Boxing Day Sale: Amsterdam-Budapest River Cruise

DAY 1, Monday - Depart for the Netherlands

Depart for the Netherlands

DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated and modern capital; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to discover the many cultural sites this delightful city has to offer. Tonight, a Welcome Drink with your Tour Manager, followed by an orientation meeting about the journey

Overnight: Amsterdam

DAY 3, Wednesday - Amsterdam City Tour

Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Queen's official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. The rest of the day is on your own. Perhaps, visit one of the world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh to view the masterpieces of some of the Dutch artists

Overnight: Amsterdam |Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Thursday - Cruise Embarkation in Amsterdam

Time for personal exploration or shopping in Amsterdam this morning before the afternoon transfer to the port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, the Captain's Welcome Cocktail and Dinner sets the mood for your delightful river cruise

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 5, Friday - Full Day in Amsterdam

The day is at leisure to further discover Amsterdam on your own. Perhaps experience a taste of real Dutch life by renting a bike to discover the little alleyways, hidden courtyards and canal-side treasures. Rejoin the ship for dinner and set sail this evening

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 6, Saturday - Tour Nijmegen, the Oldest Town in the Netherlands

This morning discover Nijmegen, the oldest town in the Netherlands. Uncover traces of the city’s past on a walking tour, before roaming the unique shops, outdoor cafes and cozy restaurants on your own. This afternoon sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Sunday - Cologne City Tour

Today join a walking tour of Cologne, highlighted by the soaring twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne's vibrant night life before setting sail

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Monday - Morning in Koblenz & Afternoon Cruising

The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join an orientation walk this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. During lunch, set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by

Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour

Overnight: River Cruise|Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 9, Tuesday - Miltenberg & Wertheim Walking Tours

After a leisurely morning on board, arrive in the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg, a jewel on the banks of the Main River. Discover the Market Square with its Renaissance-era fountain, the Merchant Hall with its stunning Gothic architecture and the unique 14th and 15th century half-timbered houses. Continue to Wertheim by coach, a charming German town well known for its glassworks and Franconian wine. Rejoin the ship just before dinner and set sail for Wurzburg

Overnight: River Cruise | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 10, Wednesday - Wurzburg City Tour

Discovery Wurzburg, named the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," with its dramatic Marienberg fortress, 15th century bridge and lush vineyards. Your walk takes you to the ornate Bishops' Residenz Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon, relax on aboard as the ship cruises, or join the optional tour along Germany's "Romantic Road" to Rothenburg, with its turreted city wall and impressive Gothic architecture

Optional: Rothenburg City Tour

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 11, Thursday - Bamberg City Tour

Today, dock in historic Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany's most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your walk in the medieval city center with its impressive 11th century Romanesque cathedral and gorgeous Rose Garden. After, view the very unusual City Hall built on a tiny island in the middle of the Regnitz River and Little Venice, an area of colorful fishermen's houses. This afternoon is free to explore Bamberg independently, before setting sail this evening while you dine on board

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 12, Friday - Nuremberg City Tour

Today explore Nuremberg, an energetic city with a visible history of almost one thousand years. The guided excursion begins at the historic Palace of Justice where the War Crimes Tribunal met in 1946 and continues to the vibrant Market Square. After lunch on board the ship, the afternoon is free to further discover this wonderful city on your own. Stroll through the shops that fill the Old Town or walk along the fortified walls of Nuremberg Castle. In the late afternoon set sail for Regensburg

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 13, Saturday - Regensburg City Tour

This morning relax on board as the ship cruises the Danube River. Arrive to Regensburg in the early afternoon, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. Tonight, after dinner, the ship sets sail for Passau

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 14, Sunday - Morning in Passau

Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Explore Passau independently in the morning, or, join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain aboard, continue sailing during lunch and relax on board this afternoon. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk

Optional: Full Day Tour of Salzburg

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 15, Monday - Melk Abbey

Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley on the way to Vienna, the Imperial city legendary for its opulence and elegance. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens

Optional: Classical Viennese Concert (PM)

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 16, Tuesday - Vienna City Tour

This sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travelers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, and beautiful gardens. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at a café sampling the famous Viennese Sacher Torte, or, join the optional afternoon tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the opulent baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Set sail for Budapest this evening

Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 17, Wednesday - Budapest City Tour

Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the river; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Cross to Buda to see the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture along the cobbled streets. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Captain's Dinner on board

Overnight: River Cruise |Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 18, Thursday - Excursion to Szentendre

Disembark the ship and drive from Budapest to the colorful artist's colony of Szentendre in the scenic Danube Bend. This settlement became a creative center for artists to gather in the 1920's. Today, this quaint village is accented by Baroque architecture, galleries, crafts shops and charming boutiques. After the guided tour, time to stroll the winding cobbled streets, visit one of the many museums and contemporary galleries or just sit at an outdoor cafe, sip coffee and people-watch. Return to Budapest in the early afternoon. Tonight, an optional dinner and show in Budapest. Travel to the outskirts of Budapest for a traditional Hungarian Dinner in a scenic forested location. While dining, you'll be entertained by colorfully dressed dancers performing a variety of spirited folk dances accompanied by a group playing live gypsy music

Optional: Dinner & Show in Budapest (PM)

Overnight: Budapest |Meals: Breakfast

DAY 19, Friday - Full Day in Budapest

Today, enjoy the delights of Budapest independently. Immerse yourself in the heritage of the "City of Baths" and visit a traditional Turkish bath house with its thermal baths and spas or, sample a delicious local pastry at one of Budapest’s famous coffee houses. Perhaps, take the optional half day tour of the Parliament, Great Dohany Synagogue and Market Hall. Begin at the impressive Hungarian House of Parliament, where you can view the Crown Jewels. Continue to the Moorish style Great Dohany Synagogue, the largest in Europe. View the magnificent Tree of Life and the stirring Raoul Wallenberg Memorial. Conclude the tour at the Great Market Hall and see the locals do their everyday shopping, the way they did hundred years ago Overnight: Budapest |Meals: Breakfast

DAY 20, Saturday - Depart Hungary

This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight

Meals: Breakfast

Twin share pricing:

• May 20, 2019 $7319 for first person with friend from $3660
• Jun 17, 2019 $6599 for first person with friend from $3300
• Aug 12, 2019 $6519 for first person with friend from $3260
• Sep 09, 2019 $6889 for first person with friend from $3445

Solo travellers can save 25% off the regular single passenger price during the sale period from 26 Dec 2018 - 4 Jan 2019. Please contact us to learn more.

The Monarch Duchess is a first class river cruise vessel built in 2010 with a maximum capacity of 136 passengers.

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavour to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.