14-NIGHT CRUISE WITH
2 NIGHTS AMSTERDAM PRE-CRUISE
14-NIGHT CRUISE WITH
2 NIGHTS BUDAPEST PRE-CRUISE
CRUISE FROM : Amsterdam to Budapest
CRUISE FROM : Budapest to Amsterdam
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. Whimsical delights from Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim to the crooked houses in Miltenberg, will enchant. 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, Dürnstein and Vienna. All of this and more awaits on one all-encompassing magnificent journey.
Follow the route of emperors and kings on a magnificent European journey along three great rivers through five fascinating countries. From Amsterdam, travel on the Rhine river to Cologne, with its breathtaking cathedral. Continue cruising along the beautiful Rhine Gorge and then through the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering masterpiece, as you traverse Europe’s Continental Divide. Discover the culture and traditions of such grand old capitals as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Along the way, you’ll see perfectly preserved medieval towns and Europe’s loveliest countryside.
COUNTRIES:
Austria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, SlovakiaAustria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Slovakia
RIVERS:
Rhine, Danube, Main
Magnificent Europe
At A Glance
| 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 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic
masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only
made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active
adventurers will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the
most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. Wine connoisseurs will want to
go on a walking tour through the vineyards where you’ll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations.
Or choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the
Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Miltenberg | “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
|
| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| | OR Wertheim Castle hill hike |
|
Enjoy a Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.”
While on your walking tour, you’ll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal
Inn. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of
the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim,
considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the ruins
of Wertheim Castle or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
You have several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour of Würzburg nestled along
the “Romantic Road,” or visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you
prefer to get more active, hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the
Main River in Würzburg, or go on a guided bike tour through the countryside. Alternatively, go to Rothenburg, the
best-preserved medieval town in Germany. The town is so pretty that the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was
very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Bamberg | 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, licorice root and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Nuremberg | WWII city tour |
|
You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. 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. Or 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 9 | 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 10 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
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 along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
| Wachau Valley | Wachau Valley UNESCO scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Melk to Dürnstein bike tour |
|
| Dürnstein | Dürnstein Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Apricots and Sweets tasting |
|
Cruise to Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also join a guided bike tour along the Danube, and if you would like, you can bike later in the day further along the Danube through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley that will take
you to Dürnstein. For those not biking, you’ll cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein. Once here, you
have a choice of excursions. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche
before enjoying a local wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the
Lionheart was once held. You may also choose to visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll be treated to the finest
apricot products in the region. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” 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. Your
city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of
the Habsburgs. Conclude in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which
has stood watch over Vienna for 700 years and is one of the most important and beloved landmarks in Austria.
Or, if you prefer to go on a more active adventure, then join a guided bike tour through Vienna. During
the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
Sail to the “Coronation City of Kings,” where you can join a walking tour or choose instead to enjoy a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For those who wish a more active exploration, hike up to Bratislava Castle for magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
Discover the “Queen of the Danube” on your city tour beginning with a visit to the Great Market Hall followed by a panoramic tour of both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Arrive in Budapest and board your luxury cruise ship. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | Budapest City Tour |
|
| | Budapest Castle Hill Hike |
|
Discover the “Queen of the Danube” on your city tour beginning with a visit to the Great Market Hall followed by a panoramic tour of both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Bratislava | Bratislava Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
Sail to the “Coronation City of Kings,” where you can join a walking tour or choose instead to enjoy a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For those who wish a more active exploration, hike up to Bratislava Castle for magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Vienna | Vienna City tour |
|
| | Klosterneuburg Abbey 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. Your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over Vienna for 700 years and is one of the most important and beloved landmarks in Austria. Or, if you prefer to go on a more active adventure, then join a guided bike tour to Klosterneuburg Abbey. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Dürnstein | Walking tour & wine tasting |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| Wachau Valley | OR Danube bike tour |
|
| Dürnstein | OR Dürnstein to Melk bike tour |
|
| Melk | Melk Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
Once in Dürnstein, you have a choice of excursions. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the beautiful blue Baroque Stiftskirche before enjoying a local wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held and enjoy sweeping views of the river and vineyards below. You may also choose to visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll be treated to the finest apricot products in the region. You can also join a guided bike tour along the Danube, and if you would like, you can bike later in the day further along the Danube through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley and meet your ship in Melk. Or, cruise to Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will visit later in the day. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
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 along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | 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)
You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. 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. Or 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). (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Bamberg | UNESCO walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
| Volkach | Free Evening in Volkach |
|
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, licorice root and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Later in the day, cruise to Volkach where you will enjoy free time to explore the town. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
|
You have several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour of Würzburg nestled along the “Romantic Road,” or visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer to get more active, or hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the Main River in Würzburg. Alternatively, go to Rothenburg, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. The town is so pretty that the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Wertheim | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| Miltenberg | Miltenberg Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
|
Wertheim is considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.” While on your walking tour, you’ll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Rüdesheim | Rüdesheim Wine Tasting |
|
| | OR Rüdesheim Vineyards Hike |
|
| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Wine connoisseurs will want to go on a walking tour through the vineyards where you’ll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations. Or choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River or hike through the town’s vineyards. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D
| Day 13 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurers will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | 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 15 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and you 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 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic
masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only
made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active
adventurers will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Rhine Gorge | Castles along the Rhine scenic cruising |
|
| Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the
most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. Wine connoisseurs will want to
go on a walking tour through the vineyards where you’ll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations.
Or choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the
Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Miltenberg | “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
|
| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| | OR Wertheim Castle hill hike |
|
Enjoy a Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.”
While on your walking tour, you’ll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal
Inn. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of
the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim,
considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the ruins
of Wertheim Castle or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
You have several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour of Würzburg nestled along
the “Romantic Road,” or visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you
prefer to get more active, hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the
Main River in Würzburg, or go on a guided bike tour through the countryside. Alternatively, go to Rothenburg, the
best-preserved medieval town in Germany. The town is so pretty that the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was
very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Bamberg | 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, licorice root and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Nuremberg | WWII city tour |
|
You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. 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. Or 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 11 | 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 12 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
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 along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
| Wachau Valley | Wachau Valley UNESCO scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Melk to Dürnstein bike tour |
|
| Dürnstein | Dürnstein Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Apricots and Sweets tasting |
|
Cruise to Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also join a guided bike tour along the Danube, and if you would like, you can bike later in the day further along the Danube through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley that will take
you to Dürnstein. For those not biking, you’ll cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein. Once here, you
have a choice of excursions. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche
before enjoying a local wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the
Lionheart was once held. You may also choose to visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll be treated to the finest
apricot products in the region. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” 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. Your
city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of
the Habsburgs. Conclude in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which
has stood watch over Vienna for 700 years and is one of the most important and beloved landmarks in Austria.
Or, if you prefer to go on a more active adventure, then join a guided bike tour through Vienna. During
the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
Sail to the “Coronation City of Kings,” where you can join a walking tour or choose instead to enjoy a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For those who wish a more active exploration, hike up to Bratislava Castle for magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
| Day 16 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
Discover the “Queen of the Danube” on your city tour beginning with a visit to the Great Market Hall followed by a panoramic tour of both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill. (B,L,D)
| Day 17 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Budapest | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
Once the co-capital of the Austro-Hungarian empire (along with Vienna), Budapest is one of Europe’s most regal and storied cities—and many of its most iconic sights can be seen right off the banks of the Danube. Today’s tour takes you to another side of Budapest to the Jewish Quarter, where there are some real treasures. The Great Synagogue, the largest Synagogue in Europe and the second largest in the world, located in Dohány Street represents the beating heart of this quarter. Other prominent attractions include the Holocaust Memorial, a weeping willow tree with the names of Hungarian Jews killed during the Holocaust inscribed on each leaf; and the Shoes on the Danube, a memorial to the Budapest Jews who were shot by Arrow Cross militiamen between 1944 and 1945. (B)
Check out of your hotel to board your luxurious ship. (B,D)
| Day 4 | Budapest | Budapest City Tour |
|
| | Budapest Castle Hill Hike |
|
Discover the “Queen of the Danube” on your city tour beginning with a visit to the Great Market Hall followed by a panoramic tour of both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Bratislava | Bratislava Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
Sail to the “Coronation City of Kings,” where you can join a walking tour or choose instead to enjoy a “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For those who wish a more active exploration, hike up to Bratislava Castle for magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vienna | Vienna City tour |
|
| | Klosterneuburg Abbey 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. Your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over Vienna for 700 years and is one of the most important and beloved landmarks in Austria. Or, if you prefer to go on a more active adventure, then join a guided bike tour to Klosterneuburg Abbey. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Dürnstein | Walking tour & wine tasting |
|
| | OR Dürnstein Fortress hike |
|
| Wachau Valley | OR Danube bike tour |
|
| Dürnstein | OR Dürnstein to Melk bike tour |
|
| Melk | Melk Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
Once in Dürnstein, you have a choice of excursions. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the beautiful blue Baroque Stiftskirche before enjoying a local wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held and enjoy sweeping views of the river and vineyards below. You may also choose to visit a local apricot grower, where you’ll be treated to the finest apricot products in the region. You can also join a guided bike tour along the Danube, and if you would like, you can bike later in the day further along the Danube through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley and meet your ship in Melk. Or, cruise to Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which you will visit later in the day. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
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 along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | 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)
You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. 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. Or 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). (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Bamberg | UNESCO walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
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| Volkach | Free Evening in Volkach |
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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, licorice root and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Later in the day, cruise to Volkach where you will enjoy free time to explore the town. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
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You have several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour of Würzburg nestled along the “Romantic Road,” or visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer to get more active, or hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the Main River in Würzburg. Alternatively, go to Rothenburg, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. The town is so pretty that the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Wertheim | Walking tour |
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| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
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| Miltenberg | Miltenberg Walking Tour |
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| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
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Wertheim is considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.” While on your walking tour, you’ll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Rüdesheim | Rüdesheim Wine Tasting |
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| | OR Rüdesheim Vineyards Hike |
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| | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
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Wine connoisseurs will want to go on a walking tour through the vineyards where you’ll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations. Or choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River or hike through the town’s vineyards. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D
| Day 15 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit |
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Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurers will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
| Day 16 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
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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 17 | Amsterdam | DISEMBARKATION |
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Disembark the ship and you prepare for your flight home. (B)