River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   DAY 1, Thursday - Depart for Hungary

   Thu, May 16, 2024

   Depart for Hungary
2. Day 2
   DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Budapest

   Fri, May 17, 2024

   Arrive in Budapest, Hungary and transfer to the port. Embarkation will begin at 2 PM. Tonight, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Dinner
3. Day 3
   DAY 3, Saturday - Budapest City Tour

   Sat, May 18, 2024

   Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city; view the Parliament, City Park and Heroes Square. Admire the Buda side with beautiful views of the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and the graceful medieval architecture. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   DAY 4, Sunday - Bratislava City Tour

   Sun, May 19, 2024

   Relax on board today as you take in the tranquil scenery of the Danube River. In the late afternoon, arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. After the tour you will have time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner. This evening, the ship will set sail just before midnight
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   DAY 5, Monday - Vienna City Tour

   Mon, May 20, 2024

   Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna´s main boulevard, lined with magnificent palaces, parks and momuments, as well as the Opera House and the Austrian Parliament. Walk through the lavish Hofburg Palace on the way to St. Stephen's Cathedral. Spend the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Habsburgs. Visit the gorgeous apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional recital performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss
   Optional: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM)
   Optional: Classical Viennese Recital (PM)
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   DAY 6, Tuesday - Melk Abbey

   Tue, May 21, 2024

   This morning, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th century town houses and wine taverns. Continue cruising late this morning and relax on board as the ship sails through the scenic Wachau Valley, with lovely storybook views of vineyards, castles, hilltop ruins and monasteries. Later, disembark in Melk for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk, and the lavish library. The ship will set sail as you dine on board this evening
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   DAY 7, Wednesday - Afternoon in Passau

   Wed, May 22, 2024

   Today presents a wonderful opportunity to join the optional full day tour to beautiful Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain on board, the day is free to explore the 2500-year-old Passau, or to join an included walking tour of Passau. Well known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade, Passau is a town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and set sail for Regensburg
   Optional: Tour of Salzburg
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   DAY 8, Thursday - Regensburg City Tour

   Thu, May 23, 2024

   Arrive in Regensburg this morning, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, the Dom St. Peter, and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship or spend time at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own before setting sail for Nuremberg mid-afternoon
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   DAY 9, Friday - Nuremberg City Tour

   Fri, May 24, 2024

   This afternoon, explore Nuremberg, an energetic city with a visible history of almost one thousand years. The guided excursion visits the historic Palace of Justice where the War Crimes Tribunal met in 1946 and continues to the vibrant Market Square. Stroll through the shops that fill the Old Town or walk along the fortified walls of Nuremberg Castle. This evening set sail as you dine on board
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    DAY 10, Saturday - Bamberg City Tour

    Sat, May 25, 2024

    This morning, dock in historic Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany's most powerful imperial dynasties and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your walk in the medieval city center with its impressive 11th century Romanesque cathedral and gorgeous rose garden. After, view the very unusual City Hall built on a tiny island in the middle of the Regnitz River and Little Venice, an area of colorful fishermen's houses. This afternoon set sail for Wurzburg
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    DAY 11, Sunday - Wurzburg City Tour

    Sun, May 26, 2024

    Discover Wurzburg, named the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," with its dramatic Marienberg fortress, 15th century bridge and lush vineyards. Your walk takes you to the ornate Bishops' Residenz Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon, explore the town on your own
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    DAY 12, Monday - Miltenberg Walking Tour

    Mon, May 27, 2024

    This morning, sail to the picturesque village of Miltenberg, a jewel on the banks of the Main River. Discover the Market Square with its Renaissance-era fountain, the Merchant Hall with its stunning Gothic architecture and the unique 14th and 15th century half-timbered houses. After lunch on board, enjoy free time in Miltenberg before the ship sails this evening
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    DAY 13, Tuesday - Morning Cruising & Afternoon in Koblenz

    Tue, May 28, 2024

    Spend a relaxing morning on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by. This afternoon the ship docks in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join an orientation walk with free time to explore the wonders of Koblenz, such as the imposing equestrian statue of Emperor Wilhelm I at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle rivers, and the imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Perhaps join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years
    Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (PM)
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    DAY 14, Wednesday - Cologne City Tour

    Wed, May 29, 2024

    This morning join a walking tour of Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities and capital of the Rhineland. The city is highlighted by the soaring, twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. Set sail in late afternoon for Amsterdam
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    DAY 15, Thursday - Amsterdam City Tour

    Thu, May 30, 2024

    Cruise into Amsterdam as you enjoy breakfast on board and join a panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. This evening bid farewell to your Cruise Director on your final night on board
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
16. Day 16
    DAY 16, Friday - Depart the Netherlands

    Fri, May 31, 2024

    This morning, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM
    Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

River Cruise Package Includes

Special Features

River Cruise Features & Amenities

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Not Included:
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.

Additional Information:
Land/Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Monarch Queen & Monarch Baroness: Passengers arriving to Amsterdam/Budapest on day 2 should select flights that arrive no later than 2 PM.

Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.

While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at: .

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers