Book before 30 September 2021 and save $1500 per person on your 2023 river cruise! Combine this with the Early Payment Discount offer to receive an additional 10% off! Call now on 1300 414 198 for a quote on your preferred departure.
About this Cruise - Budapest to Amsterdam
Uncover Europe’s majestic jewels. Indulge your passion for majestic art, architecture, music and history on an all-encompassing journey through four countries along three great rivers— the Danube, Main and Rhine—and to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites.
From exotic Budapest, “Queen of the Danube,” to imperial Vienna, “City of Waltzes,” to the sky-high spires of Cologne’s Gothic cathedral—centuries of intriguing history and culture unfold before your eyes. The Melk Abbey’s great library overlooking the Danube and the Würzburg Residence’s soaring ceiling fresco by Tiepolo will leave you mesmerised. And throughout your journey, tantalize your senses with exclusive wine, apricot brandy and beer tastings, along with regional culinary delicacies. Discover the grand sweep of history and the dynamic present along legendary rivers on a magnificent journey that gives you the best of Europe’s great treasures as well as off-the-beaten-path gems.
Dining:
Accommodation:
Excursions:
Experiences:
Please note that this itinerary operates BUPDAPEST - AMSTERDAM or AMSTERDAM - BUDAPEST
Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.
DAY 1: Budapest (Embark)
Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
DAY 2: Budapest
Called the “Queen of the Danube,” in part because of the way the city hugs the banks of the river, Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Made up of two parts— Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands)—and divided by the Danube, Hungary’s capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history. You’ll have two enticing ways to experience the city—a panoramic guided tour aboard a motorcoach with a visit to the Parliament, or discover the Budapest that locals love on a special walking tour of the city’s most important landmarks. And if you choose, explore the city’s hidden gems and ruin pubs by bike.
Choice of Budapest walking tour or Budapest panoramic highlights and Parliament visit
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
DAY 3: Cruising the Danube River, Vienna
Today is your day to relax onboard, enjoying the luxuries of your river cruise ship while soaking in the spectacular scenery all around you as your ship heads for Vienna. Come up to the Sun Deck to admire the city’s landmarks strung along the riverbanks.
DAY 4: Vienna
Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Experience the City of Waltzes with your choice of excursions. Begin your day with an itinerary highlight—our “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum. Then, you can choose between two different guided tours: a panoramic city tour or our “Do as the Locals Do” walking tour.
Featured Excursion: “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum
Choice of Vienna - Imperial city highlights or “Imperial Crypt of the Hasburgs" walking tour
DAY 5: Cruising the Wachau Valley, Weissenkirchen (Melk)
Awaken to the spectacular scenery of the Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful stretches of river landscape in all of Europe. Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show you around and introduce you to some regional delicacies, including a wine tasting. Prefer to go for baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Later, you can stretch your legs with a vineyard hike.
Choice of Weissenkirchen “Village Day” with wine tasting or Melk Abbey with library visit or "Let's Go" vineyard hike
DAY 6: Cruising the Danube River, Passau
Just before reaching Passau, the ship will pass through the famous Schlögener Schlinge—a “gooseneck” or hairpin turn in the Danube. Located at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, Inn and Ilz— Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as you’ll see on your walking tour.
Choice of Passau walking tour or "Let's Go" bicycle ride along the Inn River
DAY 7: Regensburg
Today in Regensburg, you can travel through time or get a crash course in making craft beer, then watch high-tech robots assemble the Ultimate Driving Machine. Regensburg is a friendly town with quaint cobblestone streets, historic Roman ruins and a medieval city center. The remnants of Regensburg’s golden age are still on display, but don’t let its illustrious history fool you into thinking the town’s best days are all in the past.
Choice of Regensburg walking tour or BMW factory visit
DAY 8: Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Nuremberg
Arrive in the archetypal medieval German city of Nuremberg. Nuremberg is justifiably famous for its gingerbread and pocket watches, and it was also the site of some key moments in 20th-century history.
Choose between two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city. Join a panoramic tour of the city, or accompany a local expert to the city's most important WWII sites, including the enormous Nazi Party Rally Grounds - the actual site of the Nazi Party rallies.
Onboard: This morning, head up to the top deck or find a seat with a good view—you won’t want to miss seeing the ship navigate its way through a marvel of modern engineering, the Main-Danube Canal. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European “continental divide.”
DAY 9: Bamberg, Cruising the Main River
Your floating boutique hotel takes you to Bamberg today, a well-preserved town that offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval times. Explore the city on foot or opt to head deeper into the Franconian countryside to experience an authentic slice of rural life—including a tractor ride. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church tops each one.
Choice of Bamberg walking tour or Franconian “Village Day”
Spend the rest of the day on the peaceful Main River, cruising past quiet Franconian hamlets and picturesque countryside.Its the perfect time to indulge in the many comforts of your luxury ship while watching some of Europe's loveliest scenery glide by
DAY 10: Würzburg (Rothenburg)
Your ship will dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg, where you can visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence, one of the most opulent baroque palaces in Europe.
Featured Excursions:
Würzburg Residence visit with Court Gardens
Fairytale Rothenburg
DAY 11: Wertheim
After today, you may never eat a pretzel again without thinking of the town of Wertheim. You’ll meet one of Germany’s best pretzel makers, as well as the owner of a historic wine estate. If you’re more in the mood for a scenic bike ride, you are welcome to do that instead.
Choice of Wertheim walk with local treats or “Let's Go” Wertheim bicycle tour
DAY 12: Frankfurt (Heidelberg)
Frankfurt is known as the “Mainhattan” of Europe due to its profusion of bankers and soaring skyscrapers, which coexist with the city’s traditional Old Town architecture. Choose a brief tour that gives you an overview of this major European financial and trade center. Alternatively, visit romantic Heidelberg and its Renaissance castle.
Choice of Frankfurt walking tour with local treats or Heidelberg Castle visit.
DAY 13: Rüdesheim, Cruising the Romantic Rhine River
Experience Germany’s fabled Rheingau in one of two ways today. Take in spectacular views of the region’s famous vineyards from the perspective of an aerial cable car, or venture within an atmospheric medieval monastery and taste the Rieslings made on site. The town is best known for its narrow avenue of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse.
Choice of Rüdesheim wine village and panoramas of Niederwald Monument or Abbey Eberbach medieval monastery tour with Riesling tasting
DAY 14: Cologne
Enjoy a delightful tour of Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its stunning Renaissance façade. Wander through the historical center and take in its charming atmosphere and narrow alleyways flanked by old houses. No matter how you choose to explore Old Town, you’ll also have ample free time to explore the city on your own.
Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour with Cologne Cathedral visit and Kölsch beer tasting
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
DAY 15: Amsterdam
Enjoy the luxury of a full day in the “Venice of the North,” starting with a delightful tour of the Van Gogh Museum. Afterwards, explore the city with a canal ride or on foot with a local expert.
Featured Excursion: “Morning with the Masters” at the Van Gogh Museum
Choice of Amsterdam canal cruise or “Do as the Locals Do” Amsterdam walking tour
DAY 16: Amsterdam (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for your flight home.
Please note prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice.
*Advertised pricing based on 16 July and 29 August 2023 departures with a 10% early payment discount applied. Prices are subject to availability and may change without notice. $1,500pp savings offer ends 30 September 2021.
Solo traveller rates available on request.
Interested in extending your 2023 stay in Europe? Our Travel at 60 consultants can happily help you find a good deal on flights, accommodation and any other travel needs. We're just a quick local call away on 1300 414 198.
Accommodation
Suite, Lavishly appointed riverview suite (214 sq ft - 20 sqm) with a French Balcony
French Balcony, Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms (151 sq ft - 14 sqm) with a French Balcony
Deluxe, Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms (151 sq ft - 14 sqm)
Classic, Lavishly riverview staterooms (151 sq ft - 14 sqm)
All staterooms have Handcrafted Savoir* Beds of England with marble bathrooms with Asprey bath and body products.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply. Please contact us for more information.
*2023 Early Payment Discount
Book now and save 10% on select 2023 cruises when you pay in full within 3 days of booking.
When you pay in full for your 2023 cruise, Uniworld offers Total Flexibility. Not only do you get a bonus 10% savings on your booking, you will also have:
Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.