Day 1 – Arrive in Amsterdam (D)

Upon arrival at Amsterdam International Airport, meet your representative for a group transfer to the ship. After boarding, settle into your cabin before joining the Welcome Cocktail and specially prepared Welcome Dinner. A lively performance by a traditional shanty choir completes the evening.

Day 2 – Amsterdam (B-L-D)

After breakfast, check out and enjoy a guided walking tour of Amsterdam, taking in highlights such as Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring by coach to the river cruise ship. Settle into your cabin, then join the Welcome Cocktail and specially prepared Welcome Dinner, accompanied by a lively performance from a traditional shanty choir.

Day 3 – Amsterdam (B-L-D)

Enjoy a canal cruise through Amsterdam’s iconic waterways before exploring the peaceful Waterland countryside. Discover the city’s rich history and sights, including the Royal Palace, historic canals and Museum Quarter, with a guided tour ending in a scenic boat trip. Return to the vessel in Utrecht for lunch before sailing through the beautiful Dutch countryside. Relax and enjoy dinner on board as the journey continues.

Walking grade: Level 3 – The bus excursion includes an extended walk and may involve climbing several stairs.

Day 4 – Cologne (B-L-D)

Discover Cologne on a morning walking tour, exploring the area around the magnificent Cologne Cathedral and the historic Old Town. Wander through narrow cobbled streets and lively squares, including Alter Markt and Heumarkt, while learning about the city’s 2,000-year history. Enjoy a glass of traditional Kölsch beer before returning to the ship for lunch. Cathedral access is subject to opening hours and religious services.

Walking grade: Level 4 – Moderate walking, with some stairs.

This evening, relax on board and admire the scenic Rhine as we sail towards Rüdesheim.

Day 5 – Rüdesheim (B-L-D)

Cruise through the legendary Lorelei Passage in the scenic Upper Middle Rhine Valley before arriving in Rüdesheim, a charming town renowned for its winemaking heritage. Take a ride on the Winzerexpress train to the Siegfried Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, featuring fascinating self-playing musical instruments. Continue with a guided walking tour through the historic Old Town, including the lively Drosselgasse, traditional wine taverns, and the 15th-century Eagle Tower.

Walking grade: Level 4 – Moderate walking, with some stairs.

Day 6 – Miltenberg & Wertheim (B-L-D)

Enjoy a relaxing morning on board before exploring the medieval towns of Wertheim and Miltenberg. In Wertheim, wander through charming half-timbered streets and visit the glass museum to learn about glassmaking and watch skilled glassblowers at work, subject to availability. Continue to Miltenberg for a guided tour featuring the historic market square, old town hall, traditional gabled houses, and Miltenberg Castle. Return to the ship to freshen up before enjoying another delicious dinner.

Walking grade: Level 2 – A bus excursion followed by moderate walking, with some stairs.

Day 7 – Würzburg (B-L-D)

Explore Würzburg, a charming Bavarian city in the Franconian wine region, on a guided tour of its historic Old Town. See the marketplace, Maria Chapel, and Old Main Bridge, offering views of Marienberg Fortress and surrounding vineyards. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque masterpiece renowned for its grand staircase, Tiepolo frescoes, and Imperial Hall. Continue to a local vineyard for a guided tour of its historic wine cellar and a wine tasting. Spend the afternoon relaxing on board as the ship sails towards Bamberg, followed by a delicious dinner.

Walking grade: Level 4 – Moderate walking, with some stairs.

Day 8 – Bamberg (B-L-D)

Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising along the scenic Main River before exploring Bamberg on a guided walking tour. Discover this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, known for its medieval streets, historic churches, half-timbered houses and Baroque architecture. Highlights include the Imperial Cathedral, Old and New Residences, Old Town Hall and the charming Little Venice district. Return to the ship and sail towards Nuremberg, with an evening presentation about the canal linking the North Sea and the Black Sea.

Walking grade: Level 4 – Moderate walking, with some stairs.

Day 9 – Nuremberg (B-L-D)

Explore Nuremberg, a former imperial city rich in medieval history, on a guided walking tour of its historic Old Town. Discover the ancient city walls, towers and castle, while learning about the city’s past and post-war reconstruction. Visit a local gingerbread shop to sample Nuremberg Lebkuchen, the region’s famous almond-decorated treat. Return to the ship and cruise towards Regensburg through the Continental Divide, enjoying the scenic waterways along the way.

Walking grade: Level 5 – Considerable walking over longer distances, potentially including uneven surfaces and stairs.

Day 10 – Regensburg (B-L-D)

Discover Regensburg on a guided walking tour through one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Admire its historic churches, monasteries, town hall and 12th-century Stone Bridge spanning the Danube. Visit a traditional local brewery for a guided tour and beer tasting before returning to the ship. Spend the afternoon cruising the scenic Danube, followed by a Bavarian-themed dinner and festive celebrations on board.

Walking grade: Level 5 – Considerable walking over longer distances, potentially including uneven surfaces and stairs.

Day 11 – Passau (B-L-D)

Explore Passau, the charming Three Rivers City, on a two-hour guided culinary tour through its historic centre. Wander along winding lanes and Baroque squares while sampling four regional specialties, including two beverages, creamy Obatzda cheese spread, a fine praline and other Bavarian delicacies. In the evening, enjoy dinner on board as we sail towards scenic Emmersdorf.

Walking grade: Level 5 – Considerable walking over longer distances, potentially including uneven surfaces and stairs.

Day 12 – Emmersdorf, Dürnstein, Wachau Valley & Vienna (B-L-D)

Explore the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley with a guided visit to magnificent Melk Abbey, renowned for its Baroque architecture, ornate church, marble hall and historic library filled with medieval manuscripts. After lunch on board, visit Dürnstein, the charming “Pearl of the Wachau”. Stroll through the village, sample local apricot specialities and enjoy scenic views of the Danube and surrounding cliffs. Discover the historic abbey before concluding the visit with a glass of local wine. Return to the ship, which remains overnight in Vienna.

Walking grade: Level 3 for Melk Abbey – A longer walk with several stairs. Level 5 for Dürnstein – Considerable walking over longer distances, potentially including uneven surfaces and stairs.

Day 13 – Vienna (B-L-D)

Discover Vienna’s imperial highlights on a panoramic drive along the Ringstrasse, passing the Vienna State Opera and Museum Quarter. Continue with a guided walking tour through the historic city centre, including Hofburg Imperial Palace, Kohlmarkt and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, visit magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to explore its ceremonial rooms and beautifully landscaped gardens. Enjoy a multicourse dinner on board before sailing to Bratislava late in the evening.

Walking grade: Level 2 – Moderate walking following coach excursions, with some stairs.

Day 14 – Bratislava (B-L-D)

Discover Bratislava on a scenic driving and walking tour, taking in panoramic views from Castle Hill and landmarks such as St. Martin’s Cathedral and Grassalkovich Palace. Explore the historic Old Town, passing Michael’s Gate, Primatial Palace, the Main Square, Old City Hall and the Opera House. Sample the city’s famous Pressburger rolls filled with nuts or poppy seeds before enjoying free time to explore or return to the ship. This evening, celebrate with the Captain’s Gala Dinner as we sail towards Budapest.

Walking grade: Level 3 – A coach excursion followed by a longer walk, with several stairs.

Day 15 – Budapest (B-L-D)

Discover Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”, on a guided city tour exploring both Pest and Buda. See the Great Market Hall, Hungarian State Opera and magnificent Parliament Building, with a photo stop at Heroes’ Square. Cross the Danube to Castle Hill to visit St. Matthew’s Church and Fisherman’s Bastion, subject to public access, and enjoy panoramic city views. Return to the ship before an evening of Hungarian folklore entertainment and a scenic cruise through Budapest, bringing your river journey to a memorable close.

Walking grade: Level 2 – Moderate walking following a coach excursion, with some stairs.

Day 16 – Depart Budapest (B)

After breakfast, farewell your fellow travellers and enjoy some free time in Budapest before transferring by coach to Budapest International Airport for your journey home, taking wonderful memories and new friendships with you.

*Please confirm host flight arrival and departure times with reservations before booking flights. Only one group arrival and departure transfer will be provided in line with these flight times.