Cruise three rivers through five countries, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites and charming medieval towns
Cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers through five countries
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Cologne Cathedral and Melk Abbey
Choose from hiking, biking, wine tasting and cultural tours at each port
Trip Details
Departs
Sat 15 May 2027
Returns
Sat 29 May 2027
Embarks
Amsterdam
Disembarks
Budapest
Ship
AmaLea
Operator
AMAWaterways
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.
This river cruise journeys through Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary, calling at Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim, Wertheim, Würzburg, Eltmann and Nuremberg.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLea and AmaSofia.
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.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaLea
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaLea
Deck plans
4
AmaLea · Deck plans
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaSofia
Deck plans
4
AmaSofia · Deck plans
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Day by day
Itinerary
1
Amsterdam
Sat 15 May
ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION. Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Magnificent Europe cruise.
2
Amsterdam
Sun 16 May
AMSTERDAM. 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.
3
Düsseldorf
Mon 17 May
COLOGNE, GERMANY. 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.
4
Rüdesheim
Tue 18 May
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. 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.
5
Wertheim
Wed 19 May
WERTHEIM. 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.
6
Würzburg
Thu 20 May
WÜRZBURG. 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.
7
Eltmann
Fri 21 May
ELTMANN – BAMBERG. 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.
8
Nuremberg
Sat 22 May
NUREMBERG. 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. While wandering through this historical fortress towering high above the city center, you will pass by an exhibition of military artifacts, from weapons to suits of armor, as well as architectural models that show the castle through the ages. 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 guests, enjoy a bike tour and explore the city this way.
9
Nuremberg
Sun 23 May
NUREMBERG. You have two choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. 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.
10
Regensburg
Mon 24 May
REGENSBURG. 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.
11
Passau
Tue 25 May
PASSAU. 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.
12
Melk
Wed 26 May
MELK, AUSTRIA. 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.
13
Vienna
Thu 27 May
VIENNA. 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.
14
Budapest
Fri 28 May
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. 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.
15
Budapest
Sat 29 May
DISEMBARKATION – DEPART BUDAPEST. Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Canal cruise.
Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer.
Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour.
Cologne bike tour.
Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet.
Gondola Ride.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaLea and AmaSofia.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category CA
Category CB
Category D
Romantic Danube (Taste of Christmas) stateroom
From the operator
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 15 days and 14 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 01 May 2027 and 27 Nov 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?
Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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