Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in the enthralling city of Budapest, where your river ship awaits on the Danube River. Enjoy a Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers and Cruise Director. Stay 14 Nights: aboard your Travelmarvel river ship (D)
Awake to views of one of the Danube's most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and learn the vibrant history of Budapest as your local guide takes you to a host of impressive sights. Back on board this evening, enjoy a delightful Gala Welcome Dinner while you cruise. (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.
On arrival in the city centre, join a walking tour to uncover sights like St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben and Hofburg Palace. Later, explore the vibrant Naschmarkt at your leisure. This evening, perhaps attend an optional concert for a memorable experience. (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 Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. (B/L/D)
Enhance Your Journey - 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.
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.
Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town watched over by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was famously imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend your morning wandering its cobbled streets, historic townhouses, and inviting taverns. You might also choose to join an optional tour and sample the region's renowned wines. Later, sail through the scenic Wachau Valley before docking in Melk to tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation since 1089. (B/L/D)
Today, you can choose to join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Passau. (B/L/D)
Insider Experience - Bavarian Evening on Board Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian experience on board. Sample delicious local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.
Enhance Your Journey - Český Krumlov 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 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.
Continue along the Danube River to Regensburg, located in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. Here, join a guided tour of the city's historic streets, medieval buildings, and cultural sites. (B/L/D)
Arrive in Nuremberg, the site of Hitler's infamous rallies during World War II. Take a city tour this afternoon, which includes sights such as the Zeppelin Field and Palace of Justice. (B/L/D)
Bamberg, one of the few German cities spared destruction during World War II, beckons your attention today. You'll gain great insight during a locally guided tour of the historic city. Gaze upon sights such as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore. (B/L/D)
Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, Würzburg is home to the stunning baroque Würzburg Residence. Explore the palace and its Court Garden before perhaps opting for a visit to medieval Rothenburg, a fairytale town nestled along the Romantic Road. (B/L/D)
Enhance Your Journey - M edieval Rothenburg Tour Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautiful medieval walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.
Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town's half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and enjoy time at leisure. As the sun sets, watch the lights of medieval towns slip past as you cruise through the night. (B/L/D)
Insider Experience - Culinary Tour in Miltenberg 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.
In Rüdesheim, the Winzerexpress mini road train will take you to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later, back on board, enjoy spectacular scenery as you sail along the Rhine Gorge. (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. (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.
Amsterdam's network of canals is a sight to behold. Dock in the city's heart and board a glass-top boat to discover its views. Back on land, enjoy free time before a Captain's Farewell Dinner on board. (B/L/D)
After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Polaris
Part of Travelmarvel's brand-new fleet of European river ships, Polaris 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
Polaris 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 Polaris 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
Trip Reviews (35) View All Most Recent 'European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam' Reviews
We travelled on the Vega. It was a beautiful ship. It just glides through the water, you hardly know you are moving. The cruise director, Janos, was fabulous. Nothing was too much trouble, and he was very organised. There are a few optional excursions that you can choose to go on, which are an additional cost. We did 3 of them and found them worthwhile. There is no pressure to participate, the alternate option is to stay on the ship which is no hardship.
The food was great. Beer, wine and softdrink was included at lunch and dinner and glasses were really filled up for as long as you are dining. It was great to unpack and just enjoy the cruise. Most days you woke up you were in a new town or heading towards one.
We are around 64 years of age and I think we would have been in the youngest third of the passengers. There were some quite fit 70+ year olds on the cruise. Age doesn't define the ability to be active. There were also some less active older people who were very adequately catered for. When we left the ship to go on bus or walking tours there was nearly always a buss or tour for the gentle walkers who were less mobile. There was exercise, stretch sessions on the ship every morning for those that wanted to participate.
Travelmarvel did their best to cater for all the guests and ensure everyone had as good a holiday as possible.
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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 Travelmarvel. These 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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