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Across Europe Itinerary
Day 1 - Amsterdam (Holland) - UK
Fly from the UK and embark your ship in Amsterdam. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with fellow guests before dinner this evening.
Day 2 - Amsterdam - Utrecht
This morning there is the option to explore Amsterdam on a city tour, followed by a canal trip to enjoy the most famous sights of the 'Venice of the North' then continuing by coach to Utrecht (forward itinerary only). On the reverse itinerary there is an optional North Holland excursion (in 2021) or an optional visit to the Floriade Garden show (in 2022). Rejoin the ship at midday and set sail for Cologne. Why not enjoy the passing scenery from a vantage point on the sun deck.
Day 3 - Cologne (Germany)
This morning, arrive in Cologne. Join the optional tour around the historic Old Town and iconic twin-spired cathedral in the morning. Later, perhaps learn about flora and fauna on a trip to the beautiful Siebengebirge National Park, which includes a visit to Drachenfels Castle. In 2022 there is the option to visit Cologne Chocolate Museum.
Day 4 - Oberwesel or Rudesheim
Enjoy scenic cruising through the picturesque Upper Middle Rhine Valley past the famous Lorelei Rock, before docking in Oberwesel (in 2021), where there is the opportunity to take an optional guided walking tour; or Rudesheim (in 2022) where you can either take a guided walking tour or visit a vineyard with wine tasting.
Day 5 - Miltenberg - Wertheim
Miltenberg is the first stop today - join the optional guided tour around the medieval town then drive to neighbouring Wertheim with its famous glass museum. From Wertheim the ship sails to Wurzburg.
Day 6 - Wurzburg
The scenery around the Bavarian city of Wurzburg suggests its wine-growing influences, so why not join the optional walking tour of the city followed by wine tasting at Wurzburg Residenz Palace's historic wine cellar? After lunch there is the optional excursion to Rothenburg ob der Tauber (only available on reverse itinerary) and its perfectly preserved historic town centre.
Day 7 - Bamberg
Relax on board this morning and enjoy the beautiful views as the ship drifts along the river to Bamberg. In the afternoon take the optional tour of the UNESCO World Heritage city; highlights include the New Residence, the unique Town Hall built on a bridge and the Imperial Cathedral. Afterwards the ship travels through the Main-Danube canal and there is an evening talk about this important waterway.
Day 8 - Nuremberg
Explore the architecture of Nuremberg with an optional city tour followed by a visit to the romantic Old Town. Later, there is a second optional excursion to the Documentation Centre at the Nazi Party Rally Grounds where you can learn about the Nazi Regime and World II. In 2022 there is an alternative optional excursion to the Nuremberg Gingerbread and Pastry Specialties shop - Schmidt. Rejoin the ship and begin crossing the European watershed which separates the main and Danube Rivers.
Day 9 - Regensburg
This afternoon, join the optional guided tour of Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning architecture. Highlights include the stone bridge and the Schloss of Thurn and Taxis. Enjoy an authentic Bavarian evening on board while the vessel continues to Passau.
Day 10 - Passau
Lying at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is the next port of call. An optional guided walk will explore the colourful history of the city. Admire St Stephen's Cathedral, home to one of the world's largest pipe organs, and discover the soaring fortress Veste Oberhaus which dominates the town. Rejoin the ship and cruise towards the Wachau Valley.
Day 11 - Melk/Emmersdorf - Durnstein
The ship docks in the early morning in the heart of the UNESCO-protected cultural heritage landscape of Wachau. This is the starting point for the optional excursion to the magnificent Melk Abbey, one of the most impressive monastery buildings in the world with an amazing view over the Danube valley. The ship continues on to reach Durnstein in the afternoon. This is the most famous wine-growing town in the region and the optional excursion takes in a walk round the town as well as a wine-tasting session. The ship arrives in Vienna early evening and there is an optional "Sound of Vienna" concert.
Day 12 - Vienna
The elegant city of Vienna is one of the jewels of Central Europe. There are two optional tours today - a morning city tour exploring the most well known monuments and magnificent buildings and an afternoon excursion to the majestic Schonbrunn Palace with its impressive gardens. In 2022 there is an alternative optional excursion to the Museum of Fine Arts.
Day 13 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Visit some of the main sights of Bratislava on an optional city tour that includes St Martin's Cathedral, the baroque city palaces and the magnificent Bratislava Castle. After lunching on board why not try the optional excursion to the Imperial Schlosshof Palace, Austria's largest rural castle. In 2022 perhaps take the opportunity to visit the Little Carpathian mountain range for a wine tasting of the local vintage. Rounding off the day in style, there is the exclusive Captain's Gala Dinner on board this evening.
Day 14 - Budapest (Hungary)
The Hungarian capital of Budapest provides the grand finale to the trip. This morning, perhaps take the optional city tour showcasing the city's impressive buildings, including the Hungarian Parliament and Fisherman's Bastion. This afternoon, there is an optional excursion to the Royal Palace of Godollo. On board this evening, there is a Hungarian folklore show and a romantic evening cruise through the 'Paris of the East'.
Day 15 - Budapest - UK
Disembarkation follows breakfast then transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary. Please note 3 May departure is a special 'Rhine in Flames' theme cruise - there will be slight changes to the itinerary and excursion packages, please contact us for details