European Gems

Fly from the UK and arrive in the enthralling city of Budapest, where your contemporary river ship awaits on the Danube River.

Enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director before a relaxing twilight cruise following dinner.

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights.

Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Welcome Dinner while you cruise.

On arrival in the city centre, join a walking tour to uncover sights like St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace.

Later, explore the vibrant Naschmarkt at your leisure.

This evening, perhaps attend an optional concert for a memorable experience.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse – additional cost.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg area or wander along Kärntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping strip.

Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital.

Enhance Your Journey – Schönbrunn Palace Visit

Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds – additional cost

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Tick another country off your list with a visit to Slovakia’s Bratislava. This charming city blends medieval, baroque, and communist-era architecture. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the iconic Slovak Radio building, testaments to its intriguing past – additional cost

Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town watched over by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend your morning wandering its cobbled streets, historic townhouses, and inviting taverns.

You might also choose to join an optional tour and sample the region’s renowned wines.

Later, sail through the scenic Wachau Valley before docking in Melk to tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation since 1089.

Today, you can choose to join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Passau.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings – additional cost.

Enhance Your Journey – Sights of ‘The Sound of Music’

Depart from Passau to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights and sounds from ‘The Sound of Music’, including the famous Wedding Church – additional cost.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian experience on board. Sample delicious local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Continue along the Danube River to Regensburg, located in the southern region of the Bavarian Forest.

Here, wander along its cobblestone lanes, taking a journey through the ages as you explore the historic streets, medieval buildings and cultural sites on your guided walking tour.

Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies during World War II.

Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice.

One of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II, Bamberg beckons your attention today. You’ll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city.  Gaze upon sights such as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore.

Verdant hills and rich vineyards sit on the edge of Würzburg. Admire its magnificent baroque palace, the Würzburg Residence, and walk through Würzburg Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairytale town.

Enhance Your Journey – Medieval Rothenburg Tour

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia – additional cost.

Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the lights of medieval towns slip past as you cruise through the night.

Insider Experience – Culinary Tour in Miltenberg

Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

In Rüdesheim, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.

Later on, back on board, you will encounter the spectacular Rhine Gorge.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of Rococo architecture from 18th- century Germany – additional cost.

Amsterdam’s network of canals is a sight to behold. Dock in the city’s heart and board a glass-top boat to discover its views.

Back on land, enjoy some free time before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Fly from the UK and arrive in Amsterdam, where you’ll be transferred to your river ship. Perhaps grab a map to explore this carefree, cosmopolitan city and its magnificent network of canals.

This evening, meet your Cruise Director and fellow passengers at a Captain’s Welcome Reception.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure.

Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight’s special Gala Welcome Dinner.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city.

Disembark and take the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rococo architecture from 18th century Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known to be the most beautiful section of the Rhine River.

Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of the most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in all of Germany.

Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Insider Experience – Miltenberg Culinary Tour

Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Admire the baroque palace and walk through the beautiful Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairy-tale town.

Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia – additional cost.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising along the last stretch of the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll gaze upon such sights as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore.

Later this evening, your ship will reach the Main-Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander the cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores.

Finish your day cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide thanks to the canal’s 16 stair-step locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits. Spend the day in this charming city, docked right in the heart of town, and join a guided walking tour to see its major sights. Later, perhaps take an optional tour to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg. Take a guided tour of the family-owned brewery and see The Kuchlbauer Tower, designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer Brewery Visit

Tour Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg and see the Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only – additional cost.

As you enjoy your breakfast, arrive in the ‘Three Rivers City’ of Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Perhaps join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’.

Alternatively, stay on board and enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings – additional cost.

Enhance Your Journey – Sights from ‘The Sound of Music’

Depart from Passau to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’, including the famous Wedding Church – additional cost

After cruising into Austria, dock in Melk for a tour of Melk Abbey with a local guide. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop, offering commanding views of the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was kept as a prisoner in the 12th century.

You have the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, town houses and taverns of the town. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you’ll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or Riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.

In Vienna, join a walking tour of St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Afterwards, you may enjoy visiting the Naschmarkt.

This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music’.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse – additoinal cost

Today is yours to explore Vienna. Perhaps visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury. Otherwise, enjoy an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava. Later, set sail for Hungary.

Tonight, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey – Schönbrunn Palace

Delve into royal history as you wander the lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens of the famous Schönbrunn Palace – additional cost.

Enhance Your Journey – Bratislava City Tour

Travel from Vienna into Slovakia and on to its capital, Bratislava. There, explore the charming Old Town on a guided tour – additional cost.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship drifts right into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, a local guide will lead you through Budapest.

Later, you may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Tour

Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle. This first-aid shelter was constructed in 1941 to withstand the blasts of bombing – additional cost.

Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Visit

Visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a guided tour. You’ll then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you’re treated to a private opera recital.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.