See the highlights of Central Europe on this enchanting cruise between Budapest and Amsterdam. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with beer tasting in Nuremberg, a traditional baking demonstration in Miltenberg, wine tasting in Austria’s Wachau Valley, and time in charming Dürnstein, Regensburg, Cologne, Rüdesheim, Bamberg, and Vienna. Also enjoy inside visits of Bratislava’s gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral, the amazing Benedictine Abbey in Melk, and Würzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz. Cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge past the legendary Lorelei rock, and glide past quaint towns, beautiful scenery, and historic buildings along the Danube. Your vacation concludes with a scenic cruise through the delightful canals of Amsterdam.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary (Embarkation). Welcome to Hungary’s exciting capital city! This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception at 6 pm. (D)
Day #2 Budapest. Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Eight bridges connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and the Matthias Church is a sight not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (B,L,D)
Day #3 Bratislava, Slovakia. Situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, Bratislava is the dynamic capital of Slovakia. The charming Old Town with its Town Hall and Mirbach Palace, as well as gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL, should not be missed. (B,L,D)
Day #4 Vienna, Austria. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austria’s capital has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights on your included tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available tonight. (B,L,D)
Day #5 Dürnstein–Melk. Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue façade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Continue through the Wachau Valley to Melk, whose magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening you’ll be able to sample some of the FAMOUS WINES of this region. (B,L,D)
Day #6 Linz–Passau, Germany. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses one of the world’s largest church organs with more than 17,000 pipes. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Regensburg. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)
Day #8 Nuremberg. Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
Day #9 Bamberg. Medieval Bamberg is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)
Day #10 Würzburg. Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day #11 Miltenberg. Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (B,L,D)
Day #12 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM in pretty Rüdesheim. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. (B,L,D)
Day #13 Cologne. Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne. (B,L,D)
Day #14 Amsterdam, Holland. Holland’s delightful 700-year-old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. (B,L,D)
Day #15 Amsterdam (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
