Itinerary
- Day 1
Amsterdam
You'll arrive in Amsterdam and get your first look at the canal-lined streets and 17th-century buildings that make the city so distinctive. After settling in, you'll board your luxury river ship this afternoon. The welcome reception gives you a chance to meet other guests and get oriented before your cruise begins.
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canals - Day 2
Amsterdam
Today you pick what interests you most. Take a scenic canal cruise through the waterways, join a walking guide learning about Dutch culture and tasting local herring, pedal through the countryside on an e-bike, or head out to see the windmills of Schermerhorn and the town of Alkmaar. Options mean you can tailor the day to what appeals to you.
Optional Activities
- Canal cruise through Amsterdam's historic waterways
- Walking tour of Amsterdam exploring canals, bridges, history and Dutch culture with herring tasting
- Dutch countryside e-bike tour to the outskirts of town
- Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar including 16th-century windmills and historic town exploration
Landmarks/POIs Amsterdam Canals Schermerhorn Windmills Alkmaar - Day 3
Amsterdam to Cologne
You'll cruise to Cologne and arrive early afternoon. Walk through the restored Old Town to see historic buildings and the Cologne Cathedral, a World Heritage site. Later, travel by coach to Bonn for an exclusive gala dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall, then head back to the ship for the night.
- Meals
- Dinner (Gala dinner at La Redoute Recital Hall accompanied by classical music)
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Cologne Old Town including historic buildings and squares
- Visit to World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral
- Gala dinner and classical concert at La Redoute Recital Hall in Bonn
Optional Activities
- Free time to explore Cologne Old Town independently
Landmarks/POIs Cologne Cathedral Cologne Old Town La Redoute Recital Hall - Day 4
Cologne to Rüdesheim
This morning brings a scenic cruise through the Rhine Gorge where you can spot around 40 hilltop castles and the famous Lorelei statue from your ship. Arrive in Rüdesheim this afternoon, a wine town with half-timbered houses and vineyards. Choose between visiting a mechanical music museum with an optional cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument, or hiking through vineyards followed by a cable car descent.
Included Activities
- Cruise through Rhine Gorge
Optional Activities
- Visit to Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum featuring mechanical musical instruments
- Cable car ride to Niederwald Monument
- Guided hike through Rüdesheim vineyards with cable car return
Landmarks/POIs Rhine Gorge Lorelei Statue Niederwald Monument Rüdesheim Vineyards - Day 5
Rüdesheim to Miltenberg
Relax onboard this morning while cruising toward Miltenberg. You can book a spa massage or try the Salt Therapy Lounge if you want. Arrive in this well-preserved historic town this afternoon and pick between touring nearby Wertheim with a winery visit, exploring Gamburg Castle and meeting the Baron and Baroness, joining a farm visit, or visiting a local schnapps distillery with tastings.
Included Activities
- Cruise to Miltenberg
Optional Activities
- Spa massage treatment onboard
- Salt Therapy Lounge session onboard
- Wertheim tour and winery visit with winemaker meeting
- Gamburg Castle guided tour with private reception and sparkling wine
- Miltenberg guided tour and local family farm visit with animal encounters and local delicacy tastings
- Schnapps distillery visit with orientation tour of Miltenberg and tasting of multiple flavours
Landmarks/POIs Miltenberg Old Town Zum Riesen Inn River Main Gamburg Castle Wertheim - Day 6
Miltenberg to Würzburg
You'll arrive in Würzburg, which sits in Franconia wine country and features Baroque and Rococo architecture. Choose a guided tour of the World Heritage Würzburg Residence with its baroque palace and gardens plus free time in the city, or take a scenic coach trip on the Romantic Road to the medieval town of Rothenburg. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the Sun Deck as you cruise toward Bamberg.
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Würzburg Residence Baroque palace with manicured gardens
- Walking tour of Würzburg city centre with free time
- Romantic Road coach tour to Rothenburg with guided medieval old town tour and free exploration
Landmarks/POIs Würzburg Residence Old Main Bridge Rothenburg Romantic Road - Day 7
Würzburg to Bamberg
Start your morning relaxing in your suite or taking in views from the Sun Deck before docking in Bamberg this afternoon. This World Heritage town built on seven hills has medieval character everywhere you look. Pick between a guided tour of the Old Town learning its fascinating history and medieval architecture, or travel by coach to nearby Coburg to visit its impressive castle with collections of carriages, weapons, and well-known paintings.
Optional Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town exploring medieval and Baroque architecture
- Excursion to Coburg including castle visit with carriage, weapon and painting collections
Landmarks/POIs Bamberg Old Town Bamberg Cathedral Bamberg Town Hall Little Venice Coburg Castle - Day 8
Bamberg to Nuremberg
You'll arrive in Nuremberg, Bavaria's second-largest city, where a 12th-century Imperial Castle dominates the skyline and ancient city walls protect the historic Old Town. Choose a guided walking tour of the Old Town with the castle and historic churches, a World War II historical tour, or an active walking tour following cobblestone streets around the castle and medieval walls. You'll depart for Regensburg this afternoon.
Optional Activities
- Guided walking tour of Nuremberg Old Town including Imperial Castle and St. Egidien's Church
- World War II historical tour highlighting Nazi regime events and significant sites
- Active walking tour exploring Imperial Castle, cobblestone streets and medieval city walls
Landmarks/POIs Nuremberg Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church Nuremberg Market Square Nuremberg City Walls - Day 9
Nuremberg to Regensburg
After lunch you'll arrive in Regensburg, a medieval city with one of Germany's best-preserved old towns featuring over 900 World Heritage buildings. Pick between a walking tour exploring the old stone bridge and historic churches, taking a ferry through the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey to tour the monastery and sample award-winning beer made since 1050, an active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Castle, or cycling through the Donau Valley to the Walhalla Memorial.
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Regensburg including old stone bridge, Church of St James and Porta Praetoria
- Ferry ride through Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey with monastery tour and award-winning beer tasting
- Active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Castle with guided tour and free time
- Cycle tour through Donau Valley to Walhalla Memorial
Landmarks/POIs Regensburg Old Stone Bridge Church of St James Porta Praetoria Weltenburg Abbey Danube Gorge Thurn und Taxis Castle Walhalla Memorial - Day 10
Regensburg to Passau
You'll arrive early morning in Passau at the meeting point of three rivers near the Austrian border. This historic trading town features Italianate Old Town architecture. Choose a full day excursion to Salzburg, Austria for a guided tour of Mozart's birthplace and the Hohensalzburg fortress with lunch and free time, travel to the Czech World Heritage town of Český Krumlov with guided tour and local restaurant lunch, or join a walking tour of Passau to see colorful waterfront buildings and visit St Stephens Cathedral.
Optional Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg, Austria including guided tour, Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg fortress, lunch and free time
- Full day excursion to Český Krumlov, Czech Republic with guided tour of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture and local restaurant lunch
- Walking tour of Passau exploring colourful waterfront buildings and St Stephens Cathedral
Landmarks/POIs Passau Old Town St Stephens Cathedral Salzburg Hohensalzburg Fortress Mozart's Birthplace Český Krumlov - Day 11
Passau to Dürnstein
Spend your morning in Dürnstein, a World Heritage town perched on the Danube River in Austria's Wachau Valley, surrounded by ancient terraced vineyards. You can visit Göttweig Abbey to see magnificent frescoes and Austria's largest Baroque staircase, tour a local winemaker with tastings, or e-bike along the Danube to the quaint village of Krems with stops for views.
Optional Activities
- Göttweig Abbey visit including magnificent frescoes and largest Baroque staircase in Austria
- Wachau Valley winery tour with local winemaker meeting and wine tasting
- E-bike tour from Dürnstein to Krems along Danube with scenic viewpoint stops
Landmarks/POIs Dürnstein Wachau Valley Danube River Göttweig Abbey Krems - Day 12
Dürnstein to Vienna
You'll arrive in Vienna, Austria's capital of art, music and culture. Start with a guided coach tour to the city centre, then walk to see iconic highlights including the Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral, and Belvedere Palace. The ship docks overnight, so you have the afternoon and evening free to explore or relax onboard. Later, experience an exclusive private classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with Austrian Sekt, ballet dancers, vocalists, and world-famous art.
- Meals
- Dinner (Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with glass of Austrian Sekt)
Included Activities
- Coach transfer from ship to Vienna city centre
- Guided walking tour of Vienna including Opera House, St Stephen's Cathedral and Belvedere Palace
- Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein with glass of Austrian Sekt and ballet dancers
Optional Activities
- Free exploration of Vienna city
Landmarks/POIs Vienna Opera House St Stephen's Cathedral Belvedere Palace Palais Liechtenstein - Day 13
Vienna
Wake in Vienna with the city right outside. Spend a full day exploring Austria's imperial capital famous for the Ringstrasse boulevard and Habsburg legacy. Choose between exploring Schönbrunn Palace's opulent rooms and impressive gardens, an e-bike tour to Danube Island to enjoy beaches and recreational spaces, or travel to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital, to tour the castle, main square and Old Town.
Optional Activities
- Schönbrunn Palace exploration including ornate rooms and gardens
- Guided e-bike tour to Danube Island with beaches and recreational spaces
- Excursion to Bratislava, Slovakia including castle, Hlavné Námestie and Old Town tour
Landmarks/POIs Schönbrunn Palace Danube Island Bratislava Castle Hlavné Námestie Bratislava Old Town - Day 14
Vienna to Budapest
You'll arrive early morning in Budapest, Europe's diverse and vibrant capital divided by the Danube into Buda and Pest. Choose from guided coach or walking tours with different themes: an in-depth coach tour with a piano recital at the Institute for the Blind, a tour examining communist history and the 1956 Hungarian revolution, an underground exploration of the Hospital in the Rock bunker complex, a hike through Buda with gardens and Danube views, or a culinary market tour at the Grand Central Market. Your afternoon is free.
Optional Activities
- Budapest in depth coach tour including Várkert Bazár, Margaret Bridge and Széchenyi square with piano recital at Institute for the Blind
- Budapest past and present walking and coach tour exploring communist history and 1956 Hungarian revolution
- Hospital in the Rock underground tour of WWII secret hospital and nuclear bunker
- Guided hike through Buda with garden exploration and Danube River views
- Hungarian culinary market tour at Grand Central Market with local delicacy tastings
Landmarks/POIs Danube River Várkert Bazár Margaret Bridge Hospital in the Rock Grand Central Market Thurn und Taxis Castle - Day 15
Budapest to Vienna
You'll disembark the cruise ship and transfer to Vienna for a two-night hotel stay. Settle into your accommodation and spend the evening exploring the city at leisure or relaxing at your hotel. Vienna, Austria's capital, is known for magnificent Baroque buildings, parks, vineyards, coffee-house culture and galleries.
Included Activities
- Transfer from Budapest to Vienna
Optional Activities
- Leisure exploration of Vienna
Landmarks/POIs The Ringstrasse - Day 16
Vienna
Join a guided tour of Vienna's highlights including the opulent Opera House, City Hall, Parliament Building, Stadtpark's landscaped gardens, and St Stephens Cathedral. Later, enjoy a special dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Special dinner at a local restaurant)
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Vienna including Opera House, City Hall, Parliament Building, Stadtpark and St Stephens Cathedral
- Special dinner at a local restaurant
Landmarks/POIs Vienna Opera House Vienna City Hall Austrian Parliament Building Stadtpark St Stephens Cathedral - Day 17
Vienna to Salzburg
Travel through Austria to the historic city of Steyr for an orientation tour and free exploration. Continue through the Austrian countryside to Salzburg, where you'll stay for the next two nights.
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Steyr
Optional Activities
- Free exploration of Steyr
Landmarks/POIs Steyr - Day 18
Salzburg
Explore Salzburg, home of Mozart and The Sound of Music. With a local guide, walk through this storybook city surrounded by alpine peaks to visit Mirabell Gardens, Mozart's birthplace and residence, Getreidegasse shopping street, and the Old Market Square. Learn about the city's famous residents and the Von Trapp family inspiration.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Salzburg including Mirabell Gardens, Mozart's birthplace and residence, Getreidegasse and Old Market Square
Landmarks/POIs Mirabell Gardens Mozart's Birthplace Mozart's Residence Getreidegasse Salzburg Old Market Square Hohensalzburg Fortress - Day 19
Salzburg to Schwangau
Travel by coach through the beautiful Salzkammergut Lakes District of Austria, recognizing landscapes from The Sound of Music. Journey to the Schwangau region in Bavaria where mountains, lakes, castles and half-timbered villages create scenic surroundings.
Included Activities
- Coach journey through Salzkammergut Lakes District
Landmarks/POIs Salzkammergut Lakes District Schwangau - Day 20
Schwangau
Start your day visiting the Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the world's most photographed buildings. Explore its opulent rooms, then return to the hotel to relax. Schwangau is a health resort known for clean air, lush green spaces and spa facilities.
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Neuschwanstein Castle including opulent rooms
Landmarks/POIs Neuschwanstein Castle - Day 21
Schwangau to Zermatt
Depart the alpine region and travel to Chur, then board the famous Glacier Express train for a journey through the Swiss Alps to Zermatt. From your window, watch snow-capped mountains and valleys pass by. Arrive in picturesque Zermatt at the foot of the 4,478-meter Matterhorn.
Included Activities
- Glacier Express train journey through Swiss Alps from Chur to Zermatt
Landmarks/POIs Matterhorn Zermatt Swiss Alps - Day 22
Zermatt
Take a scenic mountain railway to Gornergrat and ascend even higher into the Swiss Alps. Enjoy magnificent 360-degree views with the spectacular Matterhorn as the highlight.
Included Activities
- Gornergrat rail ascent with 360-degree Alpine views
Landmarks/POIs Gornergrat Matterhorn - Day 23
Zermatt to Montreux
Travel through the Alps to the picturesque town of Montreux on Lake Geneva, a retreat for artists from Byron and Tchaikovsky to Freddie Mercury. Head to a chalet-style Swiss restaurant in the mountains overlooking Montreux for dinner with traditional live music. Learn about the cultural significance of the Alphorn from members of the Alphorn Academy of Switzerland.
- Meals
- Dinner (Delicious meal at chalet-style Swiss restaurant in the mountains overlooking Montreux with traditional live music)
Included Activities
- Dinner at chalet-style Swiss restaurant in the mountains overlooking Montreux with traditional live music
- Alphorn Academy of Switzerland presentation and cultural introduction
Landmarks/POIs Lake Geneva Montreux - Day 24
Montreux
Wake in your luxurious hotel room and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. Explore this charming resort town or choose between touring the Vaud wine region with cellar door visit and wine tasting, or visiting Chaplin's World Museum to learn about Charlie Chaplin's life and work in his former house, studio and park.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Sumptuous breakfast at hotel)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
Optional Activities
- Vaud wine region tour with winery visit and wine tasting
- Chaplin's World Museum visit including house, studio and park
Landmarks/POIs Vaud Wine Region Chaplin's World Museum - Day 25
Montreux to Jungfrau Region
Board the Golden Pass Train for a panoramic journey through the Alps from Montreux to Interlaken. Pass through tall mountains, green valleys and endless vineyards while enjoying views of the Swiss Alps and charming villages. Transfer to your hotel in the Jungfrau region surrounded by alpine scenery.
Included Activities
- Golden Pass Train panoramic journey from Montreux to Interlaken through Alpine scenery
- Transfer to Jungfrau region hotel
Landmarks/POIs Jungfrau Region Swiss Alps Interlaken - Day 26
Jungfrau Region
Located at the foot of the Eiger mountain, this traditional alpine village offers great scenery. Choose between a relaxing cruise on scenic Lake Brienz with views of mountain scenery, picturesque villages and castles, or take the famous cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch, the top of Europe, for views of towns and valleys below.
Optional Activities
- Lake Brienz cruise with mountain scenery, village and castle views
- Cogwheel train to Jungfraujoch with scenic views of towns and valleys
Landmarks/POIs Eiger Mountain Lake Brienz Jungfraujoch Jungfrau - Day 27
Jungfrau Region to Zurich
Take a full day excursion to Switzerland's beautiful locations. Start in Engelberg, a quintessential Swiss mountain village with an orientation tour and free exploration. Continue to charming Lucerne at the foot of the Alps on its namesake lake for an orientation tour and leisure time in the Old Town. Finish in Zurich, Switzerland's largest city, the commercial and cultural heart framed by alpine mountains.
Included Activities
- Orientation tour of Engelberg
- Orientation tour of Lucerne
- Transfer to Zurich
Optional Activities
- Free exploration of Engelberg
- Free time in Lucerne Old Town
- Free exploration of Zurich
Landmarks/POIs Engelberg Lucerne Lucerne Old Town Lake Lucerne Zurich Lake Zurich Limmat River - Day 28
Zurich
Discover Zurich's treasures on a guided walking tour through the Old Town's winding streets, the medieval square of Niederdorf, across bridges over the peaceful Limmat River, and the ninth-century Fraumunster Church with stained-glass windows by artist Marc Chagall. You'll have leisure time this afternoon.
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Zurich Old Town, Niederdorf square, Limmat River bridges and Fraumunster Church
Optional Activities
- Free exploration of Zurich
Landmarks/POIs Zurich Old Town Niederdorf Limmat River Fraumunster Church - Day 29
Zurich
Your journey comes to an end this morning. Say farewell to your fellow travelers and take with you unforgettable memories of your cruise and tour through Europe.
