14-night Cruise
Cruise From: Amsterdam to Budapest
Follow the route of emperors, kings and queens on a magnificent European journey along three rivers and through five fascinating countries. The natural wonders of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers yield way to countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral, the Würzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the Melk Abbey—to name a few. Connoisseurs of fine wines get to taste the difference between German and Austrian Rieslings; and gourmets get to indulge in Western and Eastern European specialties. And for active enthusiasts, you will get to hike and bike through breathtaking scenery in Passau and Vienna. All of this and more awaits on one all-encompassing magnificent journey.
Follow the route of emperors, kings and queens on a magnificent European journey along three rivers and through five fascinating countries. The natural wonders of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers yield way to countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral, the Würzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the Melk Abbey—to name a few. Connoisseurs of fine wines get to taste the difference between German and Austrian Rieslings; and gourmets get to indulge in Western and Eastern European specialties. And for active enthusiasts, you will get to hike and bike through breathtaking scenery in Passau and Vienna. All of this and more awaits on one all-encompassing magnificent journey.
Follow the route of emperors, kings and queens on a magnificent European journey along three rivers and through five fascinating countries. The natural wonders of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers yield way to countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral, the Würzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the Melk Abbey—to name a few. Connoisseurs of fine wines get to taste the difference between German and Austrian Rieslings; and gourmets get to indulge in Western and Eastern European specialties. And for active enthusiasts, you will get to hike and bike through breathtaking scenery in Passau and Vienna. All of this and more awaits on one all-encompassing magnificent journey.
Follow the route of emperors, kings and queens on a magnificent European journey along three rivers and through five fascinating countries. The natural wonders of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers yield way to countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral, the Würzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the Melk Abbey—to name a few. Connoisseurs of fine wines get to taste the difference between German and Austrian Rieslings; and gourmets get to indulge in Western and Eastern European specialties. And for active enthusiasts, you will get to hike and bike through breathtaking scenery in Passau and Vienna. All of this and more awaits on one all-encompassing magnificent journey.
COUNTRIES:
Austria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, SlovakiaAustria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, SlovakiaAustria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, SlovakiaAustria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Slovakia
RIVERS:
Rhine, Danube, Main
Magnificent Europe
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Magnificent Europe cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Düsseldorf | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer |
|
| Cologne | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
| Düsseldorf | OR Cologne bike tour |
|
Cologne is home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. You may also join an educational guided tour of the Cologne Cathedral or a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. There you may drink up the stunning views of the vineyards during a gondola ride. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you, or savor the Rüdesheimer Coffee that the town is famous for. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Wertheim | Wertheim Castle Hill hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
Enjoy Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Würzburg | Würzburg Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Full-day Rothenburg excursion* |
|
Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Eltmann | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, pralines, and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Nuremberg | Imperial Castle - Kaiserburg and Dürer House excursion |
|
Depart the ship for a guided tour of Kaiserburg, Nuremberg’s Imperial castle and one of the most important palaces of the Old Holy Roman Empire. Following your Kaiseburg tour, we will head to the former home of Albrecht Dürer, arguably Germany’s most famous artist and Nuremberg’s most famous resident. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. For more active exploration, take a guided bike tour through the city. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Nuremberg | WWII city tour |
|
Turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the coliseum. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided
walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active
adventure, bike to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| | OR Full-Day Salzburg excursion |
|
For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, you can discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour to Wertheim, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Melk | Melk Abbey hike |
|
Cruise to Melk where you can hike to Melk Abbey or join a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Later in the day, arrive in Vienna and enjoy a free evening. (B,L,D)
Day 13 | Vienna | Vienna bike tour |
|
The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures which you can enjoy on a guided bike tour through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Budapest | Buda city tour |
|
Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 15 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Walking tour |
|
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
Day 3 | Amsterdam | Zaanse Schans visit |
|
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, where you can observe life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18-th century village. (B,D)
Day 4 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Düsseldorf | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer |
|
| Cologne | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
| Düsseldorf | OR Cologne bike tour |
|
Cologne is home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. You may also join an educational guided tour of the Cologne Cathedral or a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. There you may drink up the stunning views of the vineyards during a gondola ride. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you, or savor the Rüdesheimer Coffee that the town is famous for. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Wertheim | Wertheim Castle Hill hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
Enjoy Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Würzburg | Würzburg Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Full-day Rothenburg excursion* |
|
Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Eltmann | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, pralines, and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Nuremberg | Imperial Castle - Kaiserburg and Dürer House excursion |
|
Depart the ship for a guided tour of Kaiserburg, Nuremberg’s Imperial castle and one of the most important palaces of the Old Holy Roman Empire. Following your Kaiseburg tour, we will head to the former home of Albrecht Dürer, arguably Germany’s most famous artist and Nuremberg’s most famous resident. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. For more active exploration, take a guided bike tour through the city. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Nuremberg | WWII city tour |
|
Turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the coliseum. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided
walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active
adventure, bike to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple. (B,L,D)
Day 13 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| | OR Full-Day Salzburg excursion |
|
For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, you can discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour to Wertheim, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Melk | Melk Abbey hike |
|
Cruise to Melk where you can hike to Melk Abbey or join a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Later in the day, arrive in Vienna and enjoy a free evening. (B,L,D)
Day 15 | Vienna | Vienna bike tour |
|
The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures which you can enjoy on a guided bike tour through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
Day 16 | Budapest | Buda city tour |
|
Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 17 | Budapest | Disembark the ship and check into your hotel. (B) |
|
Disembark the ship and check into your hotel. (B)
Day 18 | Budapest | "Hidden Budapest" Tour |
|
Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its iconic sights are just off the banks of the Danube. Often described as the “Queen of the Danube,” Budapest is well-known for Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda Hill and its magnificent Hungarian Parliament building. However, this sprawling city is full of rich history and culture and offers many “hidden” treasures as you venture further past its river banks. During this excursion, your guide will take you deeper into the city to discover fascinating sites lesser-known to the average traveler. (B)
Day 19 | Budapest | Return flight home |
|
Bid Farewell to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Magnificent Europe cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Düsseldorf | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer |
|
| Cologne | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
| Düsseldorf | OR Cologne bike tour |
|
Cologne is home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. You may also join an educational guided tour of the Cologne Cathedral or a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. There you may drink up the stunning views of the vineyards during a gondola ride. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you, or savor the Rüdesheimer Coffee that the town is famous for. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Wertheim | Wertheim Castle Hill hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
Enjoy Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Würzburg | Würzburg Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Full-day Rothenburg excursion* |
|
Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Eltmann | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, pralines, and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Nuremberg | Imperial Castle - Kaiserburg and Dürer House excursion |
|
Depart the ship for a guided tour of Kaiserburg, Nuremberg’s Imperial castle and one of the most important palaces of the Old Holy Roman Empire. Following your Kaiseburg tour, we will head to the former home of Albrecht Dürer, arguably Germany’s most famous artist and Nuremberg’s most famous resident. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. For more active exploration, take a guided bike tour through the city. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Nuremberg | WWII city tour |
|
Turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the coliseum. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided
walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active
adventure, bike to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| | OR Full-Day Salzburg excursion |
|
For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, you can discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour to Wertheim, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Melk | Melk Abbey hike |
|
Cruise to Melk where you can hike to Melk Abbey or join a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Later in the day, arrive in Vienna and enjoy a free evening. (B,L,D)
Day 13 | Vienna | Vienna bike tour |
|
The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures which you can enjoy on a guided bike tour through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Budapest | Buda city tour |
|
Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 15 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Magnificent Europe cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Düsseldorf | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer |
|
| Cologne | OR Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour |
|
| Düsseldorf | OR Cologne bike tour |
|
Cologne is home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. You may also join an educational guided tour of the Cologne Cathedral or a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. There you may drink up the stunning views of the vineyards during a gondola ride. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you, or savor the Rüdesheimer Coffee that the town is famous for. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Wertheim | Wertheim Castle Hill hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
Enjoy Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Würzburg | Würzburg Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Full-day Rothenburg excursion* |
|
Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Eltmann | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, pralines, and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Nuremberg | Imperial Castle - Kaiserburg and Dürer House excursion |
|
Depart the ship for a guided tour of Kaiserburg, Nuremberg’s Imperial castle and one of the most important palaces of the Old Holy Roman Empire. Following your Kaiseburg tour, we will head to the former home of Albrecht Dürer, arguably Germany’s most famous artist and Nuremberg’s most famous resident. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. For more active exploration, take a guided bike tour through the city. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Nuremberg | WWII city tour |
|
Turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the coliseum. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided
walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active
adventure, bike to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| | OR Full-Day Salzburg excursion |
|
For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, you can discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour to Wertheim, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Melk | Melk Abbey hike |
|
Cruise to Melk where you can hike to Melk Abbey or join a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Later in the day, arrive in Vienna and enjoy a free evening. (B,L,D)
Day 13 | Vienna | Vienna bike tour |
|
The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures which you can enjoy on a guided bike tour through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
Day 14 | Budapest | Buda city tour |
|
Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)
Day 15 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Itinerary is subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule provided with your final documents.