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Cruise · AMAWaterways · 14 nights

Magnificent Europe

  • Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships with multiple stateroom categories
  • Included guided tours, canal cruises, architecture tours and beer tastings
  • Choice of excursions at each port: standard tours, bike tours and hikes
From
$11,514 pp twin share
14 nights
Enquire
When & how much

Choose your departure

14 departures

  1. Sat 19 Feb 2028 → Sat 4 Mar 2028 14 nights · Amsterdam → Budapest · AmaSofia Outside $7,993 Balcony $10,869 Suite $19,502 from $7,993 pp twin share Select
  2. Sat 4 Mar 2028 → Sat 18 Mar 2028 14 nights · Budapest → Amsterdam · AmaSofia Outside $8,712 Balcony $11,588 Suite $20,221 from $8,712 pp twin share Select
  3. Sat 29 Apr 2028 → Sat 13 May 2028 14 nights · Budapest → Amsterdam · AmaLea Outside $11,514 Balcony $14,390 Suite $23,023 from $11,514 pp twin share Select
  4. Sat 29 Apr 2028 → Sat 13 May 2028 14 nights · Amsterdam → Budapest · AmaSofia Outside $11,514 Balcony $15,541 Suite $23,023 from $11,514 pp twin share Select
  5. Sat 13 May 2028 → Sat 27 May 2028 14 nights · Amsterdam → Budapest · AmaLea Outside $11,514 Balcony $14,390 Suite $23,023 from $11,514 pp twin share Enquire
Cruise Snapshot
14 Nights

Cruise three rivers through five countries, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites and charming European towns

  • Sail the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers across five countries
  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Cologne Cathedral and Melk Abbey
  • Choose from guided tours, bike rides, hikes and special interest excursions

Trip Details

Departs
Sat 13 May 2028
Returns
Sat 27 May 2028
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 AmaSofia, AmaLea and 2 sister ships.

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

AmaLea

AmaLea
Details · AmaWaterways

AmaLea

Deck plans
4
AmaLea · Deck plans

Piano Deck

AmaLea — Piano Deck deck plan

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. 1

    Amsterdam

    Sat 13 May
    ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION. Step aboard your ship in Amsterdam and feel the city’s energy as it glides past elegant canal houses and vibrant neighborhoods.
  2. 2

    Amsterdam

    Sun 14 May
    AMSTERDAM. Experience Amsterdam from its canals on a private cruise, viewing important landmarks and gabled houses as you glide beneath graceful bridges. Or, as a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, tour the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age.
  3. 3

    Düsseldorf

    Mon 15 May
    COLOGNE, GERMANY. Cruise to Cologne and delve into the enchanting Old Town on a guided tour followed by a tasting of the city’s signature Kölsch beer. Alternatively, as a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, take an architecture tour that includes a visit to the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, explore the extensive Roman ruins of Cologne, or enjoy a guided bike ride along the Rhine.
  4. 4

    Rüdesheim

    Tue 16 May
    RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Glide through the UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where castles perch above rolling vineyards along the river. Quaint towns and riverside paths invite you to linger, breathe in the scenery, and embrace the timeless beauty of this storied stretch. Every turn of the river reveals a new vista, offering quiet reflection or a moment to capture the perfect memory.
  5. 5

    Wertheim

    Wed 17 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. 6

    Würzburg

    Thu 18 May
    WÜRZBURG. Würzburg’s Baroque architecture and elegant streets reflect a rich cultural heritage. Explore the grand façades, intricate gardens, and riverbanks that have inspired travelers for generations. Whether wandering the streets or hiking to vantage points, the city’s beauty and charm provide a serene backdrop for leisurely exploration.
  7. 7

    Eltmann

    Fri 19 May
    ELTMANN – BAMBERG. Today, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg. Take a guided tour of this medieval gem to see its diverse architecture, from the cathedral to its elegant mansions. Or taste your way through town, sampling smoked beer, pralines, and hörnla pastries. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, walk along the historic Ludwig Canal to Lock 100, still in use today.
  8. 8

    Nuremberg

    Sat 20 May
    NUREMBERG. Nuremberg’s streets rise beneath its castle, blending centuries of architecture, art, and history. Wander the Old Town, discover local traditions, and feel the energy of a city that has shaped Europe’s past. Every turn offers a glimpse into the city’s stories, from grand squares to quiet courtyards.
  9. 9

    Nuremberg

    Sun 21 May
    NUREMBERG. Nuremberg’s cobblestone streets wind past medieval towers, ancient fountains, and colorful façades that whisper centuries of stories. The city’s rhythm blends history, artistry, and everyday life, inviting quiet strolls and moments of reflection. From the Old Town’s charming squares to the riverbanks that frame its skyline, Nuremberg reveals a city shaped by time, culture, and enduring spirit.
  10. 10

    Regensburg

    Mon 22 May
    REGENSBURG. Explore Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Discover the Roman-era Porta Praetoria and the Old Town Hall. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, visit the House of Bavarian History Museum, acclaimed for its architecture as well as its exhibitions, and see the impressive monument of Walhalla, built in the style of a Greek temple honouring cultural, scientific and artistic contributions of German speaking celebrities.
  11. 11

    Passau

    Tue 23 May
    PASSAU. Arrive in Passau, situated where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz rivers. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, spend the day in Salzburg where on your walking tour you will see sights from The Sound of Music. Tour Salzburg’s UNESCO-designated Old Town, from Mozart’s home to the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Or stay in Passau and enjoy a walking tour with hand-made pretzels and chocolates, a guided bike ride, or a hike to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress.
  12. 12

    Melk

    Wed 24 May
    MELK, AUSTRIA. Enter the breathtaking Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube River. As a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive, tour the Benedictine Melk Abbey, a marvel of Baroque architecture perched above the river, and meet a librarian to learn how medieval books are meticulously restored. Alternatively, hike up to the abbey or embark on a guided bike tour along the Danube River.
  13. 13

    Vienna

    Thu 25 May
    VIENNA. Glide into Austria’s capital and tour its imperial treasures, from the majestic Opera House to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over the city center for 700 years. Explore the city by bike, or follow a guide through Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, where a breathtaking fine art collection is housed within an opulent neoclassical building. Enjoy free time in Vienna this afternoon.
  14. 14

    Budapest

    Fri 26 May
    BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. Budapest’s dual personalities unfold along the Danube, from hilly Buda to flat Pest. Wander historic streets, admire panoramic vistas, or explore vibrant squares and quiet lanes. The city’s rich culture, architecture, and riverside charm provide endless opportunities for reflection and discovery.
  15. 15

    Budapest

    Sat 27 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 & Kolsch.
  • Cologne Cathedral Architecture tour.
  • Cologne Guided Bike Tour.
  • Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet.
  • Gondola Ride.
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaSofia, AmaLea and 2 sister ships.

Stateroom categories available

  • Suite
  • Category AA
  • Category AB
  • Category BA
  • Category BB
  • Category CA
  • Category CB
  • Category D
Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals stateroom
Grand Rhine & Dutch Canals 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 19 Feb 2028 and 04 Nov 2028, 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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