Idyllic Ireland with European Gems

Arrive in Dublin, a lively city steeped in rich history and culture. Upon arrival, we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel, ensuring a seamless start to your Irish adventure. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a Welcome Dinner.

Embark on a guided tour of Dublin, discovering the lively Temple Bar, the historic Christ Church, the iconic Guinness Storehouse, and the captivating EPIC Irish Emigration Museum. With the afternoon at your leisure, you might like to visit the Teeling Whiskey Distillery.

Enhance Your Journey - Whiskey Tasting at Teeling Whiskey Distillery Nestled in the heart of Dublin's historic Liberties district, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery was the first new distillery to open in the city in over 125 years, reviving the tradition of urban whiskey production. Enjoy an informative tour of the distillery, followed by a tasting of their exceptional whiskies.

Travel to Waterford today via the Wicklow Mountains, known as the Garden of Ireland. Just outside Dublin, Wicklow offers stunning mountains, lakes, rivers and picturesque estates. Enjoy a guided tour of Glendalough, followed by a stop in Avoca. Upon arrival in Waterford, join a historical walking tour or enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Set out for Killarney today, beginning with a scenic drive along Ireland's beautiful southern coast. In Cork, enjoy a panoramic tour followed by time at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.

Continue to Blarney Castle, built in 1446 and home to the legendary Blarney Stone. Set high within the ancient battlements, the Carboniferous limestone 'Stone of Eloquence' is said to grant the gift of persuasion to those who kiss it - you may like to test the legend for yourself. Later, follow the coastline through the fishing villages of Youghal and Dungarvan before arriving in Killarney.

Journey around the Ring of Kerry (166 km), Ireland's most celebrated scenic drive. Encircling the Iveragh Peninsula, the route reveals ever-changing landscapes - rugged mountains, tranquil lakes and sweeping Atlantic coastal views - offering a true sense of the country's wild beauty. Return to Killarney later and enjoy time at leisure.

Insider Experience - Sheep Herding At Moll's Gap, visit Kissane Sheep Farm, a traditional working property home to around 1,000 mountain sheep and countless lambs. Run by the Kissane family for more than 150 years, this engaging demonstration showcases skilled sheepdogs in action as you learn about life on an Irish hill farm.

Travel through the beautiful Dingle Peninsula to Limerick. This afternoon, you may choose to join an optional cooking class, where you'll learn to prepare traditional Irish dishes. Later, enjoy an Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Bunratty Castle Visit Bunratty Castle, a medieval fortress dating back to the 15th century. Restored in 1954, the castle now features a folk park on its grounds, offering a fascinating insight into Ireland's history. Savour a medieval banquet accompanied by traditional entertainment.

See the captivating Cliffs of Moher, rugged karst landscapes carved into beautiful formations of bedrock. Then continue to Doolin, a charming seaside village, where you'll enjoy an Insider Experience. Continue on to Galway and enjoy time at leisure.

Insider Experience - Traditional Irish Music with Locals Christy Barry and his partner Sheila have entertained friends and musicians at their home for many years, gathering around the fire playing music and telling stories. Experience local Irish music in the relaxed surroundings, enjoy the experience of visiting a local home, enjoying local company and listening to a good traditional music session around the fire.

Today, embark on an excursion to Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. You'll hear captivating stories and fascinating histories of the island while taking in the stunning surroundings at a leisurely pace. Look out for seals at low tide and take a hike up to the ancient Dún Aonghasa fort. After your adventure, return to your hotel in Galway.

Enhance Your Journey - Horse and Cart Tour of Inishmore Once you arrive in Inishmore, you might choose to take a tour of the island on a traditional horse-and-cart or e-bike.

Enjoy a scenic cruise on the stunning Lough Corrib, soaking in the picturesque views of both the river and the lake. Continue on to Dublin, where you'll have free time to explore the city's shops, restaurants, and pubs. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a memorable Farewell Dinner.

Be transferred to the airport for your included flight to Amsterdam. On arrival, 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.

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.