European Gems

Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river ship. Perhaps grab a map to explore this carefree, cosmopolitan city and its magnificent network of canals. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and fellow passengers at a Welcome Reception.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some free time to explore this lively city. Later, travel by coach to Utrecht, via Rembrandt’s Windmill. From here, your ship will set off along the Rhine as you prepare 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. 

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-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. Admire the baroque palace and walk through the beautiful Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairy-tale 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, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander the cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores. Finish your day cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide thanks to the canal’s 16 stair-step locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits. Spend the day in this charming city, docked right in the heart of town, and join a guided walking tour to see its major sights. Later, perhaps take an optional tour to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg. Take 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 rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Perhaps join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’. 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 – ‘The Sound of Music’ Tour

Depart from Passau to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’, including the famous Wedding Church.

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.

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, board a coach and pass through the rural landscapes of Slovakia before crossing the border into the Czech Republic. Accented by verdant hills covered in vineyards, the southern countryside of the Czech Republic is a wine-lovers dream. With a three-night stay in Prague, you will have plenty of time to soak in the magic of this beautiful capital – a city of stone bridges, Gothic cathedrals and golden towers, overseen by a grand castle.

Your exploration of Prague begins with a tour of the World Heritage-listed Old Town. Travel across the Vltava River to Prague Castle, which dominates the city skyline. Believed to date back to the 9th century, this castle complex – with its network of palaces and churches – is considered the largest in the world. You’ll then wander across Charles Bridge and arrive in Prague’s Old Market Square. Have your camera ready at the Astronomical Clock, a masterpiece in the Old Town Square that visualises time in a truly unique form. Stop for some time to explore if you wish and continue to discover the incredible city of Prague on your own terms, with its multitude of sights.  Perhaps join an optional tour this evening to a lively traditional Czech folklore dinner and show.

Enhance Your Journey – Folklore Dinner and Show

Travel to a local restaurant and enjoy a lively traditional Czech folklore dinner and show.

Having become familiar with the layout of Prague, enjoy today at leisure to explore as you please. The Jewish Quarter is a pulsing hub of Semitic history, so perhaps you’d like to head there and learn all about the birthplace of writer Franz Kafka. Soak up the Bohemian atmosphere along the cobbled back streets and sample Kofola (Czech cola) or one of the Czech beers for which this fabulous city is renowned.

Your adventure comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.