Itinerary
- Day 1
Edinburgh
You'll arrive in Edinburgh and meet your guide at the airport for the transfer to your hotel near Waverley Station. This gives you a chance to get settled into the city center, and you'll have the rest of the day to wander around and get a feel for Scotland's capital and the history surrounding you.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Apex Hotel Waterloo Place)
Optional Activities
- Explore Edinburgh city center
- Day 2
Glasgow to Fort William
Head out by train from Glasgow onto the West Highland Line, a famous railway route through the Scottish Highlands. The journey takes you past Loch Lomond, across Rannoch Moor, and through dramatic mountain terrain. You'll arrive in Fort William later and transfer to your hotel for the evening.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Fort William)
Included Activities
- West Highland Line train journey from Glasgow to Fort William
- Views of Loch Lomond and Rannoch Moor from train
Landmarks Loch Lomond Rannoch Moor 
- Day 3
Fort William to Isle of Mull
Travel by coach to Oban, then board a ferry to the Isle of Mull. The crossing offers views of coastal and moorland scenery. After arriving, you'll have a guided tour of Duart Castle, the ancestral home of the Maclean Clan, followed by time to walk around the port town of Craignure before heading back to your hotel.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Fort William)
Included Activities
- Coach transfer to Oban
- Ferry cruise from Oban to Craignure, Isle of Mull
- Guided tour of Duart Castle
Optional Activities
- Explore Craignure port and sheltered bay
Landmarks Duart Castle Isle of Mull - Day 4
Neptune's Staircase and Loch Linnhe
Start the day at Neptune's Staircase to see the eight hydraulic locks on the Caledonian Canal. Then take a cruise through Loch Linnhe, passing through the Glencoe mountain landscape. Back at your hotel by evening, you'll have a traditional Scottish dinner with whisky tasting to round out the day.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Scottish dinner with whisky tasting)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Fort William)
Included Activities
- Coach transfer to Neptune's Staircase
- Visit to Neptune's Staircase on Caledonian Canal
- Cruise on Loch Linnhe
- Drive through Glencoe
- Traditional Scottish dinner with whisky tasting
Landmarks Neptune's Staircase Loch Linnhe Glencoe - Day 5
Fort William to Inverness via Jacobite Steam Train
Board the Jacobite Steam Train and travel past Ben Nevis into the mountains around Glenfinnan. You'll cross the famous 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct before heading toward Mallaig with views of the Small Isles. After lunch there, travel by coach through Glenfinnan's countryside to Inverness, the Highland capital.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa or similiar)
Included Activities
- Jacobite Steam Train journey from Fort William to Mallaig
- Passage over Glenfinnan Viaduct
- Views of Ben Nevis and Glenfinnan mountains
- Views of Small Isles (Rum, Eigg, Muck)
- Coach transfer from Mallaig to Glenfinnan
- Coach transfer to Inverness
Optional Activities
- Lunch in Mallaig
Landmarks Ben Nevis Glenfinnan Viaduct Glenfinnan Mallaig - Day 6
Inverness and Loch Ness
Take a cruise on Loch Ness, the famous loch known for its legendary monster and calm waters. You'll return to Inverness by coach, then have free time to explore the Highland capital on your own and do whatever interests you most.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa or similiar)
Included Activities
- Coach transfer to Loch Ness
- Cruise on Loch Ness
Optional Activities
- Explore Inverness city center during leisure time
Landmarks Loch Ness - Day 7
Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh and Eilean Donan Castle
Experience the Kyle Line railway, which winds through wooded hillsides and sparse moors while climbing through the highlands. You'll pass charming loch-side and seaside towns before reaching Kyle of Lochalsh at the end of the line, across from the Isle of Skye. From there, head to Eilean Donan Castle, situated on a small island in Loch Duich.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Inverness Palace Hotel and Spa or similiar)
Included Activities
- Kyle Line railway journey from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh
- Visit to Eilean Donan Castle
Landmarks Kyle of Lochalsh Eilean Donan Castle Isle of Skye Loch Duich - Day 8
Kyle of Lochalsh to Edinburgh
Head south by rail from Kyle of Lochalsh through the Cairngorms and towns including Aviemore, Kingussie, and Pitlochry, eventually returning to Edinburgh. After transferring from the station to your hotel, you'll have a Scottish-themed evening featuring bagpipes and drums to mark the end of your rail adventure.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Scottish fare)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Radisson Blu Hotel or similar), Hotel (Edinburgh City Centre or similar)
Included Activities
- Rail journey through Cairngorms to Edinburgh
- Scottish-themed evening with bagpipes and drums
- Traditional Scottish dinner
Landmarks Cairngorms Aviemore Kingussie Pitlochry - Day 9
Edinburgh to Amsterdam
After breakfast, transfer to Edinburgh airport for your flight to Amsterdam. Once you land, transfer to your river ship. Spend the afternoon and evening checking out the city at your own pace, then meet your cruise director and fellow passengers at a welcome reception.
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Accommodation
- Hotel (aboard your Travelmarvel river ship)
Included Activities
- Flight from Edinburgh to Amsterdam (included)
- Transfer to river ship
- Welcome Reception
Optional Activities
- Explore Amsterdam city
- Day 10
Amsterdam to Utrecht
Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam's canals with a local guide who'll point out the city's architecture and history as you navigate the waterways. You'll have leisure time to wander around afterward. Later, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your ship for a gala welcome dinner this evening.
- Meals
- Dinner (Gala Welcome Dinner)
Included Activities
- Glass-top boat tour of Amsterdam waterways with local guide
Optional Activities
- Leisure time in Amsterdam
- Day 11
Cologne and Brühl
Cruise into Cologne and learn about the Kölner Dom cathedral's six-century construction history. Disembark and drive to Brühl for a guided tour of Augustusburg Palace, a rococo World Heritage site with landscaped parks and gardens connected to a hunting lodge. Free time afterward lets you check out Cologne's city center.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Cologne
- Visit to Augustusburg Palace with guided tour
- Walk through Augustusburg Palace landscaped parks and gardens
Optional Activities
- Explore Cologne city center
Landmarks Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral) Augustusburg Palace Falkenlust Hunting Lodge - Day 12
Rhine Gorge and Rüdesheim
Experience the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through town to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, showcasing one of Germany's most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments.
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge
- Winzerexpress mini road train tour through Rüdesheim
- Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Landmarks Rhine Gorge Rüdesheim - Day 13
Miltenberg
Explore the medieval town of Miltenberg with its charming half-timbered buildings from the 15th to 18th centuries. Take part in a culinary walking tour, sampling regional food at a local butcher and baker, finishing with a tasting at a local distillery for something different.
Included Activities
- Miltenberg culinary walking tour
- Regional specialty tasting at local butcher
- Regional specialty tasting at local baker
- Tasting at local distillery
Optional Activities
- Explore Miltenberg half-timbered buildings
Landmarks Miltenberg - Day 14
Würzburg and Optional Rothenburg
Travel by coach through rolling hills to Würzburg and visit the baroque Würzburg Residence with its opulent interiors. Stroll through the Court Garden afterward. If you're interested, you can optionally visit Rothenburg, a medieval fairytale town on the Romantic Road in Franconia.
Included Activities
- Coach transfer to Würzburg
- Visit to Würzburg Residence
- Stroll through Würzburg Court Garden
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Rothenburg (medieval walled town on the Romantic Road)
Landmarks Würzburg Residence Rothenburg - Day 15
Bamberg
Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. Join a guided tour to see the Old Town Hall and Bamberg Cathedral, then have free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main-Danube Canal.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg including Old Town Hall and Bamberg Cathedral
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Bamberg
Landmarks Bamberg Old Town Hall Bamberg Cathedral - Day 16
Nuremberg and Main-Danube Canal
Walk through Nuremberg's cobblestone streets and discover hidden boutiques and artisan stores throughout the historically significant city. Later, your ship cruises through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe's Continental Divide via its 16 stair-step locks.
Included Activities
- Explore Nuremberg cobblestone streets, boutiques and artisan stores
- Cruise through Main-Danube Canal with 16 stair-step locks crossing Continental Divide
Landmarks Nuremberg Main-Danube Canal - Day 17
Regensburg and Optional Beer Brewery
After reaching the Danube River overnight, you'll arrive at charming Regensburg and spend the day docked in the heart of town. Join a guided walking tour exploring major sights, or optionally visit Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg for a brewery tour and see the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower. Tonight, enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board with local beer, snacks, and traditional folk music.
- Meals
- Dinner (Authentic Bavarian experience on board with local beer, snacks, and traditional folk music, song and dance)
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Regensburg
Optional Activities
- Tour Kuchlbauer's World of Beer brewery in Abensberg with Kuchlbauer Tower visit
Landmarks Regensburg Kuchlbauer's World of Beer Kuchlbauer Tower - Day 18
Passau
Arrive at Passau, the 'Three Rivers City' where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You have several choices: join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, visit Salzburg to see the Wedding Church from 'The Sound of Music' and explore Mozart's hometown, take a culinary tour of Passau's historic streets, or relax on board during the sailing day to Linz.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast in Passau
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Český Krumlov, Czech Republic (visit to historic city with 300+ historic buildings)
- Trip to Salzburg (Mondsee Wedding Church from The Sound of Music, guided Salzburg tour with free time)
- Passau culinary tour (guided walking tour of historic Altstadt with local specialty sampling)
- Relaxation day sailing to Linz
Landmarks Passau Český Krumlov Salzburg Mondsee - Day 19
Melk and Dürnstein
After cruising into Austria, dock at Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery standing since 1089 on a rocky outcrop with commanding Danube views. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, overlooked by hilltop castle ruins. Explore the town's cobbled streets and taverns at your own pace, or optionally taste the region's wines.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Melk Abbey
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at Dürnstein Abbey (Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, or brandy)
Landmarks Melk Abbey Wachau Valley Dürnstein Dürnstein Abbey - Day 20
Vienna
Join a walking tour of Vienna's St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace, and the Albertina. Visit the Naschmarkt if you wish. This evening, you can optionally attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna's palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.
Included Activities
- Walking tour of St Stephen's Cathedral, Graben, Hofburg Palace, and Albertina
Optional Activities
- Visit to Naschmarkt
- Mozart and Strauss Concert in Vienna palace or concert venue with evening Ringtrasse drive
Landmarks St Stephen's Cathedral Graben Hofburg Palace Albertina Naschmarkt - Day 21
Vienna
Today is yours to explore Vienna on your own. Visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury, or take optional excursions to Schönbrunn Palace with its lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens, or to Bratislava, Slovakia's charming capital, where you'll have a guided tour of the Old Town. This evening, set sail for Hungary and celebrate your journey with a Captain's Farewell Dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Optional Activities
- Visit to Hofburg area and Imperial Treasury
- Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace with rooms and gardens
- Bratislava city tour (guided Old Town exploration)
Landmarks Hofburg Imperial Treasury Schönbrunn Palace Bratislava - Day 22
Budapest
Your ship drifts into the heart of Budapest, and after breakfast, a local guide leads you through the city's major sights. Later, visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine with a private opera recital. Optionally, explore the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum, a former World War II hospital located in caves beneath Buda Castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Budapest with local guide
- Guided tour of Hungarian State Opera with private recital and sparkling wine
Optional Activities
- Tour of Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum (former WWII hospital in caves)
Landmarks Hungarian State Opera Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum Buda Castle - Day 23
Budapest to Departure
After breakfast, disembark from your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight, bringing your journey through Scotland and central Europe to a close.
- Meals
- Breakfast
