Eastern Bloc with Magnificent Europe

Welcome to Prague. We will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel. This evening, a welcome reception awaits. Stay Three Nights: Almanac X Prague

Take in city views at Prague Castle, then stroll over Charles Bridge to the Old Town Square. Tonight, dine at Alcron restaurant. (B/D)

• Descendants of the Czech Republic's oldest aristocratic family welcome you to their 18th-century baroque home, Chateau Jemniste. Explore the estate and enjoy a special lunch then watch on in awe as birds of prey free-fly during a falconry display.

Venture into Germany and on to the Dresden Elbe Valley. Visit the Transparent Factory, a building where innovation and stunning architecture meet, which also happens to be the showroom of renowned car manufacturer, Volkswagen. Continue to Berlin for dinner. Stay Three Nights: Westin Grand Berlin (B/D)

Embark on a fascinating discovery of Berlin including a visit to Checkpoint Charlie and Brandenburg Gate, as well as the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. (B)

• Perhaps take a boat ride on the river Spree. Alternatively, visit the one-of-a-kind small streets and renovated courtyards of the artist district, which was once the centre of Jewish life in Berlin. On your route you will encounter traces of the eventful past of this former ‘tolerance district', in which different religions lived peacefully together.

Travel into Poland and arrive in Warsaw. Enjoy dinner at a Polish inn that features classic cuisine alongside live folk music. Stay Two Nights: Warsaw, Hotel Bristol (B/D)

• Later, enjoy a musical celebration of locally-born composer Frederic Chopin during a private concert performance of his famous work.

Today in Auschwitz, visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum for a tour revealing the sombre history of the concentration camp, as well as a walk through the grounds. Later, travel to Krakow, where you will have dinner. Stay Two Nights: Sheraton Grand Krakow Hotel or similar (B/D)

• Take in the sights of Krakow on a walking exploration, including its 13th-century square. Alternatively, learn to make authentic Polish food, such as pierogis, with a local cook as you learn the secrets to this tasty cuisine.

Gain insight into over 700 years of history of mining in Europe with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine. Be amazed by the underground passageways that began operating in the 13th century. Afterwards, travel to Budapest, the romantic capital city of Hungary and board your river ship. Stay 14 Nights: APT Ostara (B/D)

• Enjoy a city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes' Square and St Stephen's Cathedral. Alternatively, board a funicular to Castle Hill, then walk to Fisherman's Bastion.

Enjoy a relaxing morning sailing to Vienna. On arrival, take in the city's many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen's Cathedral. (B/L/D)

• Perhaps visit the 1,441-room Schonbrunn Palace and its gardens. Otherwise, tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia's Bratislava.

• After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein's City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital and a performance by some members of the Mozart Boys' Choir.

• Choose to ride a bike through the Wachau Valley or cruise to Melk for a tour of Melk Abbey.

• Be welcomed by a Jagdhornblaser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a ‘Sound of Music' show.

• In Regensburg, explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre or perhaps get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial.

• Perhaps journey through Nuremberg's World War II sites. Or join a tour focused on Nuremberg's medieval history.

On arrival into Bamberg, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything this World Heritage-listed city has to offer. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board. (B/L/D)

• Embark on a walk to Wurzburg Residence or perhaps travel to the fairy-tale town of Rothenburg. Alternatively, join a hike to Marienberg Fortress.

Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on a guided exploration. Wander through cobblestoned streets and admire the town's enchanting half-timbered houses before time at leisure to explore on your own. (B/L/D)

• Take gondola ride or a visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Alternatively, visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines.

• Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a royal escape set near the Rhine River in Germany. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens, you'll attend a morning tea, where a pianist sets the mood.

• Cruise the canals on a glass-top boat, or visit Zaanse Schans. Otherwise, stay on board and relax and unwind.

Be transferred to the airport. (B)