European Gems

Fly from the UK and arrive in the enthralling city of Budapest, where your river ship awaits on the Danube River. Enjoy a Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director.

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

Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings. Upon 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’.

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.

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.

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’. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Passau.

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 German city that played host to the infamous rallies in World War II. Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and the 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.

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 fairy-tale town.

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.

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.

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

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 Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

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