European Gems

Includes return flights from the UK. Enjoy the best of Europe on a 14-night premium river cruise. Begin in Budapest, Hungary’s grand capital, before heading to elegant Vienna. Explore some of Germany’s most beautiful towns along the Rhine River and complete your cruise in Amsterdam.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship

Fly from the UK and arrive in the enthralling city of Budapest, where your contemporary river ship awaits on the Danube River. Enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director before a relaxing twilight cruise following dinner.

Day 2: Budapest

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Welcome Dinner while you cruise.

Day 3: Vienna

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, maybe visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you could enjoy an optional concert.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.

Day 4: Vienna

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg area or wander along Kärntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping strip. Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava in Slovakia.

Enhance Your Journey – 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.

Enhance Your Journey – 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 cCommunist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev. 

Day 5: Dürnstein, Melk

Cruise to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was kept as a prisoner in the 12th century. You have the morning free to explore the cobbled streets, town houses and taverns of the town. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Dock in Melk and tour Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. 

Day 6: Aschach, Passau

Today, you can choose to join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Passau.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – ‘The Sound of Music’ Tour

Depart from Passau to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’, including the famous Wedding Church.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian experience on board. Sample delicious local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance. 

Day 7: Regensburg

Continue along the Danube River to Regensburg, located in the southern region of the Bavarian Forest. Here, wander along its cobblestone lanes, taking a journey through the ages as you explore the historic streets, medieval buildings and cultural sites on your guided walking tour.

Day 8: Nuremberg

Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies during World War II. Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice.

Day 9: Bamberg

One of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II, Bamberg beckons your attention today. You’ll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city.  Gaze upon sights such as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore.

Day 10: Würzburg

Verdant hills and rich vineyards sit on the edge of Würzburg. Admire its magnificent baroque palace, the Würzburg Residence, and walk through Würzburg Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairytale town.

Enhance Your Journey – Medieval Rothenburg Tour

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Day 11: Miltenberg

Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the lights of medieval towns slip past as you cruise through the night.

Insider Experience – Culinary Tour in Miltenberg

Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

Day 12: Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge

In Rüdesheim, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later on, back on board, you will encounter the spectacular Rhine Gorge.

Day 13: 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 the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. 

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rRococo architecture from 18th- century Germany

Day 14: Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s network of canals is a sight to behold. Dock in the city’s heart and board a glass-top boat to discover its views. Back on land, enjoy some free time before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board. 

Day 15: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.