The Ultimate River Cruise

20 day program (2 nights in Budapest + 14 night cruise + 3 nights in Paris)

Guaranteed Departures

Combine the highlights of the legendary Main and Danube with the picturesque Rhine and Mosel and experience a voyage of cultural and scenic diversity through the six countries of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Luxembourg and France. Start your European vacation with two grand old capitals, vibrant Budapest and magnificent Vienna. Journey on the Main-Danube Canal across the Continental Divide, visiting charming towns surrounded by vineyard-clad hillsides, ancient fortresses and spectacular vistas. Discover the medieval cities along the Main River and cruise through the most scenic portion of the Rhine. Continue to the lush Mosel River Valley, famous for its historic castles and the steepest vineyards in the world. Conclude your river cruise vacation in Paris, the City of Lights.

Included in your program:

° 2 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Budapest at the Sofitel Chain Bridge (or similar) with daily Buffet Breakfast

° Transfer from the hotel to the ship in Budapest

° 14 Nights Deluxe Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom

° Daily Sightseeing Program as outlined in the Itinerary

° Infotainment System in all Staterooms with Free Internet, Hit Movies, Music Library and English Language TV Stations

° Terry Bathrobes and White-on-white plush Bedding in all Staterooms

° Superb Dining with all Meals included during your Cruise

° Free-flowing Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions, beer and soft drinks with every Dinner on board the Ship

° Bottled Water in every stateroom replenished daily

° 3 Nights Hotel Accommodation in Paris at the Le Méridien Etoile (or similar) including daily Buffet Breakfast

° Special Highlights including Folklore Dances, Lectures, Theme Dinners, onboard Music Performances and afternoon & evening

   Piano Music

° Use of Bicycles to explore on your own

° Services of Professional Cruise Manager

° All English Language on board in a non-smoking Environment (smoking permitted only on the Sun Deck)

° All local Taxes

Day 1 - Arrive in Budapest, Hungary
Arrive in Budapest. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring this beautiful city.

Day 2 - Budapest
This morning, your sightseeing tour takes you to historic Buda Castle, from where you can enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and St. Stephen's Basilica. (B)

Day 3 - Budapest - Embarkation
Enjoy a free morning in Budapest or join us on an optional Puszta excursion, where you will experience the revival of a 100-year-old tradition of Hungarian horsemanship. In the afternoon, transfer to your luxurious river cruise ship docked in the center of the city. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner, as your ship cruises overnight to Bratislava. (B,D)

Day 4 - Bratislava, Slovakia - Vienna, Austria
Choose between a “Communist Tour” or a guided walking tour of Bratislava’s major sights, including the Old Town Hall, the stunning Mirbach Palace and the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral. The afternoon is free to shop or explore on your own. Perhaps, visit the 13th-century Bratislava Castle where you'll enjoy breathtaking views overlooking three countries - Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. An eventful day is followed by an evening filled with an enchanting music performance on board. After midnight the ship departs for Vienna. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Vienna
Enjoy a guided city tour followed by free time in the city center, then a walking tour from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. In the afternoon, enjoy your free time strolling along the main shopping street, Karntnerstrasse, or sampling some of Vienna’s famous pastries. In the alternative, join an optional tour to the Imperial Schönbrunn Palace, which includes entrance to the Carriage Museum. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Durnstein - Melk
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley for your walking tour of Dürnstein, known as one of the prettiest towns along the Danube. Marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche and see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns and includes a wine tasting at a local vintner. After lunch, enjoy your scenic cruise to Melk. Here, you will tour the magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. You may also choose to enjoy a guided bicycle tour between Dürnstein and Melk (capacity controlled). (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Linz - Passau, Germany
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg, birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and the setting for the “Sound of Music” or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. Located where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube, a walking tour will lead you through this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Regensburg
At lunchtime, arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Nuremberg
Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising through the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmühl Valley. In the afternoon, you decide as you enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. Either choose the medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year-old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th-century and see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Nuremberg - Munich
Take the train to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities, often given the nickname "Germany's secret capital” for some free time. Your escort today will offer suggestions of what to do while you are there and take you to lunch in a local restaurant. Tonight, you will meet fellow travelers embarking from Prague. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Bamberg - Schweinfurt
Enjoy your breakfast as you cruise through the engineering marvel known as the Main-Danube Canal which straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks. Arrive in the town of Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. There is free time before you continue your cruise, now on the Main River. Arrive at the charming town of Schweinfurt, where you will enjoy an evening walk. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - Kitzingen - Wurzburg
Today, arrive in Kitzingen, where you will enjoy a walking tour and a wine tasting in Germany’s oldest wine cellar. You will also tour Würzburg, the capital of Lower Franconia. "The Pearl of the Romantic Road" is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. During your tour, see the major sights including the magnificent Residenz Palace. In the alternative, enjoy an optional tour to Medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled city situated on the Romantic Road. Your walking tour includes entrance to the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 13 - Wertheim - Miltenberg
Disembark the ship in Wertheim where you will have free time to explore the town on your own. A guided bicycle tour of Wertheim is also available (capacity controlled). A motor coach will then take you to Freudenberg to rejoin your ship. Cruise during lunch time to Miltenberg, arriving in the afternoon for a guided walking tour along cobble-stone streets lined with gabled, half-timbered houses. Tonight, the ship sails leaving Bavaria, Franconia and the Main River behind. (B,L,D)

Day 14 - Mainz - Rudesheim - Koblenz
Today, decide between two excursions: Take a guided walking trip of beautiful Mainz and see the famous Gutenberg Museum, home of the world’s first printed bible. After lunch, visit the charming town of Rüdesheim, where you will take a mini train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. You will have free time to explore the Drosselgasse, a narrow alley lined with wine taverns and restaurants. In the alternative to Mainz and Rüdesheim, another option is a visit to the Koblenz Flower Show, taking place through October in the historic wine-growing town of Koblenz situated at the confluence of the Mosel and Rhine rivers. This special event features 120 acres of magnificent floral displays, exhibitions and events. Exhibit grounds include the hilltop Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, which you will visit. The ship continues on to dock in the early evening in the vicinity of Koblenz. (B,L,D)

Day 15 - Cochem - Zell

After breakfast, enjoy a guided visit of Reichsburg Castle, situated above Cochem with spectacular views of the River Mosel. This afternoon continue past hillside vineyards to Zell, home of the famous "Zeller Schwarze Katz" (“Black Cat”) wine. A welcoming wine fest awaits you this evening. Experience the hospitality of Zell with a visit by the Mayor and Wine Queens. Enjoy a wine tasting as you are treated to a special performance by the local children, aka the “Black Cats.” (B,L,D)

Day 16 - Trier

Continue to Trier, Germany's oldest city, for a guided tour of the city's rich ancient Roman past. This evening, the ship sails for Luxembourg. (B,L,D)

Day 17 - Remich  - Disembark - Luxembourg - Paris, France
This morning, bid farewell to your cruise ship in Remich, Luxembourg. Enjoy a walking tour of Luxembourg, one of the oldest independent Grand Duchies in Europe and one which still plays a role in international politics and banking. You will have some free time before boarding a TGV high-speed train to Paris. Arrive in the mid-afternoon and check in to your hotel. (B)

Day 18 - Paris
Enjoy Paris’ famous sights during this morning's guided tour. Visit Notre Dame Cathedral, pass the Louvre Museum, the commemorative Arc de Triomphe, Opéra, La Madeleine, Les Champs Elysées and much more. The remainder of the day is yours to explore the many museums, galleries and other attractions that the city has to offer. (B)

Day 19 - Paris
Your last day in the “City of Lights” is free for you to enjoy. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World's Fair; gaze at the Impressionist collection at the Musee D’Orsay; stroll along the Seine or choose one of several optional tours. (B)

Day 20 - Paris
End of services after breakfast. (B)

* Reverse Itinerary available as well.