Grand Voyage of Europe with Transylvania

Departures & Pricing

Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Itinerary

1. 1

   Arrive Bucharest

   Arrive in Bucharest and be transferred to your hotel, where you will join us for a welcome dinner.

2. 2

   Bucharest

   Set out on a guided exploration of Bucharest’s Old Town this morning. The area has recently undergone a decade of refurbishments, transforming the city’s historic core into a vibrant, walkable quarter. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a visit to the Palace of the Parliament. Started in 1984, and still unfinished, this enormous building was constructed under the command of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and has over 3,000 rooms.

3. 3

   Bucharest, Brașov

   Travel to Salina Slănic Prahova, Europe’s largest salt mine. Descend 208 metres underground to discover some of the 14 chambers, as well as the museum. The pure air inside the mine is known for its respiratory healing effects. Later, enjoy dinner before continuing to your hotel in Brașov.

4. 4

   Brașov, Bran

   This morning will be spent exploring Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town of Bran, the castle’s striking orange turrets tower above a thick forest of trees in the Carpathian Mountains. Wander through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques before returning back to Brașov for lunch. This afternoon, delve deeper into Brașov’s history on a walking tour.

5. 5

   Brașov, Sinaia, Giurgiu, Embark Ship

   Today, you'll visit picturesque Peleș Castle, nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the town of Sinaia. This Neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by Romania’s first king, Carol I, and took 40 years to build. Enjoy free time for lunch in Sinaia, then travel to your ship in Giurgiu to begin your 21-day river cruise.

6. 6

   Ruse, Veliko Târnovo

   Discover the wonders of Veliko Târnovo with an expert local guide. Uncover this charming Bulgarian city's rich history as you wander through its cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the ship.

7. 7

   Vidin, Belogradchik

   Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik and visit its ancient fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.

8. 8

   At Sea

   The day is yours to relax on board, sleep in and take it easy, or awake early and take in stunning views from the Daystar Deck.

9. 9

   Novi Sad

   Choose how you’d like to spend the day in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city.

   Freedom of Choice – Guided City Discovery

   Enjoy a guided tour of Novi Sad, situated on the banks of the Danube River. Discover the city's iconic sights found along the main walkway of Zmaj Jovina.

   Freedom of Choice – Local Farmstead

   Visit a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture, featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts.

10. 10

    Kalocsa, Puszta

    Enjoy a Signature Experience today.

    Signature Experience – Folk Art House and Horse Show

    Visit the Folk Art House, where local handicrafts are on show. Then, visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.

11. 11

    Budapest

    Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity.

    Freedom of Choice – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

    Embark on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.

    Freedom of Choice – Hike to Gellért Hill

    Take a guided hike up Gellért Hill and admire the panoramic views over the Danube River. You'll also see the St Gellért Monument, honouring the Italian bishop and martyr who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Hungary in the 11th century.

12. 12

    Budapest

    We have set aside a full day for you to explore more of this fascinating city at your leisure.

13. 13

    Budapest

    Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. This afternoon, your ship will begin cruising towards Vienna.

    Freedom of Choice – City Tour

    Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, exploring historic monuments like Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen's Basilica.

    Freedom of Choice – Culinary Tour

    Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

    Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride

    Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.

14. 14

    Vienna

    Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Vienna. On arrival, take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral.

15. 15

    Vienna

    Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity this morning. In the evening, an unforgettable Signature Experience awaits.

    Freedom of Choice – Schönbrunn Palace Visit

    Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.

    Freedom of Choice – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

    Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev.

    Freedom of Choice – Vienna Culinary Tour

    Immerse yourself in Viennese cuisine on a culinary tour of Vienna's narrow streets. Visit a traditional cafe, try a classic Viennese sausage, and sample a sweet treat from one of the city's famous patisseries.

    Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace

    After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic performance.

16. 16

    Dürnstein, Melk

    Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein before choosing your activity. Later, visit Melk Abbey.

    Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley

    Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk. Admire stunning landscapes dotted with vineyards, charming villages and historic castles nestled amid lush hills.

    Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride from Dürnstein to Melk

    Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Dürnstein to Melk, and take in the scenery of the picturesque Wachau Valley.

17. 17

    Linz, Salzburg, Passau

    Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.

    Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ Show

    Be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser — a hunting horn blower — into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, The Sound of Music.

18. 18

    Regensburg

    Enjoy the chance to personalise your day with a choice of sightseeing activities on offer.

    Freedom of Choice – Guided Tour of Regensburg’s World Heritage-Listed City Centre

    Explore Regensburg's World Heritage-listed city centre on a guided tour. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Your tour will finish with a tasting at Regensburg’s historic sausage kitchen, thought to be one of the oldest working restaurants in the world.

    Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial

    Set out on a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany’s past.

19. 19

    Nuremberg

    This morning, continue cruising along the Main-Danube Canal while indulging in a Bavarian beer, sausage and pretzel tasting on the Daystar Deck. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. On arrival in Nuremberg, set out on your preferred activity.

    Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites

    Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.

    Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour

    Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.

20. 20

    Bamberg

    Arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the Regnitz River. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.

21. 21

    Würzburg

    Today unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.

    Freedom of Choice – Visit the Würzburg Residence

    The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.

    Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg

    Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colourful houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wohlfahrt’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest collection of German Christmas decorations in the world.

    Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress

    Enjoy a hike to Würzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city, which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries.

    Freedom of Choice – Tastes of Franconia

    Travel to the Volkacher Mainschleife, the largest wine-growing region in Franconia and home to one of the most famous Franconian whisky distilleries. Here, enjoy a guided tour and meet the whisky and winemaker to uncover the art of making whisky. Savour a tasting of their finest creations paired with freshly baked bread from a local bakery.

22. 22

    Miltenberg

    Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war.

    Freedom of Choice – Guided Walking Tour and Liqueur Tasting

    Embark on a guided exploration of Miltenberg. Discover the town's remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares, offering a unique glimpse into Germany’s rich history. Then, visit one of Franconia's oldest wine cellars for a tasting of local liqueurs.

    Freedom of Choice – Local Monastery Visit

    Travel to the hills overlooking Miltenberg for a visit to a local monastery. Here, you'll meet with a Franciscan friar to hear about life in the monastery. You'll also sample some homemade sausages, cheese and bread before free time to wander through the gardens and vineyard.

23. 23

    Rüdesheim

    Dock in Rüdesheim this morning, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, embark on your chosen activity. This afternoon, you’ll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards.

    Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

    Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.

    Freedom of Choice – Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

    Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This eccentric and unique museum is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.

    Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar

    Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions.

24. 24

    Andernach

    Today, enjoy an exclusive Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent cruising onwards to the Netherlands.

    Signature Experience – Namedy Castle

    Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a 14th-century residence set near the Rhine River in Germany. Go beyond the gates and wander about the rooms, hidden nooks and manicured grounds. You’ll then enjoy a morning tea, where a pianist playing classical music sets the mood.

25. 25

    Amsterdam

    Arrive in Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. This evening, savour fresh, locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine.

    Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise

    A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.

    Freedom of Choice – Culinary Discovery

    Discover the culinary favourites of The Netherlands. See and taste a variety of Dutch delicacies as you visit local producers.

    Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride

    Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.

    Freedom of Choice – Keukenhof Gardens in Spring

    On select spring departures, you also have the option to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips.

26. 26

    Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

    Your spectacular journey comes to an end today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.

Accommodation

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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