tour the Stadtmuseum or take an excursion to the infamous Dachau Concentration Camp.
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
Day 13. Munich, Castles of Bavaria
Today, head out into the picturesque Bavarian countryside and visit Neuschwanstein Castle for a tour of this 19th century Bavarian palace. The most photographed building in Germany, the castle is set on a rugged hill, and inspired the famous Disney Castle. Also, take a tour of impressive Linderhof Castle, before returning to Munich.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 14. Munich, Budapest
This morning, board your included flight to Budapest. On arrival, board your luxury river ship, moored on the Danube River.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Dinner
Day 15. Budapest
On a tour of Budapest, take in such sights as Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and Buda Castle. Then visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a tour, a glass of champagne and a private opera recital. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner. Afterwards, take in the sparkling lights along the river as your ship departs Budapest and cruises through the city.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 16. Vienna, Dine Around Dinner
Enjoy a walking tour of the historic city of Vienna this morning, followed by coffee and a traditional ‘sachertorte’. This evening, you have a choice of three tantalising dining options.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 17. Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring
Enjoy your second day in Vienna with a choice of touring activities. Travel by coach to Schönbrunn Palace for a tour inside this magnificent residence followed by a trip to the Carriage Museum within the palace grounds. Explore the impressive collection of artwork at the Fine Arts Museum, or another impressive collection, the Hofburg crown jewels at the Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer, which houses a 1,000 year old collection of treasures. Alternatively, take an excursion to nearby Bratislava in Slovakia for a Communist themed tour of historic landmarks.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 18. Dürnstein, Freedom of Choice Touring, Melk
This morning stop in Dürnstein. Here, perhaps take a walking tour before cruising on to Melk. Or borrow a bicycle and enjoy a guided ride along the Danube to Melk. On arrival in Melk, both groups will then tour beautiful Melk Abbey, a famous monastic site overlooking the Danube.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 19. Linz, Freedom of Choice Touring, Passau
Upon arrival in Linz, choose from a range of touring options. Perhaps join a day tour to Salzburg and its ‘Sound of Music’ sights. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy an apple strudel demonstration while cruising to Passau for a tour of this historic city. Or, perhaps take an excursion to World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov, an historic town with a distinctive castle, in the Czech Republic.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 20. Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Enjoy a choice of activities, including a walking tour of the city, a visit to the Audi Museum and Factory, or a guided bicycle ride and tour of the temple of Walhalla.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 21. Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today enter the Main-Danube Canal and dock in Nuremberg. Perhaps take a medieval tour, visit landmark sites of World War II, or see the sights by Segway.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 22. Bamberg
Tour World Heritage-listed Bamberg today, including a visit to a Bamberg Beer Haus to enjoy a local brew compliments of APT. Return to your ship and cruise the Main-Danube Canal.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 23. Kitzingen, Würzburg, Rothenburg. Freedom of Choice Touring
This morning, arrive in the quaint town of Kitzingen and enjoy a unique wine tasting event, hosted by the Aulic Council. Sample regional wines in Germany’s oldest wine cellar, built by Benedictine nuns. Then, arrive in Würzburg, capital of Lower Franconia. Embark on a tour, including the Resi-dential Palace, or take an excursion to the medieval town of Rothenburg. This evening, enjoy a special medieval themed dinner.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 24. Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring, Freudenberg
Arrive in Wertheim and enjoy a glass-blowing demonstration by local craftsmen. Then, explore the sights by bicycle, on foot or by water, in a paddling tour in a canoe or kayak along the beautiful Tauber River. Afterwards, visit medieval Wertheim Castle for a private tour and a glass of sparkling Sekt.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 25. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
In Rüdesheim, choose from two unique touring options. Board the Winzerexpress mini-train and take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or sample famous Riesling during a Rhine Valley winery tour and tasting.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 26. Cologne, Düsseldorf Freedom of Choice Touring
Today cruise to Cologne and enjoy a city tour including the spectacular Gothic cathedral. Then, arrive in Düsseldorf and choose to explore the displays at the 2012 Floriade Expo in Venlo, or discover medieval architecture in historic Maastricht.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 27. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring
After a morning cruising you’ll arrive in Amsterdam and choose from various activities. You might like to admire the city on a canal boat tour, visit the famous Van Gogh Museum, or explore historic landscapes and local wildlife in a Wetlands Safari canoe tour. Tonight, join your fellow travellers for a special Farewell Dinner on board your ship.
Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
Day 28. Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark the ship and be transferred to the airport.
Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast
ARIA Cruise Ships operating this itinerary:
MS AmaDolce - Launched 2009
MS AmaLyra - Launched 2009
MS AmaDante - Launched 2008
MS AmaCello - Launched 2008
MS AmaLegro - Launched 2007
MS AmaDagio - Launched 2006