15 Day Jewels of Europe River Cruise

Budapest to Amsterdam

Overview

DAY 1: Budapest (D)
Welcome to Budapest, one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient yet cosmopolitan cities.  This afternoon, a warm welcome awaits you from your crew as you board your luxury Scenic Tours river cruise ship.

DAY 2: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Your morning tour will visit both Buda and Pest, linked by the famous Chain Bridge. Visit Heroe’s Square, Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion and the medieval town on Castle Hill. In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore more of this fascinating city on your own or shop for local crafts.

DAY 3: Vienna (FB,L,D)
Sit back and relax as you watch the world cruise by. Today enjoy a day of cruising on the Danube onboard your Scenic Space Ship as we sail through Hungary, Slovakia and Austria before arriving in the grand city of Vienna. SCENICENRICH This evening enjoy a glass of Austrian Sekt at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, followed by a private Viennese concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

DAY 4: Vienna (FB,L,D)
This morning we explore the famous sights of Vienna, including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace. SCENIC FREECHOICE (1) a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; (2) visit the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake in a famous coffee house: or (3) a guided excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava.  This afternoon your Cruise Director is on hand to enhance your experience and help you make the most of your time in this history steeped Austrian capital

DAY 5: Dürnstein – Melk - Dürnstein (FB,L,D)
The ship sails through the spectacular wine region of the Wachau Valley, and on to Dürnstein. From here we board our coach and travel to Melk to discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. SCENICENRICH During your visit inside the Abbey an exclusive short organ recital has been arranged. We journey back to Durnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the area. The town is nestled below the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after the crusades in the 12th century. Enjoy Scenic Free Time to discover this treasure on your own.

DAY 6: Linz – Passau (FB,L,D)
Today you’ll have the choice of some great experiences.  Today SCENIC FREECHOICE choose from: (1) a guided tour of Passau; or (2) visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’ and birthplace of Mozart; or (3) a full day excursion to the beautiful medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.

DAY 7: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Dating back to settlement in 500 B.C., Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities. Your guided walking tour visits the Old Chapel and the Thurn und Taxis Castle and includes the medieval stone bridge across the Danube which is a wonderful place to view the cityscape of red roofs, churches, towers, turrets and townhouses from the 12th to 14th centuries.

DAY 8: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Today, explore this lively 950 year old city with its medieval feel. Commence with a guided orientation tour including the old town. You’ll see the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle rising above the old quarter enclosed by thick walls punctuated with 80 towers. We dedicate time to the history of WWII with a visit to the Documentation Centre or you may wish to stay in the centre of town to enjoy free time to perhaps shop for traditional handicrafts, toys and metal work.

DAY 9: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide and see some of the 2,400 listed buildings. The centre of town is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Admire hundreds of richly decorated and ornamented building facades including the iconic Old Town Hall, built in the middle of the Regnitz River. SCENICENRICH Enjoy an exclusive beer tasting at the Zehnthaus, a private brewery established in 1533.

DAY 10: Würzburg (FB,L,D)
SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from:  (1) a guided walking tour of Würzburg and the magnificent Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace; or (2) a Romantic Road excursion to Rothenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site considered to be the best preserved medieval city in Europe.

DAY 11: Wertheim (FB,L,D)
Known for its glassworks, Franconian wine and friendly people, enjoy time today exploring this quaint medieval village with its half-timbered houses and cobble stoned streets.

DAY 12: Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge – Coblenz (FB,L,D)
We continue our journey to Rüdesheim where we board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car for the trip to the 125-foot Niederwald Monument, overlooking the river. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. Pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured to their doom by enchanted temptresses. The ship overnights tonight in Coblenz.

DAY 13: Cologne (FB,L,D)
Sail through breathtaking scenery en-route to Cologne where your guide awaits you. Explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Perhaps sample the region’s most famous beer, ‘Kölsch’ or explore inside the imposing Cologne cathedral.

DAY 14: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)
This afternoon you will arrive in Amsterdam, a fascinating and compact city of picturesque canals, world-class museums and cafés. SCENIC FREECHOICE Today choose from:  (1) a sightseeing canal cruise; (2) a guided bicycle tour of Amsterdam (limited availability); or (3) a visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans.

DAY 15: Amsterdam (FB)
After breakfast, you will be transferred* to the airport for your flight and the end of an unforgettable journey.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.