Detailed ItinerarySEVEN RIVER JOURNEY: SUMMER EDITION

Day 1: PARIS, FRANCE

• EMBARKATION

Board the award-winning and elegant AmaLyra in Paris where your Seven River Journey through Europe river cruise will begin with a special welcome aboard reception and dinner.

Day 2: LES ANDELYS, FRANCE

• Château Gaillard
• OR Les Andelys bike tour
• OR Château Gaillard hike
• Scenic cruising

Uncover the history of Château Gaillard, the former stronghold of Richard the Lionheart, situated on the chalk cliffs high above the Seine River, on a morning tour. Or, if you prefer a more active adventure, you can hike there from the banks of the Seine, admiring the scenic views along the way. For those who wish to explore the area on two wheels, join a guided bike tour through the charming town of Les Andelys. After your adventures, set sail along the meandering river for a scenic cruise.

Day 3: LE HAVRE, FRANCE

• Honfleur excursion
• OR Full-day Honfleur & Pays d’Auge
• Le Havre city tour
• OR Bike tour

There are several different choices of excursions, both during the morning and afternoon, depending on your interests. You can choose between an excursion to the seaside town of Honfleur, France, renowned for its picturesque harbor, and for being an inspirational site for Impressionist painters; or enjoy a full-day excursion that includes Honfleur and the delicious Pays d’Auge region of Normandy, where apple cider, Calvados and pommeau outrank French wine. Enjoy a country drive through Beaumont-en-Auge and Pont l’Évêque, and afterwards, be treated to a cheese and Calvados tasting. During the afternoon, you can join a city tour of UNESCO-designated Le Havre or burn off extra calories by exploring the city on an escorted bike tour.
*Note: Afternoon excursions not available with full-day Pays D'Auge excursion.

Day 4: LE HAVRE, FRANCE – NORMANDY BEACHES, FRANCE – CAUDEBEC EN CAUX, FRANCE

• Normandy U.S. Landing Beaches
• OR Normandy British and Canadian Landing Beaches
• Route des Abbayes
• OR Seine Museum

Experience the Normandy region with one of three tours. For those wishing to go to the American sector of the historic Normandy Beaches, you will visit the cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer, Omaha Beach, the artillery battery at Longues-sur-Mer and the village of Arromanches, where the remains of the floating harbor used during the WWII landings can be seen. If you prefer, you can tour the Gold and Juno beaches in the British and Canadian sectors, where you will visit Ranville Cemetery, Pegasus Bridge, the Canadian cemetery at Beny-sur-Mer, the WWII museum in Courseulles and, finally, Arromanches. If you wish to experience a different kind of inspiration in Caudebec-en-Caux in the afternoon, the Romanesque Normandy Abbey Route will take you to one of the magnificent historic abbeys of the region. Or you can journey back in time with the interactive exhibits and vessels at the Seine Museum.

Day 5: ROUEN, FRANCE

• Medieval Rouen walking tour
• OR Rouen bike tour
• Lyons-la-Forêt excursion
• OR Tastes of Normandy

Spend the morning enjoying medieval Rouen with a choice of several excursions. Join a walking tour and see the square where Joan of Arc was martyred, as well as the Medieval Quarter and Great Clock. You also have the choice to explore Lyons-la-Forêt, built on the site of a former fortress and featuring remarkable centuries-old architecture; tantalize your taste buds on the “Tastes of Normandy” tour, where you’ll be treated to the delicious flavors of the region, including chocolate, rich cheeses and refreshing cider; or get active by going on a guided bike tour.

Day 6: VERNON, FRANCE

• Scenic cruising
• Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny*
• OR Château de Bizy tour
• OR Giverny bike tour*

Enjoy scenic cruising around Vernon before disembarking the ship to explore this beautiful area. Visit Claude Monet’s home and spectacular gardens in Giverny. Art lovers will immediately recognize images immortalized in Monet’s most beloved paintings—such as water lilies, Japanese bridges and graceful willow trees. Wander around his famous gardens and home where he lived for more than four decades. Or visit the regal 18th-century Château de Bizy, inspired by the opulence of Versailles. Enjoy an escorted tour of the palace and gardens. If you prefer a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour, taking in the beautiful French countryside.

*Monet’s Gardens may be closed; therefore, an alternative tour will operate instead.

Day 7: PARIS, FRANCE

• “City of Light” tour
• Artist’s walk of Auvers-sur-Oise
• OR Châteaux Saint-Germain-en-Laye tour
• OR Free time

Return once more to Paris where your journey began to fully immerse yourself into the “City of Lights” where you can experience its most famous landmarks and renowned quarters during your panoramic tour. You will be guided through the charming Latin Quarter, home to the world-famous Sorbonne University, and through the stunning 400-year-old Luxembourg Gardens, created by King Henry IV’s widow, Marie de’ Medici. In the afternoon, you can choose between leisure time to shop or soak in the ambiance of Paris or travel to Auberge Ravoux in the heart of Auvers-sur-Oise, the last home of artist Vincent van Gogh. His spirit still lingers in his former attic rooms at the Ravoux Inn. The mere 70 days Van Gogh spent in Auvers-sur-Oise were astonishingly prolific as he painted more than 70 works here before his death. Alternatively, you can enjoy the exquisite architecture of the Chateau Saint-Germain-en-Laye, along with its museum and gardens.

Day 8: PARIS, FRANCE

• DISEMBARKATION
• Transfer to Lyon

Bid farewell to Paris as you board a TGV high-speed train — a unique travel experience as you transfer to Lyon in the southern French countryside.

Day 8: LYON, FRANCE

• Market visit and tasting
• EMBARKATION

Arrive in Lyon, recognized for its cuisine, gastronomy and historical and architectural landmarks before experiencing a cooking demonstration of the gourmet capital of France’s local cuisine. Lyon is also where you will board the award-winning AmaKristina, the first river cruise ship to receive Green Award certification in early 2020 for industry-leading safety and environmental standards. 

Day 9: LYON, FRANCE

• Morning cruising
• Beaujolais excursion and tasting
• Free evening

Immerse yourself further in this dynamic city of Lyon, starting in Fourvière Hill, part of the city’s historic region that is now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the 19th-century basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Continue on to the Old Town of Lyon, followed by a guided walk through the St. Jean district, where you will be introduced to the city’s unique covered walkways, known as “traboules.” Alternatively, join a guided bike tour through the city designed with cyclists in mind. In the afternoon, enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure before we depart for an early evening arrival in Vienne.

Day 10: LYON, FRANCE – VIENNE, FRANCE

• City tour
• OR Lyon bike tour
• OR Market tour
• Free evening

We’ll take you further into the Beaujolais wine region—known as the Pays d’Or or “land of the golden stones” where you can indulge in a wine tasting at a traditional winery and learn about the history and techniques of their vineyard before heading back to rejoin the ship.   Be treated to the relaxed countryside atmosphere and a beautiful view of passing landscapes as you enjoy scenic cruising in the afternoon.

Day 11: VIENNE, FRANCE – TOURNON, FRANCE

• “Footsteps of Ancient Romans” walking tour
• OR Mount Pipet hike
• OR ViaRhôna bike tour
• Free evening

Situated between the wine regions of Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône lies Vienne with a Roman past that can be seen in its marvelously preserved ruins. Follow the footsteps of the ancient Romans on a walking tour to see the amazingly well-preserved Augustus and Livia Temple, the Saint Maurice Cathedral, a Gothic church that took more than 500 years to build, and St. Pierre Abbey—one of the oldest surviving churches in France, and now an Archaeological Museum. For those wishing to be more active, you can either take a guided hike from the ship to the Monastery at Mount Pipet or a guided bike tour along a portion of the ViaRhôna bike route. In the evening, enjoy leisure time in the hilltop village of Tournon-sur-Rhône.

Day 12: TOURNON, FRANCE

• Steam train ride
• OR Red wine and chocolate tasting
• OR Tain l’Hermitage hike and wine tasting

Take a steam train ride past magnificent landscapes carved along the Gorge du Doux. You’ll stop at the charming little station of Colombier le Vieux-Saint Barthélemy le Plain, where the train maneuvers in preparation for its return journey. Alternatively, lovers of wine and chocolate will want to visit Le Château de Tournon for a presentation and tasting on the pairing of red wine and chocolate. For a more active adventure, take a hike through the vineyards of Tain l’Hermitage, followed by a visit to a local winery where you’ll sample some of their wines.

Day 13: DISEMBARKATION – BASEL, SWITZERLAND

• Walking tour
• DISEMBARKATION
• Train from Avignon to Mulhouse; transfer to Basel

Bid farewell to Avignon as you transfer on a coach through Geneva, where you will stop for lunch and enjoy the beauty of azure Lake Geneva, to Basel, Switzerland where you continue your epic journey embarking on beautifully designed AmaPrima on the enchanting Rhine River.

Day 13: BASEL, SWITZERLAND

• EMBARKATION

Board the elegant AmaPrima in Basel, Switzerland, also recognized for its Green Award certification. Continue your Seven River Journey through Europe cruise with an evening welcome cocktail reception and dinner.

Day 14: BREISACH, GERMANY

• Riquewihr excursion
• OR Freiburg excursion
• OR Black Forest hike
• OR Breisach wine country bike tour

Breisach is your introduction to the unique Alsace region with several different excursions, depending on your interests. If you long to head back to France, you will be able to step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, France which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, Germany founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” Those wishing a more active excursion can cycle through the scenic countryside, or go on a hike to Germany’s Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions.

Day 15: STRASBOURG, FRANCE

• “The Gem of Alsace” tourn
• OR Strasbourg bike tour

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavors of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then stroll through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie.

Day 16: LUDWIGSHAFEN, GERMANY – RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY

• “Romantic Heidelberg” excursion
• OR Heidelberg Philosopher’s Path hike
• OR “Secrets of Speyer” tour
• OR Ladenburg bike tour

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. For a more active adventure while in Heidelberg, join a guided hike up the Philosopher's Path, aptly named during the Romantic Period, and be rewarded with panoramic views of the city. Or ride along the Neckar River to the medieval town of Ladenburg where you’ll have some free time to explore the shops and quaint Marktplatz. Alternatively, you can visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate.

Day 17: RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY – RHINE GORGE, GERMANY – LAHNSTEIN, GERMANY

• Gondola ride
• OR Vineyard hike
• OR Guided bike tour of the Rheingau
• Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising
• Exclusive Burg Lahneck

Your exploration of Rüdesheim continues with your choice of three excursions. Take a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, where you can enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the Rhine River Valley. If you prefer a more active adventure, hike through Rüdesheim’s vineyards, taking in views of the town, the Roman Bridge and Bromersburg Castle. Or join a guided bike ride through the town and along the Rhine River. Later in the day, we set sail along the scenic Rhine River Gorge with its fabled legends remnants of 40 castles perched on its steep banks. On arrival to Lahnstein for our visit during this sailing, you will enjoy an exclusive glimpse inside the historic Burg Lahneck.

Day 18: COLOGNE, GERMANY

• “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit
• OR Cologne bike tour

Home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral, this 2,000-year-old city is also a bustling cosmopolitan hotspot. Your first stop in Cologne allows you to join a guided tour through the enchanting Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral, where the remains of the fabled Three Kings—the Magi— are believed to rest. Alternatively, ride a bike along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.

Day 19: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

• Canal cruise tour
• OR A Taste of Amsterdam*

Amsterdam boasts amazing history, art, architecture and museums, and during your first visit to the city on this sailing, you will have a choice as to how you wish to explore it. The famous canals of Amsterdam await discovery on your city tour beginning with a scenic canal cruise. If you prefer exploring the world with your taste buds, stroll past traditional canals, gabled houses, narrow bridges and house boats to taste Dutch specialties at a grand Amsterdam café.

Day 20: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Please refer to Days 20-27 for further details

Day 20: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

• Haarlem and the Hague excursion

During your second day in Amsterdam, enjoy a completely different experience with your choice between two immersive excursions brimming with unique history. Visit Haarlem, the capital of North Holland and one of the most photogenic cities in the Netherlands. Enjoy a canal cruise through the city, which boasts spectacular historic architecture, gabled houses, cobblestone streets, several museums and winding waterways. Then enjoy a panoramic tour of the Hague, taking in the Gothic Binnenhof complex and 16th-century Noordeinde Palace. Visit the Mauritshuis Museum known for its Dutch Golden Age paintings, including the 'Girl With the Pearl Earring' by Johannes Vermeer.

Day 21: AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

• Jewish Heritage Tour
• OR Art tour with Rijksmuseum visit

Begin your third day in the city delving even more deeply into its cultural heritage. Choose a walking tour during which we’ll introduce you to historical sites related to Amsterdam’s Jewish Heritage, from the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue to the Jewish Historical Museum. Explore Amsterdam’s Jewish District to dive into the history of Jewish society in Amsterdam. Alternatively, art connoisseurs can discover the world’s largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art at the Rijksmuseum showcasing renowned works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, including “The Night Watch” and “The Milkmaid.”

Day 22: COLOGNE, GERMANY

• Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen tasting
• OR Cologne bike tour

Enjoy cruising back to Cologne for a more immersive experience with the locals, enjoying the home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. On this special day, you will mingle with the locals as you uncover Cologne’s unique beer culture surrounding the famous Kölsch beer, made only in Cologne, and enjoyed alongside reibekuchen, potato pancakes with applesauce. Guests in search of more activity will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine or explore this city at your leisure.

Day 23: RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY

• Schloss Johannisberg wine tasting

Be treated to a second daytime passage through the fascinating Rhine Gorge past its many well-preserved castles. Then, return to the lovely town of Rüdesheim to partake in one of its timeless traditions: winemaking. You and your fellow guests will enjoy a special wine tasting at Schloss Johannisburg. Visit this beautiful palace and tour their cellars, learning more about the traditional methods drawn from historical winemaking practices, as well as tasting some traditional Rheingau German wines.

Day 24: MAINZ, GERMANY – LAHNSTEIN, GERMANY

• City tour with Gutenberg Museum
• OR Mainz bike tour
• Koblenz Walking tour

Arrive in Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers, for your first visit to the city on this journey. Enjoy a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid-15th century Gutenberg Bibles. For a more active adventure, a guided bike tour through Mainz awaits. Later in the day, cruise once again to Lahnstein where you will experience the heart of this historic town on a walking tour, strolling through the charming and romantic streets between St. Castor’s Basilica and the Church of our Beloved Lady.

Day 25: MOSELLE VALLEY, GERMANY – COCHEM, GERMANY

• Scenic cruising
• Reichsburg Castle and walking tour
• OR Cochem hike
• OR Cochem bike tour

Spend the morning taking in the beauty of the breathtaking Moselle on this most scenic stretch of the river before reaching Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can hike up to the Reichsburg Castle or go on a guided bike tour along the Moselle River, passing through Cochem.

Day 26: BERNKASTEL, GERMANY

• Walking tour
• OR Landshut Castle hike
• OR Moselle bike tour

Discover Bernkastel’s colorful Old Town center with many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided walking tour during your introductory stop in this lovely town. Hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century, and cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle and enjoy this beautiful river’s splendor up close.

Day 27: WASSERBILLIG, LUXEMBOURG

Please refer to Days 27-34 for further details.

Day 27: WASSERBILLIG, LUXEMBOURG

• Luxembourg city tour
• OR Battle of the Bulge tour

Arrive in one of Europe’s last independent duchies and the heart of the country that bears its name. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city and its picturesque gabled houses followed by a wine tasting. Spend free time for lunch at your own leisure before visiting the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton. If you are a history enthusiast, spend your day traveling back in time to sites related to World War II’s historic Battle of the Bulge, which was the last major German offensive on the Western Front. This unique tour gives you a chance to add an additional country, Belgium, to your Seven River experience.

Day 28: SCHWEICH, GERMANY – BERNKASTEL, GERMANY

• “Rome of the North” tour
• OR Ancient Tales of the Porta Nigra
• OR Petrisberg Castle hike
• Wine tasting
• OR Bernkastel hike
• OR Bike tour

Venture from Schweich to Trier, Germany’s oldest city, renowned for its rich ancient Roman past, and referred to as the “Rome of the North” or “Second Rome” as it has impressive Roman relics and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Join a guided tour of the city, including the old Roman amphitheater, Roman Baths and Basilica of Constantine. Alternatively, go in search of the secrets of the Porta Nigra Gate, dating back to 180 A.D., on a tour that takes you back to a time when Rome ruled the world from the Emperor’s seat in Trier. You also have the choice of a hike high above Trier to Petrisberg. Later in the day, we will sail once more to Bernkastel so you can taste the rich culture of this town with a visit to Bergweiler Winery. There you will stroll among the vineyards and enjoy a tasting of four of their wines. For those who prefer an active adventure, enjoy a guided biking tour or a guided hike for views of wonderful scenery.

Day 29: ALKEN, GERMANY

• Castle Eltz visit
• OR Moselle bike tour
• Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
• OR Rüdesheimer coffee

One of the lower Moselle’s oldest villages, Alken is a picturesque German community nestled beneath lush vineyards. Visit the majestic castle, Eltz Castle, boasting 850 years of history, renowned artworks and unique architecture with its eight towers and half-timbered structure. Or enjoy a guided bike tour along the Moselle River from Alken to Koblenz. The ship will meet cyclists in Koblenz for lunch on board, followed by an epic third and final cruise through the castle-laden Rhine River Gorge during daylight hours, a perfect way to relax on the Sun Deck and take in the moving postcard of beautiful scenery.

Day 30: RÜDESHEIM, GERMANY

• Mainz Marc Chagall Excursion
• OR Rüdesheim to Mainz bike tour

Wave hello and goodbye to charming Rüdesheim and head back to Mainz for a second visit to this incredible city to learn more about a special part of its history. There you will visit the Collegiate Church of St. Stephan, best known for the glowing blue stained-glass windows designed by renowned artist Marc Chagall, created after World War II as a sign of Jewish-German reconciliation and international understanding. Alternatively, pedal along the banks of the Rhine River from Rüdesheim to Mainz on a guided bike tour.

Day 31: WERTHEIM, GERMANY

• Wertheim walking tour
• OR Pretzel Bakery visit and tasting
• OR Wertheim Castle Hill hike
• OR Guided bike ride along the Main

Wertheim’s old town center still features half-timbered houses and the Gothic architecture of the Stiftskirche, its oldest Protestant church. You may either join a guided walking tour through the historic city center or learn the art of pretzel making with a visit to a local bakery. For those seeking a more active adventure, take a scenic bike ride through the Main River Valley or hike high above the town for a visit to the castle, one of the most picturesque ruins in Germany.

Day 32: WÜRZBURG, GERMANY

• Würzburg walking tour
• OR Residenz Palace visit
• OR Rothenburg excursion
• OR Marienberg Castle hike

Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, nestled in Bavaria, bursting with Baroque splendor and rich Franconian culture. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. As another excursion choice, stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, set out for a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Bavaria.

Day 33: ELTMANN, GERMANY

• Bamberg walking tour
• OR Tastes of Bamberg
• OR Eltmann to Bamberg bike tour

Venture from Eltmann to Bamberg, Germany, which has been referred to as “Franconian Rome” as, like Rome, it was built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church graces each one. Bamberg’s medieval and Baroque architecture has withstood the test of time and, as such, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions, and afterwards, indulge in the town’s famous smoked beer, Rauchbier. Or indulge in the culinary specialties of Bamberg, including licorice root, Hornla pastries, traditional German sausage and smoked beer. As a more invigorating alternative, pedal from Eltmann to Bamberg, meeting the ship there later in the day.

Day 34: NUREMBERG, GERMANY – VILSHOFEN, GERMANY

• DISEMBARKATION
• Transfer to Vilshofen

Disembark in Nuremberg as we transfer you to Vilshofen to continue your journey and board the elegantly and newly renovated AmaVerde.

Day 34: VILSHOFEN, GERMANY

• EMBARKATION
• “City of Three Rivers” walking tour
• OR Passau Castle hike
• OR River Inn Bike Tour

Embark on the newly redesigned AmaVerde in the enchanting Bavarian town of Vilshofen before cruising to Passau, known as the “City of Three Rivers.” Join a walking tour or if you prefer to be more active, hike high into the hills for a visit to the “Veste Oberhaus,” Passau’s Castle Hill. Alternatively, pedal through this beloved city on a River Inn bike tour.

Day 35: LINZ, AUSTRIA

• “UNESCO City of Media Arts” walking tour
• OR “Cultural Mile” bike tour
• OR Full-day Salzburg excursion
• Český Krumlov excursion*

The ship arrives in Linz where you’ll have several choices of excursions. Opt for a full-day excursion to Salzburg where you’ll tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the famed Basilica St. Michael and site of the wedding scene in The Sound of Music. Alternatively, you can join a morning walking tour through Linz’s old city center and by the Mozart House; or go on a guided bike tour along the city’s famed “Culture Mile” and the Danube. You can also choose to visit the charming mountain town of Český Krumlov in the beautiful country of Czech Republic located just over the Czech-Austrian border – adding another unique country to your itinerary.

Day 36: WEISSENKIRCHEN, AUSTRIA

• Scenic cruising through Strudengau and UNESCO Wachau Valley
• Dürnstein walking tour and Melk Benedictine Abbey
• OR Apricots and sweets tasting
• OR Dürnstein Fortress hike
• OR Wachau Valley bike tour
• Evening wine tasting at local winery

Cruise through the scenic Strudengau and Wachau valleys to Weissenkirchen, gateway to Dürnstein, Austria. Once here, you can choose to join a walking tour in Dürnstein along its cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, and then visit Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. For the more active adventurer, you can opt to hike up to the fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held, or take a bike ride along the Danube through the Wachau Valley. As an alternative excursion, visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll enjoy the region’s finest apricot treats. Later in the evening, enjoy a special wine tasting of locally grown, world-renowned Riesling and Grüner Veltliner in Weissenkirchen.

Day 37: VIENNA, AUSTRIA

• “Imperial Vienna” tour
• OR Vienna bike tour
• Free time
• Evening concert

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and your city tour showcases them all, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace. Your tour concludes in the historic city center with a visit to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Or if you prefer a more active tour, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. Alternatively, enjoy an included visit to Schönbrunn Palace, an exquisite example of Baroque architecture and opulence. It was built as the summer residence of the Habsburg Emperors and spans an astounding 1,441 rooms, a handful of which you will see on your tour, as well as the equally impressive gardens. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time to further explore this iconic city. In the evening, join us for a very special live classical music performance at a renowned local concert hall, included in your journey.

Day 38: BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

• “Coronation City” walking tour
• OR Tastes of Slovakia
• OR Bratislava Castle hike

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour to immerse yourself in the local flavors. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.

Day 39: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

• “Queen of the Danube” tour
• OR Castle Hill hike

Your first introduction to this fascinating capital city includes a visit to both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. You’ll see the 19th-century Chain Bridge, which connects the Buda district with Pest; and the UNESCO-designated Castle Hill district, which contains some of Budapest’s most important medieval monuments and museums. As an alternative choice, you can hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city below.

Day 40: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

Please refer to Days 40-47 for further details.

Day 40: BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

• Opera House & Liszt Museum
• OR Jewish Heritage tour

Enjoy a distinctive experience immersing yourself in either the arts or deeply rooted heritage of Budapest during your second day in this phenomenal city. Celebrate the joy of music when visiting the beautiful Hungarian State Opera House, known for its neo-Renaissance and baroque décor. Discover where Hungarian classical music culture came to life as you walk through the backstage and on to the main stage, followed by a reception and small performance. You will then visit the Liszt House and museum, previously home to one of Hungary’s greatest composers and virtuoso pianists. Immerse yourself into the history of music as you will see a collection of pianos, portraits and personal objects of an influential pianist of the 19th century. Alternatively, enjoy a walking and panoramic tour into Budapest's historic Jewish Quarter with its Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world, at its heart. Other prominent attractions include the Holocaust Memorial, a weeping willow tree with the names of Hungary's Jewish Holocaust victims inscribed on each leaf; and the Shoes on the Danube, a poignant memorial to the Budapest Jewish community.

Day 41: MOHÁCS, HUNGARY – PÉCS, HUNGARY

• Scenic cruising
• Pécs excursion
• OR Szekszárd wine tasting
• OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You will then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you will want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács.

Day 42: VUKOVAR, CROATIA – NOVI SAD, CROATIA

• City tour and Eltz Castle
• OR Croatian wine tasting
• “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour
• OR Fruska Gora National Park hike
• OR Novi Sad bike tour
• Petrovaradin Fortress Evening Walk

Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you will better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, Croatia, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you will sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached.

Day 43: BELGRADE, SERBIA

• “The City by Two Rivers” tour
• OR Royal Palace and Tito’s Memorial tour
• OR Belgrade Fortress hike 
• Quburich Brandy Tasting & Avala Mountain
• OR Belgrade bike tour

Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.

Day 44: IRON GATES, SERBIA

• Golubac Fortress visit
• Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates

Visit Serbia’s Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates Gorge is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, where the Danube River narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers.

Day 45: VIDIN, BULGARIA

• Vidin Walking Tour
• Belogradchik Excursion & Baba Vida Fortress
• OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting
• OR Vidin bike tour

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will get to make along with our local hosts. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle.

Day 46: ROUSSE, BULGARIA – GIURGIU, ROMANIA

• Veliko Tarnovo excursion
• OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour
• Bucharest Excursion

Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple Orthodox temples. You can opt instead to stay in Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, with frescoes revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture.

Day 47: GIURGIU, ROMANIA

• DISEMBARKATION

Bid farewell to Giurgiu, your traveling companions, your Cruise Manager and wonderful crew, who have become your AmaWaterways family, as you conclude your Seven River Journey Through Europe and prepare for your flight home. Or prepare to be whisked away to your hotel for your optional post-river cruise land package in either Istanbul, Turkey – adding both a new city and continent, Asia, to your itinerary – or Transylvania (available upon request – contact your travel advisor for details).