Europe | Ultimate European Journey

Ultimate European JourneyAmsterdam to Bucharest

In the 8th century, Emperor Charlemagne dreamt of a canal that could unite Europe’s great waterways, but it was not until 1992 that his vision came to pass. Now, the Main-Danube Canal allows ships to travel directly from the North Sea to the Black Sea, traversing Western, Central and Eastern Europe in a single journey. See the canals of Amsterdam, the castles of the Rhine Valley and many colorful capitals of Eastern Europe on an incredible 23-day cruisetour that includes eight countries on the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. New for 2009, this itinerary provides the ultimate European experience.

Start your journey with three exciting nights in Amsterdam. Learn More

1

Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam. We meet you at the airport and take you to your ship.* The rest of your day is free to begin exploring this Dutch capital—or join our “welcome walk” to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

2

Amsterdam

This morning, get a city overview with a canal boat cruise past merchant houses and into the Old Harbor, which dates back to Holland’s Golden Age. Next, visit the Van Gogh Museum. Lunch and dinner aboard, with free time before a late-evening departure. (B, L, D)

3

Arnhem

Arrive early and take an excursion to the site of Operation Market Garden and the Airborne Museum. Lunch aboard, then take free time to explore this quaint town rich in World War II history on your own. Depart during dinner. (B, L, D)

4

Cologne

This morning, take a walking tour of Cologne's Old Town area. Stroll past St. Martin's Church and spend some time inside Cologne's Dom, a remarkable Gothic cathedral. Visit a local brewery to sample the local Kölsch beer before returning aboard; set sail over lunch. (B, L, D)

5

Koblenz & Rüdesheim

This morning visit Marksburg, a beautifully preserved Rhine castle. Then, cruise to Rüdesheim, arriving late afternoon. Explore the famed Drosselgasse, or take an optional mini-train ride to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum. Dine aboard; depart late. (B, L, D)

6

Mainz

After breakfast, tour Mainz and visit the Gutenberg Museum, which chronicles the history of printing and displays two of the original 42-line Gutenberg Bibles. Free time, lunch aboard, then sail through the night. (B, L, D)

7

Wertheim

During your morning walking tour, learn about Wertheim’s glassblowing tradition. After some free time to explore, return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon glassblowing demonstration. (B, L, D)

8

Würzburg & Rothenburg

After breakfast, tour Würzburg’s Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate palaces. Then, travel along the “Romantic Road” to Rothenburg, stopping for lunch on the way. Dine aboard; evening cruising. (B, L, D)

9

Nuremberg

Spend the morning on the Main-Danube Canal, the engineering marvel that makes your 2,200-mile journey possible. Lunch aboard, then dock in Nuremberg. Visit the ruins of Zeppelin Field and see the Palace of Justice. Enjoy free time, or join an optional World War II history tour. Depart before dinner. (B, L, D)

10

Regensburg

Arrive in Regensburg after lunch and tour the city; discover 13th- and 14th-century patrician houses and St. Peter’s Cathedral. During free time, visit the Alte Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen), Germany’s oldest restaurant. Cruise through dinner. (B, L, D)

11

Passau & Linz

On this morning’s walking tour, see Passau’s Italianate architecture. Then, listen to a concert on Europe’s largest pipe organ in St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Arrive in Linz during dinner. You may want to take an evening stroll. (B, L, D)

12

Melk & Dürnstein

After lunch, tour the spectacular baroque 900-year-old abbey at Melk. Cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through dinner. Free evening in Dürnstein; visit Kuenringer Castle or taste local wines. (B, L, D)

13

Vienna

Ride along Vienna’s Ringstrasse, which replaced city walls in the mid-19th century. Tour Belvedere Palace, with its trompe l’oeil features and Austrian art. Also see Vienna’s Opera House, Hofburg palace and more. Take the afternoon to further explore Vienna. After dinner, enjoy an optional classical concert. (B, L, D)

14

Bratislava

Enjoy a walking tour of the Slovak Republic’s charming capital—see Michael’s Gate, Trinity Church and St. Martin’s Cathedral. You also pass by several grand Habsburg Dynasty palaces before returning onboard. Late tonight, arrive in Budapest. (B, L, D)

15

Budapest

Explore both sides of Budapest, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, stroll Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Lunch aboard, afternoon free. Dine and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

16

Pécs

From Mohács, take a tour through the countryside to Pécs, an ancient university town. During your walking tour, visit the impressive Romanesque cathedral and the Gazi Qasim Pasha Djami mosque (now a Roman Catholic church). Free time to explore or visit the 19th-century Kossuth Ter synagogue and see its beautiful oak interior. Lunch aboard, cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

17

Belgrade

Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress. Tour the city’s Eastern Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. Lunch aboard; afternoon free. (B, L, D)

18

Iron Gate

Enjoy a full day of cruising along one of the most visually arresting areas of the Lower Danube, flanked by enormous white chalk cliffs and spectacular scenery. (B, L, D)

19

Vidin & Belogradchik

Wake up in Vidin and take a journey to Belogradchik to tour the former Ottoman castle. Stroll the compound and explore its many terraced courtyards with breathtaking views. Lunch aboard, then free time; depart during dinner. (B, L, D)

20

Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

Today’s daylong tour takes you to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. See Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. Lunch in an Arbanasi restaurant and a guided tour of the Nativity Church. Dine aboard, depart late tonight. (B, L, D)

21

Russe & Varna

Awaken in Russe. Ride through rural Bulgaria to Varna, a Black Sea resort. Enjoy a short cruise on the Black Sea and lunch in a local restaurant. Free time to explore the town or visit the Varna Museum. Return aboard for dinner; depart this evening. (B, L, D)

22

Bucharest

Disembark at Oltenita and proceed to Bucharest for a morning tour. Visit the Palace of the Parliament† and Revolution Square. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a farewell dinner there. (B, L, D)

† The Palace of the Parliament may occasionally be closed to host official government business.

23

Bucharest

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the airport for your return flight. Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in Bucharest and Transylvania. Tour Dracula’s Castle in Brasov, Romania. (B)

Extend your journey with four fascinating days in Bucharest & Transylvania. Learn More

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