Idyllic Ireland with European Gems

Arrive in Dublin, a lively city steeped in rich history and culture. Upon arrival, we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, ensuring a seamless start to your Irish adventure. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner.

Embark on a guided tour of Dublin, discovering the lively Temple Bar, the historic Christ Church, the iconic Guinness Storehouse, and the captivating EPIC Irish Emigration Museum. With the afternoon at your leisure, you might like to visit the Teeling Whiskey Distillery.

Enhance Your Journey – Whiskey Tasting at Teeling Whiskey Distillery

Nestled in the heart of Dublin’s historic Liberties district, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery was the first new distillery to open in the city in over 125 years, reviving the tradition of urban whiskey production. Enjoy an informative tour of the distillery, followed by a tasting of their exceptional whiskies.

Travel to Waterford today via the Wicklow Mountains, known as the Garden of Ireland. Just outside Dublin, Wicklow offers stunning mountains, lakes, rivers, and picturesque estates. Enjoy a guided tour of Glendalough, followed by a stop in Avoca.

Upon arrival in Waterford, join a historical walking tour or enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Today, depart for Killarney, but not before exploring the stunning Southern Coast of Ireland. Stop in Cork for a panoramic tour, followed by free time to explore at your leisure.

Continue to Blarney Castle, home to the legendary Blarney Stone. Nestled in the castle’s ancient battlements, this iconic stone is made of Carboniferous limestone. Built in 1446, the castle is famous for the Blarney Stone—the Stone of Eloquence, believed to grant the gift of eloquence to those who kiss it. Many legends surround the Stone—why not kiss it yourself and discover the truth behind the myth?

Afterwards, drive along the coast, passing through the charming fishing villages of Youghal and Dungarvan before arriving in Killarney.

The Ring of Kerry (166 km) is Ireland's most famous and panoramic route. The breathtaking beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula lies in the remarkable diversity of its scenery, offering constant contrasts. As you travel around the Ring, take in spectacular vistas—mountains, lakes, and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Return to Killarney and enjoy free time at leisure.

Insider Experience – Sheep Herding

Enjoy an authentic sheep herding experience set in the breathtaking scenery of Molls Gap along the Ring of Kerry. Kissane Sheep Farm is a traditional working farm with around 1,000 mountain sheep and hundreds of lambs. Run by John and Anne Kissane, the farm has been in their family for the past 150 years.

Travel through the beautiful Dingle Peninsula to Limerick. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare traditional Irish dishes. Later, enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Bunratty Castle

Visit Bunratty Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 15th century. Restored in 1954, the castle now features a folk park on its grounds, offering a fascinating insight into Ireland’s history. Savour a medieval banquet accompanied by traditional entertainment.

Enhance Your Journey – Dingle Cookery School Cooking Class

Based in the seaside town of Dingle, County Kerry, the Dingle Cookery School specialises in using fresh, local, and Irish ingredients.

See the captivating Cliffs of Moher, rugged karst landscapes carved into beautiful formations of bedrock. Then continue to Doolin, a charming seaside village, where you'll enjoy an Insider Experience. Continue on to Galway and enjoy leisure time.

Insider Experience - Traditional Irish Music with Locals

Christy Barry and his partner Sheila have entertained friends and musicians at their home for many years, gathering around the fire playing music and telling stories. Experience local Irish music in the relaxed surroundings, enjoy the experience of visiting a local home, enjoying local company and listening to a good traditional music session around the fire.

Today, embark on an excursion to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. You’ll hear captivating stories and fascinating histories of the island while taking in the stunning surroundings at a leisurely pace. Look out for seals at low tide and take a hike up to the ancient Dún Aonghasa fort. After your adventure, return to your hotel in Galway.

Enhance your Journey - Horse & Cart Tour of Inishmore

Once you arrive in Inishmore, you might choose to take a tour of the island on a traditional horse-and-cart or e-bike.

Enjoy a scenic cruise on the stunning Lough Corrib, soaking in the picturesque views of both the river and the lake. Continue on to Dublin, where you’ll have free time to explore the city's shops, restaurants, and pubs. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Amsterdam. On arrival, transfer to your river ship. Discover this vibrant, cosmopolitan city, renowned for its stunning canals and relaxed charm. Later this evening, join your Cruise Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight’s special Gala Welcome Dinner.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the  Kölner  Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to  Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rococo architecture from 18th century Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known to be the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini road train will take you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of the most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in all of Germany.

Discover  Miltenberg  today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Insider Experience – Miltenberg Culinary Tour

Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Garden. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg, a medieval fairytale town.

Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising along the last stretch of the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll gaze upon such sights as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship will reach the Main-Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, once the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores. Finish your day cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide via its 16 stair-step locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits. Spend the day in this charming city, docked in the heart of town, and join a guided walking tour to explore its major sights. Later, perhaps take an optional tour to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg. Enjoy a guided tour of the family-owned brewery and see The Kuchlbauer Tower, designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance. 

Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer's World of Beer Brewery Visit

Tour Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg and see the Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

As you enjoy your breakfast, arrive in the ‘Three Rivers City’ of Passau, where the Ilz and Inn rivers join the Danube. Perhaps join an optional tour to  Český  Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, stay on board and enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

Take a trip through the stunning scenery of Austria. Visit Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous Wedding Church from ‘The Sound of Music’. Continue to Salzburg and be guided through the town Mozart called home. Enjoy some free time to explore at your leisure before returning to your ship.

Enhance Your Journey – Passau Culinary Tour

In the beautiful city of Passau, enjoy a guided walking tour, taking in the historic sites as you roam the cobblestone lanes of the Altstadt. You'll also get to sample a variety of sweet and savoury local specialties.

After cruising into Austria, dock in Melk for a tour of Melk Abbey with a local guide. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop, offering commanding views of the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was kept as a prisoner in the 12th century. You have the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, town houses and taverns of the town. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine. 

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you’ll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.

In Vienna, join a walking tour of St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Afterwards, you may enjoy visiting the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.

Today is yours to explore Vienna. Perhaps visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury. Otherwise, enjoy an optional excursion to Schönbrunn  Palace, or head to Bratislava. Later, set sail for Hungary. Tonight, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey – Schönbrunn Palace

Delve into royal history as you wander the lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens of the famous Schönbrunn Palace.

Enhance Your Journey – Bratislava City Tour

Travel from Vienna into Slovakia and on to its capital, Bratislava. There, explore the charming Old Town on a guided tour.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship drifts right into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, a local guide will lead you through Budapest.  Later, you may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum.

Insider Experience - Hungarian State Opera performance

Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you're treated to a private opera recital.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Tour

Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle. This first-aid shelter was constructed in 1941 to withstand the blasts of bombing.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.