Tour Type:River Cruise Tour Duration:15 Days (14 Nights) From:Amsterdam toBudapest Tour Code:EUMC15 Operator:APT
from AU $5,865 pp
Click Map To Enlarge
River Cruise Description
On this inimitable river cruise, glide from Amsterdam through five countries to Budapest, cruising down the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, stopping to take in the iconic attractions and charming secrets of Europe's heartland.
Included Signature Experiences
Tour medieval Wertheim Castle and enjoy a sparkling glass of Sekt
Enjoy an exclusive wine event, hosted by the Aulic Council, in Germany’s oldest wine cellar in Kitzingen, and a special medieval-themed evening back on board your ship
Visit Albertina palace in Vienna for a Cocktail Reception and a private concert of classical music
Visit the Hungarian State Opera Housein Budapest for a tour, a glass of champagne and a private music recital
APT Guaranteed Inclusions
Join an expert local guide for a unique cultural experience in up to 15 towns, villages and cities
Tailor your European discovery with a total of 33 included experiences on offer
Transfers, port charges & tipping included – saving you up to $1,710 per couple
Enjoy excursions and entertainment to the value of $2,020 per couple
Outstanding Accommodation
Enjoy 14 nights cruising on a luxurious Aria or Concerto class river ship
Cruising Highlights
Cruise past castles, quaint villages and fertile fields along the River Rhine
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known as the Rhine’s most beautiful stretch
Glide through the picturesque valleys of the meandering Main River
Traverse the Main-Danube Canal, with its fascinating stair-step locks
Cross Europe’s Continental Divide
Absorb the gorgeous riverside scenery along the majestic Danube River
Cruise through the pretty Wachau Valley
Enjoy a range of entertaining evening performances on board
Freedom of Choice Touring
Amsterdam – take a guided canal boat cruise, visit the Van Gogh Museum; or tour the National Maritime Museum
Rüdesheim – visit a mu sical instrument museum; enjoy a winery tour and wine tasting; or take a ride in a gondola
Wertheim – walking tour or bicycle tour
Würzburg – tour the Residential Palace or visit the medieval city of Rothenburg
Nuremberg – take a medieval tour or see a range of significant World War II sites
Regensburg – take a guided city tour; or cycle to the temple of W alhalla
Passau – take a tour then cruise to Linz; enjoy a trip to Salzburg; or visit Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic
Dürnstein – enjoy a tour and wine tasting or take a guided ride along the Danube
Vienna – explore Schönbrunn Palace; visit the Fine Arts Museum and the Imperial Treasury; visit the Spanish Riding School and the Imperial Crypt; or tour Bratislava
Arrive Amsterdam, Embark Ship
Be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship. Tonight, enjoy the chance to meet your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. 14 Night River Cruise: One of APT’s luxurious Aria or Concerto class river ship (D)
Day 2
Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today, perhaps take a canal cruise and admire Amsterdam from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th-century homes, churches and 16th-century merchant houses. Or visit the Van Gogh Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. Alternatively, tour the National Maritime Museum, which offers a comprehensive look at the Netherlands’ centuries-long tie to the sea. After your activity, travel via the windmill depicted in Rembrandt’s famous 1641 etching before rejoining your ship. As you set off along the Rhine River, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Wel come Dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 3
Cologne, Koblenz
Join a local guide today for a tour of Cologne, Germany’s fourth-largest city. Among many other attractions, see the twin spires of the city’s Gothic cathedral, which was once the world’s tallest building. Then re-board your ship for lunch and cruise through the afternoon to the 2,000 year-old city of Koblenz. After dinner, perhaps step out for an evening stroll through the heart of the city. (B/L/D)
Day 4
Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today cruise through the Rhine Gorge on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. Arrive in Rüdesheim, where you have a choice of activities. The Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, a tour will highlight one of the most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in Germany. Alternatively, alight your ship and explore the surrounding Rhine Valley area, where you can visit a winery and enjoy a tasting. Later, your ship enters the Main River. (B/L/D)
Day 5
Freudenberg, Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
Cruising to Freudenberg, enjoy a fascinating demonstration of glass-blowing on board. On arrival, travel by coach to Wertheim. Perhaps embark on a guided bicycle tour, take in the sights of the town on a walking tour, or go for a paddle on the Tauber River. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of the hilltop Wertheim Castle and a sparkling glass of Sekt, a German wine, as you look out over the Main River. (B/L/D)
Day 6
Würzburg, Freedom of Choice Touring, Kitzingen
In Würzburg this morning, you may like to embark on a tour that will take you to the Resi dential Palace and past churches ranging in styles from Baroque, Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance to Modern. Or perhaps travel to Rothenburg on the Romantic Road . After a tour of this medieval walled town, wander through the German Christmas Museum. Later, cruise to the Bavarian town of Kitzingen. This evening venture back in time as a guest at a special Medieval Banquet on board. Afterwards, disembark for a unique wine tasting event, hosted by a ‘Wine Queen’ and members of the Aulic Council at Germany’s oldest wine cellar. This ‘Alter Klosterkeller’ (old monastery cellar) was built by Benedictine nuns and today offers an historic setting in which to sample Franconian wines. (B/L/D)
Day 7
Bamberg
Today you’ll travel to World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed by bombs during World War II. After a tour, visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy a local brew compliments of APT. Later, return to your ship and cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas and is recognised as a feat of modern engineering. (B/L/D)
Day 8
Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Touring
On arrival in Nuremberg, perhaps take a World War II tour that includes Courtroom 600, which hosted the Nuremberg trials. Or take a medieval tour and see the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle and more. At lunch, continue along the Main-Danube Canal. This afternoon, arrive at the highest point of your cruise, 435 metres above sea level, and cross Europe’s Continental Divide. This evening, enjoy a special Continental Divide Cocktail Celebration before dinner. (B/L/D)
Day 9
Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Regensburg is known as one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, and is home to one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. On arrival here, perhaps take a tour of the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage-listed city centre and the Porta Pretoria. Or take a bicycle tour to the 18th-century hillside temple of Walhalla, which honours laudable and distinguished Germans. (B/L/D)
Day 10
Passau, Freedom of Choice Touring, Linz
This morning arrive in Passau. Perhaps travel by coach to Salzburg for a tour of the city’s ‘Sound of Music’ sights or take a day tour to Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic. You may like to tour Passau then cruise into Austria and to Linz, as an apple strudel cooking demonstration takes place on board. After dinner tonight, perhaps enjoy an evening stroll through pretty Linz. (B/L/D)
Day 11
Melk, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dürnstein
Cruise through the Strudengau region this morning to the delightful Wachau Valley. Disembark in Melk for a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites that’s perched spectacularly on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Then perhaps take a guided bicycle ride on a path along the banks of the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein. Alternatively, rejoin your ship and continue cruising to Dürnstein , where you’ll enjoy a walking tour and a tasting of Wachau Valley wines. (B/L/D)
Day 12
Vienna
Disembark in the Austrian capital of Vienna this morning. Famed for its striking architecture, classical musical and vibrant café culture, Vienna is a delightful place to explore. A wide variety of architectural masterpieces can be seen here, representing many centuries of development. Enjoy a walking tour of the city followed by coffee and a traditional ‘Sachertorte’ chocolate cake at Café Hofburg, set in the inner courtyard of the Imperial Palace. After dinner on board this evening, visit Albertina, a Viennese palace built in 1744 in the distinctive Neoclassical architectural style. Here, be welcomed at a Cocktail Reception then discover why Vienna is known as Europe’s centre of classical music during a private concert. (B/L/D)
Day 13
Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring
On your second day in Vienna, perhaps visit Schönbrunn Palace for a tour inside the magnificent residence, including the Carriage Museum within the palace grounds. You may instead choose to explore the Fine Arts Museum then head to the Imperial Treasury, which houses a collection of priceless treasures including the Hofburg Crown Jewels. Alternatively visit Vienna’s famous Spanish Riding School and enjoy a guided tour, then explore the Imperial Crypt, where more than 140 royals from the Habsburg dynasty are buried. Or perhaps embark on an excursion to Bratislava, the capital of nearby Slovakia, and see some of the key landmarks of the city’s time under Communist rule. (B/L/D)
Day 14
Budapest
On arrival in Budapest, enjoy a city tour then visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a tour, a glass of champagne and a private opera recital of two or three ariettas. Tonight enjoy a Fare well Dinner then set off on a twilight cruise through the city. You’ll also take in an onboard performance by Gypsy violinists. (B/L/D)
Day 15
Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
After breakfast this morning, you’ll disembark the ship and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Itinerary is based on 2013 departures. Click on the icon if you would like to view an electronic version of the brochure online. 2012 itinerary may differ from above.
15 Day Magnificent Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest Reviews
Tour reviews from past clients of Global Journeys.
1 Reviews,
Average Rating 4.0
of 5.
A wonderful cruise, made some great new friends, could not keep up with the wonderful food and wine. Highly recommended.
Henry Kirwan (Australia) Tour Date 21/08/2011
River Cruise Prices
Cruise prices are per person. Please request a quote for tour availability.
EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL OFFER*
2012/13 APT River Cruise Sale! Save up to $1,340 per couple PLUS add APT's own Superdeal Savings! Exclusive to Global Journeys. Deposit this month to apply!
Subject to availability at the time of booking.
Note:
All departures above are guaranteed to depart. Single prices available, please request.
We will check the availability of your departure in your quote along with all applicable cruise specials.
2012 Fly FREE Oct, Nov & Dec Departures Only
Fly FREE to Magnificent Europe Including Taxes
Guaranteed lowest prices in Australia! We will combine the Fly FREE APT deal below & OUR PRICE to your quote. Terms & Conditions apply.
Note:
All departures above are guaranteed to depart. Single prices available, please request.
We will check the availability of your departure in your quote along with all applicable cruise specials.
Guaranteed lowest prices in Australia! We will combine the applicable APT 2013 Superdeal below & OUR PRICE to your quote.
View APT Superdeals by clicking on the icon on the left. Terms & Conditions apply.
Fly Free To Europe (including air taxes) Cat E & D
Fly Free To Europe (excluding air taxes) Cat C, B & A
Air Credits From $850 - $1,000pp (Cat T. T+, P, P+ & Owners Suites)
2013 Earlybird Offers Expire 30 September or until sold out
The information below relates to this itinerary only.
Tour Operator: APT
APT holidays are designed for the premium end of the market and offer quality, first-class experiences. Each holiday presents a mix of cultural activities, luxurious accommodation, world-class dining and more. Many of APT's holidays, include their innovative Freedom Concept™ which allows travellers to choose from a range of touring and dining options. Further, all holidays are operated by a dedicated team of professionals, who ensure each holiday is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
We have a dedicated section on our website providing more detailed information on APT including FAQ's on what you need to know before, during and after your travel; as well as information on their 'Touring Styles', and a comprehensive search facility to enable you to easily find more of their cruises. Read more> (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
As market leaders, our resources, experience, passion, expertise and proven track record ensure that we're the most reliable cruise operator on Europe's waterways. With a 98% satisfaction rating, and having launched all of our ships on schedule, there's no company more reliable or trustworthy than APT. We promise we'll continue to set the amazing standards for which we are known, making your choice easy. Put simply, APT are Australia and New Zealand's true European river cruising experts.
Travel documents, including your travel kit (with luggage labels, ticket wallet, personalised itinerary, touring information and travel bag), are sent approximately two to three weeks prior to departure from your home country, provided full payment has been received.
Each of our state-of-the-art ships was designed with our valued travellers in mind. Our operation allows us total control in delivering the standards for which we are famous. And with eight ships cruising in 2012 we are able to offer more cruising routes, ships and departures than most other companies. Custom-designed and built in Holland by the world's foremost ship building experts, APT's European river ships signify the evolution of modern river cruising. From the intricate elegance of the interior appointments and the opulence of the suites to the wealth of recreational choice provided in the vessel's public areas, these river ships are truly the finest on Europe's waters. You can find more information on individual ships here. (Note: This link will take you away from this tour itinerary page).
On an APT Platinum Sailing, you'll enjoy special
features and inclusions that will enhance what is
already an amazing holiday experience. You'll feel
as though several elements of the cruise have been
designed specifically to meet your own individual
interests and expectations, and you'll travel with
like-minded APT guests. Throughout our itinerary pages, our special
APT Platinum Sailings departures are indicated by this logo. Read more> (Note: This link will NOT take you away from this tour itinerary page).
All meals are prepared by European chefs and consist
of European-style food that has been adjusted for our passengers.
On board, enjoy a full buffet breakfast in the restaurant. Lunch
offers salads, soups, a choice of mains and dessert. Dinner is
a multi-course meal with a selection of mains. Coffee and tea are available free of charge throughout
the day and during meals. Water on board the ships is drinkable.
Wine, soft drinks or beer are included with dinner on board. All meals on board are included. Meals are served in the
dining room in a single sitting. Open seating allows you to sit
at different tables if you wish to meet other fellow passengers.
Handicapped facilities on board are limited. River cruise vessels
are not equipped with wheelchair ramps and hallways and doors
may not be wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Ships are
equipped with an elevator but it does not access all decks (apart
from the Sound of Music with no elevator onboard). Additionally,
motorcoaches and minibuses used for transfers and shore excursions
may not be equipped with wheelchair ramps. Any condition requiring
special attention must be reported to APT at the time of booking.
Facilities and services for passengers with disabilities differ among
destinations and, in some cases, may be limited or non-existent.
Participants requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a
person responsible for and physically able to provide such assistance.
Transfers and shore excursions follow a predetermined timetable
and thus participants should have no physical impairment(s) that
would affect the time schedules or interfere with the rights of other
passengers on their holiday. Without limitation, APT and its affiliates
are not responsible for any denial of services by airline carriers,
cruise vessels, hotels, lodges, coaches, local guides, operators
or other independent suppliers.
For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board
are billed with a guest check and added to your shipboard account.
At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total, which can be paid
with cash or credit card. The ships do not accept payments made
by Diners Club cards. The onboard currency is the Euro.
Solo travellers pay only a 50% single supplement on all suite categories from E to P+ on European River Crusies. On Exclusive Sailings we will match up those who are willing to share a suite with another single traveller of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single supplement. If no match is found then single supplements apply.
Arrival & Departure Information
Prebooked Transfers
All APT clients travelling on an Exclusive Sailing or Exclusive land
tours receive a transfer on the first and last day of the tour. This will
be from the airport to/from either the ship or tour hotel. A transfer
is not included, though may be purchased, should you be arriving
or departing on days other than the first and last day of touring.
These additional transfers are only applicable when your
pre and/or post tour arrangements are booked with Global Journeys & APT.
On Your Own Transfers
If you have not arranged an arrival transfer with Global Journeys, make your own way
to the ship or hotel with the help of the information provided in your itinerary. If you have independent travel arrangements
prior to your APT tour and do not have an APT transfer, the Tourist
Information office at your arrival city will be able to offer assistance
with directions to the ship or hotel. If you transfer to the ship on
your own, we recommend you call the ship prior to confirm the
ships docking location.
The APT Europe Office is available in case of an emergency.
APT holidays are designed for the premium end of the market and offer quality, first-class experiences. Each holiday presents a mix of cultural activities, luxurious accommodation, world-class dining and more. Many of APT's holidays, include their innovative Freedom Concept™ which allows travellers to choose from a range of touring and dining options. Further, all holidays are operated by a dedicated team of professionals, who ensure each holiday is as relaxed and enjoyable as possible.
Each of our state-of-the-art ships was designed with our valued travellers in mind. Our operation allows us total control in delivering the standards for which we are famous. And with eight ships cruising in 2012 we are able to offer more cruising routes, ships and departures than most other companies. Custom-designed and built in Holland by the world's foremost ship building experts, APT's European river ships signify the evolution of modern river cruising. From the intricate elegance of the interior appointments and the opulence of the suites to the wealth of recreational choice provided in the vessel's public areas, these river ships are truly the finest on Europe's waters. You can find more information on 
