European Gems

15 Days Amsterdam to Budapest
European Gems
European Gems
European Gems

Overview

Read 44 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Travelmarvel's 15 Day European Gems. Enjoy the best of Europe on a 14-night premium river cruise. Begin in Amsterdam before floating through some of Germany’s most beautiful towns along the Rhine River. Take in Vienna’s elegance and conclude your tour in Budapest, Hungary’s grand capital.  
Sold Out
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either the season has ended and new dates will be released soon, or the itinerary has been updated and isn’t operating this season.
Trip Length
Cruise Length

15 Days

Trip Starts
Cruise Starts

Amsterdam

Trip Ends
Cruise Ends

Budapest

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Countries Visited
Rivers Sailed:
Cruise Line
Cruise Line
Travelmarvel
Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship
Capella
Trip Reviews
44 Trip Reviews
Avg. Rating: 4.7/5
Passengers
Passengers

182

Crew
Crew

44

Ship Launch
Launched

2020

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

EUTC15

Itinerary

Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river ship. Discover this vibrant, cosmopolitan city, renowned for its stunning canals and relaxed charm. Later this evening, join your Cruise Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception. Stay 14 Nights: aboard your Travelmarvel river ship (D)

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 Welcome Dinner. (B/L/D)

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 the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Augustusburg Palace in Germany Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rococo architecture from 18th century Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known to be the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini road train will take you through the town to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of the most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in all of Germany. (B/L/D)

Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town's half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Miltenberg Culinary Tour Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.

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 Garden. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg, a medieval fairytale town. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Rothenburg Excursion Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising along the last stretch of the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you'll gaze upon such sights as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship will reach the Main-Danube Canal. (B/L/D)

Explore Nuremberg, once the site of Hitler's infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores. Finish your day cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe's Continental Divide via its 16 stair-step locks. (B/L/D)

Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits. Spend the day in this charming city, docked in the heart of town, and join a guided walking tour to explore its major sights. Later, perhaps take an optional tour to Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg. Enjoy a guided tour of the family-owned brewery and see The Kuchlbauer Tower, designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Bavarian Evening on Board This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey - Kuchlbauer's World of Beer Brewery Visit Tour Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg and see the Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

As you enjoy your breakfast, arrive in the ‘Three Rivers City' of Passau, where the Ilz and Inn rivers join the Danube. Perhaps join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, stay on board and enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Linz. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Český Krumlov Visit Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.

Enhance Your Journey - Salzburg Sights Take a trip through the stunning scenery of Austria. Visit Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous Wedding Church from ‘The Sound of Music'. Continue to Salzburg and be guided through the town Mozart called home. Enjoy some free time to explore at your leisure before returning to your ship.

Enhance Your Journey - Passau Culinary Tour In the beautiful city of Passau, enjoy a guided walking tour, taking in the historic sites as you roam the cobblestone lanes of the Altstadt. You'll also get to sample a variety of sweet and savoury local specialties.

After cruising into Austria, dock in Melk for a tour of Melk Abbey with a local guide. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop, offering commanding views of the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was kept as a prisoner in the 12th century. You have the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, town houses and taverns of the town. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region's wine. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Wine Tasting Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you'll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.

In Vienna, join a walking tour of St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Afterwards, you may enjoy visiting the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music'. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Mozart and Strauss Concert Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna's palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg area or wander along Kärntnerstrasse, the city's famous shopping strip. Otherwise, embark on an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or head to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. (B/L/D)

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 of Austria. Explore the resplendent palace apartments adorned with exquisite textiles and glass chandeliers, before strolling through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of the stables, where you'll encounter the magnificent Lipizzaner horses up close. Learn what makes these noble horses so special through insights into their breeding, care and training, before witnessing an exclusive performance that showcases their remarkable grace and discipline.

Enhance Your Journey - Visit Bratislava in Slovakia Tick another country off your list with a visit to Slovakia's Bratislava. This charming city blends medieval, baroque, and communist-era architecture. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the iconic Slovak Radio building, testaments to its intriguing past.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube's most enchanting riverside cities as your ship drifts right into the heart of Hungary's capital. After breakfast, a local guide will lead you through Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum. (B/L/D)

Insider Experience - Hungarian State Opera performance Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour. Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you're treated to a private opera recital.

Enhance Your Journey - Hospital in the Rock Tour Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle. This first-aid shelter was constructed in 1941 to withstand the blasts of bombing.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Tour Inclusions

  • Augustusburg Palace: Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the palace and the lodge.
  • Miltenburg Culinary Tour: Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.
  • 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. 
  • Amsterdam Canal Tour: Cruise along the picturesque canals of Amsterdam in a sleek, glass-covered boat, offering a unique perspective of the city's historic architecture and charming bridges. Glide through the serene waterways, passing vibrant neighbourhoods and hidden gems, while immersing yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage.
  • 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 and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Life On Board

Travelmarvel
 (412) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises 88
Holiday memories are not just shaped by the incredible places you visit, but also by the wonderful people you meet along the way. At Travelmarvel, we know that great service is about going above and beyond, and that’s why our staff are regarded as a holiday highlight in their own right.

Travelmarvel holidays offer the more perfect combination of all the highlights of the destination with outstanding quality and value for money - you won’t go wrong choosing Travelmavel for your next holiday adventure.
Capella
Capella

Part of Travelmarvel's brand-new fleet of European river ships, Capella makes river cruising Europe with Travelmarvel better than ever before. Read more

Friendly Service
Friendly Service

Travelmarvels cruise directors plus a high staff-to-guest ratio on each ship ensures a smooth cruise holiday. Read more

Contemporary Accommodation
Contemporary Accommodation

Capella has its guests cruising in style with more amenities & features in each stateroom and suite. Read more

Delicious Dining
Delicious Dining

Discover Europe's culinary delights with a greater range of dining venues and options to suit your preference. Read more

Onboard Entertainment
Onboard Entertainment

From live music and dancing, to parties and games, Travelmarvel's Capella will keep you entertained day and night. Read more

Sun and Sky Decks
Sun and Sky Decks

Enjoy an unimpeded view of Europe from the Sun and Sky decks, available to you throughout your cruise. Read more

Trip Reviews (44)

Travelmarvel Reviews
Reviews 44 Reviews
Average Rating 4.7 out of 5
5 Star
73%
4 Star
23%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
European Gems 0 , NSW, Australia, Dec 2025
Have travelled with several other cruises lines and whilst Travelmarvel was very nice, we found it at the lower end of the scale. But it was very well priced in comparison so I guess you get what you pay for. We felt the cruise director was was hard to understand whenever she held a microphone and at times tried to give out too much information at once read more which had the guest bored and not listening. The meals were excellent but the tours only basic.
Lasting memories 1 , QLD, Australia, Dec 2025
We cruised from Amsterdam to Budapest during the Christmas season. The cruise and the included guided tours were great. We learned so much about the history of these lovely cities, towns and areas that we visited. The standard and quantity of meals provided was amazing and the onboard service faultless. The only change I would make is to not go to read more as many Christmas markets as they all became a bit same same and most had food and drinks that we just didn't need. Next time we would spend more time exploring more than just the old town and market squares.
Absolutely fabulous Travelmarvel Cruise on Europe's 3 rivers   0 , NSW, Australia, Nov 2025
I could fault nothing! The cruise was fantastic, the ship was clean, beautifully decorated with all the comforts.. Barbara our director looked after us completely. Laura looked after the dining room and Alex did a great job with the bar. Our cabins were clean and comfortable thanks to Phyu our attendant. The free daily tours were interesting with knowledgeable read more local guides. I would definately travel again with this company. Hannah our Global Journeys' agent was very helpful and efficient. She got us great deals and looked after our airfares too. Thank you Global journeys 🙏 it was a winter wonderland.
So Good 0 , NSW, Australia, Oct 2025
Our river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest was brilliant. Everything went seamlessly and Travelmarvel ships are beautiful and probably the best looking out of all the others we passed. Global Journeys did a magnificent job in organising the trip and we would like to send a giant thank you to Grace Enchelmaier for her friendly and professional service. read more Even though we had to change ships due to low water levels, the inconvenience was minimal. We would definitely recommend this trip and dealing with Global Journeys (Grace).
2025 River Cruise 2 , VIC, Australia, May 2025
Travelmarvel’s Amsterdam to Budapest was excellent. The ships were very well presented, cabins had good facilities, staff were very friendly and provided great service, quality meals and the tour director on our cruise ( Roland) was excellent. He provided great communications on each days activities, suggestions on extra things to do and was exceptionally read more approachable for all passengers. Overall this cruise was great value for money. We couldn’t fault any aspect of the cruise, the staff or the service.
Amazing River Cruise 1 , VIC, Australia, May 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our river cruise along the Danube from Amsterdam to Budapest. The cabin was perfect, we met lots of new friends, drank and ate too much - fabulous ship entertainment with Julie and Andy. The weather in May was perfect-not too hot for sightseeing. The crew were excellent and we would definitely travel with Travelmarvel again.
Amsterdam to Budapest Travelmarvel River Cruise 8 , QLD, Australia, Oct 2024
The trip in total was 7 weeks, with the first 4 and the final week organised independently by my wife and myself. The 15 day Travelmarvel cruise was a great way to relax after 4 weeks of independent travel. We could unpack both suitcases and put everything away in drawers, and get our clothes laundered. I'll summarise my feedback for future travelers:

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.
Fantastic   1 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2024
Very friendly thoughtful professional and welcoming crew from the tour director to the cabin staff. Our room was perfect. The food was amazing (the soup could be improved) and the dining room and bar excellent. All tour guides were very knowledgeable and helpful although the audio did not always work. An unforgettable experience. Loved it!
Rivers of Great memories 1 , VIC, Australia, Sep 2024
Our river cruise was excellent and met our expectations. The ship was clean & well maintained and the staff were excellent. The food was of very good quality with quite a good choice on the menu, and we even had lamb shanks for dinner one night. Definitely not expected but thoroughly delicious. We have no hesitations in recommending Travel Marvel & Global Journeys.
European Gems 3 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2024
We enjoyed the cruise and the itinerary very much. The staff were very helpful, polite and attentive. The food was good. The boat was nice and modern and the cleaning was of a high standard. It is certainly a nice way to discover a little bit of Europe. The laundry service was reasonably priced, as no irons allowed in the rooms.

You could do as read more much or as little as you wanted in regards to tours and exploring on your own. We made some nice friends - tour was predominantly Australian, with a few Kiwis and Americans thrown in.

My only big disappointment was that we paid for a room with a french balcony, so that we could enjoy the views and fresh air. We spent the majority of the days, when the boat wasn't sailing (which was a lot), in darkness, because another boat was nearly always tethered to our side of the boat. And apart from a 1/2 day, it was always on our side of the boat. I don't recall this being mentioned when we booked. This got worse as the cruise went on, as many days were spent in port while the sailing was done later in the evening. Yes, you can go on deck, but we wanted to be able to chill out in our rooms by ourselves occasionally, and enjoy the view. I'm not sure that I would do another cruise because of this.

We also missed out on the Amsterdam canal cruise, due to Mardi Gras, which couldn't be helped, but still disappointing. A highlight was the boat sailing up and down the Danube River at night, so that we could see the very pretty lights of Budapest. Overall, we had a lovely time and experienced lots of lovely and interesting places! I also couldn't fault the staff - they all did a great job.

Download Brochure

Travelmarvel Europe (2026) Brochure

Travelmarvel Europe (2026)

Travelmarvel offers a diverse range of travel styles across Europe, allowing you to tailor your journey to suit your pace and preferences - whether by river, rail, road or sea. Glide along scenic waterways aboard state-of-the-art ships, uncover coastal gems aboard the intimate MV Princess Eleganza, or explore Europe's rich cultures and landscapes by more coach and rail. You can even combine multiple travel styles for a deeper, more immersive discovery. With centrally located hotels, small group options capped at 24 guests and personalised service throughout, Travelmarvel ensures every journey is unforgettable, enriching and comfortably your own.

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.

Note
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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