Itinerary
- Day 1
Zurich
You'll arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city located where the Limmat River flows into Lake Zurich. The surrounding alpine mountains frame this commercial and cultural hub known for its excellent quality of life. This is your base for exploring one of Europe's most prosperous cities.
Landmarks/POIs Lake Zurich Limmat River - Day 2
Zurich
A guided walking tour takes you through Zurich's Old Town via winding medieval streets. You'll pass through Niederdorf square, walk across bridges spanning the Limmat River, and see the ninth-century Fraumunster Church. The stained-glass windows here were created by artist Marc Chagall and are worth taking time to appreciate.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Zurich's Old Town
- Visit to Fraumunster Church with Marc Chagall stained-glass windows
Landmarks/POIs Niederdorf Fraumunster Church Limmat River - Day 3
Zurich - Lucerne - Engelberg - Grindelwald
Today is a full-day excursion to two Swiss towns. First, you'll head to Lucerne, a lakeside town at the base of mountains where a guided tour happens in the morning and then you have free time to explore on your own. After that, you'll travel to Engelberg, a traditional Swiss village surrounded by mountains, before heading to Grindelwald for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Lucerne
- Coach transport to Grindelwald
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Lucerne independently
Landmarks/POIs Lucerne Lake Lucerne Engelberg - Day 4
Grindelwald
In Grindelwald at the foot of the Eiger mountain, you can choose between two activities. Option one is a scenic cruise on Lake Brienz with mountain views and charming villages. Option two is the cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch (the top of Europe), which offers expansive views over towns and valleys below. Either way, the alpine scenery here is exceptional.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Cruise on Lake Brienz OR Cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch
Landmarks/POIs Eiger Lake Brienz Jungfraujoch - Day 5
Grindelwald - Interlaken - Montreux
You'll board the Golden Pass Train for a scenic journey through the Alps from Interlaken to Montreux. As the train travels, you'll see tall mountains, green valleys, and vineyards along the route. Once in Montreux, you get an orientation tour and free time to explore this resort town. Tonight you'll dine at a chalet-style restaurant in the mountains with live music from the Alphorn Academy.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner at chalet-style Swiss restaurant in the mountains overlooking Montreux with traditional live music)
Included Activities
- Golden Pass Train journey from Interlaken to Montreux
- Orientation tour of Montreux
- Scenic Enrich: Dinner at chalet-style Swiss restaurant with live Alphorn music and cultural presentation
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Montreux
Landmarks/POIs Interlaken Montreux Lake Geneva - Day 6
Montreux
In Montreux on Lake Geneva's banks, you have two choices for the morning. Visit one of the region's best wineries in the Vaud wine region for a cellar visit and tasting, or tour Chaplin's World Museum where Charlie Chaplin lived and worked for 25 years. The rest of the day is yours to explore this lakeside town at your own pace.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Vaud wine region winery tour and tasting OR Chaplin's World Museum
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Montreux and Lake Geneva
Landmarks/POIs Lake Geneva Chaplin's World Museum - Day 7
Montreux - Zermatt
You'll travel by coach to Zermatt, a popular resort village at the base of the Matterhorn. This fairytale-like town sits at 4,478 metres and attracts hikers and winter sports fans. More than 100 trails wind through the surrounding valleys, lakes, and ridges, offering plenty of options for outdoor activities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Coach transfer from Montreux to Zermatt
Landmarks/POIs Matterhorn Zermatt - Day 8
Zermatt
This morning you'll take a rail journey up to Gornergrat, the highest mountain resort in Switzerland. From here, you'll have 360-degree views of the surrounding Alps, with the Matterhorn dominating the landscape. The panorama from this height is hard to match for scope and detail.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Rail journey to Gornergrat with 360-degree Alpine views and Matterhorn views
Landmarks/POIs Gornergrat Matterhorn - Day 9
Zermatt - Chur - Schwangau
You'll board the Glacier Express train for a journey through the Swiss Alps to Chur. Snow-capped mountains and valleys pass by as you travel on this well-known railway. After arriving in Chur, you'll continue by coach through Austria and Liechtenstein to reach Schwangau, Germany.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Glacier Express train journey from Zermatt to Chur
- Coach transport through Austria and Liechtenstein to Schwangau
Landmarks/POIs Chur Schwangau - Day 10
Schwangau
Schwangau is known as a health resort thanks to its clean air and green spaces. A short drive takes you to Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most photographed buildings in the world. You'll explore the castle's opulent rooms before heading back to your hotel to rest.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Neuschwanstein Castle with exploration of opulent rooms
Landmarks/POIs Neuschwanstein Castle - Day 11
Schwangau - Salzburg
Today you'll travel by coach through Austria's Salzkammergut region, often called the Lakes District. The landscapes here may look familiar if you've seen The Sound of Music, as filming locations are scattered throughout. You'll arrive in Salzburg, one of the world's most iconic musical cities.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Coach travel through Salzkammergut region
Landmarks/POIs Salzkammergut - Day 12
Salzburg
Salzburg sits on the Salzach River surrounded by alpine peaks. Known as Mozart's birthplace and the setting for The Sound of Music, this storybook city has thriving art and music scenes. A local guide will show you the Mirabell Gardens, Mozart's birthplace and residence, the Getreidegasse shopping street, and the Old Market Square. You'll also visit Hohensalzburg, Central Europe's largest intact fortress with panoramic city views.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Salzburg including Mirabell Gardens
- Visit to Mozart's birthplace and residence
- Tour of Getreidegasse shopping street
- Visit to Old Market Square
Optional Activities
- Explore Hohensalzburg fortress with panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs Mirabell Gardens Mozart's Birthplace Hohensalzburg Fortress Salzach River - Day 13
Salzburg - Steyr - Vienna
You'll head to Vienna by coach, stopping first in Steyr for an orientation tour and free time to explore this historic town. Later in the afternoon, you'll arrive in Austria's elegant capital. Vienna is famous for the Ringstrasse, considered the world's most beautiful boulevard, and has a rich musical history tied to Mozart and Beethoven.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Steyr
- Coach transfer from Salzburg to Vienna
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Steyr
Landmarks/POIs Steyr - Day 14
Vienna
A guided tour of Vienna covers the city's main sights including the Opera House, City Hall, the Parliament Building, the sprawling Stadtpark gardens, and St. Stephens Cathedral. You'll see the Baroque buildings, green spaces, and vibrant coffee houses that give Vienna its particular charm. Tonight you'll have a special dinner to say goodbye to fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Farewell dinner at local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Guided city tour of Vienna including Opera House
- Visit to City Hall
- Visit to Parliament Building
- Visit to Stadtpark gardens
- Visit to St. Stephens Cathedral
- Farewell dinner at local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Vienna State Opera House Vienna City Hall Parliament Building Stadtpark St. Stephens Cathedral - Day 15
Vienna - Budapest
You'll transfer to Budapest, one of Europe's oldest and most beautiful cities. This afternoon, you'll board your luxury river ship and settle into your suite. If you have a balcony suite, the windows convert into a Scenic Sun Lounge so you can enjoy the views. Tonight there's a welcome reception to meet other passengers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
- Coach transfer from Vienna to Budapest
- Embarkation on luxury river cruise ship
- Welcome reception on board
Landmarks/POIs Budapest Danube River - Day 16
Budapest
Budapest is divided by the Danube into Buda on one side and Pest on the other, connected by a bridge built in 1873. The city is an architectural mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles and is known for its thermal baths. You can choose from several activities: a coach tour visiting Varkert Bazar and Margaret Bridge, a walking tour covering communist history and the 1956 revolution, exploring the Hospital in the Rock underground complex, hiking through Buda with river views, or a culinary tour at the Grand Central Market. The afternoon is yours to relax.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Budapest in-depth coach tour OR Budapest's past and present walking/coach tour OR Hospital in the Rock underground exploration OR Guided hike of Buda district OR Hungarian culinary market tour
Optional Activities
- Visit to thermal baths during afternoon free time
Landmarks/POIs Varkert Bazar Margaret Bridge Hospital in the Rock Grand Central Market Danube River - Day 17
Budapest - Vienna
This morning the ship cruises toward Vienna while you can relax on board. You might ask your butler to bring coffee to your suite so you can watch the scenery from your window. You'll arrive in Vienna this afternoon, a centre of art, music and culture. Tonight you'll attend a private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein, enjoying Austrian Sekt and music by Strauss and Mozart performed by an orchestra with ballet dancers and vocalists.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Danube river cruise from Budapest to Vienna
- Scenic Enrich: Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with fine Austrian Sekt
Landmarks/POIs Palais Liechtenstein - Day 18
Vienna
You wake with Vienna on your doorstep for a full day of exploring. You can wander on your own or choose from several options: tour Schönbrunn Palace with its ornate rooms and gardens, take a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island, visit Bratislava in Slovakia to see the castle and historic Old Town, or join a guided tour exploring Greek Quarter coffee houses and St Stephen's Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Schönbrunn Palace OR Cycle to Danube Island e-bike tour OR Excursion to Bratislava OR Hidden Gems of Vienna tour
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Vienna independently
Landmarks/POIs Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island Bratislava Castle St. Stephens Cathedral Augarten Park - Day 19
Vienna - Krems - Dürnstein
This morning you'll arrive in Krems in the spectacular Wachau Valley. Before docking in Dürnstein later, you can choose from several excursions: tour Göttweig Abbey with its Baroque frescoes, visit a local winemaker in the Wachau wine region for a tasting, or take an e-bike tour along the Danube to Dürnstein. Once in Dürnstein, a picturesque World Heritage town on the Danube's edge, you'll have free time to explore surrounded by ancient terraced vineyards.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- River cruise to Krems in Wachau Valley
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Göttweig Abbey tour OR Wachau Valley wine tasting OR E-biking from Krems to Dürnstein
- Dock in Dürnstein
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Dürnstein
Landmarks/POIs Krems Wachau Valley Göttweig Abbey Dürnstein - Day 20
Dürnstein - Passau
After a short stop in Brandstatt, you'll arrive in Passau at the meeting point of three rivers near the Austria border. This charming Old Town was mostly built by prince-bishops in an Italianate style. You can choose from a full-day trip to Salzburg to visit Mozart's birthplace and Hohensalzburg fortress with lunch, a full-day trip to Czech town Ceský Krumlov (a World Heritage site), or a walking tour of Passau to see St Stephens Cathedral.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- River cruise from Dürnstein to Passau
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Full day Salzburg excursion OR Full day Ceský Krumlov excursion OR Highlights of Passau walking tour
Landmarks/POIs Passau St. Stephens Cathedral Ceský Krumlov - Day 21
Passau - Regensburg
Regensburg has a 2,000-year history and one of Germany's best-preserved medieval town centres with more than 900 Romanesque and Gothic buildings listed as World Heritage sites. The narrow laneways have the highest concentration of bars in the country. You can choose from a walking tour to see the old stone bridge and Church of St James, a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey (which has been brewing award-winning beer since 1050), an active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Castle, or a cycle through Donau Valley scenery to Walhalla Memorial.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- River cruise from Passau to Regensburg
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Walking tour of Regensburg OR Ferry to Weltenburg Abbey OR Thurn und Taxis active walking tour OR Cycle to Walhalla Memorial
Landmarks/POIs Regensburg Church of St James Weltenburg Abbey Thurn und Taxis Castle Walhalla Memorial - Day 22
Regensburg - Nuremberg
The ship arrives in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, protected by an ancient city wall and dominated by the 12th-century Imperial Castle. Behind its charming façade is a turbulent history involving Nazi party rallies and post-war war crimes trials. You can choose from a guided Old Town tour to see the Imperial Castle and market square, a World War II historical tour, or an active walking tour exploring the castle, cobblestone streets and medieval city walls.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- River cruise from Regensburg to Nuremberg
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town OR World War II tour OR Nuremberg's Castle and City Walls active walking tour
Landmarks/POIs Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church Nuremberg Market Square - Day 23
Nuremberg - Bamberg
Bamberg is built on seven hills with surprises at every turn. Rivers and canals intersect the Old Town with its cobblestoned streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. The Town Hall sits on its own island, and there's a Gothic cathedral plus the Old and New Residences. You can join a guided Old Town tour exploring one of Europe's largest intact medieval centres, or travel by coach to Coburg to visit its impressive castle. The afternoon is for relaxing on deck or in your suite.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- River cruise from Nuremberg to Bamberg
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town OR Excursion to Coburg with castle visit
Optional Activities
- Free time on ship's Sun deck
Landmarks/POIs Bamberg Bamberg Cathedral Coburg Castle - Day 24
Bamberg - Würzburg
After a relaxed morning on board, you'll dock in Würzburg with its lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture. Straddling the Main River in wine country, the town features a World Heritage palace, a hilltop fortress, the 15th-century Old Main Bridge, and three universities. You can visit the World Heritage Würzburg Residence with its gardens and artwork followed by free time, or travel by coach along the famed Romantic Road to Rothenburg for a guided tour of the well-preserved medieval old town.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- River cruise from Bamberg to Würzburg
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Walking tour and Würzburg Residence visit OR Romantic Road to Rothenburg
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residence Old Main Bridge Rothenburg - Day 25
Würzburg - Wertheim - Miltenberg
You'll arrive in Wertheim, a small medieval town on the picturesque banks of the Main and Tauber Rivers. The distinctive Spitze Turm, a 13th-century pointed watchtower, is a notable landmark. You have multiple options: tour Wertheim and visit a local winery to meet the winemaker, visit Gamburg Castle for a tour and private reception with the Baron and Baroness, visit a family-owned farmstead to meet owners and interact with animals, or visit a local schnapps distiller. After touring, you'll reboard in Miltenberg and cruise through the night to Rüdesheim.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- River cruise from Würzburg to Wertheim
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Wertheim tour and winery OR Gamburg Castle tour with Baron and Baroness reception OR Miltenberg tour and local farm visit OR Schnapps tasting
- Coach transfer and reboard in Miltenberg
- Overnight river cruise to Rüdesheim
Optional Activities
- On-board entertainment evening
Landmarks/POIs Wertheim Spitze Turm Gamburg Castle Miltenberg - Day 26
Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge - Bonn
You'll disembark in Rüdesheim this morning, a pretty town surrounded by steep vineyards cultivating wine for over two millennia. Half-timbered houses line the cobbled streets alongside quaint shops and wine taverns. You can visit Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum to explore mechanical musical instruments, or join a guided hike through vineyards with Rhine River views and a cable car return. This afternoon you'll cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge with approximately 40 hilltop castles and fortresses. Tonight there's a Gala Dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall in Bonn.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Gala Dinner at La Redoute Recital Hall, Bonn)
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum with guide and optional Niederwald Monument cable car OR Hike and Cable Car through vineyards
- River cruise through Rhine Gorge
- Scenic Enrich: Gala Dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall, Bonn
Landmarks/POIs Rüdesheim Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum Niederwald Monument Rhine Gorge Lorelei Statue La Redoute Recital Hall - Day 27
Bonn - Cologne - Amsterdam
You'll dock in Cologne, a 2,000-year-old city that was extensively damaged in World War II but painstakingly restored. A walking tour of the Old Town shows you historic buildings, beautiful squares, and the World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral. After lunch, you'll cruise to Amsterdam.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne Old Town
- Visit to Cologne Cathedral
- River cruise from Cologne to Amsterdam
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral - Day 28
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is known as the Venice of the North with its 16th-century canals, narrow cobbled laneways, and busy bicycle traffic. The UNESCO-listed canal system looks much as it did hundreds of years ago with well-preserved houses and charming bridges. You can take a one-hour canal cruise seeing Golden Age mansions, a walking tour exploring canals and Dutch culture with herring tasting, a Dutch countryside e-bike tour, or visit Schermerhorn's 16th-century windmills and the historic town of Alkmaar.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic Freechoice excursion: Canal cruise OR Walking tour of Amsterdam with herring tasting OR Dutch countryside e-bike tour OR Excursion to Schermerhorn and Alkmaar
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canals Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 29
Amsterdam
Your journey ends this morning in Amsterdam. After one final breakfast on board, you'll depart with memories from your river cruise through Europe.
- Meals
- Breakfast
