Effortless style, warm summers and cold al fresco beers: little wonder Munich is wryly described as Italy’s most northern city. And yet the Bavarian capital is Germany at its most quintessential: the home of lederhosen, rococo palaces and BMW. In this former royal capital in the shadow of the Alps, days can be spent drifting from one world-class art gallery to the next, hitting the boutiques of Maximilianstrasse or idling by the banks of the Eisbach as it ripples through the vast English Garden.

Today, visit Munich’s Residence Palace, followed by time to explore the city on your own. Then, board your riverboat in nearby Passau. After relaxing in your cabin or suite, meet fellow guests for a cocktail and dinner on board.

Perched on the banks of the Danube, there’s an effortless elegance to the place Beethoven called home. Here, drive the famous Ringstrasse, explore Schönbrunn Palace and step the Viennese waltz in one of the city’s most esteemed dance schools.

The Hungarian capital has long been one of Europe’s great powerhouses, and it certainly looks the part – the Danube is the living line between Buda and Pest, the spires of the national parliament shimmering in its surface, the neoclassical dome of St Stephen’s Basilica behind. Take in the city’s main sights, including Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square and the Great Synagogue, followed by a visit to the Parliament building. This evening, the city is illuminated by a spectacular fireworks display as you cruise the Danube on a floating New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any other.

After a leisurely morning, your ship leaves Budapest with the remainder of the afternoon spent cruising the Danube.

Bratislava’s Gothic old town is offset by Baroque palaces, imposing castles, communist-era apartment blocks and over-the-top statues. Here, see the castle and the "fairy tale" Blue Church. Then, join a local chef for a hands-on cooking class preparing classic Slovakian dishes. After time to explore Bratislava on your own, attend a private cocktail party and chef’s dinner.

Arrive in Melk, where you visit its famed Benedictine abbey. Perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, the abbey allures with soaring gilded towers, an elaborately frescoed church and a vast library of medieval manuscripts. This evening, attend a Captain’s gala dinner on board.

Return to Passau and disembark your boat for a walking tour of the town. Continue to Munich, where you visit a traditional, family-owned brewery for a tasting and lunch. Tonight, join your fellow guests for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.