Magnificent Europe

Overview

Follow the route of emperors, kings and queens on a magnificent European journey along three rivers and through five fascinating countries. The natural wonders of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers yield way to countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Colognes Gothic Cathedral, the Wrzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the Melk Abbeyto name a few. Whimsical delights from Siegfrieds Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rdesheim to the crooked houses in Miltenberg, will enchant. Connoisseurs of fine wines get to taste the difference between German and Austrian Rieslings; and gourmets get to indulge in Western and Eastern European specialties. And for active enthusiasts, you will get to hike and bike through breathtaking scenery in Passau and Vienna. All of this and more awaits on one all-encompassing magnificent journey.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Amsterdam

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Magnificent Europe cruise. (D)

Day 2 – Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and youll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. Or, enjoy a visit to the spectacular Keukenhof Gardens, which has millions of tulips planted across a 70-acre park. (B,L,D)

Day 3 – Cologne

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germanys most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Klsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen mit apfelmus, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurers will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)

Day 4 – Rudesheim

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rdesheim. Wine connoisseurs will want to go on a walking tour through the vineyards where youll stop to sample wines at three different tasting stations. Or choose to drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue. For a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the scenic Rhine River. Later in the day, let Siegfrieds Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum charm you, or taste one of the towns special delights, Rdesheimer coffee. (B,L,D)

Day 5 – Miltenberg & Wertheim

Enjoy a scenic cruise to Miltenberg, the Pearl of the Main River. While on your walking tour, youll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Later in the day, set sail for Wertheim, considered to have one of Germanys most beautiful city centers. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 6 – Wurzburg

You have several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour of Wrzburg nestled along the Romantic Road, or visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer to get more active, hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the Main River in Wrzburg, or go on a guided bike tour through the countryside. Alternatively, go to Rothenburg, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. The town is so pretty that the imagery of Walt Disneys Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. (B,L,D)

Day 7 – Bamberg

Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 8 – Nuremburg

Enjoy breathtaking views during your scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal.

Day 9 – Nuremburg

You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided tour through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. Or turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the citys most important WWII sites, including the coliseum. Youll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)

Day 10 – Regensburg

Explore one of Germanys best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided walking tour showcasing the citys architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavarias specialtiesbeer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active adventure, bike to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple. (B,L,D)

Day 11 – Passau

Discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephens Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)

Day 12 – Melk

Cruise to Melk where you can visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europes largest and most revered Baroque monasteries. For a more active adventure, you can also join a guided bike tour along the Danube River. (B,L,D)

Day 13 – Vienna

The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures. Your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude in Viennas historic city center and then visit the majestic St. Stephens Cathedral, which has stood watch over Vienna for 700 years and is one of the most important and beloved landmarks in Austria. Or, if you prefer to go on a more active adventure, then join a guided bike tour through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)

Day 14 – Budapest

Discover the Queen of the Danube on your city tour beginning with a visit to the Great Market Hall followed by a panoramic tour of both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river. As an alternative choice, hike up to Castle Hill. (B,L,D)

Day 15 – Budapest

Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)