European Gems with Budapest
Begin with time to explore Budapest before setting sail on a 14-night river journey through the heart of Europe to Amsterdam. Cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers, discovering imperial Vienna, the Wachau Valley and Bavaria’s medieval towns, including Regensburg, Bamberg and Würzburg. Visit grand abbeys, storybook villages and historic cities along the way, then follow the scenic Rhine Gorge to the Netherlands. Blending relaxed days on the water with guided touring ashore, this classic river voyage reveals Europe’s cultural heritage at an unhurried pace.
- 05 Jun 2027 – 21 Jun 2027
from $11,545 pp twin share / $19,445 pp solo * - 28 Aug 2027 – 13 Sep 2027
from $11,545 pp twin share / $19,445 pp solo * - 21 Sep 2027 – 07 Oct 2027
from $11,545 pp twin share / $19,445 pp solo * - 04 Dec 2027 – 20 Dec 2027
from $10,145 pp twin share / $17,095 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive Budapest:
Welcome to Budapest. On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception.
- Day 2 – Budapest:
Enjoy a special Insider Experience today.
Insider Experience – Hollókő Village
Step into traditional Hungarian village life in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed village of Hollókő. Receive a warm Palóc welcome, visit the Village Museum, and take part in hands-on activities including crafting a leather bracelet or keychain and a strudel-making workshop. Complete the experience with a delicious three-course lunch in this charming historic setting.
- Day 3 – Budapest, Embark Ship:
Enjoy a scenic funicular ride up to Fisherman’s Bastion for a guided tour of this iconic viewpoint, followed by free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. Afterwards, transfer to your river ship in Budapest to continue your journey.
- Day 4 – Budapest:
Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and discover Budapest’s vibrant history on a guided tour featuring many of its most impressive sights. Back on board this evening, enjoy a Gala Welcome Dinner as you cruise.
Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Performance
Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.
- Day 5 – Vienna:
On arrival in the city centre, join a walking tour taking in highlights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and the Hofburg. Later, explore the vibrant Naschmarkt at leisure.
- Day 6 – Vienna:
With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city’s famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital. This evening, you may wish to attend an optional concert.
Enhance Your Journey – Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience
Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Explore the resplendent palace apartments adorned with exquisite textiles and glass chandeliers, before strolling through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of the stables, where you’ll encounter the magnificent Lipizzaner horses up close. Learn what makes these noble horses so special through insights into their breeding, care and training, before witnessing an exclusive performance that showcases their remarkable grace and discipline.
Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia
Visit Bratislava, a charming city where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city’s intriguing past.
Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert
Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.
- Day 7 – Dürnstein, Melk:
Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend the morning wandering its cobbled streets, historic townhouses and inviting taverns, or perhaps join an optional tasting of the region’s renowned wines. Later, sail through the scenic Wachau Valley to Melk, where you’ll tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation since 1089.
- Day 8 – Aschach, Passau:
Today, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Passau.
Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board
This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by folk music, song and dance.
Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.
Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights
Travel through Austria’s scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.
- Day 9 – Regensburg:
Continue along the Danube to Regensburg, in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. Join a guided tour through its historic streets, discovering medieval architecture and cultural landmarks.
- Day 10 – Nuremberg:
Arrive in Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler’s infamous rallies during World War II. This afternoon, take a city tour including sites such as the Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice.
- Day 11 – Bamberg:
Discover Bamberg, one of the few German cities largely spared destruction during World War II. Join a locally guided tour of its historic centre, taking in sights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore at your leisure.
- Day 12 – Würzburg:
Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, Würzburg is home to the magnificent Baroque Würzburg Residence. Tour the palace and stroll through the Court Gardens before perhaps choosing an optional visit to Rothenburg, a charming medieval town along the Romantic Road.
Enhance Your Journey – Medieval Rothenburg Tour
Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town on the Romantic Road in Franconia.
- Day 13 – Miltenberg:
Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the lights of medieval towns slip past as you cruise through the night.
Insider Experience – Culinary Tour in Miltenberg
Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.
- Day 14 – Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge:
In Rüdesheim, ride the Winzerexpress mini train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later, back on board, enjoy spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge.
- Day 15 – Cologne, Brühl:
Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany
Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August of Bavaria, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they represent some of the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.
- Day 16 – Amsterdam:
Amsterdam’s network of canals is a sight to behold. Board a glass-top boat for a scenic cruise, then enjoy free time ashore before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
- Day 17 – Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam:
After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Highlights
- Blend relaxed days on the water with guided touring ashore.
- Visit grand abbeys, storybook villages, and historic cities.
- Follow the scenic Rhine Gorge to the Netherlands.
Begin with time to explore Budapest before setting sail on a 14-night river journey through the heart of Europe to Amsterdam. Cruise the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers, discovering imperial Vienna, the Wachau Valley and Bavaria’s medieval towns, including Regensburg, Bamberg and Würzburg. Visit grand abbeys, storybook villages and historic cities along the way, then follow the scenic Rhine Gorge to the Netherlands. Blending relaxed days on the water with guided touring ashore, this classic river voyage reveals Europe’s cultural heritage at an unhurried pace.
Inclusions
- Hollókő Village Visit.
- Hungarian State Opera Visit.
- Bavarian Evening on Board.
- Augustusburg Palace.
FAQs
- 14 nights, Travelmarvel river ship
- Two Nights, Mercure Budapest Korona Hotel
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 17 days and 16 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 05 Jun 2027 and 20 Dec 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Fine Print
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