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- Solo Holidays
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FLY FREE + SAVE UP TO $2,600 PER COUPLE*
- Cruise through fairytale towns, medieval cities and vineyard-lined valleys
- Explore Germany's castles, Austria's imperial elegance and the Balkans' cultural diversity
- Enjoy insider experiences like visiting Augustusburg Palace and a Bavarian celebration on board
Trip Details
- Departs
- 25 March 2027
- Returns
- 7 July 2027
- Operator
- Travel Marvel
Travel from the canals of Amsterdam to the grand boulevards of Bucharest on a journey along the legendary Danube. Cruise through fairytale towns, medieval cities and vineyard-lined valleys, from Germany’s castles and Austria’s imperial elegance to the cultural crossroads of the Balkans.
Departures & Pricing
Multiple departures between March 2027 to June 2027
- 25 Mar 2027 - 18 Apr 2027
- from $13,145 pp twin share / $22,245 pp solo *
- 07 Jun 2027 - 01 Jul 2027
- from $15,595 pp twin share / $26,895 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive Amsterdam, Embark Ship
Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river ship. Later this evening, join your Cruise Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
- 2
Amsterdam, Utrecht
Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight’s special Gala Dinner.
- 3
Cologne, Brühl
Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.
Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace
Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.
- 4
Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim
Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most scenic stretch of the Rhine. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of Germany’s finest collections of automated musical instruments.
- 5
Miltenberg
Enjoy free time in Miltenberg exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.
- 6
Würzburg
Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Gardens. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg.
Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion
Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.
- 7
Bamberg
Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll see highlights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main–Danube Canal.
- 8
Nuremberg
Explore Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan shops. Later, cruise the Main–Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide via its remarkable series of 16 locks.
- 9
Regensburg
Having reached the Danube River overnight, arrive in Regensburg. Docked in the heart of town, spend the day exploring this charming city on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in nearby Abensberg, a family-owned brewery featuring the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board
This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.
Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer Brewery Visit
Visit Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg, tour the brewery and see the colourful Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.
- 10
Passau, Linz
As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in Passau, otherwise known as the 'City of Three Rivers', where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.
Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.
Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights
Journey through Austria’s scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.
- 11
Melk, Dürnstein
After crossing into Austria, dock in Melk and join a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, townhouses and taverns, or perhaps join an optional regional wine tasting.
Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting
Visit Dürnstein Abbey to sample local Wachau wines, including Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, accompanied by a tasting of regional brandy.
- 12
Vienna
In Vienna, join a guided walking tour taking in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg and the Albertina museum. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.
Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert
Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.
- 13
Vienna
With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city’s famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
Enhance Your Journey – Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience
Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa. Explore the elegant palace apartments adorned with fine textiles and chandeliers, then stroll through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, visit the stables for a private introduction to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Learn about their breeding, care and training before witnessing a special demonstration of their grace and discipline.
Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia
Visit Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city’s fascinating past.
- 14
Budapest
Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship glides into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.
Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Performance
Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.
Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
Explore this fascinating museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. Built in 1941 as a first-aid shelter, it was designed to withstand the impact of aerial bombing.
- 15
Budapest
We have set aside a full day for you to explore more of this fascinating city at your leisure.
- 16
Budapest
After breakfast, join a local guide to explore the city. Admire Budapest’s grand landmarks and architectural highlights as you discover the city’s rich history.
- 17
Mohács, Pécs
From the quiet port town of Mohács, history enthusiasts may wish to travel to the ancient city of Pécs. Hungary’s fifth-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, it offers a wealth of historic sights, including the copper-domed Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the 11th-century Pécs Cathedral. This afternoon is at leisure, or you may choose to join an optional excursion to Hungary’s renowned Villány wine region for a tasting.
Enhance Your Journey – Villány Wine Tasting
Travel to Hungary’s celebrated Villány wine region, known for its red and rosé varieties. Visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting.
- 18
Osijek
Begin a captivating exploration of Osijek, a vibrant city rich in history. Wander its cobblestone streets, where well-preserved 18th-century architecture reveals glimpses of the past, and visit landmarks such as Holy Trinity Square and the Church of Saint Michael. Later, continue to Vukovar for a tasting of regional delicacies before rejoining your ship for a leisurely afternoon cruise towards Serbia.
- 19
Belgrade
In Serbia’s capital, embark on a guided tour of Belgrade. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress, offering sweeping views over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, and the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Later, gain insight into local life and traditions during a special Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Village Farm and Slivovitz Tour
Visit a local family’s village home, touring the house and barn to meet the resident farm animals. Stroll through the orchards to learn about the distillation of slivovitz — Serbia’s traditional plum brandy — and its place in everyday culture.
- 20
Iron Gates
Today, witness nature at its finest as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a dramatic landscape of lush forests, towering cliffs and rugged gorges. Forming part of the border between Serbia and Romania, this remarkable stretch of the Danube offers one of the river’s most spectacular cruising experiences.
- 21
Ruse
Go ashore in Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Join a walking tour to admire its Belle Époque architecture and manicured garden squares, often compared to the charm of Vienna. Along the way, pass the Monument of Liberty, the courthouse, and Battenberg Square. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure — perhaps visit the Rousse Regional Historical Museum the National Transport Museum or the ancient ruins of the Sexaginta Prista fortress.
- 22
Giurgiu, Disembark Ship, Brașov
After breakfast, travel to your hotel in Brașov, stopping en route in Sinaia to enjoy free time for lunch at your leisure.
- 23
Brașov
This morning, travel to Bran Castle, famed for its Dracula lore. With a local guide, learn about its history as you explore its many rooms and admire 19th-century antiques. Return to Brașov for a guided walk through its old streets, lined with well-preserved medieval architecture. Discover colourful Baroque facades and Gothic landmarks while soaking up the lively atmosphere of the city’s cafes, restaurants and shops.
- 24
Brașov, Bucharest
Journey to Bucharest and join a guided tour of this vibrant cultural capital. Walk along wide, tree-lined boulevards lined with Belle Époque architecture before exploring the old city centre, including the Târgoviște Princely Court, Stavropoleos Monastery and the lively Lipscani district.
- 25
Depart Bucharest
Your adventure comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- 21 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship
- Explore 21 towns, villages and cities
- Services of Travelmarvel Cruise Director, Tour Director and local guides
- 66 meals – 24 breakfasts, 20 lunches and 22 dinners
- Beer, wine and soft drink with lunch and dinner on board, plus tea, coffee and water
- Transfers, port charges, porterage and tipping
- Delve into the fascinating history and legend of Bran Castle, famously linked to the Dracula story
- Step back in time during a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle
Not included
- Travel Insurance
Accommodation
- 21 Nights, Travelmarvel river ship
- Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town or similar
- Two Nights, Brașov, Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel or similar
Common questions about this voyage
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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.
Terms & conditions
Read the operator’s full booking conditions
Fly Free Europe Sale*: Book by 16 September 2026 unless sold out prior. Fly free offer available on select Travel Marvel Europe tours departing in 2027. Flights are available from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin or Perth. Offers are valid for new bookings only, subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time
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