A magnificent cruise indeed as you follow the route of emperors and kings on your exciting European journey along three great rivers through five fascinating countries! Marvel at the engineering wonders of the Main-Danube Canal as you traverse Europe's Continental Divide by ship. Discover the culture and traditions of grand old capitals like Bratislava, Vienna and Budapest. Visit perfectly preserved medieval towns and cruise through Europe's loveliest country-side with fairytale castles and sample the finest wines and local gourmet cuisines.
All local Taxes Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, DEPART USA.
Board your overnight flight to Holland.
Day 2, ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, HOLLAND.
Arrive in charming Amsterdam. Your luxurious river cruise ship is moored near the city center. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. (D)
Day 3, AMSTERDAM.
After breakfast, admire beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches and 16th century merchant houses on a guided canal boat tour. Enjoy an afternoon information briefing as you cruise towards Germany. Tonight you'll be a guest at the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner. (B,L,D)
Day 4, COLOGNE, GERMANY - KOBLENZ.
Early riser cruise past fashionable Dusseldorf, before arriving in Cologne for a guided morning walking tour through the old part of the city and a visit to the fabled 13th-century Gothic cathedral. At lunchtime continue to 2000-year-old Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and the Mosel rivers. Take an after dinner walk through this charming town. (B,L,D)
Day 5, KOBLENZ - MAINZ.
Today, sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and also cruising past the infamous Lorelei Rock. After lunch, arrive in Mainz for a guided walking tour of this beautiful town and visit the Gutenberg Museum. Mainz offers very good shopping opportunities. Free time to explore, before the ships sails late this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 6, MILTENBERG - WERTHEIM.
Arrive in Miltenberg and disembark for a morning walking tour of this delightful old Franconian town with its narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. At noon, continue cruising to charming Wertheim where you can watch an amusing glass-blowing performance. Leisurely browse in the market square before re-boarding your ship for an overnight cruise to Wurzburg. (B,L,D)
Day 7, WURZBURG.
During your guided tour, see the major sights including the magnificent Residenz Palace. This afternoon explore Wurzburg on your own, or take an optional tour along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg. Late this afternoon cruise to Bamberg. (B,L,D)
Day 8, BAMBERG.
In the afternoon, enter the Main-Danube Canal at enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem. There is free time before you continue your cruise this evening to ancient Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. (B,L,D)
Day 9, NUREMBERG - DIETFURT.
Enjoy a guided morning tour of the historic city of Nuremberg with its fabulous Gothic churches and impressive walls. At lunchtime, rejoin the ship further along the Main-Danube Canal and continue to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level, where you cross Europe's Continental Divide. Then start descending through stair-step locks the Bavarian town of Dietfurt. (B,L,D)
Day 10, REGENSBURG.
A guided morning tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The afternoon is free to shop or relax along the Danube. In the evening, enjoy a music performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 11, PASSAU - LINZ, AUSTRIA.
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau for a walking tour. Or, take an optional full day tour to Salzburg and its popular Sound of Music sights. Those staying on board can enjoy a scenic journey to Austria. (B,L,D)
Day 12, MELK - DURNSTEIN - WEISSENKIRCHEN.
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. From here, continue on a short cruise to Durnstein. Your walking tour through cobblestone streets reveals quaint 16th-century town houses and taverns. Continue through the lovely Wachau Valley, dotted with castles, to the town of Weissenkirchen, for some wine tasting tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 13, WEISSENKIRCHEN - VIENNA.
During a guided sightseeing tour you will see Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse, St. Stephen's Cathedral and visit to the National Library. Enjoy a free afternoon to stroll along the main shopping street, Karntnerstrasse, or sample some of Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)
Day 14, VIENNA - BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA.
Spend another morning in Vienna, perhaps join an optional tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace. In the afternoon, a walking tour of Bratislava reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own, followed by an evening music performance on board. (B,L,D)
Day 15, BUDAPEST, HUNGARY.
Your morning is free for last minute shopping. After lunch, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica and much more. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner with Gypsy music. (B,L,D)
Day 16, DEPART BUDAPEST.
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Extra nights are available if you wish to extend your stay in Budapest. (B)
