Legendary Waterways of Europe from Amsterdam to Budapest

Cruise through five countries in the heart of Europe on this relaxing 14-night cruise. Let the waters of the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube carry you gently through Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, exploring striking vistas rich with history, culture, lore and traditions. Sail by castles, fortresses, villages and vineyards and through the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Explore Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Bamberg, Bratislava, Budapest, Melk, Vienna and much more.

Highlights
Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Linz, Wachau Valley, Melk, Durnstein, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest

Collette Experience

  • Experience the benefits of personal audio devices, designed for better communication between you and your guides throughout your tour.
  • Unpack once for a relaxing 14-night cruise.
  • Visit five countries and experience the cultures and traditions of each, all in one trip.
  • Explore the famous Franconian wine region.
  • Discover the beautiful Wauchau Valley.
  • Cruise four of Europe's most important waterways: the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube.

    • Details

    Tour Operator
    Collette Vacations
    Offer
    Offer valid through 12/31/2009
    Duration
    16 Days
    DayDestinationDescription
    Air 1Overnight Flight Overnight Flight : Welcome as you join Collette Vacations cruising along the legendary waterways that define the true soul of Europe. Explore historic ports along the Rhine and Mosel rivers, delight in old world traditions, enjoy Rhineland vineyards and marvel at the varied landscapes and sights along the Danube River. Your adventure begins with an overnight flight to Europe.
    Day 2Budapest Budapest, Hungary - Tour Begins - Board Cruise Ship : Your tour begins in Budapest, Hungary's famous capital city. All aboard! Unpack once for a relaxing 14-night river cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Princess. This beautiful ship offers the newest technology, panoramic deck, panorama salon and bar, excellent cuisine and outstanding service. This evening, meet your fellow travelers at the welcome cocktail reception followed by a welcome dinner accompanied by Gypsy music.
    Day 3Budapest Budapest : Your sightseeing tour of this lovely capital features the historic Buda Castle area with its turreted Fisherman's Bastion and 500-year-old St. Matthias Church. From this vantage point, you have splendid views of Chain Bridge and the twin cities of Buda and Pest, spread over both banks of the river. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Budapest on your own or for last minute shopping opportunities. After dinner, enjoy an evening cruise featuring a folklore show.
    Day 4Bratislava Bratislava, Slovakia : Today, arrive in Slovakia's capital, Bratislava. An afternoon city tour includes the enormous 13th-century castle that towers 300 feet above the Danube; the old town; St. Martin's Cathedral; Michael's Gate; and the Archbishop's palace. This evening, your cruise continues to Austria's capital city, beautiful Vienna.
    Day 5Vienna Vienna, Austria : Join a local expert exploring Vienna's Imperial architecture including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. The remainder of the day is at leisure or you may join an optional excursion to the opulent Schonbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty.
    Day 6Melk Durnstein - Melk : Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the picturesque Wachau Valley and the medieval town of Durnstein, known to be the loveliest town in the Wachau Valley. Above the town, you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Enjoy a walking tour exploring the town's many hidden treasures. Continue to the charming town of Melk. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries.
    Day 7Passau Linz - Passau, Germany : After breakfast, arrive in Linz, Austria, a favorite city of Mozart, who dedicated his Linz Symphony to the town. Take time to explore the large town square with the 66 foot high Trinity Column and surrounded by patrician houses. Later cruise to Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful town with cobblestone streets and graceful arcades. Passau is home to St. Stephan's Cathedral, known to have the world's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes.
    Day 8Regensburg Passau - Regensburg : Today, your ship arrives in magnificent Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Founded 2,000 years ago, Regensburg escaped major WWII damage and today stands as Germany's best-preserved medieval city. A guided tour of Regensburg features the Old Town Hall, 12th century Stone Bridge, towering St. Peter's Cathedral and the Porta Pretoria. This evening, join the festivities with a traditional Bavarian night on board, complete with local foods, music and dancing. Tonight the ship enters the first stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal.
    Day 9Nuremberg Regensburg - Nuremberg : Begin your day traveling through the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending again through stair-step locks. This afternoon enjoy a leisurely-paced guided tour of Nuremberg, Bavaria's second largest city. View the storybook 900-year-old ramparts, the Imperial Castle, and the Justice Palace where the WWII War Crimes Tribunal took place in 1946.
    Day 10Bamberg Bamberg : Today your ship begins its final stretch through the Main-Danube Canal at enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem. Founded in 902, it maintains quaint baroque patrician houses along its winding cobbled streets. You'll marvel at the breathtaking 11th century cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the river, and serpentine streets crowded with 18th century mansions. Tonight, after dinner, you are treated to traditional music and dances performed by local artists.
    Day 11Wurzburg Wurzburg : Arrive in Wurzburg, known as "The Pearl of the Romantic Road", a charming town surrounded by sloping hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see. Nearly destroyed by WWII, Wurzburg has been rebuilt into a beautiful Franconian town boasting well-preserved baroque architecture. During your afternoon tour, visit the major sights including the magnificent Bishops' Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, continue cruising through the Franconian wine region.
    Day 12Miltenberg Wertheim - Miltenberg : Visit the beautiful city of Wertheim, situated at the meeting of the Main and Tauber rivers. Enjoy free time exploring the historic town square and its beautiful ancient castle ruins. Later arrive in Miltenberg for a guided walking tour along the town's narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses.
    Day 13Koblenz Rudesheim - Koblenz : Enjoy a morning cruise along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, where the landscape is dotted with magnificent hill top castles. See the legendary Lorelei Rock before arriving in charming Rudesheim, the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. The "Winzerexpress" mini-train takes you to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a fascinating guided tour. You will have time to explore the pedestrian street, Drosselgasee, and sample some local wines. Later, cruise to Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Enjoy an early evening walk exploring this charming town surrounded by vine-covered hills.
    Day 14Cologne Koblenz - Cologne : Early this morning, the ship departs Koblenz and continues along the scenic Rhine River to Cologne, the Rhineland's largest city and one of Germany's oldest and most distinguished cities. Take a guided tour through the old part of the city and a visit to the massive, twin-steepled, 13th-century gothic cathedral.
    Day 15Amsterdam Amsterdam, Holland : Welcome to Amsterdam, the delightful 700-year-old capital city of the Netherlands. After lunch, join a local expert on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Amsterdam admiring Amsterdam's Golden Age architecture which includes over 500 bridges, an intricate canal system, beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches with bell towers, and 16th-century merchant houses. Tonight, gather on board with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell Captain's Gala dinner.
    Day 16Tour ends Amsterdam - Disembark Ship - Tour Ends : Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
    Dates/Pricing

    Click Quote or call us to get additional information on your chosen travel date. Special offers or competitive pricing may be available!

    DatePrice / DescriptionQuote
    April 24, 2010$3,999.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    May 24, 2010$4,399.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    August 08, 2010$4,199.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    September 13, 2010$4,399.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    September 27, 2010$4,399.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    October 03, 2010$4,399.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    October 17, 2010$4,399.00* (USD) / Land OnlyQuote
    Lodging
    MS Amadeus Diamond
    Disclaimer
    Note
    Tour prices are Land Only rates based on per person double occupancy. Please call your Travel Agent for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
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