Across Europe – Amsterdam to Budapest

Historic Amsterdam is the starting point of your European cruise. After embarkation, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner. Sing along some sea shanties with a local choir this evening in the Panorama-Bar.

In the morning, enjoy a boat trip along the famous Amsterdam canals followed by a trip to the peaceful countryside of the Waterland region. Enjoy the waterside of historic fishing villages and stroll along the long stretch of eateries. Rejoin your ship in Utrecht for lunch.

In the morning, you will arrive in beautiful Cologne. Discover the highlights of the city on the guided city tour. End with a glass of typical Kölsch, a famed Rhineland beer. Nature lovers will enjoy the excursion to the Siebengebirge National Park, Germany’s first nature reserve, and to Drachenfels castle ruins. After an exciting day, return to the vessel to continue south along the river.

This morning our AMADEUS vessel takes a special trip down the romantic Moselle River, the largest tributary of the Rhine. This area is the 5th largest German wine region with some of the steepest, terraced vineyards along the river.

After lunch, your vessel will arrive in Cochem. Explore the town which is filled with narrow streets, twisting alleys, medieval town gates, churches and walls on your own, or discover the beauty of Cochem and visit the stunning Reichsburg Castle on a guided tour. After dinner on board, join a visit to a local winery and sample some of the spectacular wines produced in this region. Before midnight, the vessel continues toward Koblenz.

After a tranquil morning on board, join the afternoon excursion to Miltenberg and Wertheim. Miltenberg is a town flanked by the river Main and an incredible, forested hillside and features Miltenberg castle.

Continue to Wertheim and explore the medieval streets with their half-timbered houses and the unique glass museum. This evening, enjoy another memorable meal as the ship plies the waters toward our next stop.

Today, visit Würzburg, a city in Bavaria known for lavish architecture, located in the center of the Franconian wine country. In the morning, experience the many beautiful sights of the town as well as the Residence, a Baroque palace. The tour concludes with wine tasting in the ancient wine cellar of a local vineyard.

As an alternate excursion, join the trip to Rothenburg ob der Tauber, whose towers, city gates, walls, and half-timbered gables have remained unchanged. Relax on board this afternoon.

Spend the morning cruising the scenic Main river. After lunch, arrive in the imperial city of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, which retains its medieval layout of three settlement areas, along with its historic buildings. It is ranked as one of Germany’s most attractive towns and is also the place to begin your crossing of the Rhine-Main-Danube canal.

Join a presentation about the canal which allows free flow of traffic between the North Sea and the Black Sea.

The former imperial city of Nuremberg awaits you today with its turbulent history and sights. After breakfast, explore the city on the morning tour and admiring the romantic old town.

In the afternoon, visit the World of Gingerbread to taste fresh Lebkuchen from the oven and learn about this sweet treat made of honey and spices. If you prefer, learn more about World War II and the Nazi past at the Documentation Center of Nuremberg. Back on board, we will go to the European watershed separating the Main and Danube rivers.

Regensburg is one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Choose to uncover the secrets of this remarkable UNESCO Site during a walking tour. Alternatively, visit the 18th century Thurn and Taxis Palace for a beer tasting in their traditional brewery. A special Bavarian themed evening celebrates this wonderful region.

Arrive in time for lunch in the three-rivers city of Passau, lying at the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz. In the afternoon, join the city walking tour, which showcases the most enchanting sights of this historic city including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Back on board, enjoy dinner.

In the early morning, dock in Emmersdorf, in the heart of the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley. Spend the morning discovering this typical Lower Austrian town or travel across the river to Melk and its famous magnificent Benedictine abbey — the largest in Austria.

Back on board for lunch, continue through the vineyards of the Wachau to the village of Dürnstein. Take a guided afternoon tour in the romantic village with its iconic blue church and winding streets, and sample the local wines. Upon arrival in Vienna, opt for the “Sound of Vienna“ concert and listen to popular pieces from Vienna’s classical era at a local salon. The vessel remains overnight.

Enjoy the sights of Vienna on the “Imperial Discovery tour“ tour, including the Ringstrasse, the Vienna State Opera House, the Museum Quarter and more. In the afternoon, venture to Schönbrunn Palace. Home to the Habsburg Royal family who ruled the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna wears its historic wealth and grandeur on its sleeve.

After a full day of exploration, enjoy a multicourse dinner on board.

Awaken today in the capital city of Bratislava, Slovakia. Join the walking tour of Bratislava and see the home of the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, the old city walls, the summer residence of the archbishop and more. Later in the day, opt for an excursion to the Imperial Hof Palace in Austria, a magnificent 18th century complex once owned by Empress Maria Theresia.

For those who enjoy wineries, choose the alternate scenic drive through the Little Carpathian mountain range with its winemaking tradition, dating back to Celtic and Roman times.

With its neo-Gothic Parliament, Fisherman’s Bastion, Buda castle and Chain Bridge, the Hungarian capital of Budapest is a perfect finale to your trip. This morning, explore the sites of the Hungarian capital Budapest on a city tour.

In the afternoon, food lovers can enjoy the alternate excursion for an authentic taste of Budapest, which starts at the market hall. Alternatively, roam further afield in Pest county to the Royal Palace of Gödöllő, one of the most important and imposing Hungarian palaces.

On board this evening, celebrate at the Captain’s Gala Dinner and enjoy a Hungarian folklore show as your vessel cruises the Danube to see this beautiful gem by night. Remain overnight in the “Queen of the Danube“.

After breakfast, the entire AMADEUS crew bids you farewell and wishes you a safe journey home.