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Magnificent Europe Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Amsterdam (Holland)
Fly from the UK to Amsterdam and transfer to your luxurious ship. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception on board. (D)
Day 2 - Amsterdam
Enjoy a canal cruise on a glass-top boat. Alternatively, travel to the village of Zaanse Schans, renowned for its windmills and traditional Dutch houses. There is also the option to stay on board and cruise down the Rhine whilst a local baker conducts a stroopwafel demonstration. On select spring departures there is the opportunity to visit the stunning Keukenhof Gardens. Captain's Welcome Dinner tonight. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Cologne (Germany) - Bonn - Andernach
Enjoy a tour of historic Cologne or opt for a bike ride or a walking tour, during which you can try a range of local beers and snacks. After your chosen tour, re-join the ship in Bonn and cruise to Andernach where you will disembark and head to Namedy Castle for your first Signature Experience. Princess Heide von Hohenzollern has exclusively opened her doors for you to wander about the castle's opulent rooms and enjoy a lavish banquet in the ballroom. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Rudesheim
Cruise through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge to Rudesheim where you can take the Winzerexpress mini-train to tour Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or sample local wines during an on-board tasting. In 2019 there is the option to enjoy a scenic gondola ride high above the Rhine Valley. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Miltenberg
Watch the art of glass blowing on board as you cruise towards Miltenberg, home to half-timbered houses which were spared from the destruction of World War II. Join a local guide for a tour along the cobblestone lanes, meeting the locals and sampling the culinary delicacies as you go. Alternatively there is the chance to enjoy a German language lesson on board or hike through a picturesque vineyard to learn more about the region's wines. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Wurzburg
In Wurzburg, take a tour past Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic churches to the magnificent 18th-century Wurzburg Residence, home to impressive tapestries and ornate frescoes. Alternatively, head to the countryside for a tour along the Romantic Road to medieval Rothenburg. There is also the option to visit a family-owned farm for a tour then enjoy morning tea whilst learning about local farming life. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Bamberg
World Heritage-Listed Bamberg is another city which avoided destruction during the bombings in World War II. Explore the beautiful Old Town with its historic churches and magnificent Town Hall, located on the River Regnitz. After, re-join your ship and cruise the Main-Danube Canal, a feat of engineering. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Nuremberg
A historic tour of Nuremberg with its 900-year-old ramparts reveals the World War II sites including the Reich Party Rally Grounds where six Nazi Party rallies were held. There is the option to hike through the Schwarzach Valley. Back on board, sample freshly baked gingerbread before continuing along the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Regensburg
Regensburg is one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities and is home to one of the oldest bridges across the Danube. See the architectural highlights on a guided tour taking in the Old Town Hall and the ancient Romanesque Porta Pretoria, as well as the UNESCO-listed centre. There is also the option to join a fun Bavarian dance lesson, take a gourmet walking tour with lunch and a presentation at a Michelin-starred restaurant or listen to an informative talk on board from a student of the University of Regensburg. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Passau - Linz (Austria)
Travel from Passau to Salzburg for a tour of the sights from The Sound of Music, or journey to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, before reboarding your ship in Linz. Alternatively, enjoy a walking tour of Passau before cruising to Linz. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Melk - Durnstein
Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey or take a walking tour of the town. After, there is the option to join a bicycle ride along the Danube to Durnstein or rejoin the ship in Melk and cruise to Durnstein. On arrival, explore at leisure and perhaps head to the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. On selected autumn departures there may be the chance to join in some vineyard work at a local winery as part of the wine harvest. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Vienna
Admire the striking architecture along the famous Ringstrasse on an orientation tour, before continuing on foot to St Stephen's Cathedral. After dinner you are invited to visit Liechtenstein's City Palace, a magnificent aristocratic residence. Enjoy a cocktail reception before heading to the ballroom for a private classical concert featuring members of the Mozart Boys' Choir. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Vienna or Budapest
In 2019, spend a second day in Vienna where you can choose to visit the Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family. There is also an excursion to the fascinating capital city of Bratislava which has a mix of rococo and communist-era architecture. (B,L,D) In 2020, dock in the Hungarian capital of Budapest and follow in the footsteps of Elisabeth of Bavaria (Sisi) with a trip on an imperial steam train, a guided tour of Godollo Palace and a Cocktail Reception at Budapest's Royal Waiting Room (May - Sept departures). After dinner, see the city lights sparkle during a twilight cruise. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Budapest (Hungary)
In 2019, on Apr-Sep departures, follow in the footsteps of Elisabeth of Bavaria (Sisi) with a Welcome Reception at Budapest's Royal Waiting Room, a trip on an imperial steam train and a guided tour of Godollo Palace. After a superb Farewell Dinner, enjoy a relaxing twilight cruise past the illuminated sights before you head home tomorrow. In 2020, join a guided tour of Budapest and see Buda Castle, the Royal Palace, Fisherman's Bastion before enjoying time at leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - Budapest - UK
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
Key: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner.