Board the Crystal Mahler and start your exciting 17-day grand Europe adventure from Budapest to Amsterdam. Marvel at Hungary’s capital enchants with its magnificent architecture of domes and spires, 18th-century homes, bridges, and lampposts. See the romantic Vienna which is known for its manicured gardens and ornate architecture. Discover museums, cathedrals, palaces, and relax at a shade-covered sidewalk café at Bratislava. Check out Durnstein, one of the most visited tourist spots in the Wachau Valley and visit the fortified baroque Benedict monastery at Melk. Explore the cities and towns of Germany such as Passau, Regensburg, Nuremberg, Würzburg, Koblenz, Cologne, Bamberg, and Miltenberg. Cap off your adventure at the lovely Amsterdam where you can see small boats gliding on the canals and locals wheeling on bikes.
Highlights
Explore Chain Bridge connecting hilly Buda with flat Pest at Budapest
View Durnstein's beauty, enhanced by verdant forests and rolling hills
Wander the cobbled streets of Old Town at Passau
Visit House at the Rock, Melk’s oldest building
Discover impressive architectural wonders at Würzburg
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Commanding both sides of the Danube – with the Chain Bridge connecting hilly Buda with flat Pest – Hungary’s capital enchants with its magnificent architecture of domes and spires, 18th-century homes, bridges, and lampposts. The UNESCO-listed Castle Hill welcomes all to explore Buda Castle, Trinity Square, Matthias Church, and Fisherman's Bastion.
This buzzing capital city is the heartbeat of Slovakia; a historic gem that stirs the imagination. A maze of cobblestone streets winds around 18th-century buildings and a pulsating modern art scene. Explore the museums, cathedrals, and palaces, and relax at a shade-covered sidewalk café. Photography buffs will want to snap images of the medieval castle looming high above the city.
Once the capital of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and forever known for its manicured gardens, ornate architecture - especially that of the famed Ringstrasse - and distinguished roster of composers who either were born or lived here, Vienna finds itself at the very center of European culture, even as it sits near the border of the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary.
Day 6: Durnstein | Cruising Scenic Wachau Valley | Melk
Considered one of the most visited tourist spots in the Wachau Valley, Durnstein is in a robust wine-growing region sitting alongside the Danube river. Durnstein Castle, the region's famous architectural highlight, sits atop a rocky mountain, high above the Danube, at its base. Durnstein's beauty is enhanced by verdant forests, rolling hills, and thriving vineyards that surround the town. Sip some of the region's local wines and enjoy a leisurely day in this postcard-worthy European town.
Today, you will also cruise the scenic Danube Wachau Valley.
Next, your destination for this day is Melk. Best known for its fortified baroque Benedictine monastery, Melk Abbey, the town of Melk boasts an assortment of smaller gems. Among them, the city’s riverside location, serene and regal with a ribbon of wooded groves giving way to the lovely village. Cobbled lanes and a petite size make for a pleasant stroll with a chance to discover its 16th-century Town Hall, or Rathaus, in the center of town, and Haus am Stein, or House at the Rock. Built in the 15th century, the vine-covered abode is Melk’s oldest building.
Day 7: Danube Schleife Scenic Cruising | Passau, Germany
Today, cruise along the scenic Danube Schleife as your ship sails to Passau.
At the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is also situated at a meeting of cultures. The town began as a Roman settlement, enjoying the rising tide of influence as the largest bishopric in the Holy Roman Empire and enduringly vibrant as a hub for various trade pursuits, including salt, swords, and ideas. Wander the cobbled streets of Old Town, gaze upon arched bridges and Italianate manses and visit magnificent St. Stephen’s Cathedral and New Bishop’s Residence.
Situated at the northernmost bend of the Danube and boasting a well-preserved medieval center, charming Regensburg finds itself not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a traveler’s favorite destination. With its 1,400 or so ancient buildings standing as a regal testament to days gone by, this riverside treasure, complete with the elaborate cathedral, quintessential clock tower, multi-arched bridge, and multi-faceted personality, is a flourishing city.
Although this Bavarian city dates to the 11th century, it is probably best known for a more recent history centered on the Nuremberg Trials, the military tribunals that took place after World War II. Much of the city was destroyed by Allied bombs, but many of the buildings, including the medieval Nuremberg Castle, have been painstakingly restored—using the original stones, no less. Nuremberg today is a joyous city, famous for its bratwurst, dark beer and spectacular Christmas Market.
Unfolding over seven hills, each crowned by a church, Bamberg is often called Franconian Rome – though locals often claim Rome as the Italian Bamberg. Its entire Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an open invitation to wander charming cobbled lanes lined with half-timbered buildings topped by steep roofs and bordered by the waters of the river. Arched bridges and summer-blooming flowers add to the storybook charm of this townhome to more breweries than Munich.
A showcase of wealth for the resident prince-bishops, nearly 80 percent of Würzburg was destroyed in a single World War II bombing raid, rendering to rubble much of this old and lovely city. Now restored, Würzburg tells the tale of its 10th-century founding, the subsequent rise in prominence, and enduring traditions in winemaking. Impressive architectural wonders include the Residenz, one of the most splendid palaces in Europe.
Most medieval towns are well preserved not because they’ve enjoyed centuries of peace and prosperity, but because they’ve been reconstructed after some manner of devastation. Miltenberg has escaped the damage of both roaring flame and raging war, remaining authentically historic in its full, fairytale bloom – a tale complete with truly ancient timber-framed buildings, fortified walls, forested glades, cobbled streets and hilltop castle.
Day 14: Cruising the Rhine Gorge | Koblenz, Germany
Today, your ship will cruise at Rhine Gorge and heads to Koblenz.
Located where the Rhine and Moselle rivers and three mountain ranges meet, Koblenz’ scenery is unmatched. Add to that the city’s 2,000-year-old history, hilltop fortress and squares lined by classic Germanic architecture and you have a place ready-made for photos. Ambling along the town’s narrow lanes and river promenade, you might encounter medieval churches, flower-filled parks, sidewalk cafes and perhaps a weinstube, or wine tavern, ideal for sipping Riesling and drinking in the atmosphere.
Germany’s most visited landmark – the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral – dominates the skyline here, its magnificent Gothic twin-spires reaching toward the heavens. Peel your eyes away from the Kölner Dom, its local name, to see the space needle-like Rhine Tower, ancient Roman ruins, a modern museum, cozy beerhalls and the arches of the Hohenzollern Bridge, reconstructed after the war.
Everyone has an image of Amsterdam. For some, it’s small boats gliding on the canals and locals two-wheeling on bikes to work and, as frequently, to meet friends for drinks. For others, it’s gabled buildings leaning, seemingly precariously, over cobbled streets and cozy taverns illuminated by candles. Still others imagine tulips in bloom and the paintings Vermeer, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Each vision is even more beguiling when experienced in person.
Day 17: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast aboard the Crystal Mahler, disembark at the port of Amsterdam.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$16,299
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Deluxe Suite (S2)
253 sqft. Supreme comfort king-size bed with fine Egyptian cotton linens. Butler service is provided.
Notes
Solo Supplement: A select number of cabins are available for single use. The single supplement varies by cabin type, please contact us for details. Child Discount: Children age 11 or under receive 50% off when sharing a cabin with two full paying guests. Children, regardless of age pay full rate in a double occupancy cabin.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
7 hours ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
