Overview
Itinerary
Welcome to Budapest. We'll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome to remember. Enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music while you indulge in local brandy, as well as artisan meats and cheeses. Stay 14 Nights: APT Solara or APT Ostara (D)
Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. This afternoon, your ship will begin cruising towards Vienna. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice - City Tour Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, exploring historic monuments like Heroes' Square and St. Stephen's Basilica.
Freedom of Choice - Culinary Tour Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Freedom of Choice - Funicular Ride Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman's Bastion.
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Vienna. On arrival, take in the city's many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St. Stephen's Cathedral. (B/L/D)
Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity this morning. In the evening, an unforgettable Signature Experience awaits. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice - Schönbrunn Palace Visit Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.
Freedom of Choice - Visit Bratislava in Slovakia Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia's Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city's time under communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev.
Freedom of Choice - Vienna Culinary Tour Immerse yourself in Viennese cuisine on a culinary tour of Vienna's narrow streets. Visit a traditional cafe, try a classic Viennese sausage, and sample a sweet treat from one of the city's famous patisseries.
Signature Experience - Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna's City Palace After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein's City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic performance.
Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein before choosing your activity. Later, visit Melk Abbey. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice - Cruise Through the Wachau Valley Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk. Admire stunning landscapes dotted with vineyards, charming villages and historic castles nestled amid lush hills.
Freedom of Choice - Guided Bike Ride from Dürnstein to Melk Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Dürnstein to Melk, and take in the scenery of the picturesque Wachau Valley.
Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience. (B/L/D)
Signature Experience - Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music' Show Be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser - a hunting horn blower - into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music'.
Enjoy the chance to personalise your day with a choice of sightseeing activities on offer. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice - Guided Tour of Regensburg's World Heritage-Listed City Centre Explore Regensburg's World Heritage-listed city centre on a guided tour. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Your tour will finish with a tasting at Regensburg's historic sausage kitchen, thought to be one of the oldest working restaurants in the world.
Freedom of Choice - Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial Set out on a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany's past.
This morning, continue cruising along the Main-Danube Canal while indulging in a Bavarian beer, sausage and pretzel tasting on the Daystar Deck. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. On arrival in Nuremberg, set out on your preferred activity. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice - Discover Nuremberg's World War II Sites Journey through Nuremberg's World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler's now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.
Freedom of Choice - Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour Join a tour focused on Nuremberg's medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.
Arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn't destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the Regnitz River. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board. (B/L/D)
Today unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice - Visit the Würzburg Residence The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you'll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.
Freedom of Choice - Explore Rothenburg Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colourful houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wohlfahrt's ‘Christmas Village', where you'll find the largest collection of German Christmas decorations in the world.
Freedom of Choice - Hike to Marienberg Fortress Enjoy a hike to Würzburg's most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city, which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries.
Freedom of Choice - Tastes of Franconia Travel to the Volkacher Mainschleife, the largest wine-growing region in Franconia and home to one of the most famous Franconian whisky distilleries. Here, enjoy a guided tour and meet the whisky and winemaker to uncover the art of making whisky. Savour a tasting of their finest creations paired with freshly baked bread from a local bakery.
Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice - Guided Walking Tour and Liqueur Tasting Embark on a guided exploration of Miltenberg. Discover the town's remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares, offering a unique glimpse into Germany's rich history. Then, visit one of Franconia's oldest wine cellars for a tasting of local liqueurs.
Freedom of Choice - Local Monastery Visit Travel to the hills overlooking Miltenberg for a visit to a local monastery. Here, you'll meet with a Franciscan friar to hear about life in the monastery. You'll also sample some homemade sausages, cheese and bread before free time to wander through the gardens and vineyard.
Dock in Rüdesheim this morning, one of Germany's most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, embark on your chosen activity. This afternoon, you'll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice - Gondola Ride Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.
Freedom of Choice - Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum Take a tour of Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This eccentric and unique museum is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.
Freedom of Choice - Visit a Historic Wine Cellar Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany's most well-known wine regions.
Today, enjoy an exclusive Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent cruising onwards to the Netherlands. (B/L/D)
Signature Experience - Namedy Castle Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a 14th century residence set near the Rhine River in Germany. Go beyond the gates and wander about the rooms, hidden nooks and manicured grounds. You'll then enjoy a morning tea, where a pianist playing classical music sets the mood.
Arrive in Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. This evening, savour fresh, locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine. (B/L/D)
Freedom of Choice - Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city's unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.
Freedom of Choice - Cheese Tasting Visit a local cheese store for a tasting of regional cheeses. The Netherlands is renowned for its cheese production, including iconic varieties such as Edam and Gouda.
Freedom of Choice - Guided Bike Ride Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.
Freedom of Choice - Keukenhof Gardens in Spring On select spring departures, you also have the option to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips.
Your spectacular journey comes to an end today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Namedy Castle: Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a royal escape set near the Rhine River in Germany. After wandering through the castle and its manicured gardens during this exclusive Signature Experience, you'll attend a morning tea, where a pianist sets the mood.
- Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna's City Palace: Head to the princely family of Liechtenstein's City Palace in the heart of the Austrian capital of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. During this extraordinary Signature Experience, a full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.
- Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘The Sound of Music' Show: On this incredible Signature Experience in Austria, be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music'.
- Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
- Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights not included unless specified
Life Onboard APT Solara
Travel in unparalleled luxury on board APT Solara in 2025 – APT's brand-new river ship that redefines European river cruising. Read more
From the moment you depart to the moment you return, everything you need is included in the trip price you pay. Read more
Experience world-class dishes featuring the finest seasonal, locally sourced produce aboard the new-generation fleet. Read more
Personalise your journey to suit your interest and mix and match a wide selection of cultural, culinary, historical and active experiences. Read more
These are the stand-out moments. Carefully designed to help you experience Europe in far greater depth and normally unavailable to independent travelers. Read more
With every detail taken care of behind the scenes, you’re 100% free to be whoever you want to be. Every day is yours to design. Read more
Trip Reviews (34) View All Most Recent 'Magnificent Europe' Reviews
We enjoyed the company of many fellow passengers through the 2 weeks. The entertainment, the excursions, the organisation by the cruise director was all excellent. Even the local guides were extremely good. We were fortunate to have great weather throughout the cruise, and at times just enjoyed the facilities of our ship to escape the heat, and watch the countryside drift by from our room or from any of the view points onboard. A truly wonderful trip of a lifetime.
This trip was made very easy to organise with the help of our Global Journeys Travel Advisor Rachael. Thank you Rachael, we had an amazing time.
Unfortunately for many guests the planned activities for Budapest did not happen. APT did arrange for guests to travel by coach to have a lunch cruise the next day (6 hours of road travel) The staff on Travelmarvel tried very hard but it was obvious more training is needed. The food and wine advertised in APT’s brochures emphasises fine wine and food. The wine was far from fine and food was bland. Viking also excelled in this area. Passengers had no other wine option made available to guests. One house white and one house red and a sparkling. When off ship we purchased wine. APT’s advertising promotes that passengers will not need to spend any more dollars once you are aboard. Viking’s offering in this area was far superior!
We did approach a senior staff member about these issues and were told we should expect better when we changed ships. APT had ample time to upgrade wine and food menus prior to commencing the cruise .
The wine offerings continued to fall short on quality though you could purchase from a short list of wine around the 30euro mark.
Staff on the Amastella were more proficient and the cabin were meticulously cleaned. Viking was also rated highly in this aspect.
The off ship excursions were very good on both cruises. We have traveled on 3 Viking river cruises and have experienced high quality cruises. We cannot say this about our most recent APT experience.
Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
