Sail the romantic Rhine, the serene Main and the captivating Danube, witnessing dazzling natural beauty and incomparable architectural feats. Visit no fewer than five capital cities (Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest) and a dozen towns and villages with time to explore each. Enjoy numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the castle-dotted Upper Middle Rhine Valley and the magnificent Cologne Cathedral. From Amsterdam to Bucharest, visit the best of Europe with its spectacular architecture and stunning history on this truly remarkable journey.
Highlights
Explore the city of Bamberg on foot to see the fascinating glimpse of medieval times.
Journey to Nuremberg, including the enormous Nazi Party Rally Grounds.
Enjoy a Paleolithic site and a well-preserved medieval fortress in Golubac.
Walk the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace in Belgrade.
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Enjoy the luxury of a full day in the “Venice of the North,” starting with a delightful tour of the Van Gogh Museum. Afterwards, explore the city with a canal ride or on foot with a local expert.
Featured Excursion: Van Gogh Museum visit
Choice of Amsterdam canal cruise or “Do as the Locals Do” Amsterdam walking tour
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 façade. Wander through the historical center and take in its charming atmosphere and narrow alleyways flanked by old houses. No matter how one chooses to explore Old Town, there is ample free time to explore the city individually.
Featured Excursion: Cologne walking tour with Old Town visit
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared.
Experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine this morning as the ship cruises past the famous Middle Rhine Valley. Later, experience Germany’s fabled Rheingau in one of two ways today. Either 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. Like many cities along the Rhine, Rüdesheim has a lengthy history that stretches back to Roman times. These days, the town is best known for its narrow avenue of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse and its impressive Niederwald Monument.
Choice of Rüdesheim wine village and panoramas of Niederwald Monument or Abbey Eberbach medieval monastery tour with Riesling tasting
Vibrant Frankfurt, often referred to as the “Manhattan” of Europe, boasts world-class museums, soaring skyscrapers, cozy wine taverns and lovely parks. Choose a brief tour that gives an overview of this major European financial and trade center. Alternatively, visit romantic Heidelberg and its Renaissance castle.
Choice of “Do as the Locals Do” Frankfurt walking tour or Heidelberg Castle visit
Today, visit the town of Wertheim, where there is one thing that makes the town so popular, and that is pretzels. Meet one of Germany’s best pretzel makers, as well as the owner of a historic wine estate. People may never eat a pretzel again without thinking of this town. There is also an option for a scenic bike ride and travelers are welcome to do that instead.
Choice of Wertheim walk with local treats or “Let's Go” Wertheim bicycle tour
The ship will dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg and visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence, one of the most opulent baroque palaces in Europe.
Featured Excursion: Würzburg Residence visit with Court Gardens
Day 8: Cruising the Main River | Kitzingen (Rothenburg)
Step into a fairytale version of the Middle Ages in Rothenburg and visit a medieval castle that’s been described as a miniature Versailles. Spend a relaxing day on board as the ship wends its way along the Main River between Würzburg and Bamberg. It’s something of a truism to say that this route takes from wine to beer, and see the transition and past the vineyard-covered slopes around Würzburg toward Bavaria’s famous beer-brewing center, Bamberg. Along the way, pass delightful little villages and romantic castle ruins, drift under lovely old bridges and have plenty of time to observe the fascinating variety of vessels plying the river, from heavily loaded barges to jaunty little pleasure craft.
Featured Excursion: Fairytale Rothenburg
Masterpiece Collection: Active Rothenburg walking the ramparts
The ship will go 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 the luxury ship while watching some of Europe’s loveliest scenery glide by.
Day 10: Nuremberg | Cruising the Main-Danube Canal
Head up to the top deck or find a seat with a good view—don't miss seeing the ship navigate its way through a marvel of modern engineering, the Main-Danube Canal. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts the ship to the crest of the European “continental divide.” 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. Choose between two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city. Either, hop aboard a motorcoach and “Do as the Locals Do,” or 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 "Do as the Locals Do" Nuremberg walking tour
Today in Regensburg, travel through time or get a crash course in making craft beer, then watch high-tech robots assemble the Ultimate Driving Machine. Regensburg is a friendly town with quaint cobblestone streets, historic Roman ruins and a medieval city center. The remnants of Regensburg’s golden age are still on display, but don’t let its illustrious history fool one into thinking the town’s best days are all in the past.
Choice of “2,000 Years in One Hour” Regensburg walking tour or “From Hops Field to Beer Stein” farm visit or BMW factory visit
Masterpiece Collection: Bavarian Sausage Making Workshop
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, see these sites while on the walking tour.
Choice of Passau walking tour or "Let's Go" hiking around Passau or “Let's Go” bicycle ride along the Inn River
Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show and introduce some regional delicacies, including wine tasting. Prefer to go for baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Later, stretch out with a vineyard hike.
Featured Excursion: “Let’s Go” vineyard hike
Choice of Weissenkirchen “Village Day” with wine tasting or Melk Abbey with library visit
Masterpiece Collection: Private Mozart and Strauss concert
Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Experience the City of Waltzes with a choice of excursions. Begin the day with an itinerary highlight—our “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum. Then, choose between two different guided tours: a panoramic city tour or our “Do as the Locals Do” walking tour.
Featured Excursion: “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum
Choice of Vienna - Imperial city highlights or “Do as the Locals Do” Vienna walking tour
Masterpiece Collection: Schonbrunn Palace
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared this evening.
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. 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.
Choice of “Do as the Locals Do” Budapest walking tour or Budapest panoramic highlights and Parliament visit
Other passengers are heading home today, but you are only halfway through the marvelous holiday. Today, be invited to enjoy a full-day visit to Hungary's Eger wine region for some lunch and, of course, wine tasting.
Featured Excursion: Full-day Eger wine country with lunch and wine tasting
Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Explore Hungry's dynamic and multifaceted capital with a choice of excursions—see the city from a local’s perspective on our walking tour, cover more ground with a panoramic tour or “Let’s Go” with a guided bike ride. Vibrant Budapest offers an enchanting combination of East and West.
Choice of “Do as the Locals Do” Budapest walking tour or “Let’s Go” Budapest by bike or Budapest panoramic highlights and Parliament visit
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared.
Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as simple, delicious local rustic food.
Choice of Vucedol Culture Museum and lunch at a family winery or Full-day tour of Osijek with private home-hosted lunch
Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, juxtaposed with the city’s vibrant modern-day present.
Choice of Belgrade city tour with visit to the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace or "Let's Go" "I Bike Belgrade" tour
Head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site and an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval fortress. All along the way, history lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan’s Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars and Turks.
Featured Excursion: Lepenski Vir archaeological park and Golubac Castle
Unwind on board as the ship cruises the breathtaking Iron Gates, an 83-mile-long (134-kilometer-long) stretch of scenic gorges that were cut through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains over eons by the Danube River. These gorges, which act as a natural border between Serbia and Romania, are among the most dramatic and beautiful sights in all of Europe. This was one of the swiftest and most dangerous stretches of the river before two dams were built: Iron Gate I and Iron Gate II. Construction on the dams began in 1964 and took 20 years to complete; they have dramatically altered the area’s landscape, raising the water level by 114 feet (35 meters) and drowning several islands and villages.
Vidin is a port town on the Danube that once played an important role in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It’s the base for an unusual excursion today—a visit to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Or, head to a local’s home to bake a traditional Bulgarian dish called Banitsa.
Choice of Belogradchik red rock valley or Banitza home baking experience
Bulgaria’s foremost Danube port, Rousse is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings.
Choice of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with authentic Bulgarian lunch or Rousse walking tour with Ivanovo and Basarbovo Monasteries
In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared.
Day 23: Giurgiu (Disembark) | Transfer to Bucharest
1 Breakfast
This morning, disembark the ship in Giurgiu and drive through the countryside to Bucharest. Enjoy a panoramic city tour or walking tour in the old Lipscani district. Tonight, relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, Romania’s capital and its cultural and economic center.
Featured Excursion: Bucharest panoramic highlights tour with People's Palace
Day 24: Bucharest
1 Breakfast
On today’s agenda—a guided tour of the infamous Ceaușescu Mansion. Venture to the opulent former residence of Romania’s former leader Nicolae Ceaușescu through a guided tour. It’s been thirty years since deposed Romanian president Ceaușescu and his wife, Elena, were executed by a firing squad on Christmas Day in 1989. Now, roam the opulent 80-room residence where the couple once lived, situated on 3.5 acres of grounds in one of Bucharest’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Featured Excursion: Ceausescu's Palace: the Dictator's private mansion
Day 25: Bucharest
1 Breakfast
Bid farewell to Bucharest and prepare for the homeward flight home from Henri Coandă International Airport.
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.
$11,299
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day 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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
