European Gems Cruise with Travelmarvel

Day 1: Arrive in the enthralling city of Budapest, where your premium river ship awaits on the Danube River. Enjoy a Captain’s Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director before a relaxing twilight cruise following dinner.

Day 2: Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights such as Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square and Buda Castle. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Dinner while you cruise.

Day 3: Embrace the elegance of Vienna as you drive around the Ringstrasse this morning, taking in some of the city’s most famous buildings – the Vienna State Opera House, the Museum of Fine Arts and more. On arrival in the city centre, a walking tour will provide an insider’s view of sights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina.

Day 4: With the day at leisure, you may like to further explore the Hofburg area – home to the Imperial Treasury and the Spanish Riding School – or wander along Karntnerstrasse, the city’s famous shopping strip.

Day 5: Cruise to the town of Durnstein and enjoy a stroll past rustic town houses and taverns. Along the way, gaze up to the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Later, dock in Melk and tour through Melk Abbey. An active Benedictine monastery since 1089, it sits atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube River.

Day 6: This morning after breakfast, you will cruise to beautiful Passau. Enjoy a traditional Bavarian experience on board your river ship. Sample delicious local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Day 7: Continue along the Danube River to the enchanting town of Regensburg, located in the southern region of the Bavarian Forest. Here, a guided tour along its cobblestone lanes tells of the medieval town’s journey through the ages. Afterwards, wander the historic streets at your own pace.

Day 8: Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s now infamous rallies, which played a pivotal role for the Nazis during World War II. Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice.

Day 9: One of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II, World Heritage-listed Bamberg beckons your attention this morning. You’ll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city centre.

Day 10: Verdant hills and rich vineyards sit on the edge of Würzburg, while the Main River is a prominent feature of this stunning city. The architectural beauty that further defines Würzburg is on show today as you admire its magnificent baroque palace, the Würzburg Residence. Here, a walk through Würzburg Court Garden is a delight, with its terraced gardens and serene water basin.

Day 11: Arrive at the beautifully evocative town of Miltenberg. After morning tea return to your ship and enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the glittering lights of medieval towns slip past as you sit down to dinner and cruise through the night. Discover true German hospitality as you are welcomed into the homes of friendly Miltenberg locals for coffee and cake.

Day 12: In Rudesheim, the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. As you continue cruising, you will encounter a true holiday highlight – the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Watch in awe as you drift past steep vine-covered slopes dotted with ancient castles and strongholds. Enjoy dinner on board tonight, as your journey continues late into the evening.

Day 13: Disembark your ship in Cologne and drive to the town of Bruhl. Return to Cologne and enjoy some time at leisure. Pay a visit to Augustusburg Castle and Falkenlust hunting lodge, the lavish residences of archbishop-elector Clemens August. On a tour of the castle, learn stories of its infamous former resident and enjoy a walk through its gardens between the lodge and the castle.

Day 14: Studded with low bridges and historic houses, Amsterdam’s network of canals lends the city its nickname, ‘Venice of the North’. Dock in the city’s heart and board a glass-top boat to discover the city’s waterside facades, watching the bicycle-loving locals ride along with carefree abandon as you drift by. Back on land, enjoy some free time to explore the city, before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board your river ship.

Day 15: After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.