Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam and get settled on your river cruise ship. The afternoon is yours to do what you like - wander through the city, relax on board, or check out some nearby museums if you're up for it. This is a good time to get your bearings before the river journey begins.
- Meals
- Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Rijksmuseum
- Visit Van Gogh Museum
Landmarks/POIs Rijksmuseum Van Gogh Museum - Day 2
Kinderdijk
The ship sails to Kinderdijk, a UNESCO site where you'll walk through the historic windmill network and learn how the Dutch managed flooding. You'll step inside a working windmill to see how it operated and where people lived. Back on board, you'll try Dutch cheeses and jenever, then hear about the Dutch Golden Age before cruising overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Kinderdijk windmills and flood management network
- Tour of working windmill interior - mechanisms and living quarters
- Tasting of handcrafted Dutch cheeses
- Tasting of jenever (distilled juniper liquor)
- Presentation on the Dutch Golden Age
Landmarks/POIs Kinderdijk - Day 3
Cologne
A guide takes you through Cologne this morning, focusing on the Dom cathedral and its architecture. After that, you're free to wander on your own and find the Roman ruins, different neighborhoods, and museums like the ones dedicated to fragrance and chocolate. You'll eat on board, and the ship departs at midnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided morning tour of Cologne
- Visit to the Dom (Cologne Cathedral)
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion: ascend to Dom roof for architecture views and bird's-eye vistas of Cologne
- Explore Roman ruins
- Visit Fragrance Museum
- Visit Chocolate Museum
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral (Dom) Fragrance Museum Chocolate Museum - Day 4
Koblenz
You'll cruise past hilltop castles along the Rhine, then stop in Koblenz to visit Marksburg Castle, the only Rhine fortress that survived destruction over the centuries. As you continue through this UNESCO section of the river, watch for the famous Lorelei Rock where the Rhine narrows significantly.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise past Rhine hilltop castles
- Guided tour of Marksburg Castle
Landmarks/POIs Marksburg Castle Lorelei Rock - Day 5
Miltenberg
The ship moves into the Main River through the Spessart region, where the real Snow White story originated. You'll watch someone demonstrate glassblowing, then stop in Miltenberg to see half-timbered buildings and Germany's oldest inn. A walking tour includes free time to explore, and you'll cruise overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Live glassblowing demonstration
- Walking tour of Miltenberg
Optional Activities
- Explore half-timbered houses of Miltenberg
- Visit Germany's oldest inn in Miltenberg
Landmarks/POIs Miltenberg - Day 6
Würzburg
You have two options today. Tour Würzburg's Bishops' Residenz, one of Germany's largest baroque palaces, or take an optional full-day trip along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg with its turreted walls and Gothic and baroque buildings. Either way, you'll see the palace and return to the ship for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bishops' Residenz, Würzburg
Optional Activities
- Optional full-day excursion: Romantic Road to Rothenburg including city wall and Gothic and baroque architecture
Landmarks/POIs Bishops' Residenz, Würzburg Rothenburg - Day 7
Bamberg
After breakfast, you'll cruise through the morning, then visit Bamberg's medieval center. The walking tour shows you the 11th-century cathedral and the city hall that sits on an island in the river. You'll have free time to explore and try Bamberg's distinctive smoke-flavored beer.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bamberg
- Visit to 11th-century cathedral
Optional Activities
- Explore Bamberg's medieval city center on your own
- Try Bamberg's distinctive smoke-flavored beer
Landmarks/POIs Bamberg Cathedral (St. Peter's Cathedral) Bamberg Town Hall - Day 8
Nuremberg
Following breakfast, you'll leave the ship in Nuremberg and visit Zeppelin Field ruins and the Palace of Justice where the Nuremberg Trials occurred. You can spend the rest of your time exploring the Old Town, or join optional tours about World War II sites or the underground bunkers where art was hidden during the war.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Zeppelin Field ruins
- Visit to Palace of Justice
Optional Activities
- Optional World War II tour including Documentation Center Museum
- Optional tour of underground bunkers with hidden wartime art
- Explore Nuremberg's Old Town
Landmarks/POIs Zeppelin Field Palace of Justice, Nuremberg - Day 9
Regensburg
You'll arrive in Regensburg around midday, have lunch, then tour this well-preserved medieval city with Roman-era structures, 13th and 14th-century patrician houses, and St. Peter's Cathedral. Alternatively, take an optional full-day trip to Munich and rejoin the ship for dinner before it departs.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Regensburg medieval city
- Visit to St. Peter's Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Visit Alte Würstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen) - Germany's oldest restaurant
- Optional full-day tour of Munich from Regensburg
Landmarks/POIs St. Peter's Cathedral, Regensburg Alte Würstküche - Day 10
Passau
Passau sits where three rivers meet, and you'll start with a guided walk through Old Town past traditional patrician houses. You'll visit the New Bishop's Residence and the baroque St. Stephen's Cathedral, then experience a special concert on Europe's largest church organ with 17,000 pipes. Later, explore more or take an optional full-day tour to Salzburg, then cruise overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walk through Passau Old Town
- Visit to New Bishop's Residence
- Visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral
- Concert on St. Stephen's Cathedral organ
Optional Activities
- Optional full-day tour of Salzburg
Landmarks/POIs St. Stephen's Cathedral, Passau New Bishop's Residence, Passau - Day 11
Wachau Valley - Krems
You'll visit the 900-year-old Benedictine monastery at Melk, which features Austria's finest Italian baroque architecture. The ship then cruises through the spectacular Wachau Valley. Explore the historic town of Krems and see the Steiner Tor city gate, or join an optional winery excursion to sample regional wines.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Melk Abbey
- Cruise through Wachau Valley
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion to local winery for wine tasting
- Explore Krems town on your own
- Visit Steiner Tor (city gate)
Landmarks/POIs Melk Abbey Wachau Valley Steiner Tor, Krems - Day 12
Vienna
You'll ride along Vienna's Ringstrasse to see baroque highlights including the Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Hofburg Palace. After returning to the ship for lunch, you're free to explore. Optional excursions let you view the Lipizzaner Stallions, try a Gustav Klimt-inspired art workshop, or attend an evening classical concert.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour along Vienna's Ringstrasse
- Views of Opera House, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and Hofburg Palace
Optional Activities
- Optional excursion: Lipizzaner Stallions
- Optional art workshop inspired by Gustav Klimt
- Optional classical concert (evening)
- Visit Museum of Fine Arts
- Visit Albertina museum
- Ride the Riesenrad Ferris wheel
Landmarks/POIs Vienna State Opera House St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna Hofburg Palace Museum of Fine Arts, Vienna Albertina Riesenrad (Ferris Wheel) - Day 13
Vienna
This day is entirely yours in Vienna. Visit the museums, ride the historic Ferris wheel, or take an optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace. Don't miss having a traditional Viennese coffee and Sachertorte. In the evening, you'll rejoin your ship and sail for Budapest.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Museum of Fine Arts
- Visit Albertina
- Ride the Riesenrad Ferris wheel
- Optional tour to Schönbrunn Palace
- Optional Viennese waltz lesson with Schönbrunn Palace visit (full-day excursion)
- Traditional Viennese coffee and Sachertorte
Landmarks/POIs Schönbrunn Palace - Day 14
Budapest
You'll explore both sides of Budapest - Pest and Buda - which were once separate towns split by the Danube. Visit the National Opera House and Heroes' Square in Pest, then walk along Buda's Castle Hill to Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Optional excursions offer deeper dives into the city's history and food scene.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional Hungarian dinner)
Included Activities
- Guided tour exploring Pest - National Opera House and Heroes' Square
- Guided walk along Buda's Castle Hill to Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Optional Activities
- Optional excursions exploring Budapest's history, culture and cuisine
Landmarks/POIs Hungarian National Opera House Heroes' Square Fishermen's Bastion Matthias Church - Day 15
Budapest
Your final free day in Budapest is yours to plan. Visit museums, shop at local markets, ride the efficient metro, relax at Art Nouveau spas, or explore the Great Synagogue and Jewish Quarter. Spend your last evening enjoying everything the bustling Hungarian capital offers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit museums
- Shopping
- Ride Budapest metro
- Visit Art Nouveau spas
- Visit Great Synagogue and Jewish Quarter
Landmarks/POIs Great Synagogue, Budapest - Day 16
Kalocsa
You'll arrive in Kalocsa for a guided tour of the town center and a short organ concert at St. Joseph Church. You'll watch a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship, then return on board for lunch as the ship departs and dinner is served.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Kalocsa town center
- Organ concert at St. Joseph Church
- Performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship
Landmarks/POIs St. Joseph Church, Kalocsa - Day 17
Osijek
After breakfast in Vukovar, you'll take an excursion to the Croatian city of Osijek to discover the area's rich history spanning Neolithic times through Roman, Ottoman, and Habsburg periods. You'll explore Vukovar's baroque buildings, parks and monuments, then return on board for lunch and free time before the ship departs early evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Osijek, Croatia
Optional Activities
- Explore Vukovar's baroque buildings
- Explore Vukovar's parks and monuments
Landmarks/POIs Osijek - Day 18
Belgrade
You'll wake up in Belgrade, Serbia's capital, and take a guided walk through Kalemegdan Fortress grounds, now a park. You'll visit the Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. After lunch on board, explore the city's gracious architecture or visit museums like the Nikola Tesla Museum. Experience the nightlife or dine on board before a very late evening departure.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walk through Kalemegdan Fortress
- Visit to Orthodox cathedral
- Visit to Square of the Republic
Optional Activities
- Explore Belgrade's gracious architecture
- Visit Nikola Tesla Museum
- Experience Belgrade's nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Kalemegdan Fortress Square of the Republic Nikola Tesla Museum - Day 19
Iron Gate Gorge
You'll cruise through one of Europe's most beautiful areas of the Lower Danube. The Iron Gate is a spectacular narrow gorge with enormous white limestone cliffs, one of Europe's most dramatic natural sights. Listen to your Cruise Director describe the region's scenic highlights as you sail onward.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruising through Lower Danube
- Cruise Director's commentary on Iron Gate region and scenic points of interest
Landmarks/POIs Iron Gate Gorge - Day 20
Vidin
You'll arrive in Vidin, Bulgaria and take an excursion to see Belogradchik Fortress built into the striking Belogradchik Rocks. The fortress shows construction spanning Roman times through Bulgarian and Ottoman periods, with views to match. After returning to the ship for lunch, explore Vidin's city center, Orthodox churches and the ruins of the former synagogue before departure during dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Belogradchik Fortress
Optional Activities
- Explore Vidin's city center
- Visit Orthodox churches
- View ruins of former synagogue
Landmarks/POIs Belogradchik Fortress Belogradchik Rocks - Day 21
Veliko Tarnovo - Arbanasi
You'll disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria's former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. You'll visit Tsaravets Hill and the royal castle ruins, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia, and continue to Arbanasi for lunch at a local restaurant. A guided tour of the Nativity Church shows you intricate murals and icons before you return for dinner on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch in local restaurant in Arbanasi), Dinner
Included Activities
- Full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo
- Visit to Tsaravets Hill and royal castle ruins
- Guided tour of Nativity Church in Arbanasi
Optional Activities
- Shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia
Landmarks/POIs Tsaravets Hill Nativity Church, Arbanasi Samovodska Charshia - Day 22
Bucharest
You'll disembark in Giurgiu and travel to Bucharest, checking into the Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest or similar for one night. A half-day afternoon tour shows you the city's wide boulevards, Romanian Athenaeum, Arch of Triumph, and Palace of Parliament. You'll visit the outdoor Village Museum with authentic regional dwellings, and lunch includes a lively folkloric performance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at local restaurant with lively folkloric performance)
Included Activities
- Half-day guided tour of Bucharest
- Visit to Romanian Athenaeum
- Visit to Arch of Triumph
- Visit to Palace of Parliament
- Visit to Muzeul Satului (Village Museum)
- Lunch with folkloric performance
Landmarks/POIs Romanian Athenaeum Arch of Triumph, Bucharest Palace of Parliament Muzeul Satului (Village Museum) - Day 23
Bucharest
After breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your return flight. Alternatively, you can extend your journey with 3 nights in the Black Sea region if you'd like to continue exploring.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Optional extension: 3 nights in the Black Sea region
