Follow the route of emperors and kings on a magnificent European journey along three great rivers through five fascinating countries. From Amsterdam, travel on the Rhine river to Cologne, with its breathtaking cathedral. Continue cruising along the beautiful Rhine Gorge and then through the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering masterpiece, as you traverse Europe’s Continental Divide. Discover the culture and traditions of such grand old capitals as Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Along the way, see perfectly preserved medieval towns and Europe’s loveliest countryside.
Highlights
Tour Amsterdam's most iconic sites and enjoy a guided canal tour
Stop at the vineyards of Rüdesheim to sample local wines
Visit Vienna's historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to Amsterdam, a modern city with a rich and fascinating history. Explore its unique architecture, vibrant cafés, and markets. This evening, meet your fellow travelers on board at the Welcome Dinner.
Discover Amsterdam’s iconic canals and leaning houses with a scenic canal cruise. Continue with a walk to the Begijnhof and be charmed by its historic buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. Later in the day, set sail.
Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the Gothic cathedral. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer and Reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with apple sauce. Active adventurists can join a guided bike ride along the Rhine and through the historic Stadtgarten.
Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river before reaching the winemaking town of Rüdesheim. Join a walking tour through the vineyards where you can 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 Music Museum charm you with its remarkable collection of self-playing musical instruments; or taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee.
While on your walking tour of Miltenberg, discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale. Prefer to explore Miltenberg more actively, go on a hike. Later in the day, enjoy a walking tour of Wertheim, which has one of the most beautiful city centers in Germany. Those wishing to learn more about the art of pretzel making can join a demonstration and tasting, and for the more actively inclined, go on a guided bike tour.
Nestled along the “Romantic Road” lies Würzburg. Join a walking tour of this beautiful city, or visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get more active with a hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the Main River in Würzburg.
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 with tastings of smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike 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. 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 manmade marvel, the Main-Danube Canal, en route to Regensburg.
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 can see the neo-Classical white marble temple.
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.
Cruise to Melk, known for its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can also join a guided bike tour along the Danube, and if you would like, you can bike later in the day further along the Danube through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley that takes you to Dürnstein. For those not biking, you can cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein. Once here, you have a choice of excursions. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the Baroque Stiftskirche, before enjoying a local wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. You may also choose to visit a local apricot grower, and be treated to the finest apricot products in the region.
Discover the “City of Waltzes” on a city tour showcasing its many regal splendors, such as the majestic Opera House and St. Stephen’s Cathedral before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prefer a more active adventure, then join a guided bike ride along the Danube. Later in the day, enjoy leisure time in Vienna or cycle to Klosterneuburg Monastery on a bike tour.
Sail to the “Coronation City of Kings,” where you can join a walking tour or choose instead to taste local Slovakian specialties and learn how to prepare stuffed potato ravioli. For those who wish a more active exploration, hike up to Bratislava Castle for magnificent views of the city.
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. Spend your last evening on board cruising around the famed Parliament Building as the city turns on all her dazzling lights.
Day 15: Budapest, Hungary | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home.
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$6,999
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Category E
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 148 sq. ft.
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Category D
Piano Deck. Fixed Windows, 148 sq. ft.
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Category C
Violin & Cello Deck. French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Category BB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Category BA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Category AB
Cello Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Category AA
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Category AA+
French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 290 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck. French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.
Notes
Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.8 | 167 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 167 reviews on
5 hours 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
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 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.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner