Magnificent Europe

Includes return flights from the UK. You’ll soon see why this is our most popular river cruise. Begin amidst the monuments of Budapest. Enter Austria and spend time in Vienna, before exploring Germany’s quaint villages. For the grand finale – a night in the heart of Amsterdam.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship

Fly from the UK to Budapest. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Day 2: Budapest

Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today before setting sail for Vienna. This evening, enjoy a gala welcome dinner. 

Freedom of Choice – City Tour

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral before a visit to the Great Market Hall for some tastings of local produce.  

Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride 

Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.  

Freedom of Choice – Thermal Baths Visit

You may wish to relax in the thermal water pools at the historic Gellért Thermal Baths, which first opened its gates over 100 years ago. 

Gala Welcome Dinner

Enjoy a multi-course meal with an enhanced menu. 

Day 3: Vienna

Enjoy a relaxing morning sailing to Vienna. On arrival, take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen’s Cathedral.

Day 4: Vienna

After your chosen activity this morning, we have arranged a special Signature Experience.

Freedom of Choice – 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.   

Freedom of Choice – 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 Communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev.   

Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace

After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.

Day 5: Dürnstein, Melk

Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein before choosing your activity. 

Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley

Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, where you’ll roam its cobblestoned lanes at your leisure.  

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride from Melk to Dürnstein

Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein and take in the beautiful scenery of Wachau Valley along the way.

Day 6: Linz, Salzburg, Passau

Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.

Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ Show

Be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music’.

Day 7: Regensburg

Once again, enjoy the chance to personalise your day.

Freedom of Choice – Explore Regensburg’s World Heritage-listed City Centre

In Regensburg, explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre or perhaps get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial

Get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany’s past.

Day 8: Nuremberg

This morning, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. On arrival in Nuremberg, Set out on your preferred activity.

Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites

Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.

Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour

Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.

Day 9: Bamberg

On arrival into World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the River Regnitz. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.

Day 10: Würzburg

Your day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.

Freedom of Choice – Visit the Würzburg Residence

The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.

Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg

Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestoned streets and admire the pretty coloured-fronted houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wolfhart’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest selection of Germany Christmas decorations in the world.

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress

Enjoy a hike to Wurzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries.

Day 11: Miltenberg

Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on a guided exploration. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town of Miltenberg is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war. Featuring remarkably preserved buildings and lively town squares, this is a beautiful example of Germany’s history. Set out on a guided exploration of the town before time at leisure to explore. Sail along the Main River.

Day 12: Rüdesheim, Andernach

Dock in Rüdesheim this morning, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, you’ll set out on your chosen activity. This afternoon, you’ll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards.

Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride

Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in the late 1880s.

Freedom of Choice – Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum

Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, an eccentric and unique museum which is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.

Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar

Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions.

Day 13: Andernach

Today enjoy a Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent sailing onwards to the Netherlands.

Signature Experience – Namedy Castle

Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a 14th century residence set near the Rhine River in Germany. Go beyond the gates and wander about the rooms, hidden nooks and manicured grounds. You’ll then enjoy a morning tea where a pianist playing classical music sets the mood.

Day 14: Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner.

Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise

A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.

Freedom of Choice – Old Amsterdam Cheese Store Visit

Visit the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a cheese tasting matched with wine.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride

Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.

Freedom of Choice – Keukenhof Gardens in Spring

Guests travelling on select spring departures may visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips.

Day 15: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

The time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.