Eastern Europe and European Gems River Cruise

Indulge in Eastern Europe's spectacular sights before cruising through Europe on your river cruise ship. See the Berlin Wall, explore the Jewish Ghetto in Warsaw and visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Prague

Be met at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Later this evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception.

Day 2: Prague

Today, explore beautiful Prague with an expert guide. Discover the World Heritage-listed Old Town, St Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge and Prague’s Old Market Square, a historic and bustling square where the culture of this fascinating city comes to life.

Day 3: Prague, Berlin

This morning after breakfast, travel across the border into Germany. As you journey through the state of Saxony, stop in Saxon Switzerland National Park to see the rock formations of Bastei as well as the Bastei Bridge, which offers wonderful panoramic views over the mountains. Continue by coach to Germany’s capital, Berlin, and check in to your hotel.

Day 4: Berlin, Potsdam

Once a city famously divided in two, modern-day Berlin now embodies a fascinating blend of the old and the new. Start your day with a guided tour that will take you past many of the must-see landmarks. See the historic Reichstag building and the Brandenburg Gate – a symbol of peace and a reunified Berlin. You’ll also visit a ruined section of the Berlin Wall.

This afternoon, you may choose to travel by coach to Potsdam, where you will join an optional guided tour of the former royal summer palace, Sanssouci.

Enhance Your Journey – Sanssouci Palace

Take an excursion to Potsdam, once the residence of Prussian kings. Here, you’ll enjoy a tour of the former summer palace of Frederick the Great, Sanssouci. 

Day 5: Berlin, Warsaw

Today, farewell the incredible city of Berlin and travel through the beautiful, rolling countryside of Germany’s east into Poland and on to Warsaw.

Insider Experience – Dine at Rozana in Warsaw

Discover the delights of modern Polish cuisine during dinner at Rozana – a highly regarded restaurant in Warsaw. Relish authentic dishes from an impressive set menu as you soak in the cosy yet elegant atmosphere. 

Day 6: Warsaw

The brutal events of World War II have indeed left their mark on the city, yet the Warsaw of today is diverse and progressive, filled with stylish boutiques, chic restaurants, new museums and modern buildings. Also visit Łazienki Park where you will glimpse Łazienki Palace with its serene waters and ornate statues.

Day 7: Warsaw, Auschwitz, Kraków

Today, you will journey through rolling farmland from Warsaw to Kraków. Along the way, you’ll visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, where a tour will provide a haunting insight into the plight of the Jews who were sent to these infamous Nazi concentration camps. Afterwards, check in to your hotel in Kraków and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 8: Kraków

Enjoy the sights of Kraków on a tour, taking in the Wawel Royal Castle and the famous Old Town.

Insider Experience – Polish Dinner and Folklore Show

Enjoy a traditional Polish folklore show and authentic regional cuisine at Morskie Oko, a restaurant located in an art nouveau building with interiors resembling a highlander’s inn, complete with a fireplace and candlelight. Experience authentic Polish hospitality and a relaxed yet charming atmosphere. Savour authentic regional cuisine including delicious meats served with savoury sauces, handmade dumplings and freshly baked cakes. Relish beverages including honey and plum vodka. 

Day 9: Kraków

Today, perhaps join an optional tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mine. This ancient, abandoned mine is a marvel, featuring a maze of underground chambers, grottoes and statues chiselled out of rock salt by miners hundreds of years ago.

Enhance Your Journey – Wieliczka Salt Mine

Gain insight into over 700 years of mining history in Europe with a visit to the World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine. 

Day 10: Kraków, Budapest, Embark Ship

This morning after breakfast, you will travel to Budapest via the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and board your ship.

Day 11: Budapest

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.

Day 12: Vienna

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival in the centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Afterwards, maybe visit the Naschmarkt and browse the stalls. This evening, you could enjoy an optional concert.

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.

Day 13: Vienna

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 in Slovakia.

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.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under cCommunist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev. 

Day 14: Dürnstein, Melk

Cruise 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 morning 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. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley. Dock in Melk and tour Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. 

Day 15: Aschach, Passau

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.

Enhance Your Journey – ‘The Sound of Music’ Tour

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

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. 

Day 16: Regensburg

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.

Day 17: Nuremberg

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.

Day 18: Bamberg

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.

Day 19: Würzburg

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.

Day 20: Miltenberg

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.

Day 21: Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge

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.

Day 22: Cologne, Brühl

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 rRococo architecture from 18th- century Germany

Day 23: Amsterdam

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. 

Day 24: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

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