14-night from Amsterdam to Budapest
Discover three of Europe’s grand rivers—the Rhine, the Main, and the Danube—on an unforgettable cruise from the canals of Amsterdam to the majestic heart of Budapest. Along the way, encounter local cuisine, rich history and a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Over two unforgettable weeks, explore Amsterdam, Vienna and Budapest, and trace history in a string of enchanting German towns, including the UNESCO-designated Regensburg and Bamberg. Admire architectural gems from Cologne’s Gothic cathedral to the Baroque Residenz Palace of Würzburg, and take in the gorgeous castle-laden scenery of the Rhine Gorge and Austria’s Wachau Valley. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours that include meeting glass-blowing artisans in Wertheim, a guided tour of Amsterdam’s world-renowned Rijksmuseum and Vienna’s Kunsthistoriche Museum, and exploring the Ludwig Canal near Nuremberg. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.What's Included
- Arrive in Amsterdam and board your beautiful river cruise ship. Gather on board for a festive welcome dinner. (Meals: D)
- Experience Amsterdam from its canals on a private cruise, viewing important landmarks and gabled houses as you glide beneath graceful bridges. Or tour the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Glide toward the Rhine River later this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Cruise to Cologne and delve into the enchanting Old Town on a guided tour followed by a tasting of the city’s signature Kölsch beer. Alternatively, take an architecture tour that includes a visit to the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, explore the extensive Roman ruins of Cologne, or enjoy a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Cruise the spectacular UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where more than 40 castles perch atop steep bluffs and half-timbered villages dot the riverbanks. Go ashore in Rüdesheim and choose a scenic gondola ride over the vineyards of the Rheingau wine region; a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or a taste of the town’s specialty, Rüdesheimer coffee, at a local café. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Today your beautiful river cruise ship leaves the Rhine River in Mainz and continues east along the Main River toward the town of Wertheim. Once in Wertheim, take a walking tour of its charming historic center and visit a glass-blowing workshop, take a guided bike tour along the riverbanks, or hike up to the evocative ruins of Wertheim Castle. Alternatively, head to a bakery for a pretzel tasting. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Venture into Würzburg’s Old Town, carefully restored after being largely destroyed during World War II, and stop for a wine tasting on your walking tour. Instead, visit the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or hike to Marienberg Fortress for a panoramic view. Alternatively, you may embark on a full-day excursion along the Romantic Road to the beautifully preserved walled town of Rothenburg. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other excursions on this day. - Today, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg. Take a guided tour of this medieval gem to see its diverse architecture, from the cathedral to its elegant mansions. Or taste your way through town, sampling smoked beer, pralines, and hörnla pastries. For a more active adventure, join a bike tour or walk along the historic Ludwig Canal to Lock 100, still in use today. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Explore this hub of the German Renaissance on your choice of excursions. Take a guided walk through the medieval city, seeing its castle and ramparts as well as the famous fountain on Market Square. For those who want to be more active can join a guided bike tour along the Main Danube canal visiting one of the original locks from the Ludwigs canal. Alternatively begin the day with a guided tour of the Imperial castle or Kaiserburg, one of the most important palaces of the Holy Roman Empire. Then tour the home where Albrecht Dürer lived and worked in the early 16th century, and see the works of Dürer and others displayed within. In the afternoon enjoy free time and our shuttle service to the city or the ship. The ship remains docked in Nuremberg overnight. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Visit the city’s World War II sites, including the Nazi Party rally grounds and Documentation center, as well as the Courtroom 600 where the Nuremberg trials took place. Alternatively, sample Franconian specialties such as Nuremberger bratwurst, rotbier, and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel thought up by Emperor Charlemagne that connects the North Sea to the Black Sea. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Explore Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Discover the Roman-era Porta Praetoria and the Old Town Hall or visit the House of Bavarian History Museum, acclaimed for its architecture as well as its exhibitions, to gain a deeper understanding at how this free state of Bavaria has influenced the nation of Germany and see the impressive monument of Walhalla, built in the style of a Greek temple honouring cultural, scientific and artistic contributions of German speaking celebrities. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Arrive in Passau, situated where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz rivers. If you wish, spend the day in Salzburg where on your walking tour will see sights from The Sound of Music. Tour Salzburg’s UNESCO-designated Old Town, from Mozart’s home to the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Or stay in Passau and enjoy a walking tour with hand-made pretzels and chocolates, a guided bike ride, or a hike to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other excursions on this day. - Enter the breathtaking Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube River. Tour the Benedictine Melk Abbey, a marvel of Baroque architecture perched above the river, and meet a librarian to learn how medieval books are meticulously restored. Alternatively, hike up to the abbey or embark on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Then continue your scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Glide into Austria’s capital and tour its imperial treasures, from the majestic Opera House to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over the city center for 700 years. Explore the city by bike, or follow a guide through Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien, where a breathtaking fine art collection—including works by Vermeer, Velazquez, Raphael, and Dürer—is housed within an opulent neoclassical building. Enjoy free time in Vienna this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
- ourney into the center of Budapest and set out to discover Buda’s Castle District, taking in sweeping city views from the turrets of the fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion and admiring the architecture of Matthias Church. Explore the grand monuments of Pest this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
- Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)
Dates & Pricing
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Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Amsterdam
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Day 2 - Amsterdam
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Day 3 - Cologne
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Day 4 - Rüdesheim
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Day 5 - Wertheim
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Day 6 - Würzburg
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Day 7 - Bamberg
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Day 8 - Nuremberg
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Day 9 - Nuremberg
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Day 10 - Regensburg
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Day 11 - Passau
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Day 12 - Melk
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Day 13 - Vienna
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Day 14 - Budapest
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Day 15 - Budapest
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Travel Partner
AmaWaterways is a premier river cruise line offering luxurious journeys through Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Known for exceptional service and innovative ship designs, they provide unforgettable travel experiences
Tripcode: 139185
Price from
$11,344*
per person*
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