European Gems with Budapest

Departures & Pricing

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

Itinerary

1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 15

    Disembark Ship, Budapest

    This morning, ride the funicular up to Castle Hill for sweeping views over the river, then stroll to Fisherman’s Bastion, a striking historic landmark. You will also visit Buda Castle. Enjoy lunch at leisure before transferring to your hotel later in the day.

16. 16

    Budapest

    Enjoy a special Insider Experience today.

    Insider Experience – Hollókő Village

    Step into traditional Hungarian village life in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Hollókő. Receive a warm Palóc welcome, visit the Village Museum, and take part in hands-on activities including crafting a leather bracelet or keychain and a strudel-making workshop. Complete the experience with a delicious three-course lunch in this charming historic setting.

17. 17

    Depart Budapest

    Your tour concludes this morning. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

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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