Follow the route of emperors, kings and queens on a magnificent European journey along three rivers and through five fascinating countries. The natural wonders of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers yield way to countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral, the Würzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the Melk Abbey—to name a few. Whimsical delights from Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim to the crooked houses in Miltenberg, will enchant. Connoisseurs of fine wines get to taste the difference between German and Austrian Rieslings; and gourmets get to indulge in Western and Eastern European specialties. And for active enthusiasts, you will get to hike and bike through breathtaking scenery in Passau and Vienna. All of this and more awaits on one all-encompassing magnificent journey.
Follow the route of emperors, kings and queens on a magnificent European journey along three rivers and through five fascinating countries. The natural wonders of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers yield way to countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral, the Würzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the Melk Abbey—to name a few. Whimsical delights from Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim to the crooked houses in Miltenberg, will enchant. Connoisseurs of fine wines get to taste the difference between German and Austrian Rieslings; and gourmets get to indulge in Western and Eastern European specialties. And for active enthusiasts, you will get to hike and bike through breathtaking scenery in Passau and Vienna. All of this and more awaits on one all-encompassing magnificent journey.
COUNTRIES:
Austria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, SlovakiaAustria, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Slovakia
RIVERS:
Rhine, Danube, Main
Magnificent Europe
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Magnificent Europe cruise. (D)
| Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. Or, enjoy a visit to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, which has millions of tulips planted across a 70-acre park. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic
masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only
made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active
adventurers will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the
most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. Wine connoisseurs will want to
go on a walking tour through the vineyards where you’ll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations.
Or choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the
Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Miltenberg | “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
|
| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| | OR Wertheim Castle hill hike |
|
Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.” While on your walking tour, you’ll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of
the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
You have several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour of Würzburg nestled along
the “Romantic Road,” or visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer to get more active, hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the Main River in Würzburg, or go on a guided bike tour through the countryside. Alternatively, go to Rothenburg, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. The town is so pretty that the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Bamberg | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways.
Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions.
Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more
active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Nuremberg | Cruise Main-Danube Canal |
|
Enjoy breathtaking views during your scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal.
| Day 9 | Nuremberg | WWII city tour |
|
You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided tour
through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary
fountain of the Market Square. Or turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most
important WWII sites, including the coliseum. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom
600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of
famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through
the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided
walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active
adventure, bike to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
Discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian
Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a
guided bike tour along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
Cruise to Melk where you can visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries. For a more active adventure, you can also join a guided bike tour along the Danube River. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has
throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures. Your
city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of
the Habsburgs. Conclude in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which
has stood watch over Vienna for 700 years and is one of the most important and beloved landmarks in Austria.
Or, if you prefer to go on a more active adventure, then join a guided bike tour through Vienna. During
the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
Discover the “Queen of the Danube” on your city tour beginning with a visit
to the Great Market Hall followed by a panoramic tour of both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river. As an
alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
| Day 2 | Amsterdam | Walking tour |
|
Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (B)
| Day 3 | Amsterdam | Zaanse Schans visit |
|
Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, where you can observe life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18-th century village. (B,D)
| Day 4 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. Or, enjoy a visit to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, which has millions of tulips planted across a 70-acre park. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Cologne | “Holy City” walking tour and cathedral visit |
|
Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic
masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only
made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active
adventurers will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum |
|
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the
most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. Wine connoisseurs will want to
go on a walking tour through the vineyards where you’ll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations.
Or choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the
Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you, or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Miltenberg | “The Pearl of the Main” walking tour |
|
| | OR Miltenberg Castle hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
| | OR Wertheim Castle hill hike |
|
Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.” While on your walking tour, you’ll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of
the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Würzburg | Walking tour |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
You have several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour of Würzburg nestled along
the “Romantic Road,” or visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer to get more active, hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the Main River in Würzburg, or go on a guided bike tour through the countryside. Alternatively, go to Rothenburg, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. The town is so pretty that the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Bamberg | UNESCO city walking tour and smoked beer tasting |
|
Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways.
Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions.
Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more
active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Nuremberg | Cruise Main-Danube Canal |
|
Enjoy breathtaking views during your scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal.
| Day 11 | Nuremberg | WWII city tour |
|
You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided tour
through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary
fountain of the Market Square. Or turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most
important WWII sites, including the coliseum. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom
600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of
famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through
the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided
walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active
adventure, bike to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
Discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian
Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a
guided bike tour along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
Cruise to Melk where you can visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries. For a more active adventure, you can also join a guided bike tour along the Danube River. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has
throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures. Your
city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of
the Habsburgs. Conclude in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which
has stood watch over Vienna for 700 years and is one of the most important and beloved landmarks in Austria.
Or, if you prefer to go on a more active adventure, then join a guided bike tour through Vienna. During
the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
| Day 16 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
Discover the “Queen of the Danube” on your city tour beginning with a visit
to the Great Market Hall followed by a panoramic tour of both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river. As an
alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill. (B,L,D)
| Day 17 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)