Jewels of Europe Cruise
aboard the Scenic Pearl
Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest (with Fly Free option)
Sail along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers
September 21 - October 5, 2022
from $8195/person
Grand palaces and fairytale castles
A region steeped in the history of ancient trade routes, today the rivers of the Rhine, Main and Danube meander through forested hillsides, idyllic vineyards and romantic towns.
Restored castles still stand watch from their position atop dramatic hilltops, just as they did in the days of feudal knights and land barons. However, today the sites of ancient battles and medieval skirmishes have been replaced by a tranquil countryside with thriving towns and villages. Elsewhere, romantic ruins echo with a timeless beauty and Gothic spires rise out of the picturesque communities nestled along the river banks. This is a journey that will take you through the Europe of your imagination, full of wonder, recalling medieval jousts, cobbled streets and childhood fairytales while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
A region steeped in the history of ancient trade routes, today the rivers of the Rhine, Main and Danube meander through forested hillsides, idyllic vineyards and romantic towns.
Restored castles still stand watch from their position atop dramatic hilltops, just as they did in the days of feudal knights and land barons. However, today the sites of ancient battles and medieval skirmishes have been replaced by a tranquil countryside with thriving towns and villages. Elsewhere, romantic ruins echo with a timeless beauty and Gothic spires rise out of the picturesque communities nestled along the river banks. This is a journey that will take you through the Europe of your imagination, full of wonder, recalling medieval jousts, cobbled streets and childhood fairytales while creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Truly All-Inclusive Highlights:
Wurzburg
Salzburg
Vienna
Buapest
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View your 15-day itinerary Day 1 Amsterdam (Embarkation):Your journey into wonder begins here. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception. Day 2 Amsterdam: Hop aboard one of our e-bikes and take a guided bicycle tour outside the city, or join a flavours of Holland walking tour and taste some Dutch favourites such as herring, cheese and poffertjes. Alternatively, take the opportunity to experience an iconic canal cruise and see the city from a different angle, or step outside of Amsterdam and visit the villages of Alkmaar & Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Day 3 Cologne: Take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral, or explore the city’s past and present, from Roman times to its Jewish heritage, during a guided tour. Alternatively, if you are feeling more active, cycle to Cologne from the charming medieval village of Zons. Day 4 Rhine Gorge–Rüdesheim: Enjoy the unrivalled views of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Then alight in Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, before enjoying a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument for spectacular views of the river. Day 5 Miltenberg: Meet a monk at a local monastery for a tour and insight into regional beer production, or meet a winemaker for a taste of his fine wines. Alternatively, meet a Baron and Baroness and learn about aristocratic life, or opt to visit a local Schnapps producer or a farming family and taste some of their home made products. Day 6 Würzburg: Traverse the famous Romantic Road to Rothenburg where you’ll tour the charming walled city, home to many beautiful half timbered houses. Alternatively, visit Würzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz Palace and sample some exquisite local wine in the underground cellars. Day 7 Bamberg: Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Bamberg and walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did. Day 8 Nuremberg: Enjoy this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century. Day 9 Regensburg: There is much to explore in the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, situated at the confluence of three rivers. Day 10 Salzburg: Enjoy a guided tour of the Baroque Old Town of Salzburg, learn about one of its most famous residents, Mozart, and be mesmerized by the city’s history and architecture. Alternatively, you may choose to join a walking tour focusing on sights from the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music’ including the beautiful Mirabell Gardens. Day 11 Melk - Durnstein: Experience Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey on a guided tour, or if you are feeling more active, embark on an enjoyable guided bike ride along the river from Melk to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the region. Alternatively, visit the fairytale castle of Burg Aggstein. Built in the 12th century, the castle ruins offers spectacular views across the Danube. Day 12 Vienna: Acquaint yourself with this opulent city by taking a fascinating guided tour of its most famous sights, including the Ringstrasse. Day 13 Vienna: Take a tour of the Slovakian capital Bratislava, or visit Schönbrunn Palace and witness the sheer opulence of the Habsburg Empire. Alternatively, discover Viennese coffee culture during a guided tour. Or, those feeling more active can explore a different side of Vienna on a cycling tour to Danube Island. Day 14 Budapest: Today we find ourselves in Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe’s oldest and prettiest cities. Day 15 Budapest (Disembarkation): Depart after breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful memories. 
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