European Gems

4.7/5 Based on 44 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
Sold Out
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
15 Days
 Cruise Starts
Amsterdam
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
15 Day European Gems Itinerary (Travelmarvel)
Countries Explored: Holland, Germany, Austria, Hungary
Ship
Passengers
182
Crew
44
Launched
2020
Cruise Code
EUTC15

Overview

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.  

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.

Today is yours to explore Vienna. Perhaps visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury. Otherwise, enjoy an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava. Later, set sail for Hungary. Tonight, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain's Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D)

Enhance Your Journey - Schönbrunn Palace Delve into royal history as you wander the lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens of the famous Schönbrunn Palace.

Enhance Your Journey - Bratislava City Tour Travel from Vienna into Slovakia and on to its capital, Bratislava. There, explore the charming Old Town on a guided tour.

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)

Trip 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 Onboard Capella

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) View All Most Recent 'European Gems' Reviews

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 0 , 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.

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.

Similar River Cruises

14 Day Flavours of Spain and Portugal (Travelmarvel)

14 Days Madrid Porto

Operated By: Travelmarvel

From 4,899
Save 498
14 Day Italy Escape with Adriatic Cruise (Travelmarvel)

14 Days Rome Dubrovnik

Operated By: Travelmarvel

From 7,007
Save 133
14 Day Colours of Spain (Travelmarvel)

14 Days Barcelona Lisbon

Operated By: Travelmarvel

From 4,899
Save 696
18 Day Explore Morocco and Spain (Travelmarvel)

18 Days Casablanca Lisbon

Operated By: Travelmarvel

From 6,468
Save 135