Luxury 14 Night Budapest to Amsterdam River Cruise

Guests arrive in Budapest and transfer to the river ship. That evening, a welcome gathering brings fellow guests together over Hungarian folk music, with local brandy and artisan meats and cheeses.
Accommodation: 14 nights, river ship
Meals: Dinner

Guests choose an included sightseeing option in Budapest. A morning city tour visits historic monuments such as Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica. A culinary tour explores the Great Market Hall, a large indoor market with sausages, meats, cheeses, fruit and vegetables. A funicular ride climbs Castle Hill for views and continues on foot to Fisherman’s Bastion. In the afternoon, the ship begins cruising toward Vienna.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A relaxing morning of cruising brings the ship to Vienna. On arrival, guests take in the city’s landmarks along the Ringstrasse and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Guests set out on a chosen sightseeing activity this morning. A tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs, covers the apartments of former emperors and the grounds. A trip to Bratislava in Slovakia shows a city where 18th-century rococo design meets communist-era architecture, including the UFO Bridge and the Slovak Radio building. A culinary tour of Vienna’s narrow streets stops at a traditional cafe for a Viennese sausage and ends with a pastry from a famous patisserie. After dinner, the evening moves to the City Palace of the princely Liechtenstein family in the heart of Vienna for a cocktail party and private recital. A full orchestra performs classical works by Mozart and Strauss, and an operatic performance follows.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Guests explore the town of Dürnstein before choosing an activity. One option cruises through the Wachau Valley to Melk past vineyards and hillside castles. The other is a guided bike ride along the Danube from Dürnstein to Melk. Later, everyone visits Melk Abbey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Guests take a guided tour of Salzburg, then head up the Gaisberg mountain, which overlooks the city, for lunch. A Jagdhornbläser, a hunting horn blower, welcomes guests into a rustic, traditional restaurant. A welcome drink comes with the view, and after lunch a show features music from the classic film The Sound of Music.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dock in Regensburg, one of Germany’s most intact medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Stone Bridge, the Gothic cathedral and the narrow lanes of the old town make for a compelling day of included sightseeing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Nuremberg for a day of included exploration. The Imperial Castle, the old town walls, the Albrecht Durer House and the vibrant central market square are among the highlights of Bavaria’s second city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage city of remarkable completeness. The Romanesque cathedral, the Old Town Hall built on an island in the river, and the unique smoked beer tradition make it one of Germany’s most distinctive stops.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Wurzburg, the Baroque capital of Franconia. The Residence Palace – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s finest Baroque buildings – is the centrepiece of a day of included sightseeing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Step ashore in Miltenberg, one of Germany’s most photogenic medieval towns. Half-timbered houses frame the market square in a scene that has changed little since the 16th century.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Rudesheim, the famous wine town at the northern end of the Rhine Gorge. The Drosselgasse, the Siegfried Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum and the surrounding Rheingau vineyards are all within easy reach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise through the Rhine Gorge – arguably the most scenic stretch of river in Europe – passing the Lorelei Rock and a succession of medieval castles on the hillsides above. Dock at Andernach, one of Germany’s oldest towns.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The ship arrives in Amsterdam, and guests choose an activity. A glass-top boat cruise passes the city’s unique architecture along the World Heritage-listed canals. A cheese tasting at a local store samples regional varieties, including Edam and Gouda. A guided bike ride heads through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam and the Street Art Museum. In the evening, fresh locally sourced oysters come with regional sparkling wine.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam

After breakfast, guests say goodbye to the ship and transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast