Itinerary
- Day 1
Paris
You'll be picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel in central Paris. Later this evening, there's a Welcome Reception where you'll meet other travellers and your Tour Director.
- Day 2
Paris
This morning includes a guided tour covering Paris's major sights like the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe. The afternoon is free for you to wander around the city on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Avenue des Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe
Landmarks/POIs Avenue des Champs-Élysées Arc de Triomphe - Day 3
Paris
You have the full day to explore Paris however you like. Check out the bohemian streets of the Latin Quarter, see the Louvre Museum, or join an optional culinary walking tour through the Marais. Tonight you can optionally enjoy dinner and a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Culinary walking tour of the Marais district with food sampling
- Dinner and cabaret show at Moulin Rouge including French Cancan performance
Landmarks/POIs Latin Quarter Louvre Museum Marais Moulin Rouge - Day 4
Paris to Amsterdam
After breakfast, you'll board a coach and travel through northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. You arrive in Amsterdam and board your river ship, which is docked within walking distance of the city's main attractions. A Welcome Reception with fellow travellers happens this evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Coach transfer through northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands
- Boarding of river ship in Amsterdam
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam - Day 5
Amsterdam
You'll take a glass-top boat tour through Amsterdam's waterways with a local guide, then have leisure time to explore. From there, you'll drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for a special Gala Welcome Dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Gala Welcome Dinner)
Included Activities
- Glass-top boat tour of Amsterdam's waterways with local guide
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam - Day 6
Cologne
The ship docks in Cologne where you'll learn about the famous Kölner Dom cathedral, which took over six centuries to build. After disembarking, you'll drive to Brühl for an Insider Experience at Augustusburg Palace. The afternoon is yours to wander Cologne's centre.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise arrival and orientation to Kölner Dom cathedral
- Insider Experience: Tour of Augustusburg Palace in Brühl with guided tour of rococo architecture, gardens, and Falkenlust hunting lodge
Landmarks/POIs Kölner Dom Augustusburg Palace Falkenlust hunting lodge - Day 7
Rüdesheim
Today is a cruise highlight as you travel through the Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim where a mini road train takes you to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to one of Germany's finest collections.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge
- Winzerexpress mini road train tour through Rüdesheim
- Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Landmarks/POIs Rhine Gorge Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum - Day 8
Miltenberg
You'll explore Miltenberg, a well-preserved town with charming half-timbered buildings from the 15th to 18th centuries. Join an optional culinary walking tour to sample regional specialties at a local butcher, baker, and distillery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Exploration of Miltenberg's half-timbered buildings
Optional Activities
- Culinary walking tour of Miltenberg with tastings at local butcher, baker, and distillery
Landmarks/POIs Miltenberg - Day 9
Würzburg
A coach takes you through rolling hills to Würzburg. You'll visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a baroque palace with an opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Garden. Alternatively, you can choose to visit Rothenburg, a medieval fairytale town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Würzburg Residence baroque palace with tour of interior and Court Garden
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Rothenburg, medieval walled town on the Romantic Road
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residence Court Garden Rothenburg - Day 10
Bamberg
You'll have a leisurely morning cruising the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. A guided tour covers sights like the Old Town Hall and Bamberg Cathedral, then you have free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main-Danube Canal.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg including Old Town Hall and Bamberg Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Old Town Hall Bamberg Cathedral - Day 11
Nuremberg
You'll walk Nuremberg's cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores. This evening you'll cruise through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe's Continental Divide via its 16 stair-step locks.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided exploration of Nuremberg's cobblestone streets
- Cruise through Main-Danube Canal and crossing of Continental Divide via 16 locks
Landmarks/POIs Nuremberg - Day 12
Regensburg
Having reached the Danube River overnight, you'll arrive in Regensburg and spend the day docked in the city's heart. A guided walking tour covers the major sights. You can optionally visit Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg. This evening, experience authentic Bavarian traditions onboard with local beer, snacks, and folk music and dance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Regensburg
- Bavarian Evening onboard with local beer, snacks, and traditional folk music, song and dance
Optional Activities
- Tour of Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg including visit to Kuchlbauer Tower designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser (available on Amsterdam to Budapest cruises only)
Landmarks/POIs Regensburg Kuchlbauer's World of Beer Kuchlbauer Tower - Day 13
Passau
You'll arrive in Passau, the 'Three Rivers City' where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. Your options include an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a trip to Salzburg, a culinary walking tour of Passau, or relaxing onboard as you cruise to Linz.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Day excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic featuring the city's 300+ historical buildings
- Trip to Salzburg via scenic Austrian countryside, including visit to Mondsee with the Wedding Church from 'The Sound of Music', guided tour of Salzburg, and free time to explore
- Guided walking tour of Passau's historic Altstadt cobblestone lanes with sampling of local sweet and savoury specialties
Landmarks/POIs Passau Český Krumlov Salzburg Mondsee - Day 14
Melk to Dürnstein
After cruising into Austria, you'll dock in Melk for a tour of Melk Abbey, a Benedictine monastery atop a rocky outcrop since 1089 with commanding Danube views. Later you'll cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by hilltop castle ruins. The afternoon is free to explore the cobbled streets and taverns, with an optional wine tasting tour available.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Melk Abbey, 11th century Benedictine monastery with Danube views
- Cruise through Wachau Valley
Optional Activities
- Wine tasting at Dürnstein Abbey featuring local Grüner Veltliner or Riesling and brandy
Landmarks/POIs Melk Abbey Wachau Valley Dürnstein Dürnstein Abbey - Day 15
Vienna
In Vienna, a walking tour takes you through St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace, and the Albertina. After that, you can visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, you have the option to enjoy a concert featuring music from Mozart to 'The Sound of Music'.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of St Stephen's Cathedral, Graben, Hofburg Palace, and Albertina
Optional Activities
- Mozart and Strauss Concert in Vienna's palace or concert venue followed by evening drive around Ringstrasse
- Visit to Naschmarkt
Landmarks/POIs St Stephen's Cathedral Graben Hofburg Palace Albertina Naschmarkt Ringstrasse - Day 16
Vienna
The day is yours to explore Vienna at your own pace. Visit the Hofburg area and Imperial Treasury, or join an optional trip to Schönbrunn Palace or Bratislava. Later you'll set sail for Hungary. Tonight, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain's Farewell Dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Captain's Farewell Dinner)
Optional Activities
- Visit to Hofburg area and Imperial Treasury
- Excursion to Schönbrunn Palace with tour of lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens
- Bratislava City Tour including guided exploration of the charming Old Town in Slovakia's capital
Landmarks/POIs Hofburg Imperial Treasury Schönbrunn Palace Bratislava - Day 17
Budapest
Your ship drifts into Budapest, Hungary's capital, offering views of this iconic city. After breakfast, a local guide leads you through the city. You can optionally visit the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum or the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour and private opera recital with sparkling wine.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Budapest
Optional Activities
- Insider Experience: Guided tour of Hungarian State Opera with private opera recital and glass of sparkling wine
- Tour of Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum, a World War II hospital located in caves beneath Buda Castle, constructed in 1941
Landmarks/POIs Budapest Hungarian State Opera Hospital in the Rock Buda Castle - Day 18
Budapest to Prague
After breakfast, you'll board a coach and travel through rural Slovakia before crossing into Czechia. You'll pass through southern Czechoslovakia with its verdant hills covered in vineyards. You'll arrive in Prague for a three-night stay in this capital city of stone bridges, Gothic cathedrals, and golden towers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Coach transfer through Slovakia into Czechia
Landmarks/POIs Prague - Day 19
Prague
Your Prague exploration begins with a tour of the World Heritage-listed Old Town. You'll start at Strahov Monastery for panoramic views, then cross Charles Bridge to reach Prague's Old Market Square. The Astronomical Clock is worth having your camera ready for. You'll have time to wander and discover the city on your own. Tonight, you can join an optional traditional Czech folklore dinner and show.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of World Heritage-listed Old Town Prague including Strahov Monastery with panoramic views
- Crossing of Charles Bridge
- Visit to Old Market Square and Astronomical Clock
Optional Activities
- Traditional Czech folklore dinner and show at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Old Town Prague Strahov Monastery Charles Bridge Old Market Square Astronomical Clock - Day 20
Prague
Today is yours to explore Prague at leisure. The Jewish Quarter is a vibrant hub of Semitic history where you can learn about writer Franz Kafka's birthplace. Alternatively, join an optional tour to Prague Castle, which dominates the city skyline and is considered the world's largest castle complex.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Optional tour to Prague Castle complex including St. Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane with local guide (castle believed to date to 9th century, considered the largest in the world)
Landmarks/POIs Jewish Quarter Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Golden Lane - Day 21
Prague
Your adventure ends today with a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
