Follow the route of emperors and kings on a “Magnificent” European small ship journey along three great rivers through five fascinating countries! Begin in Amsterdam, then cruise on the Rhine to Cologne, a historic university town with a breathtaking Cathedral. Cruise through the beautiful Rhine Gorge and then onto the Main River. Marvel at the Main-Danube Canal – an engineering masterpiece – as you traverse Europe’s Continental Divide from the comfort of your small ship. Discover the culture and traditions of such grand old capitals as Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. Along the way, you’ll see perfectly preserved medieval towns and Europe’s loveliest countryside, filled with ancient abbeys and fairytale castles.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in charming Amsterdam and embark your luxurious river cruise ship. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. (D)
Day 2: Amsterdam
After breakfast, admire the city’s beautiful centuries-old homes and picturesque churches on a guided canal boat tour. Then enjoy a panoramic city tour of Amsterdam, including a photo stop at a windmill once painted by Rembrandt, followed by free time to explore on your own. The ship departs early afternoon and cruises overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Cologne/ Koblenz, Germany
Cruise past fashionable Düsseldorf, before arriving in Cologne for a guided morning walking tour through the old part of the city and a visit to the fabled 13th-century Gothic cathedral. At lunchtime, continue to 2,000-year-old Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and the Mosel rivers. Take an after dinner walk through this charming town. The ship moors in Koblenz overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Rhine Gorge / Rüdesheim
Today, sail through the fascinating Rhine Gorge, passing castle after castle and the infamous Lorelei Rock. After lunch, arrive in Rüdesheim and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants during your free time before the ships sails late this afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Miltenberg / Wertheim, Germany
Arrive in Miltenberg and disembark for a morning walking tour of this delightful old Franconian town with its narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Return to the ship for lunch and continue cruising to charming Wertheim where you can watch an amusing glass-blowing performance. Leisurely browse in the market square before boarding your ship for an overnight cruise to Würzburg. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Wurzberg, Germany / Kitzingen
This morning, take a guided tour of Würzburg showing you all of the major sights or visit the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s best examples of Baroque architecture. This afternoon, take an optional excursion along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg or enjoy a scenic bike ride from Würzburg to Kitzingen (capacity controlled). The ship arrives this evening in Kitzingen, where you may enjoy an evening walk and wine tasting at Germany’s oldest wine cellar. Late tonight, the ship departs for Bamberg. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Bamberg, Germany
In the afternoon, enter the Main-Danube Canal in enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem. A guide bicycle tour is also available. Sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer before continuing your cruise this evening to Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Nuremberg / Crossing the Continental Divide
Today, decide to either tour medieval Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the “modern tour” of the city’s role in the 20th-century, see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. After lunch, the ship passes through the Main-Danube Canal to Hilpoltstein, Europe’s Continental Divide and highest point (1,332 feet above sea level), then starts descending through stair-step locks. Continue to cruise overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Regensburg
A guided morning tour will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to a Roman fort built in 179 AD. Alternatively, visit the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt, where a member of the Audi team will take you on a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or Factory Floor (subject to availability). You may also opt to take a guided bike tour. The ship departs this evening for Austria. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Passau, Germany / Salzburg, Austria
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau for a walking tour. This 2,000-year-old city is noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture. As you walk the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, you will see the old city fortifications and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ in the world. Alternatively, join an excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for “The Sound of Music.” Those staying on board can enjoy a scenic journey to Linz, Austria. Arrive in Linz this evening and depart around midnight. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Melk / Dürnstein, Austria / Wachau Valley
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the Wachau Valley this morning. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. From here, continue on a short cruise to Dürnstein, for a walking tour through cobblestone streets that reveal quaint 16th-century town houses and taverns. Continue through the lovely Wachau Valley, dotted with castles, to the town of Weissenkirchen, for some wine tasting tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Vienna
The ship docks in Vienna this morning. Savor the sights of romantic Vienna during your guided tour today, which includes such sights as the Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. As an alternative, join an optional excursion to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or join an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. The ship moors overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Vienna / Bratislava, Slovakia
Spend another morning in Vienna, perhaps join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, rejoining the ship in Bratislava in the afternoon. Or, enjoy a morning of scenic cruising to Bratislava followed by a walking tour of Bratislava, which reveals the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The rest of the afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Tonight, there is an evening music performance onboard. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Budapest, Hungary
Your morning is free for last minute shopping. After lunch, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica and much more. Tonight enjoy a Gala Farewell Dinner with Gypsy music. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Depart Budapest / Return Home
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport. (B)
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Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
32 minutes ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
1 day ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
2 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
2 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
3 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.