European Gems

Includes return flights from the UK. Enjoy the best of Europe on a 14-night premium river cruise. Begin in Budapest, Hungary’s grand capital, before heading to elegant Vienna. Explore some of Germany’s most beautiful towns along the Rhine River and complete your cruise in picturesque Amsterdam.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship

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.

Day 2: Budapest

Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn about the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights, such as the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square and Buda Castle. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Dinner while you cruise.

Day 3: Vienna

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. On arrival to the city's 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 may enjoy an optional concert, featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music’.

Day 4: Vienna

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg area or wander along Karntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping strip. Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava, in Slovakia.

Day 5: Durnstein, Melk

Cruise to the town of Durnstein and enjoy a stroll past rustic town houses and taverns. Along the way, gaze up to the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. You may then wish to join an optional bike ride to Melk. Alternatively, sail through the Wachau Valley before docking in Melk and taking a tour through Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089.

Day 6: Aschach, Passau

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

Day 7: 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 8: Nuremberg

Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies held before World War II. Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice.

Day 9: 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.

Day 10: Wurzburg

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

Day 11: Miltenberg

Discover Miltenberg today on an Insider Experience. 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.

Day 12: Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge

In Rudesheim, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later,
back on board, you will encounter the spectacular Rhine Gorge.

Day 13: Cologne, Bruhl

Disembark your ship in Cologne and drive to the town of Bruhl for your Insider Experience. Later, return to Cologne for free time.

Day 14: 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 the city's waterways. Back on land, enjoy some free time before a Farewell Dinner on board.

Day 15: Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

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