Embark on a 16-day cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam aboard the River Duchess through four countries along three iconic rivers, immersing yourself in Europe's majestic art, architecture, music, and history. From the exotic charm of Budapest to Vienna's imperial elegance and the towering Gothic spires of Cologne, centuries of rich culture unfold before you. Explore the Melk Abbey's grand library and the stunning frescoes of the Wurzburg Residence while savoring exclusive wine, brandy, and beer tastings with regional delicacies. This journey perfectly blends Europe's renowned treasures and hidden gems.
Highlights
Experience Frankfurt’s unique mix of skyscrapers and historic old town
Explore Nuremberg’s WWII sites, including the secret art bunker
Savor wine tastings and enjoy panoramic views in Rudesheim
Discover Vienna’s art, music, and history with guided city tours
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
Called the “Queen of the Danube,” in part because of the way the city hugs the banks of the river, Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Made up of two parts— Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands)—and divided by the Danube, Hungary’s capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history. You have two enticing ways to experience the city—a panoramic guided tour aboard a motorcoach with a visit to the Parliament, or discover the Budapest that locals love on a special walking tour of the city’s most important landmarks.
Choose between Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Parliament Visit or Budapest Walk with Local Treats.
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you in the evening.
Today is your day to relax onboard, enjoying the luxuries of your river cruise ship while soaking in the spectacular scenery around you as your ship heads for Vienna. Come up to the Sun Deck to admire the city’s landmarks strung along the riverbanks.
Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art, music (and rich pastries). Begin your day at the Vienna Art History Museum, then tour the city's imperial highlights.
Featured Excursion: “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum and Vienna - Imperial City Highlights
Day 5: Cruising the Wachau Valley | Weissenkirchen (Melk)
Awaken to the spectacular scenery of the Wachau Valley, one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of river landscape. Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show you around and introduce you to regional delicacies, including a wine tasting. Prefer to go for baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Later, you can stretch your legs with a vineyard hike.
Featured Excursion: Let's Go: Vineyard Hike
Choose between Weissenkirchen Village Walk with Wine Tasting or Melk Abbey with a library visit
Before reaching Passau, the ship will pass through the famous Schlögener Schlinge—a "gooseneck" or hairpin turn in the Danube. Located at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, Inn, and Ilz— Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as you can see on your walking tour.
Choice of Passau walking tour or "Let's Go" bicycle ride along the Inn River
Bavaria’s first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center.
Choice of Regensburg Walking Touror “From Hops Field to Beer Stein” Farm Visit
Arrive in the archetypal medieval German city of Nuremberg. Nuremberg is justifiably famous for its gingerbread and pocket watches, and it was also the site of some key moments in 20th-century history. You can choose between two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city. You can join a tour of a secret Nazi art bunker hidden underground, or you can accompany a local expert to the city’s most important WWII sites, including the enormous Nazi Party Rally Grounds—the actual site of the Nazi Party rallies.
Choice of Nuremberg City Tour with WWII Rally Grounds and Documentation Center Visit or Nuremberg City Walk & Art Bunker Visit
Onboard: This morning, head up to the top deck or find a seat with a good view—you won’t miss seeing the ship navigate through a marvel of modern engineering, the Main-Danube Canal. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European “continental divide.”
Your floating boutique hotel takes you to Bamberg today, a well-preserved town that offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval times. Explore the city on foot or opt to head deeper into the Franconian countryside to experience an authentic slice of rural life—including a tractor ride. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church tops each one.
Choice of Bamberg walking tour or Franconian “Village Day”
Spend the rest of the day on the peaceful Main River, cruising past quiet Franconian hamlets and picturesque countryside. It’s the perfect time to indulge in the many comforts of your luxury ship while watching some of Europe’s loveliest scenery glide by.
Your ship will dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg, where you can visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence, one of Europe's most opulent baroque palaces.
Featured Excursions: Würzburg Residence visit with Court Gardens or Fairytale Rothenburg
After today, you may only eat a pretzel again after thinking of the town of Wertheim. You meet one of Germany's best pretzel makers and the owner of a historic wine estate. You are also welcome to do that if you're more in the mood for a scenic bike ride.
Choice of Wertheim walk with local treats or "Let's Go" Wertheim bicycle tour.
Frankfurt is known as the “Mainhattan” of Europe due to its profusion of bankers and soaring skyscrapers, which coexist with the city’s traditional Old Town architecture. Choose a brief tour that gives you an overview of this major European financial and trade center. Alternatively, visit romantic Heidelberg and its Renaissance castle.
Choice of Heidelberg Castle Visit or Heidelberg School Visit or Frankfurt Walking Tour with Local Treats.
Experience Germany’s fabled Rheingau in one of two ways today. Take in spectacular views of the region’s famous vineyards from the perspective of an aerial cable car, or venture within an atmospheric medieval monastery and taste the Rieslings made on-site. The town is best known for its narrow avenue of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse. Experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine later in the afternoon as you cruise past the famous Middle Rhine Valley.
Choose between the Rüdesheim Wine Village and Panoramas of Niederwald Monument or the Abbey Eberbach Medieval Monastery Tour with Riesling Tasting.
Enjoy a delightful tour of Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its stunning Renaissance facade. Wander through the historic center and take in its charming atmosphere and narrow alleyways flanked by old houses. No matter how you explore Old Town, you can also have ample free time to explore the city independently.
Featured Excursion: Cologne Walking Tour
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Enjoy the luxury of a full day in the "Venice of the North," starting with a delightful tour of the Straat Museum. Afterward, explore the city's canals by boat.
Choose between the STRAAT Museum & Canal Cruise or the Refugee Canal Cruise.
Day 16: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship. Depart for the airport for your flight home.
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.
$6,9992-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Classic
Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft/14 sq m) located on the Moselle Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, bathrobes, towels and slippers.
Deluxe
Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft /14 sq m) located on the Danube and Main Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, bathrobes, towels and slippers.
French Balcony
Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom located on the Rhine Deck (151 sq ft /14 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, towels, bathrobes, heated mirrors and slippers.
Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview suite located on the Rhine Deck (214 sq ft /20 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom equipped with Hermes bath and body products, bathrobes, towels and slippers.
Notes
Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation. Solo occupancy pricing is dependent on cabin type, contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 15% of cruise fare plus any additional port charges, 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 Check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 340 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 340 reviews on
1 hour ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
Heather Spanbauer
13 hours ago
Bhutan with stopover in Bangkok. All of our trips with Adventure Life have featured guides and drivers of top professional calibre, a great way to travel. This itinerary was no exception.
Steve Metzler
2 days ago
Very prompt responses. Erin found us the trip we were looking for and gave us good advice.
Nancy Brown-Koeller
4 days ago
The travel planner was very knowledgeable about the countries I will be visiting and was very helpful in booking my trip. It was a great experience in dealing with them - very personable and promptly address any of my concerns.
Customer
5 days ago
This will be the third trip I have arranged with Adventure Life and I find their customer service and helpfulness to be excellent. Sandra has been very knowledgeable in describing the details of the planned trip as well as the signing up process for the trip. I have and will continue to recommend Adventure Life as the best tour vendor I have had the pleasure to work with. Thank you for your continued excellence.