Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam this afternoon and board your luxury river ship. Once settled, head to the welcome reception where you'll meet other guests and raise a toast to kick off the journey.
- Day 2
Amsterdam
Amsterdam opens up with several options to choose from. You can cruise the historic canals to see Golden Age mansions and bridges, walk through the city center to sample local culture and taste fresh herring, cycle through the Dutch countryside, or visit traditional windmills and charming nearby towns. It's your call on how to spend the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise - one-hour cruise along Amsterdam's historic waterways to see Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses and narrow bridges
- Walking tour of Amsterdam - guided exploration of canals and bridges with history, modern lifestyle and Dutch culture; includes herring tasting
- Dutch countryside e-bike tour - small ferry to town outskirts for biking tour with local guide discussing everyday Dutch life
- Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar - visit village of Schermerhorn with 16th-century windmills, then travel to Alkmaar to see historic buildings and picturesque canals
- Day 3
Bonn
You'll pull into Cologne in the early afternoon and walk through the Old Town to see historic buildings, squares, and the World Heritage Cathedral. Later you have free time to wander on your own before heading to Bonn for an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall. After that, you'll transfer back to the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Gala Dinner at La Redoute Recital Hall accompanied by classical music)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne Old Town - admire historic buildings, beautiful squares and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral
- Gala Dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall - lavish dinner accompanied by classical music at the historic recital hall built in 1792
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral La Redoute Recital Hall 
- Day 4
Rüdesheim
This morning brings a cruise through the Rhine Gorge, a 65-kilometer stretch with around 40 hilltop castles and fortresses from the past 1,000 years. Keep an eye out for the Lorelei statue. You'll disembark in Rüdesheim, a wine town with half-timbered houses, then choose between visiting Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum or hiking through nearby vineyards.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge - scenic cruise with views of 40 hilltop castles and fortresses
Optional Activities
- Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum - guided tour of mechanical musical instruments museum with option to take cable car to Niederwald Monument
- Hike & Cable Car - guided hike through rolling vineyards of Rüdesheim with views of countryside and Rhine River, then cable car return to town
Landmarks Lorelei Statue Niederwald Monument - Day 5
Miltenberg
Today you cruise toward Miltenberg with time to relax on board. Once you dock in this well-preserved historic town, you can explore nearby wine villages and wineries, tour a castle with a private reception, visit a family farm, or learn about schnapps production at a local distillery.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Wertheim tour and winery - orientation tour of Miltenberg with free time, then visit Wertheim and local winery to meet winemaker and learn about wine production
- Gamburg Castle tour - guided tour of Gamburg Castle with private reception from Baron and Baroness over sparkling wine to learn about their aristocratic life
- Miltenberg tour and local farm visit - guided tour of Miltenberg, then visit family-owned farmstead to meet owners, experience farm life, interact with animals and enjoy tastings of local delicacies
- Schnapps tasting - orientation tour and free time in Miltenberg, then visit local schnapps distiller to learn about flavoured liqueur production and taste multiple flavours before transferring to Wertheim
Landmarks Zum Riesen Inn - Day 6
Bamberg
You arrive in Würzburg, a Baroque and Rococo city set in Franconia's wine country with vineyards all around. Choose to tour the World Heritage Würzburg Residence with its gardens and art, or drive along the Romantic Road to visit medieval Rothenburg. By afternoon, you'll cruise to Bamberg with time to relax on deck.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour and Würzburg Residence - guided tour of Baroque palace with manicured gardens to see paintings, tapestries and period furniture, then short stroll into city for free time
- Romantic Road to Rothenburg - coach drive along the famed Romantic Road medieval trading route, guided tour of well-preserved medieval old town with free time to explore
Landmarks Würzburg Residence - Day 7
Bamberg
After lunch, you dock in Bamberg, a World Heritage town built across seven hills with rivers and canals running through it. See the Town Hall sitting on its own island, the Gothic and Romanesque Cathedral, and the Old and New Residences. You can take a guided tour of the medieval old town or head out to see impressive Coburg Castle.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town - walking tour of Europe's largest intact old town centre with medieval and Baroque buildings and fascinating history
- Excursion to Coburg - coach journey to Coburg to visit impressive castle with museum housing large collection of carriages, weapons, armoury and paintings by renowned artists
Landmarks Bamberg Cathedral Bamberg Town Hall - Day 8
Nuremberg
You'll arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city surrounded by ancient city walls. Check out the 12th century Imperial Castle and learn about the city's complex WWII history. Choose a walking tour of historic sights, a World War II historical tour, or an active walk around the castle and walls. Later in the afternoon, you head toward Regensburg.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town - drive past ancient city walls, walking tour with local guide to see Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church and market square
- World War II tour - guided tour highlighting main events during Nazi regime and visit to important WWII sites
- Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls - active walking tour following cobblestone streets around Imperial Castle and admiring impressive medieval city walls
Landmarks Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church - Day 9
Regensburg
After lunch, you dock in Regensburg, a 2,000-year-old city with one of Germany's best-preserved medieval centers and over 900 World Heritage buildings. You'll choose between a guided walking tour of medieval sites, a ferry journey to ancient Weltenburg Abbey for a brewery tour, an active walk to Thurn und Taxis Castle, or cycling to Walhalla Memorial.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Regensburg - guided walking tour on confluence of three rivers to see old stone bridge, Church of St James and Porta Praetoria
- Weltenburg Abbey - ferry through Danube Gorge to oldest monastery in Bavaria (founded approximately 600AD), explore Abbey and Cloister Church, sample award-winning beer produced on site since 1050
- Thurn und Taxis Active Walking Tour - guided tour of Thurn und Taxis Castle followed by free time; castle home to German noble family with history tracing back to 12th century
- Cycle to Walhalla Memorial - guided bicycle tour through Donau Valley scenery along river and countryside to Walhalla Memorial commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria to honour notable Germans
Landmarks Weltenburg Abbey Church of St James Porta Praetoria Walhalla Memorial - Day 10
Passau
You arrive early in Passau, an important trading point where three rivers meet near Austria's border. Choose a full day trip to Salzburg to see Mozart's birthplace and Hohensalzburg fortress, a full day in Czech World Heritage town Český Krumlov, or a walking tour of Passau's St Stephen's Cathedral and brightly colored waterfront buildings.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg - cross into Austria to storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks, guided tour of art and music scene, visit Mozart's birthplace and Hohensalzburg fortress, lunch at local restaurant with free time
- Full day excursion to Český Krumlov - journey to Czech World Heritage town, guided tour of well-preserved Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, lunch in local restaurant
- Highlights of Passau - guided walking tour admiring brightly coloured buildings lining waterways, visit St Stephen's Cathedral originally built in year 450, destroyed by fire in 1662 and rebuilt in Baroque style
Landmarks St Stephen's Cathedral - Day 11
Dürnstein
This morning you're in Dürnstein, a World Heritage town in Austria's Wachau Valley right on the Danube's edge surrounded by ancient terraced vineyards. You'll have free time to explore, then choose between visiting Göttweig Abbey to see magnificent frescoes, touring a local winery to learn winemaking, or e-biking to nearby Krems with scenic stops along the way.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Göttweig Abbey - guided tour of abbey founded in sixth century, rebuilt as magnificent structure with frescoes and the largest Baroque staircase in Austria
- Wachau Valley wine tasting - visit local winemaker in one of Austria's prominent wine-growing regions to learn age-old winemaking traditions and sample local wines
- E-biking from Dürnstein to Krems - guided bicycle tour along Danube to quaint village of Krems passing charming villages and vineyard landscapes with scenic stops
Landmarks Göttweig Abbey - Day 12
Vienna
You arrive in Vienna and take a coach ride to the city center for a walking tour of the Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral, and Belvedere Palace. The ship docks overnight here. Your afternoon is free to explore Vienna or relax on board. This evening, you'll attend an exclusive classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with Austrian Sekt, ballet dancers and vocalists performing Strauss and Mozart surrounded by world-famous art.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Concert dinner at Palais Liechtenstein)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Vienna highlights - guided tour to see Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral and Belvedere Palace
- Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein - exclusive private classical concert with glass of fine Austrian Sekt, performances of Strauss and Mozart by renowned orchestra accompanied by ballet dancers and vocalists
Landmarks Vienna Opera House St Stephen's Cathedral Belvedere Palace Palais Liechtenstein - Day 13
Vienna
You have the full day to explore Vienna or venture further afield. Choose to tour Schönbrunn Palace with its ornate royal rooms and gardens, cycle via e-bike to Danube Island for recreation and beach time, or travel to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, with its Old Town, hilltop castle, and striking socialist architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Schönbrunn Palace - explore former summer residence of Habsburg family to wander ornately designed rooms, hear royal family tales and see impressive gardens
- Cycle to Danube Island - guided e-bike tour to recreational playground where locals enjoy bathing, boating, cycling and relaxing on beaches and open spaces
- Excursion to Bratislava - travel to Slovakia's capital since 1993, guided tour of Bratislava Castle, Hlavné Námestie main square and Old Town with contrast of well-preserved historic sites and brutalist socialist architecture
Landmarks Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie - Day 14
Budapest
You arrive in Budapest, Europe's vibrant capital divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest. Several guided options are available: a coach tour of both sides with a piano recital at the Institute for the Blind, a walking tour of communist history and the 1956 revolution, exploring the WWII Hospital in the Rock bunker, hiking through Buda with views, or a culinary tour of Grand Central Market. Afternoon is yours to do what you like.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Budapest in depth - coach tour starting in Buda to see Várkert Bazár, cross Margaret Bridge to Pest for Széchenyi and Elizabeth squares, ending with piano recital at Institute for the Blind
- Budapest's past and present - walking and coach tour with insight on communist past, 1956 Hungarian revolution, and Jewish history that shaped modern culture and EU membership today
- Hospital in the Rock - explore underground labyrinths of secret WWII hospital later converted to nuclear bunker beneath city's Castle district
- Guided hike of Buda - walking tour through Buda district to see Varket Bazar and beautifully landscaped gardens with great views over Danube River and city architecture
- Hungarian culinary market tour - food tour visiting bustling Grand Central Market, tasting local delicacies and hearing stories about city's traditions
Landmarks Margaret Bridge Széchenyi Square Elizabeth Square Institute for the Blind Várkert Bazár Hospital in the Rock Grand Central Market - Day 15
Budapest
You have the full day at leisure in Budapest to explore at your own pace. This is often called Europe's most beautiful city, so there's plenty to discover on your own terms.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 16
Mohács
You arrive in Mohács, a small Hungarian town on the Danube and site of a 16th century battle. Choose a guided tour of nearby Pécs to see the 1885 telephone exchange and Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi, visit charming Villány wine village to sample red wines from historic cellars, or explore the Zsolnay Ceramics Museum with its hand-painted ceramics history from 1853.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Pécs - tour to city's first telephone exchange opened in 1885, Turkish Bath of Pasha Memi demolished in late 19th century but unearthed in 1970s, and more historic sites
- Villány wine village - visit charming village known for big, bold red wines with rows of historic wine cellars for sampling local wines
- Zsolnay Ceramics Museum - view splendid collection of hand-painted ceramics founded in 1853 housed in company's former factory
- Day 17
Osijek
You dock in Osijek, a Croatian town with a turbulent history that still bears scars of war but maintains grand Baroque buildings. The city is known for paprika-filled cuisine, local sausages, and river fish. Choose a guided walking tour of the well-preserved Baroque Old Town with traditional and classical music, explore the Baranja wine region with tastings, or visit a local Croatian family home for lunch prepared with fresh vegetables from their garden.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Osijek - guided tour of town highlights including well-preserved Baroque Old Town and fortress with traditional and classical music performances
- Baranja wine region - picturesque region straddling Croatia and Hungary to explore wine-making tradition, scenic vineyards and tasting experience
- Local Croatian family lunch - visit home of local Croatian family for lunch with family members, immerse in cultural and culinary experience with authentic meal prepared with fresh vegetables from host's garden
- Day 18
Belgrade
You arrive in Belgrade, Serbia's 'Door to Central Europe' where the Sava and Danube rivers meet. This eclectic city blends Brutalist and Art Nouveau architecture. Choose a walking tour of iconic sites including Kalemegdan Fortress and the Bohemian Quarter, a panoramic tour with visit to Tito's Memorial, or cycling along the Danube. Your afternoon is free to explore or wander bohemian Skardalija Street. This evening, visit St. Sava Temple, the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, for a unique church choir performance in the frescoed crypt.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Church choir performance at St. Sava Temple - visit largest orthodox temple in the Balkans to admire fresco-lined walls and hear church choir perform beautiful hymns in the crypt with remarkable acoustics and white marble ceilings
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Belgrade - tour iconic sites with guide exploring cobbled streets of Bohemian Quarter and Kalemegdan Fortress with free time to explore
- Panoramic tour of Belgrade with Tito's Memorial - guided tour of major sites including Ottoman heritage of Old Town and memorial dedicated to Tito, former ruler of Yugoslavia
- Cycling tour along the Danube - guided cycling tour tracing banks of the Danube
Landmarks Kalemegdan Fortress Skardalija Street St. Sava Temple - Day 19
Djerdap Gorge
Today you cruise through the spectacular Djerdap Gorge system, also called the Iron Gates, a natural border between Serbia and Romania with four narrow gorges, soaring cliffs, and the mighty rock carving of Decebalus. Relax in your suite with uninterrupted river views, or spend time on the Sun Deck and Panorama Lounge mingling with other guests.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise through Djerdap Gorge (Iron Gates) - scenic cruise through spectacular system of four narrow gorges with soaring cliffs and rock carving of Decebalus
Landmarks Decebalus Monument - Day 20
Rousse
You arrive in Svishtov and can either take a full day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi or stay on board cruising to Rousse. See panoramic medieval views of Veliko Tarnovo with the Asenevtsi Brothers Monument and the leafy village of Arbanassi, or enjoy a relaxing morning cruise to Rousse, called 'Little Vienna', for sightseeing and an exclusive piano recital.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi - full day excursion from Svishtov to Veliko Tarnovo (City of the Kings), one of Bulgaria's oldest towns with panoramic views and Asenevtsi Brothers Monument, then venture to nearby leafy village of Arbanassi
- Walking tour of Rousse - stay on board Scenic Space-Ship for relaxing morning cruise to Rousse, join local guide for sightseeing tour of opulent town with exclusive piano recital
Landmarks Asenevtsi Brothers Monument - Day 21
Silistra
You arrive early in Silistra, a Bulgarian town that's changed hands throughout history as a Turkish fortress and trade center before becoming part of Romania and returning to Bulgaria in 1940. Choose a guided walk to Silistra Fort, the best-preserved of six Turkish fortification points, visit small Alfatar village with its ethnographic museum and local school choir, or explore the ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari to discover Bulgaria's rich heritage.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Active walk to Silistra Fort - guided walking tour of fort to learn its history; best preserved of six points of Turkish fortification system
- Visit Alfatar Village - excursion to small village just outside Silistra to visit ethnographic museum with typical country house, customary attire, Alfatar school with charming choir performance and learn about daily life for young Bulgarians
- Sveshtari Thracian Secrets - guided tour exploring ancient Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari to discover rich heritage and flavours of Bulgaria
Landmarks Silistra Fort Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari - Day 22
Bucharest
You disembark your ship and transfer to Bucharest, Romania's capital once called 'Paris of the East'. The city blends WWII remnants with Brutalist structures, wide tree-lined boulevards, and leafy squares. Start with an orientation coach tour through Union, University, Roman, Victory, and Charles de Gaulle squares. Then choose between touring Ceausescu's Spring Palace with 80 elegant rooms and famous Murano glass, or exploring the Village Open Air Museum with traditional houses and churches. You'll check into your hotel and dine with fellow guests.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner with fellow guests at local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Bucharest - coach tour from south Bucharest to Primaverii Palace stopping at Union Square, University Square, Roman Square, Victory Square and Charles de Gaulle Square
Optional Activities
- Ceausescu's Spring Palace - visit 1960s residence in wealthy district comprising 80 distinctive elegant rooms decorated with silk wallpaper, wood panels, paintings by famous Romanian painters, mosaics, marble and Murano glass chandeliers and mirrors
- Village Open Air Museum - explore ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture with authentic houses, barns, churches and more rebuilt using traditional techniques
Landmarks Union Square University Square Primaverii Palace - Day 23
Transylvania
You travel from Bucharest to medieval Sibiu in Transylvania. After checking into your hotel, you'll have dinner at a local restaurant with fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner at local restaurant with fellow travellers)
- Day 24
Brașov
Choose between exploring Sighisoara's World Heritage walled city built by Saxons between the 12th-17th centuries, or hiking up the covered stairway to the 14th century Church on the Hill for spectacular Gothic architecture and city views. Then you travel to Brașov, a colorful town blending Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, and Soviet-era concrete. You'll check into your hotel for a two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore the walled city - guided tour of World Heritage-listed walled city at centre of Sighisoara built by Saxons between 12th and 17th centuries, one of world's best-preserved medieval cities
- Hike the hill - hike up covered stairway to 14th century Church on the Hill, spectacular example of Gothic Transylvanian architecture with superb views over city
Landmarks Church on the Hill - Day 25
Bran Castle
Your guide shows you around Brașov, a charming town with Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares, and Soviet-era concrete. This afternoon, you visit Bran Castle, Transylvania's most famous fortress. Perched dramatically on a clifftop, this white stone 14th century fortress is a maze of narrow passageways, hidden rooms, and sunny courtyards. Tonight you'll join fellow travelers for dinner at one of Brașov's finest restaurants.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner at one of Brașov's finest restaurants with fellow travellers)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Brașov - guide shows sights of charming town with Gothic spires, medieval watchtowers, sprawling squares and Soviet-era concrete
- Visit Bran Castle - perched on clifftop, this white stone fortress built in 14th century is maze of narrow passageways, hidden rooms and sunny courtyards
Landmarks Bran Castle - Day 26
Bucharest
After breakfast, you take a guided tour to Peles Castle, a Neo-Classical masterpiece built in the 1870s by Romania's first king as a summer residence with exquisitely decorated rooms, paintings, carved wood, and stained glass. You'll also visit nearby Sinaia Monastery, the region's oldest with its 17th century church and 19th century royal family church. Then you begin your journey back to Bucharest for an overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour Peles Castle - guided visit to Neo-Classical masterpiece built in 1870s by first king of Romania as summer residence with exquisitely decorated rooms featuring paintings, carved wood and stained glass
- Visit Sinaia Monastery - tour oldest monastery in region with two churches: one from 17th century and one built by royal family in 19th century
Landmarks Peles Castle Sinaia Monastery - Day 27
Bucharest
After your final breakfast in Bucharest, you depart this fascinating part of Eastern Europe. The spectacular landscapes, medieval villages, and fairy tale experiences will stay with you long after your journey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
