Embark on a history-steeped European journey that takes you through four countries - Hungary, Austria, Germany, and The Netherlands - and along three great rivers - the Danube, Main, and Rhine. From the stunning, exotic beauty of Budapest to music-rich Vienna to the soaring spires of Cologne's Cathedral - there are incomparable sights on this trip you'll see. Sail through Austria's lush Wachau Valley and taste the famous wines of the region. Cruise through the 106-mile engineering marvel the Main-Danube Canal, en route from the enchanting Danube to the meandering Main River.
Day 1:
Depart home gateway city for AmsterdamDay 2:
Amsterdam (embark)Arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and transfer to the ship.
Day 3:
CologneVisit the beloved Cologne Cathedral�a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (BB, L, D) Note: No tours inside the Cathedral on Sundays or Catholic holidays.
Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour and Cologne Cathedral visitDay 4:
Cruising the romantic Rhine, R�desheimTake a gondola ride to the Niederwald Heights. Later in the day, cruise the romantic Rhine. (BB, L, Captain�s Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Gondola rideDay 5:
Offenbach (Heidelberg)Visit Heidelberg, one of the best preserved Medieval cities in Europe. (BB, D)
Featured Excursion: Full-day HeidelbergDay 6:
WertheimSpend the morning cruising the wonderfully peaceful and scenic MainRiver. In the afternoon, you�ll tour the tiny Medieval town ofWertheim, which sits at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers.(BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Wertheim walking tourDay 7:
W�rzburgVisit the W�rzburg Residenz, an impeccable example of Baroque architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We�ll end the tour witha tasting of Franconian wines in the Residenz cellar. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: W�rzburg Residenz visit and winetastingDay 8:
W�rzburgDay 9:
BambergWander through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bamberg and marvel atits unique town hall, Renaissance palaces, Baroque houses, and breathtaking cathedral. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Bamberg walking tourDay 10:
Nuremberg, cruising the Main-Danube canalSail through the Main-Danube Canal in the morning. Later in the day,tour Nuremberg, an archetypal German Medieval city encircled by mightydefensive walls, and learn about its WWII history. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Nuremberg city tourDay 11:
RegensburgDiscover one of Germany�s unspoiled Medieval gems and marvel at thearchitectural treasures of Old Town, including the 12th-centuryStoneBridge. (BB, L, D)
Featured Excursion: Regensburg walking tourDay 12:
PassauExplore charming Old Town Passau on foot and visit St. Stephan�sCathedral for an organ recital on Europe�s largest pipe organ. (BB, L,D) Note: Concert not available before 5/2, after 10/31, and Sundays.
Featured Excursion: Passau tour and organ concertDay 13:
Melk, cruising the scenic Wachau Valley, ViennaCruise the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley. Tour Melk�s900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a masterpiece of Baroque art and architecture, situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. (BB,L, D)
Featured Excursion: Melk Abbey visitDay 14:
ViennaYour Vienna excursion will take you along the stately Ringstrasse to magnificent St. Stephen�s Cathedral. Then visit the stunning NationalLibrary. (BB, L, D) Note: On Mondays, the Figaro House will besubstituted for Library.
Featured Excursion: Vienna city tourDay 15:
BudapestSee Budapest�s famous 19th-century Chain Bridge, St. Stephen�sBasilica, the stunning Parliament Building, and the UNESCO WorldHeritage Castle Hill district. (BB, L, Captain�s Farewell Dinner)
Featured Excursion: Budapest city tourDay 16:
Budapest (disembark), transfer to the airportDisembark and transfer to Budapest Ferihegy International Airport to fly home.