Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river ship. Later this evening, join your Cruise Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.
Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam's maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight's special Gala Dinner.
Learn how the twin spires of Cologne's famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.
Insider Experience - Augustusburg Palace Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.
Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most scenic stretch of the Rhine. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through the town to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of Germany's finest collections of automated musical instruments.
Enjoy free time in Miltenberg exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Gardens. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg.
Enhance Your Journey - Rothenburg Excursion Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.
Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you'll see highlights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main - Danube Canal.
Explore Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler's infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan shops. Later, cruise the Main - Danube Canal, crossing Europe's Continental Divide via its remarkable series of 16 locks.
Having reached the Danube River overnight, arrive in Regensburg. Docked in the heart of town, spend the day exploring this charming city on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in nearby Abensberg, a family-owned brewery featuring the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Insider Experience - Bavarian Evening on Board This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.
Enhance Your Journey - Kuchlbauer's World of Beer Brewery Visit Visit Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg, tour the brewery and see the colourful Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.
As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in Passau, otherwise known as the 'City of Three Rivers', where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.
Enhance Your Journey - Český Krumlov Visit Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.
Enhance Your Journey - Salzburg Sights Journey through Austria's scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart's hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.
After crossing into Austria, dock in Melk and join a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, townhouses and taverns, or perhaps join an optional regional wine tasting.
Enhance Your Journey - Wine Tasting Visit Dürnstein Abbey to sample local Wachau wines, including Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, accompanied by a tasting of regional brandy.
In Vienna, join a guided walking tour taking in St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg and the Albertina museum. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.
Enhance Your Journey - Mozart and Strauss Concert Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna's historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.
With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city's famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
Enhance Your Journey - Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa. Explore the elegant palace apartments adorned with fine textiles and chandeliers, then stroll through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, visit the stables for a private introduction to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Learn about their breeding, care and training before witnessing a special demonstration of their grace and discipline.
Enhance Your Journey - Visit Bratislava in Slovakia Visit Bratislava, Slovakia's charming capital, where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city's fascinating past.
Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube's most enchanting riverside cities as your ship glides into the heart of Hungary's capital. After breakfast, join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.
Insider Experience - Hungarian State Opera Performance Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.
Enhance Your Journey - Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum Explore this fascinating museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. Built in 1941 as a first-aid shelter, it was designed to withstand the impact of aerial bombing.
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Trip Inclusions
- Augustusburg Palace: Explore the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl, the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August of Bavaria. Discover its history and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace with the nearby hunting lodge.
- Amsterdam Canal Tour: Cruise Amsterdam's picturesque canals aboard a sleek glass-covered boat, offering a unique perspective of the city's historic architecture and charming bridges. Glide through tranquil waterways past vibrant neighbourhoods and hidden corners, while taking in the city's rich cultural heritage.
- Bavarian Evening on Board: Enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.
- Hungarian State Opera Visit: Visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a guided tour. You'll then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you're treated to a private opera recital.
- Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
- Prices are for cruise only. Flights are not included unless specified
- From 2027, Travelmarvel river cruise ships generally dock in Zaandam, just outside central Amsterdam. Transfers between Zaandam and Amsterdam city centre usually take around 20–30 minutes by coach, taxi or public transport, depending on traffic. Alternative docking locations in the Amsterdam region may occasionally be used. Final docking details will be provided in your documentation.
Life On Board
Part of Travelmarvel's brand-new fleet of European river ships, Capella makes river cruising Europe with Travelmarvel better than ever before. Read more
Travelmarvels cruise directors plus a high staff-to-guest ratio on each ship ensures a smooth cruise holiday. Read more
Capella has its guests cruising in style with more amenities & features in each stateroom and suite. Read more
Discover Europe's culinary delights with a greater range of dining venues and options to suit your preference. Read more
From live music and dancing, to parties and games, Travelmarvel's Capella will keep you entertained day and night. Read more
Enjoy an unimpeded view of Europe from the Sun and Sky decks, available to you throughout your cruise. Read more
River Cruise Reviews (46)
The Travelmarvel cruise was an excellent product too. Their staff were all highly skilled and very effective at working around difficult circumstances. Due to low water levels in the Rhine/Danube river system we were unable to make the full journey on a single ship and ended up traveling on four different ships with buses shuttling us between navigable portions of the rivers. In many ways we probably managed to see more of Europe than we would normally see just from the river. Through the efforts of our Cruise Director Bernadett we covered every one of the locations we were booked to see and there was a sound clear plan and effective control measures every time we had to relocate. (With over 150 passengers that adds up to a lot of cats to herd). I would go on a similar Global Journeys/Travelmarvel trip again in a heartbeat without any concerns about what fate throws at us. (I might wait until it rains again in Europe though.)
1. read more We travelled Amsterdam to Budapest and I would definitely recommend this direction rather than the reverse. The reasons include the first day or 2 are more grass bank views before the beautiful castles and towns appear, and you also get the mind-blowing view of Budapest at the end of the trip.
2. Take a few days in Amsterdam at the beginning and a few days at Budapest at the end as these are brilliant cities. Be sure to book Anne Frank House in Amsterdam 6 weeks before you arrive (as we did) as it will definitely sell out and every other passenger missed out.
3. Flights were included in the cost, but we paid for a Business class upgrade that was good value and worth every cent.
4. Travelmarvel caters for both independent travellers, and well as those who wish to pay for the extra day trips. We liked this option as well could often "do our own thing" on land and that suited us.
5. The meals on board were great.
6. Drinks at lunch and dinner are included, and we found that refills were regular and plentiful and more than enough for us. You could even get the glass filled before 9pm closure and take it upstairs to the lounge.
7. Rooms are great and second and third floor of the Polaris had large windows that could be lowered for a great view.
Global Journeys were very communicative and our agent Rachael McSorley was excellent in answering all questions and providing all information. Well done Rachael.
Dates & Pricing
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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 Travelmarvel. 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.
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