Travel from the elegant city of Vienna on the majestic Danube and along castle-clad hills of the Rhine River Valley to the colorful canals of Amsterdam. And all along the way, step back in time as you visit towns right out of the pages of German fairy tales - Miltenberg with its crooked streets and leaning houses; Rothenburg with its city walls still standing, protecting the charming core of gothic churches and gabled houses from intruders; Bamberg, an architectural gem boasting renaissance palaces, baroque houses and a breathtaking cathedral; and Nuremberg, the quintessential example of medieval culture.

A world of art, history and culture is waiting for you in the heart of Europe

Indulge your passion for timeless, awe-inspiring art and architecture, and for places where history is not just portrayed, but is still an essential part of daily life. Celebrate Europe's manmade wonders, including the 20th-century Main-Danube Canal and the 15th-century invention of the printing press. Savor the flavors of Germany and Austria with a chance to sample the world-famous wines of the Rheingau and the hearty beers of Germany, and of course, indulge in authentic Linzer Torte in Linz and taste Rudesheimer coffee - a local specialty made with brandy-while in Rudesheim. This perfectly paced trip provides you with a well-balanced opportunity to experience small towns and grand cities. And gives you the ideal blend of sightseeing amazing places and cruising along spectacular rivers - the Danube's vineyard-rich Wachau Valley, the scenic, meandering Main, and the romantic Rhine.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Those who are interested in history and architecture will encounter fascinating examples of Roman ruins, medieval villages, baroque castles and modern architecture. And those who believe in the enchantment of fairy tales will delight in the myths, legends and mystique all along the way.