Day 1: Arrive Amsterdam, Embark Ship
Arrive in Amsterdam and 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.
Stay: 14 nights, onboard your river ship
Daily: Dinner
Day 2: Amsterdam, Utrecht
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.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Cologne, Brühl
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 lodge are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim
Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, widely regarded as 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 Germany's finest collections of automated musical instruments.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Miltenberg
Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this beautifully preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Insider Experience – Miltenberg Culinary Tour
Gain a glimpse into local life 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.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Würzburg
Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Admire the magnificent Baroque palace and stroll 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 beautifully preserved walled town located along the Romantic Road in Franconia.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Bamberg
Spend a leisurely morning cruising along the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, taking in sights including the Old Town Hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore at your own pace. Later this evening, your ship enters the Main-Danube Canal.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Nuremberg
Explore Nuremberg, once the site of Hitler's infamous Nazi 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.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Regensburg
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. Enjoy a guided tour of the family-owned brewery and admire the colourful 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 Visit
Tour Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg and see the iconic Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on Amsterdam to Budapest cruises only.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Passau
As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in the 'Three Rivers City' of Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Perhaps join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg to discover filming locations from The Sound of Music. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day cruising to Linz.
Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit
Enjoy a fascinating excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.
Enhance Your Journey – Sights from The Sound of Music
Travel from Passau to Salzburg and visit iconic filming locations from The Sound of Music, including the famous Wedding Church.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Melk, Dürnstein
After cruising into Austria, dock in Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend the afternoon exploring the cobbled streets, historic townhouses and inviting taverns. Perhaps join an optional wine-tasting tour.
Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting
Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you'll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, along with a tasting of regional brandy.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Vienna
In Vienna, join a walking tour taking in St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps attend 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 along the Ringstrasse.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Vienna
Today is yours to further explore Vienna. Perhaps visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury, join an optional tour of Schönbrunn Palace, or travel to Bratislava. Later, set sail for Hungary. This evening, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain's Farewell Dinner.
Enhance Your Journey – Schönbrunn Palace
Delve into royal history as you wander through the lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens of the famous Schönbrunn Palace.
Enhance Your Journey – Bratislava City Tour
Travel from Vienna into Slovakia and explore Bratislava's charming Old Town on a guided tour.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Budapest
Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube's most enchanting cities as your ship glides into the heart of Budapest. After breakfast, join a guided sightseeing tour of Hungary's captivating capital. Later, you may wish to visit the fascinating Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum.
Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Tour
Explore this remarkable museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. This first-aid shelter was constructed in 1941 to withstand bombing raids.
Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Visit
Visit the magnificent Hungarian State Opera House for a guided tour before enjoying a glass of sparkling wine and an exclusive private opera recital.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Daily: Breakfast
Itinerary subject to change.
