Begin your day in Prague on a majestic note with a visit to Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, St Vitus Cathedral, the biggest and most important church in the country, Golden Lane and the famous Wenceslas Square, which is the hub of cultural, social and business activities in Prague. Not to be missed is the Astronomical Clock, where a crowd gathers at the start of every hour to admire the procession of the Apostles and other allegorical figures. Take a stroll on the medieval Charles Bridge, the symbol of the city of Prague, and admire the baroque statues that flank both sides of the bridge.

Today, visit Regensberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated along the Danube River. It is also one of the most well-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Embark on a sightseeing tour of St Peter’s Cathedral, known for its magnificent stained-glass windows, the Old Town Hall and the famous 12th century Stone Bridge. In the afternoon, visit the Thurn and Taxis Palace, Germany's finest example of historicist architecture, a revival of styles from the past. Highlights include the neo-Renaissance marble staircase and a number of state rooms such as the Yellow and Silver Salons. Then, have a magical time at one of Europe’s most romantic Christmas markets, located in the courtyard of the palace.

This morning, explore Passau, a city and old town which unites three converging rivers, Danube, Inn and Ilz. Stroll down the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, New Bishop’s Residence, Town Hall, and the Christmas market located near the magnificent cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in Europe. Here, you will find intricately manufactured crafts, including Bavarian-style miniature houses and glass ornaments. Discover how gingerbread is made, and have a taste of this famous holiday treat, or sip original Christmas mulled wine, out of festively decorated Christmas mugs.

Start the day travelling through the famous Salzkammergut to Hallstatt, known as the Pearl of the Salzkammergut. Along the way, you will pass many local villages. Due to its significant cultural history, the Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut region became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. As you take a leisurely lakeside walk, admire how the houses above you cling onto the mountainside and also take in the view of Muhlbach waterfalls. In the afternoon, proceed to Salzburg and discover this delightful musical city. Rejoice in sights like Mirabell Palace, Residence Square, Mozart Square and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s birthplace at No.9 Getridegasse Street. Thereafter, visit the most famous Salzburg Christmas market, with the Dom and Residenz Palace as its backdrop. Here, you can watch artisans at work, sip original Christmas mulled wine and enjoy the wide variety of sweets and local delicacies available.

Visit the spectacular Melk Abbey, a historic Austrian Benedictine abbey located above the town of Melk atop a rock outcrop overlooking the Danube River. Built between 1702 and 1736, it is one of the most magnificent Baroque architecture in Austria. The abbey’s church and library, with its countless medieval manuscripts and frescos, are particularly noteworthy. *A guided tour takes you through the abbot’s chambers, along the imperator’s walk and through the marble hall, balconies and library.

This morning, there is much to see and do in impressive imperial Vienna. Embark on a city tour to view significant landmarks from Ringstrasse to Opera House, Hofburg, Parliament Building, Town Hall and Burgtheater. Burgtheater was largely destroyed in a bombing raid in 1945 and a month later, on April 12 1945, it was further damaged by a fire of unknown origin. Thereafter, head to a major Viennese attraction, Schonbrunn Palace. Schonbrunn Palace is part of the World Cultural Heritage and Austria's most visited attraction. This Baroque synthesis of different arts, consisting of a palace and gardens, has been in the possession of the Habsburgs for centuries and has been restored to its original condition. You will find numerous attractions from a tour, through the authentically furnished residential and representational rooms of the imperial family in the palace, a labyrinth in the garden to a separate children's museum. In the afternoon, shop till you drop at the famous shopping street, Karntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent sachertorte or apfelstrudel at one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, which are historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! In the evening, celebrate a wonderful trip with your travel companions at a farewell dinner hosted by the captain of the cruise.