Europe River Cruises

Jewels of Europe Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest

Cruise from charming Amsterdam down the River Rhine, through the Main-Danube Canal to the River Danube and the magical Budapest.

From the quaint canals of Amsterdam this voyage departs for historic Cologne with its 2000 year history and local culture. Cruising on through the spectacular Rhine Gorge to Rüdesheim, Wertheim and Würzburg then to Bamberg.

Located in Upper Franconia is the city of Bamberg, its famous Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, mainly for its authentic medieval appearance.

Amsterdam

The walled city of Nuremberg in Bavaria is a sight not to be missed with its beautiful fountain erected in 1935 and the Nuremberg Ring is said to bring good luck to those that touch it. Cruising to Regensburg, Passau and Linz and on to the magnificent Austrian cities of Melk and Dürnstein.

Melk is home to a large baroque Benedictine monastery named Stift Melk and the Renaissance style castle named Schallaburg. On to Dürnstein which is one of the most visited tourist destinations in the Wachau region and a popular destination for wine lovers.

Miltenberg

Your voyage now continues to the world famous Vienna, capital city of Austria, where you will find many exciting and famous sights. Finally move on to the magical city of Budapest, the largest and capital city of Hungary.

Take the time to relax on your all new ship, specially designed to give the ultimate river cruise experience. They feature exclusive private balcony cabins with seating area, super-luxurious Royal and Junior Suites, and guests on the Danube Deck have the services of a private butler.

More information about your luxury 'space ship'

G160: Cruise Departure Dates 2010
Amsterdam to Budapest
Mar 8, 22; Apr 5, 19, 26;
May 3, 10, 17, 31; Jun 7, 14, 21, 28;
Jul 5, 12, 19, 26; Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30;
Sep 6, 13, 20; Oct 4; Nov 1
Budapest to Amsterdam
Mar 22; Apr 5, 19; May 3, 17, 24, 31;
Jun 7, 14, 21, 28; Jul 5, 12, 19, 26;
Aug 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; Sep 6, 20, 27;
Oct 4, 18; Nov 15
G160: Jewels of Europe 2010£ price per person
Prices are per person, including return flights from the UK, and are based on two sharing a category E standard stateroom on the Moselle Deck.
Supplements for Moselle, Rhine Deck and Danube Deck. Prices per person.
Moselle Deck CAT D Stateroom: £195pp supplement
Rhine Deck CAT C Balcony cabin: £795pp supplement
Rhine Deck CAT B with Balcony cabin: £895pp supplement
Rhine Deck CAT BJ Junior Balcony suite: £1345pp supplement
Danube Deck CAT A with Balcony cabin: £995pp supplement
Danube Deck CAT P with Balcony cabin: £1095pp supplement
Danube Deck CAT S Junior Balcony suite: £1495pp supplement
Danube Deck CAT RJ Junior Balcony suite: £1595pp supplement
Danube Deck CAT R Royal Balcony suite: £2295pp supplement
The cruise price includes
  • Flights from 15 regional airports,
  • 14-nights luxury cruise on your spacious river cruise ship
  • Full board - superb meals including full buffet breakfasts, lunches and dinners
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Air-conditioned coach for shore excursions,nightly piano music
  • Folklore performances, lectures, theme dinners, local activities and more
  • Complimentary selection of speciality teas and coffees all day and night
  • Quality free-flowing complimentary regional wines, beers and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • Captain's welcome cocktail party and dinner
  • Captain's farewell cocktail reception and farewell dinner in Budapest
Additional Information
  • Flights are with KLM therefore you can fly from your local airport at no extra charge. All taxes and fuel supplements are included (correct at time of publication).
  • Choose from the following: London Heathrow, London Gatwick, London City, Aberdeen, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Durham Tees Valley, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Humberside, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich. (Flights also available from London Heathrow with British Airways.)
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706529
International: +44 1756 706529
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706529
International: +44 1756 706529

Itinerary
Day 1
UK - Amsterdam

Fly from one of 15 UK airports into Amsterdam with KLM with no supplements to fly from the airport of your choice. (See below for a full list of UK airports available) or from London Heathrow with British Airways. On arrival, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your luxury river cruise ship, where a warm welcome awaits you. (D)

Day 2
Amsterdam

Today is a free choice day where you choose what you'd like to do from the following options: an exploration of Amsterdam's maze of quaint canals aboard a glass top canal boat; a city bicycle tour; or an excursion to Zaanse Schans for windmills and Dutch cheese. This evening, enjoy the Captain' welcome dinner onboard as we set sail for Cologne. (B,L,D)

Day 3
Cologne

Historic Cologne is famous for its magnificent Cathedrel. Join your guide this afternoon and explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historic monuments before ending the tour with a tasting of Cologne's locally brewed speciality beer. This evening you can explore the 2000 year-old town of Coblenz, situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle. (B, L, D)

Day 4
Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim

Today's cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine-covered slopes. We will also pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured to their doom onto treacherous rocks by enchanted temptresses. In the afternoon we arrive at Rüdesheim. Here we will board the Winzerexpress mini train and visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum before taking a cable car trip to the Niederwald Monument. (B,L,D)

Day 5
Werthein

Wertheim is known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people. Today is a free choice day, choose from: a city walk to explore Wertheim; a trip to Wertheim Village Shopping Experience; a two hour hike along the Tauber River heading back through the Tauber Valley; or a gentle bike trip along the Main River. (B, L, D)

Day 6
Würzburg

Today is a free choice day where you choose what you'd like to do from the following options: a guided tour of Würzburg and the magnificent Prince Bishop's Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site acclaimed for its baroque architecture and manicured gardens; a chance to explore a local wine cellar and sample some delicious local wines; a bike tour of the town's sights; or an excursion to Rothenburg, considered to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe. Here the town walls with their fortified battlements form a protective circle around the precious relics of bygone ages. (B,L,D)

Day 7
Bamberg

Feel the magic of the past and explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide today. Boasting one of Europe's largest intact medieval town centres, Bamberg is bursting with original character and charm. At the centre of the town is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Around 2,400 listed buildings and the centuries-old garden quarter form a special cultural heritage. (B,L,D)

Day 8
Nuremberg

Today we explore this city which has a medieval feel resulting from 950 years of history. You'll see the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle which is enclosed by thick walls punctuated with 80 towers. This afternoon join a guided tour of the fascinating Nuremberg Trial Sites. (B,L,D)

Day 9
Regensburg

Dating back to a settlement in 500BC, Regensburg is one of Germany's most well preserved cities and its architectural gems are testament to its long history and past grandeur. The medieval stone bridge across the Danube is a wonderful place to view the cityscape of red roofs, churches, towers, turrets and townhouses from the 12th to 14th centuries. Your guided tour includes Thurn and Taxis Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 10
Passau - Linz

Today is a free choice day where you choose what you'd like to do from the following options: a guided tour of the graceful arcades and cobblestone streets of Passau; or a visit to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for 'The Sound of Music'; or a full day excursion to southern Bohemia to explore the town of Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site. (B,L,D)

Day 11
Melk - Dürnstein

Discover the magnificent Melk Benedictine Abbey, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and spectacular fresco ceilings. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, which is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. This evening arrive in Vienna. (B,L,D)

Day 12
Vienna

Explore the famous sights of Vienna, including the Hoftburg Palace and the Ringstrasse. Whether it's strolling Vienna's famous shopping street or visiting one of the many museums on offer, lose yourself in the marvel of Vienna with an opportunity to explore this magnificent city on your own. Your cruise director is on hand to enhance your experience and help you make the most of your time in this historic steeped Austrian capital. This evening enjoy a glass of Austrian 'Sekt' at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, followed by an exclusive private Viennese concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart. (B, L, D)

Day 13
Vienna

Today is a free choice day, choose from: a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; a visit to the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake in a famous Viennese cafe; or a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava. (B, L, D)

Day 14
Budapest

Today is a free choice day, choose from: a guided tour of the sights; spend time relaxing at one of Budapest's Turkish baths; or visit the communist exhibition of the House of Terror before spending time at the Memorial Park. (B,L,D)

Day 15
Budapest - UK

After breakfast it's time to disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Since the pace of a river is determined by the direction of the flow, please note that timings and stops may differ slightly from one direction to another. These directional aspects do not affect the planned sightseeing or tour highlights.

Cologne Cathedral at night

Blue Water Holidays, Bridge House, Brook Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1PP - 01756 706529
As a fully bonded member of ABTA (K9428) with an ATOL (9685), the Air Tour Operators Licence, we offer complete peace of mind when you  book your holiday through us.