14-night Magnificent Rivers Of Europe Cruise

Caught between eastern and western Europe, Budapest has a character uniquely its own. It's also the last cheap, civilised city in Europe. Budapest can seem like one big sight, with each phase in its history, from the Ottoman period until the Communist days and from renaissance to revolution, leaving its mark on the city. For the tourist, a trip to Hungary's capital is dominated by the majestic sights of Buda. In the summer, there are open-air festivals at Szeged, Diosgyor Castle in Miskolc, Gyor and Pecs. Visit the former Royal Palace complex, the Matyas templom and the Belvaros. Margaret Island is a giant recreational park and feels pleasantly separated from the city bustle. Hungarian National Gallery houses Hungarian art since the birth of the nation. Although Esztergom is Hungary's most sacred city, home of the Archbishop and the nation's biggest church, it has a real-life edge. The first-time visitor to Szeged is invariably struck by its space and grandeur. One's immediate impressions of Hungary's third largest provincial city are of greenery and plazas, of broad.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:

• Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
• State Opera (outside)
• St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
• Parliament Buidling (outside)
• Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
• Matthias Church (indoor visit)

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.

Highlights:

• Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
• Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
• Matthias Church (inside visit)
• Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
• Parliament Building (inside visit)

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:

• Budapest's Castle Hill
• Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
• Holy Trinity Square
• Hess András Square
• Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
• Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Caught between eastern and western Europe, Budapest has a character uniquely its own. It's also the last cheap, civilised city in Europe. Budapest can seem like one big sight, with each phase in its history, from the Ottoman period until the Communist days and from renaissance to revolution, leaving its mark on the city. For the tourist, a trip to Hungary's capital is dominated by the majestic sights of Buda. In the summer, there are open-air festivals at Szeged, Diosgyor Castle in Miskolc, Gyor and Pecs. Visit the former Royal Palace complex, the Matyas templom and the Belvaros. Margaret Island is a giant recreational park and feels pleasantly separated from the city bustle. Hungarian National Gallery houses Hungarian art since the birth of the nation. Although Esztergom is Hungary's most sacred city, home of the Archbishop and the nation's biggest church, it has a real-life edge. The first-time visitor to Szeged is invariably struck by its space and grandeur. One's immediate impressions of Hungary's third largest provincial city are of greenery and plazas, of broad.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:

• Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
• State Opera (outside)
• St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
• Parliament Buidling (outside)
• Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
• Matthias Church (indoor visit)

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.

Highlights:

• Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
• Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
• Matthias Church (inside visit)
• Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
• Parliament Building (inside visit)

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.

Highlights:

• Budapest's Castle Hill
• Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
• Holy Trinity Square
• Hess András Square
• Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
• Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Bratislava is Slovakia's capital and largest city. The Carpathian Mountains, which begin at the Iron Gate of Romania, finally come to an end here. Vineyards on the slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains meet the Danube River. The Austrian border is almost within sight of the city and Hungary is less than 15 miles away. Many beautiful monuments survive in the old town to tell of its past under Hungarian rule, and Bratislava's numerous museums are surprisingly rich. Franz Lizst visited Bratislava 15 times, and the opera productions of Slovak National Theatre rival anything in Europe. The old city, which is packed with museums and palaces, and the castle are the best parts of Bratislava - the rest of the city is pretty drab. Climb up the castle for great views and to check out the very interesting Museum of Folk Music within. The Slovak National Museum and the Slovak National Gallery on the river are also worth a visit. Hviezdoslavovo námestie (square) is a convenient orientation point, with the old town to the north, the Danube to the south, and Bratislava Castle to the west.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Bratislava Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Bratislava, 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Enjoy a lovely guided city walk within the historic centre of Bratislava, followed by an interesting city tour and ride up the city hill to the Bratislava Castle, built in the 9th century - still today one of Bratislava's landmarks.

Highlights:

• City Walk within the historic centre of Bratislava
• Main sights and spots, e.g. Old Town Hall, Main Square, St. Martin Cathedral etc.
• Visit of the Bratislava Castle premises and the Slovak National Museum

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Bratislava
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide  (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for Slovak National Museum in Bratislava Castle

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances, other than stated above

Bratislava Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour Bratislava & Devin Castle, 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Enjoy a lovely guided Bratislava City Walk and City Tour, including a visit of it's landmark, the Bratislava Castle - and rounded up by an excursion to one of the oldest castles in Slovakia, the Devin Castle (located at the confluence of the Danube and Moravia rivers, close to the Austrian border).

Highlights:

• City Walk within the historic centre of Bratislava
• Main sights and spots, e.g. Old Town Hall, Main Square, St. Martin Cathedral etc.
• Visit of the Bratislava Castle premises and the Slovak National Museum
• Excursion to Devin Castle, located 10km from Bratislava

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Bratislava
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide  (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for Slovak National Museum in Bratislava Castle
• Entrance fee for Devin Castle

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances, other than stated above

Vienna is dominated by imperial castles and places: Schonbrunn, the magnificent summer residence, the Imperial Coach Collection, the Palm House, the Butterfly House, Belvedere Palace, magnificent state rooms in Hofburg, and the imperial crown in the Treasury. Stop by Ringstraße - the showplace of the monarchy built where Emperor Franz Joseph ordered the demolition of city walls. Important buildings include the State Opera, the Museums of Fine Arts and Natural History, Parliament, City Hall and Vienna University. The world capital of music. A long line of great composers Johann Strauss, Haydn and Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert, Mahler and Schonberg all worked here. A city with splendid concert halls, such as the Golden Hall, from which the Philharmonic's New Year's Day concert is broadcast annually. International stars love to appear here in the State Opera, Volksoper, Konzerthaus, and at festivals like the Vienna Festival, the Klangbogen concerts during the Musical Summer, the Jazz Festval and the Haydn, Mozart and Schubert festivals.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Vienna's Old Town, 2,5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This interesting city walk offers you an initial overview of the history, culture and achitecture of Vienna, taking you through the most beautiful and elegant streets and passing by some of the most famous sights of the city.
At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.

Highlights:

• The Imperial Palace, residence of the Habsburgs for nearly 650 years (outside)
• St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Vienna's landmark (outside)
• State Opera House (outside)
• the Ringstrasse ('ring road')

• Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances
• Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Mozart in Vienna, 2,5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
During this city walk "On the Traces of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart", you discover Vienna's historic old town, passing by some of the most important locations of Mozart's life. This tour also includes a visit of the Mozart House. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.

Highlights:

• Vienna's historic old town and former addresses of Mozart (outdoor)
• Visit of the Mozart House Vienna (indoor visit)
• St. Stephen's Cathedral (outdoor)

• Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee Mozart House (visit with audio-guide)

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above
• Return transfer to the cruise ship (optional service upon extra charge)

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk Imperial Palace, 2,5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This privately guided walking tour through Vienna's historic old town takes you to the Imperial Palace ('Hofburg'), to visit the Imperial Apartments and the fascinating Sisi Museum.

Highlights:

• Visit of the Imperial Palace and the Imperial Apartments (indoor visit)
• Visit of the Sisi Museum (indoor visit)
• Augustinian Church

• Pick up the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for the Imperial Palace (Imperial Apartments and the Sisi Museum)

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above
• Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour of Vienna & Visit of Schoenbrunn Palace, 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This privately guided tour shows you the major historical sights along the Ringstrasse, before taking you to the magnificent Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the Habsburg family.

Highlights:

• Main sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, Burgtheater, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
• Visit of the Schoenbrunn Palace, privately guided tour (indoor visit)

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for Schoenbrunn Palace (Highlight Tour)

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Tour Art Nouveau and Viennese Architecture, 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
In addition to the familiar Gothic and Baroque buildings, Art Nouveau has a fixed place in Viennese architecture. Naturally, this tour also covers further architecural epoques, such as modernity.

Highlights:

• Architecturally interesting sights along the Ringstrasse: e.g. Imperial Palace, National Museums, State Opera, City Hall, Parliament etc. (outside)
• Visit of the Vienna Secession (inside visit)
• Visit of the Kunst Haus Wien (insde visit)
• St. Charles's Church (outside)
• Hundertwasserhaus (outside)

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• Transfer in a private car
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for Vienna Secession
• Entrance fee for Kunst Haus Wien

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above

Vienna Shore Excursion: Private City Walk & the Lipizzaner Horses, 5 hours — Optional Private Excursions
From Tuesday to Friday (9am-1pm, excl. July), this package covers many interesting aspects of Vienna: Starting with a short Vienna Old Town City Walk, you follow your guide through the old town towards the Spanish Riding School, where you attend the Lippizaner's Morning Exercise, allowing an insight into the training of the Lipizzaner Horses and their riders. At the end of this tour, you can continue exploring the city centre on your own.

Highlights:

• Overview of the history, culture and architecture of Vienna
• Vienna's historic old town (outside)
• Attendance of the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School (inside visit)
• Coffee break at the famous Café Central

• Pick up at the landing stage of the cruise ship in Vienna
• One way transfer in private car from the pier to the city centre
• Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
• Entrance fee for the Morning Exercise at the Spanish Riding School
• Coffee break at Café Demel (1 hot drink, 1 piece of cake)

• Meals
• Gratuities
• Personal expenses
• Entrances other than stated above
• Return transfer to the ship (optional service upon extra charge)

Here in the heart of the beautiful Wachau wine region where vineyards lace softly rolling hills lies Duernstein (Durnstein). See the ruins of Kuenringer Castle where Richard the Lionheart was reputedly held prisoner. Visit the former Collegiate Church. A stroll through medieval cobblestone streets reveals old burgher houses, wine taverns and quaint 16th and 18th century townhouses. Enjoy a wine tasting in one of the many charming taverns.

Destination Guide

In the third millennium, Passau was considerably enlarged by the prince bishops of Passau, who made it their royal residence and capital of the largest Danube diocese. The wonderful Baroque buildings dominating the city today were built after a fire of 1662. One of the most striking is cathedral of St. Stephan, with the world's biggest church organ. One of the best ways to enjoy the magic of Passau is with a sightseeing tour. Other sights to see include: Neue Residenz - an Episcopal palace; Veste Oberhaus - Citadel of the prince bishops with the best view of the Old Town and confluence of the three rivers; Town Hall, which is lavishly decorated halls with monumental paintings; Niedernburg Abbey - tomb of Gisela, first queen of Hungary; Maria Hilf - an abbey and place of pilgrimage overlooking the town center; Dreiflusse-Eck - the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz; and St. Nikolai - a University church with Romanesque crypt.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Passau Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour to Munich, 8 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This full day tour takes you to the Bavarian capital for a Private City Tour of Munich; among others you pass by impressive sights such as the Nymphenburg Palace, the Royal Residence, the Olympia Park and many more.

Highlights:

• Private licensed Munich Guide for your City Tour
• Main sights in Munich: e.g. Olympia Park, BMW building, Old and New Art Gallery (Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek), National Theatre, Royal Residence, Nymphenburg Palace, The Angel of Peace Monument in Schwabing, King’s Square, Victory Gate, English Garden and many more (only outside visits!).

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Passau or Vilshofen
• Transfer in a private minivan with English speaking driver
• Private licensed English speaking guide for the Munich City Tour (other languages available, but on request)

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances

Passau Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Tour to Cesky Krumlov, 7 hours — Optional Private Excursions
This full day tour takes you just across the border to the Czech Republic,to visit Cesky Krumlov (UNESCO World Heritage Site). From April till October, an inside visit of the Cesky Krumlov Castle is included in this package.

Highlights:

• Private licensed local Guide for your Cesky Krumlov visit
• Cesky Krumlov - medieval city, impressing with its unique atmosphere, including the Minorite Monastery and the Church of St. Vitus.
• From April-October (Tuesday-Sunday): inside visit of the enthroning Cesky Krumlov Castle.

• Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Passau or Vilshofen
• Transfer in a private minivan with English speaking driver
• Private licensed English speaking guide for the Cesky Krumlov City Tour (other languages available, but on request)
• April-October (Tuesday-Sunday): Entrance fee for Cesky Krumlov Castle

• Meals
• Gratuities and personal expenses
• Entrances, other than stated above

Private explorations in the quaint three river village — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:
 
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your city stroll according to your interests and expectations
 
The picturesque city of Passau, known as ‘The City of Three Rivers’, stands at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and the Ilz Rivers in Germany’s far southeast corner near the Austrian border
 
Passau was an ancient Roman colony and a former hub of the salt trade, then later the Holy Roman Empire, largest diocese and a sword-making centre
 
Enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre with its enchanting, narrow lanes, beautiful riverbank promenades to see the ‘Rathaus’, with its , Baroque festival hall, the New Bishop's Residence before arriving at St. Stephen's Cathedral
 
St. Stephen's is a true masterpiece of Italian Baroque and is most famous for its spectacular organ. With 17,774 pipes and 233 registers it is not to be missed. Schedule permitted enjoy a recital by their master organist
 
End your walk with a stop at our favourite watering hole for a tasting of the famous local Granit gin or enjoy traditional baked goods at ‘Kerscher’ where recipes are handed from generation to generation for over 100 years
 
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour

Inclusions:

• Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
• All taxes

• Meals
• Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
• Tipping at your discretion

Regensburg is located in Bavaria, one of the most distinctive regions of the entire nation. It is an ancient city. Settled first by the Celts in prehistoric times, it was a Roman center for centuries and the site of an important bishopric in the Middle Ages and after. Regensburg is now a thriving city of approximately 150,000 and is a major port on the Danube with beautiful and well-preserved architecture as well as striking, modern buildings. It is only a short distance from both Munich and Nuremberg and within easy access of Vienna, Prague, and other major centers of Central Europe.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Private walk of romantic Regensburg city center — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:
 
Meet our experienced local team member at your ship and tailor your explorations according to your interests and expectations
 
Walk over the medieval stone bridge from 1135, that the knights of the 2nd and 3rd crusade used to cross the Danube on their way to the Holy Land
 
Visit the historic city center with its famous gothic Cathedral containing numerous 15^th century artifacts
 
Explore the Adler-Pharmacy, founded in 1610 with its exquisite authentic interior and historical vessels
 
See castle Thurn und Taxis still inhabited by the royal Thurn and Taxis family, depending on interest visit the splendid chambers of this princely residence
 
Visit remains of the Roman fortress' walls including the Porta Praetoria and the St. Emmeram's Abbey.
 
Stroll along the charming cobble stone alleys of historic city centre and enjoy a special Regensburg Bratwurst or stop at the oldest café in Germany (founded 1868) continuously serving the most tempting treats before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 2 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour

Inclusions:

• Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
• All taxes

• Meals
• Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
• Tipping at your discretion

The second largest city in Bavaria, Nuremberg is a glowing testament to medieval culture as evidenced in its historic monuments, Gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Take a walk around the 13th-century city walls, complete with moats, watchtowers and gateways. Then experience "shopping" as it was in the Middle Ages at the Handwerker Hof, a charming "mediaeval mall". Don't forget to sample the city's famous Bratwürste annd Lebkuchen.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Nuremberg: From history to Bratwurst and ginger bread (6 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:
 
Meet your experienced and fully licensed driver-guide to discuss your interests for the day before getting started
 
Nuremberg was one of the richest and most important 'free cities' of the Holy German Empire, whose golden age, the German Renaissance, produced such illustrious artists as the painter Albrecht Duerer, the sculptor Veit Stoß and the mastersinger Hans Sachs
 
Explore the old town market place and sample traditional ginger bread at the legendary local bakeries before heading to the beautiful Fountain and Church of our Lady as well as Sebaldus Church.  
 
Stroll the alleys uphill to the Imperial Castle, affording excellent views over historic city center and passing Albrecht Duerer house along the way
 
Depending on interest visit sites such as the Nazi documentation centre at the former rallye grounds or the famous room 600 where the Nazi trials were held after WWII
 
End of tour at Altstadt brewery to enjoy a beer and original Nuremberg sausages before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 6 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light

Inclusions:

• Transportation by luxury car
• Touring with one of our excellent driver-guides
• All taxes

• Meals
• Optional admissions and museum licensing fees
• Tipping at your discretion

Bamberg is a historical yet dynamic city. It is a town of complementary tradition and progress. The locals like to stress their city spreads across seven hills like Rome, has a network of waterways like Venice, and an old city which is at least as beautiful as Prague and on which the same architects left their unmistakable mark. Old Town Hall, which parts the flow of the River Regnitz, can only be reached by two stone bridges; the Romanesque/Gothic Cathedral is endowed with four unique towers; the picturesque fishermen's houses of "Little Venice" prop each other up on the river bank and the magnificent New Residence boasts a splendid baroque room known as the Emperor's Hall. In summer, Bamberg's beer cellars or "Keller" are a special attraction. The locals and tourists appreciate a locally brewed beer and savor a typical Franconian snack. Bamberg is lovely for those who also enjoy a stroll. The possibilities are many and include the Hain, an extensive wooded park on the periphery, or the pretty paths along the canals and the River Regnitz.

Destination Guide

The historic bishopric of Würzburg on the river Main is now the capital of Lower Franconia. Surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards, Würzburg is a centre of the wine trade. Visit the cathedral, the Neumünster church, the Marienkapelle and the old town hall. The true highlight is the former episcopal residence built from 1719 to 1744. This splendid example of German Baroque architecture is the most important secular building of the period. It features a grand staircase with a magnificent fresco by Giovanni Tiepolo.

Destination Guide

Visit the historic market place "Schnatterloch" and the site of the set for the film "The pub in Spessart Forest". From here proceed to the nearby Amorbach, a romantic Baroque town, where you visit the Odenwald nature reserve.

Destination Guide

Rüdesheim is located in the heart of the Rhine river area at the southern entrance to the Lorelei valley. This romantic holiday town offers much to visitors seeking a fabulous German experience. As you cruise down the Rhine, if you listen carefully, you just might hear the siren calling as you pass the Rock of Lorelei. One attraction to visit is the Niederwald monument. Erected between 1877 and 1883, this huge monument symbolizes the re-establishment of the German Empire and unity. From Rudesheim, one can either take the foot path to the monument or the cablecar leading to the top. The panoramic views from the top are spectacular. Rudesheim is also famous for the Abbey of St. Hildegard. Some think the building is older than it is, but truly, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Other sites to see are the Wine Museum in Broemserburg Castle, Siegfried's Mechanical Music Instruments Museum and the Medieval Torture Museum, which boasts a wide collection of medeival relics.

Destination Guide

Cologne is a city where cathedral spires tower over Germany's oldest city and its innumerable cultural and historical treasures, world-famous museums and active art scene. In Cologne, street music on the Hohe Strasse or galas in the modern opera house; pavement painting on the cathedral concourse or old masters in the Wallraf Richartz Museum; the annual music festival along the inner ring road or carnival in the entire city all becomes synthesized into a vivacious work of art in a cosmopolitan metropolis boasting more than a million inhabitants which has never lost its neighborly character. From venerable breweries offering unique Kolsch beer and typical Cologne delicacies to first-class restaurants - boasting well in excess of 3000 public houses, restaurants and breweries Cologne is one of Germany's leading gastronomic lights. The world feels at home in Cologne, where people meet for a Kolsch, a chat or simply a laugh.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Cologne historic city centre (4 - 6 hours) — Optional Private Excursions
Highlights:
 
Meet our experienced local team member and tailor your walking tour according to your interests and expectations before getting started
 
Founded by the Roman General Agrippa in 38 B.C, Cologne has a rich Roman and medieval past.

The tour will take you to the most important ancient Roman sites, which include: Remnants of the governor's palace, complete with vaulted Roman sewer, Ruins of a Roman villa, Two-story tomb of Poblicius from 40 A.D., Roman graveyard and vestiges of the ancient stone defences
 
Visit Cologne's towering landmark, the Cathedral (Dom), a masterpiece of High Gothic architecture and one of the largest cathedrals in Europe
 
Highlights include the 13th century Reliquary of the Three Kings by Nicholas de Verdun; the 10th century Gero-Crucifix, believed to be the western world's oldest monumental cross, and the luminous Adoration of the Magi triptych by Stephan Lochner (15th century)
 
See the 14th century Gothic town hall, a Jewish bathing house from 1170 and 'Overstolzenhaus’, Cologne's oldest and finest patrician residence with its steep gables and round arches when strolling the charming pedestrian zone
 
If of interest visit the Roman-Germanic Museum or Museum Ludwig, the city's famous gallery of 20th century highlights
 
End your tour at one of the many traditional brewery-style restaurants that dot the city and try a fresh ‘Koelsch’ the famous beer from Cologne before heading back to the ship
 
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: All day
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Physical Activity Level: Light walking tour

Inclusions:

• Touring with one of our excellent local insiders
• Cathedral licensing fee
• All taxes

• Meals
• Optional admissions
• Tipping at your discretion

Cosmopolitan Amsterdam is most famous for its narrow, gabled houses lining the canals. Interesting attractions include the medieval weighhouse, Royal Palace on Dam Square, and New Church. Its most glamorous industry is the diamond trade. Not too far from Amsterdam are the flower centers of Aalsmeer, the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, cheese markets at Edam and Gouda, and historic Haarlem, the main center of the bulb-growing industry. Enjoy the city’s sights from a glass-topped sightseeing boat which passes characteristic gabled houses and negotiates picturesque arched bridges. Facing Dam Square, the Royal Palace was built in 1648 and is still officially the royal residence, although the royal family resides in The Hague. The marbled Citizens Hall with inlaid maps of the world is worth seeing. One of Amsterdam’s most visited sites is historic Anne Frank House. Rijksmuseum, the city’s most prestigious museum, houses the largest collection of Dutch paintings in the world. Van Gogh Museum houses a striking collection.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.

*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)

Highlights:

• Tour Anne Frank's house

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 4 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace.  Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.

After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)

Highlights:

• Visit Anne Frank's House
• Explore the Van Gogh Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.

From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.

Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.

After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).

On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)


Highlights:

• Witness the majestic windmills known as the Three Sisters
• Delve into Delft's artistic heritage

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Cosmopolitan Amsterdam is most famous for its narrow, gabled houses lining the canals. Interesting attractions include the medieval weighhouse, Royal Palace on Dam Square, and New Church. Its most glamorous industry is the diamond trade. Not too far from Amsterdam are the flower centers of Aalsmeer, the picturesque fishing villages of Volendam and Marken, cheese markets at Edam and Gouda, and historic Haarlem, the main center of the bulb-growing industry. Enjoy the city’s sights from a glass-topped sightseeing boat which passes characteristic gabled houses and negotiates picturesque arched bridges. Facing Dam Square, the Royal Palace was built in 1648 and is still officially the royal residence, although the royal family resides in The Hague. The marbled Citizens Hall with inlaid maps of the world is worth seeing. One of Amsterdam’s most visited sites is historic Anne Frank House. Rijksmuseum, the city’s most prestigious museum, houses the largest collection of Dutch paintings in the world. Van Gogh Museum houses a striking collection.

Destination Guide

Excursions

Amsterdam: An Introduction to Amsterdam – 4 hours — Optional Private Excursions
Meet your driver at the Port in Amsterdam for a private transfer to the city centre where your guide is waiting to meet you for a walking tour of this beautiful city. Begin at Dam Square, bordered by the Royal Palace and enjoy wonderful views of the canals and gabled houses of the mercantile quarter before visiting the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*. After your tour, transfer in the comfort of your own private vehicle back to your ship.

*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)

Highlights:

• Tour Anne Frank's house

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 4 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Amsterdam: Highlights of Amsterdam - 8 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
Spend the day exploring Amsterdam in the hands of your expert guide. You are met at the port and transferred to Dam Square where your morning’s walking tour includes the notable Royal Palace.  Admire the views of the canals and the gabled houses of the Canal Ring district, where you will visit the house in which Anne Frank wrote her celebrated diary during the last war*.

After lunch explore the beautifully-restored Rijksmuseum, to admire the stunning collection of masterpieces from the seventeenth-century Golden Age, including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. No visit to Amsterdam would be complete without seeing the delightful Van Gogh Museum, home to many of his famous works as well as those of other Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

*tickets for the Anne Frank House sell out very quickly and are subject to availability. Guides are not allowed to accompany you into the house itself, but will be waiting for you at the end of your visit (approx. 45-90 mins)

Highlights:

• Visit Anne Frank's House
• Explore the Van Gogh Museum

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities

Amsterdam: The Three Sisters, Delft & Den Haag - 8 Hours — Optional Private Excursions
You are met at Amsterdam port for a full-day excursion outside of the city. Head south into the countryside for a photo opportunity at the impressive Three Sisters Windmills in Stompwijk. As over a third of the Netherlands lies below sea level, windmills were initially designed to pump vast amount of water out, thus protecting land from flooding. Today, these silent giants draw many visitors every year for their charming appearances.

From here, you travel on to Delft, world-renowned for its famous blue and white pottery and one of the most beautiful towns in the Netherlands. Take in the town’s architectural gems and charming ambience, which are best appreciated by walking along its small canals with their graceful humpbacked bridges.

Following this, enjoy a privately-guided tour at the Royal Delft Experience, where a painter shares the passion behind the production of this stunning 17th-century earthenware during a special demonstration.

After lunch at leisure, you continue to the Hague, the home of the Dutch Royal Family and the administrative capital of the Netherlands; walk the Inner court past the Government buildings and take the opportunity for a photo stop at the International Court of Justice. You may like to visit the Mauritshuis Museum, which holds one of the world's finest collections of paintings, including Rembrandt, Steen, Hals, Rubens and Van Dyck, or you may choose to visit the Panorama Mesdag, which hosts the Panorama, one of the largest canvas paintings in the world (subject to opening times).

On your return journey, stop at Scheveningen beach for some spectacular views before continuing back. (8 hours, driver and guide)


Highlights:

• Witness the majestic windmills known as the Three Sisters
• Delve into Delft's artistic heritage

• Private transport by luxury car or minivan
• An expert local guide for 8 hours
• Entrance fees to all sights and museums
• All taxes

• All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
• Gratuities