Rhine & Danube Symphony

Embarkation from 4:00pm

Beautiful Passau is the starting point for your 8-day European cruise to Cologne. After embarkation, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail and get to know your fellow travelers during the Welcome Dinner.

This morning, your AMADEUS vessel arrives in one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. On the morning tour, immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere of this unique town, which boasts architecture from many different centuries and a 12th century bridge.

In the afternoon, choose between a visit to the 600-year-old Weltenburg Abbey, which is situated on the banks of the Danube and houses the oldest monastic brewery in the world, and a trip to the 18th century Thurn and Taxis Palace with a stop at their traditional brewery and beer tasting.

Bavarian Evening on board

After a relaxing morning on board, spend your afternoon in Nuremberg. The city is a historical leader in mechanical invention, science, printing, and humanism. Enjoy an overview of the city's history and culture on a guided tour, and admire the romantic Old Town, lovingly restored after the destruction incurred during World War II. Interestingly, the Old Town of Nuremberg is divided into two sections by the Pegnitz River.

Back on board, enjoy dinner as the vessel departs Nuremberg. This evening, enjoy a special Bavarian theme on board with regional delicacies and live traditional music.

Main-Danube Canal

Your vessel arrives in the Imperial city of Bamberg in the morning. This medieval town is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, which retains its medieval layout of three settlement areas, along with its historic buildings and Baroque façades, all of which you can explore on a guided walking tour. The ornate town hall, the old town with its half-timbered buildings and pretty arched bridges are so romantic!

Back on board, you Cruise Director will elaborate on the importance of the Main-Danube canal during an onboard talk, while your AMADEUS ship continues along the Main River.

Würzburg Residence and wine tasting

Today, spend the day alongside in Würzburg, a city in Bavaria known for lavish Baroque and Rococo architecture, located in the center of the Franconian wine country. In the morning, experience the many beautiful sights of the town as well as the Residenz, a Baroque palace considered a masterpiece of that era.

The tour concludes with a wine tasting in the ancient wine cellar of a local vineyard. In the afternoon, relive a bygone era on a tour of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, whose towers, city gates, and half-timbered gables have remained unchanged by the hands of time.

Romantic timber-frame houses & Captain's Gala Dinner

Today, join the excursion to Wertheim and Miltenberg, two towns famous for their architecture and museums. Both are unique in their own way and are reflective of the storied history of the area.

Begin with a walking tour in Wertheim and explore the medieval streets and unique glass museum. In Miltenberg, admire the typical 16th and 17th century German timberframe houses and stroll through the cobblestone alleys.

Sailing past Castles and Lorelei Rock along the Rhine Gorge

In the morning, you arrive in Rüdesheim, a romantic winemaking town in the Rhine Gorge where the river landscape has enchanted visitors for centuries and which is protected by UNESCO since 2002. Discover the region's rich history on a morning walking tour and visit the fascinating Music Cabinet Museum.

Alternatively, take a tram ride through the vineyards of Rüdesheim on the “Wine Express“ and stroll along the quaint “Drosselgasse“, mentioned in the 15th century as an alley used by Rhine boatmen to reach their homes.

After lunch, enjoy the fairytale landscape of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley with its many castles as your vessel cruises downriver to Cologne. This evening, celebrate your cruise experience at the Captain's Gala Dinner.

Disembarkation after breakfast

Shortly after midnight you arrive in the cathedral city of Cologne. After breakfast, the entire AMADEUS crew bids you farewell.