22 July

Germany: Dresden

Dresden is one of Germany’s most beautiful cities, a symphony of striking baroque architecture. The restored Altstadt is a quite remarkable sight given its near total destruction during the Second World War, which was followed by years of neglect under the communist government of East Germany.

22 July to 25 July

Germany: Berlin

Your day trip to Berlin will be exhausting but rewarding, as you try to understand this vibrant city in the space of a few hours. Amazing museums and galleries, beautiful parks, leafy boulevards and busy shopping streets all clamour for your attention. Moving memorials sit alongside classic architecture and remarkable modern buildings.

25 July to 27 July

Poland: Warsaw

27 July to 29 July

Poland: Krakow

29 July to 30 July

Hungary: Budapest

Budapest is one of Eastern Europe’s most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent, but plenty of beautiful buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen’s Basilica.

31 July to 1 August

Austria: Vienna

Formerly the centre of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna is as grand a European capital as you can imagine, jam packed full of thrusting, bombastic buildings that stand as a reminder of Austria’s glorious imperial heyday.

2 August

Austria: Krems

Krems sits on the river Danube at the eastern end of the beautiful Wachau Valley, surrounded by vineyards. It’s an attractive old town, with pretty cobbled streets and a good selection of galleries and museums, as well as some excellent restaurants.

2 August

Austria: Dürnstein

One of the prettiest towns in Austria’s Wachau Valley, little Dürnstein charms visitors with its handsome 16th century architecture. Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned in the castle that sits on the hillside above the town, and the region is also famous for its wine.

3 August

Austria: Brandstatt

3 August

Germany: Passau

The pretty Bavarian town of Passau, situated close to Germany’s border with Austria, enjoys a unique setting at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn, the Ilz and the Danube. The narrow cobbled streets of the handsome old town, the Altstadt, are quite delightful.

4 August

Germany: Regensburg

Originally founded by the Celts and later an important Roman settlement, Regensburg is one of Bavaria’s lesser known gems. Situated on the northernmost bend of the Danube, it’s a friendly and laid back city, with an exceptionally well preserved medieval centre.

5 August

Germany: Nuremberg

Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second city, first pops up in the history books in 1050 as a stronghold of the Franks, and later became the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Nowadays the city is a tourist magnet thanks to the beautifully restored old town, Christmas markets and excellent beer.

6 August

Germany: Bamberg

Bamberg’s eye-catching, UNESCO-listed old town is one of the most beautiful in all of Germany. The city was briefly capital of the Holy Roman Empire, and the city centre is still dominated by the 13th century cathedral. There are also plenty of breweries, and you shouldn’t leave without trying Bamberg’s famous smoked beer.

7 August

Germany: Würzburg

The handsome town of Würzburg, situated on the river Main between Nuremberg and Frankfurt, was ruled for centuries by a succession of powerful prince-bishops. Although much of the city was destroyed during the Second World War, the majestic 18th century Residenz palace stands as a testament to the wealth of the bishopric.

8 August

Germany: Wertheim

The picturesque medieval town of Wertheim sits at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers, and is known for its castle, cobbled streets and charming half-timbered houses. The surrounding countryside is perfect for a bike ride, a gentle hike or a wine tasting tour.

8 August

Germany: Miltenberg

The quaint little Bavarian town of Miltenberg sits on the Main river to the southeast of Frankfurt, with a beautiful old town that survived the Second World War unscathed. Timber-framed buildings lean at jaunty angles overhead, not least in the ‘Black Quarter’, where the streets are so narrow that the sunlight barely reaches ground level.

9 August

Germany: Rüdesheim

The pretty little town of Rüdesheim, situated on a bend in the Rhine surrounded by vineyards, is a popular destination for travellers looking for a slice of quintessentially German village life. The Drosselgasse, a narrow cobbled lane flanked by old timber frame buildings, is particularly atmospheric.

9 August

Germany: Bonn

10 August

Germany: Cologne

Cologne is a wonderfully warm and welcoming city, its skyline dominated by one of the most beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe. You will likely spend most of your time in the attractive Altstadt (Old Town), home to beer halls aplenty and some fascinating museums.

11 August to 12 August

Arriving in Amsterdam

Amsterdam is one of our very favourite cities to visit, as well as also being a perfect base to explore the nearby landscape of windmills and dikes. There is a wealth of famous museums and galleries to choose from, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.