Begin with the VIP Departure Service to London Heathrow or Gatwick Airport for your scheduled British Airways or other leading airline flight to Budapest. Meet your representative on arrival and transfer to the port to embark the River Empress or River Queen.

Budapest is a vibrant mix of East and West, and medieval and modern. Made up of two parts—Buda, the hills, and Pest, the flat lands—it is divided by the Danube and is an architectural dream. Your city tour features the famous Chain Bridge, the 19th-century Fisherman’s Bastion, and UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district. Captain’s Welcome Dinner this evening.

Enjoy a day of leisure on the ship as we make our way to Vienna, the “City of Waltzes.”

During your panoramic overview of Austria’s capital city, travel the stately Ringstrasse, where the surrounding buildings give off a distinctive imperial air. Visit the National Library, and the Baroque State Hall of the Austrian National Library, said to be the most beautiful library room in the world.

Depart Vienna on a scenic cruise through the lush vineyard-rich Wachau Valley on your way to Melk, site of the 900-year-old abbey situated high atop the granite cliffs of the Danube. Your guided tour of the abbey will reveal a splendid example of Baroque art and architecture.

Passau boasts a delightful layer of Italian style on quintessential German foundations. Explore the well-preserved town and visit St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ, and site of your organ recital.*Concert not available before May 2 and after Oct 31 or on Sundays

An unspoiled gem, Regensburg is a friendly town with quaint cobblestone streets, medieval alleys and historic Roman remnants. On your tour, you will see the Cathedral of St. Peter, with magnificent stained glass windows dating from the 14th century, and the town’s famous 12th-century Stone Bridge, spanning the Danube, bringing commerce to the city.

Today’s tour takes you though Nuremberg, an archetypal German Medieval city enriched by defensive walls and red-roofed buildings. As we leave Nuremberg and head toward Bamberg, you will learn about the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel which allows ships to sail from Amsterdam to the Black Sea.

Stroll through the World Heritage city of Bamberg, with your guide, and see the unique town hall, the imperial cathedral, and the fisherman's village known as "Little Venice".

You visit Germany’s most pristine example of Baroque architecture, the great Würzburg Residenz, dating from 1744. Your tour will be capped off with a wine tasting of fabulous Franconian wines in the Residenz cellar.

Join a morning walking tour of Wertheim, located at the confluence of the Main and Tauber rivers. During the afternoon, cruise the meandering Main River.

Heidelberg is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Your guided tour of Heidelberg takes you to the romantic ruins of Heidelberg Castle and through Old Town.

This morning you take a ride by gondola cable car to the Niederwald Monument, from where you can enjoy stunning vistas of Rudesheim and the surrounding vineyards or the Rheingau. Enjoy an indulgent afternoon on the river as you cruise the scenic upper Middle Rhine valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Captain’s Farewell Dinner this evening.

Today’s walking tour takes you through the narrow streets of Old Town, passing by tiny squares and little churches as you make your way to the magnificent Cologne Cathedral-from every angle, it is a work of art.Note: On Sundays and Catholic holidays, guided tours inside the cathedral will not be possible

Disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam airport for your British Airways or another leading airline flight home. Arrival at London Heathrow or Gatwick where a representative will meet you and our transport will transfer you to your own front door.