zMagnificent Europe

Embark your 5-star river ship and settle in to your spacious outside stateroom, luxuriously appointed with all the furnishings and amenities of a fine hotel. Meet your fellow travelers tonight at the Welcome Cocktail Reception and Dinner. Meals D

This morning’s sightseeing begins with a guided tour along the city’s celebrated canals. It’s a delightful way to appreciate Amsterdam’s splendid architecture, from historic churches and picturesque bridges to fine 17th-century merchant homes. A panoramic city tour showcases more of the city’s charm including, of course, a photo stop at a traditional Dutch windmill. You’ll have free time to explore a bit on your own before returning to ship. Meals B,L,D

Step ashore in Düsseldorf this morning and travel by motorcoach to Venlo, site of the Floriade World Horticultural Expo. Bringing together more than 100 exhibitors from dozens of countries, the Expo grounds will feature five themed zones connected by wooded areas. Each of the zones contains its own horticultural exhibits, cultural attractions, activities, restaurant, music, dance and theatrical performances. Later this afternoon, travel to Cologne where your ship is now docked. Enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic heart of town and visit Cologne’s magnificent cathedral, a Gothic architectural masterpiece of the 13th century. Return to ship for another elegant dinner onboard before setting sail for Rüdesheim. Meals B,L,D

This morning, your ship navigates through the magnificent Rhine Gorge, perhaps the most beautiful stretch of the river. As you cruise through these breathtaking landscapes dotted with numerous hilltop castles, be sure to look for the fabled Lorelei Rock – where, according to legend, the sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. After lunch, arrive in Rüdesheim and take a mini train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. After touring this fascinating collection, you’ll have free time to explore the Drosselgasse at your own pace; this charming alley is lined with myriad wine taverns and inviting eateries. Late this afternoon, your ship departs for Miltenberg. Meals B,L,D

Arrive in Miltenberg for a walking tour of this delightful old Franconian town, famous for its narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Return to ship for lunch onboard as you cruise toward Freudenberg. An afternoon excursion to Wertheim includes a guided tour of the historic city center followed by free time to enjoy at your own pace. A guided bicycle tour of Wertheim is also available (capacity controlled). Meals B,L,D

Step off ship in historic Würzburg where your guided tour includes major sites like the magnificent Residenz Palace. In the afternoon, you can join an optional tour along the Romantic Road to visit medieval Rothenberg. Or, enjoy a scenic bike ride from Würzburg to Kitzingen (capacity controlled). After dinner on board, we’ve arranged for an evening walk through the charming town of Kitzingen and a wine tasting at Germany’s oldest wine cellar. Meals B,L,D

Your ship arrives this afternoon in Bamberg, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. On your guided walking tour along the winding streets of this finely preserved medieval town, you’ll admire its breathtaking cathedral, charming 18th-century Burgher homes and the Old Town Hall which straddles the river. Take a refreshing break to sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer before returning to ship. This evening, you set sail for Nuremberg, the capital of Franconia. Meals B,L,D

This morning, set out on the included excursion of your choice. If you opt for our guided tour of Nuremberg’s medieval history, you’ll see the 900-year- old ramparts that surround this town and the Imperial Castle. Our other tour explores the important role which Nuremberg played in 20th-century European history. You’ll visit the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Enjoy lunch onboard as your ship navigates through the amazing Main-Danube-Canal to the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level. Cross Europe’s Continental Divide and begin your descent through the Canal’s perfectly engineered stair-step locks. Meals B,L,D

This morning, your ship arrives in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria - gates to a Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. In the alternative, you can visit the Audi Factory in Ingolstadt. A member of the Audi Team will take you on a guided tour of the Audi Car Museum or Factory Floor (subject to availability). Return to ship for another elegant dinner followed by an evening music performance onboard. Meals B,L,D

Arrive in picturesque Passau this morning for a guided walking tour in this 2,000-year-old city, strategically situated at the confluence of three rivers - the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Walk through Old Town along its atmospheric cobblestone streets, graced with fine Gothic and Baroque architecture, and see the city’s ancient fortifications and handsome St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest organ in the world. Or, you can join an optional excursion to Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the classic film, The Sound of Music. Those staying on board will enjoy an afternoon of scenic cruising to Linz, Austria. Meals B,L,D

This morning, you’ll cruise through the narrow Strudengau and into the lovely Wachau Valleyc. Step ashore for a guided tour through Melk’s Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest and most magnificent baroque monasteries. After lunch, continue your scenic voyage through the Wachau Valley, dotted with castles and vineyards. Arrive in Dürnstein, where your afternoon excursion reveals the magnificent blue façade of the baroque Stiftskirche. High above town, you'll see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through Dürnstein’s medieval cobblestone streets also reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Enjoy a wine tasting with a local vintner and sample several different vintages from the region’s celebrated vineyards. A guided bicycle tour from Melk to Dürnstein is also available (capacity controlled). Meals B,L,D

This morning’s guided sightseeing tour showcases the Baroque elegance of this handsome city. Drive along the majestic Ringstrasse and see the impressive Vienna Opera House and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Your afternoon is at leisure to explore and shop as you wish, a great opportunity to also sample Vienna’s world-famous pastries. In the alternative, you can join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or join an optional excursion to a concert featuring the music of Mozart and Strauss concert. Your ship will be docked here in Vienna overnight. Meals B,L,D

Relax onboard this morning as you cruise towards Bratislava. Here in the capital of the Slovak Republic, you’ll have your choice of either our “Communist Tour” which explores the city’s life and history during the Soviet era or our walking tour of the city's major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. Later there is time to explore on your own. After dinner, enjoy a memorable music performance onboard. Meals B,L,D

This morning’s sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle, where you’ll have splendid views over the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the Danube River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace and St. Stephen’s Basilica. This afternoon, an optional excursion explores the dramatic history of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner onboard before our special “Illuminations Cruise” through this handsome city. Meals B,L,D

Enjoy breakfast onboard and disembark your luxury ship here in Budapest. Meals B