Overview
Sail the romantic Rhine, the serene Main and the captivating Danube, witnessing dazzling natural beauty and incomparable architectural feats. Visit no fewer than five capital cities (Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest) and a dozen towns and villages, with time to explore each. Enjoy numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including read more the castle-dotted Upper Middle Rhine Valley and the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.
From Amsterdam to Bucharest, you’ll visit the best of Europe with its spectacular architecture and stunning history on this truly remarkable journey.
Ultimate European Journey is a combination of Highlights of Eastern Europe and European Jewels.
Itinerary
Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
Enjoy a delightful tour of Cologne's Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its stunning Renaissance façade. Wander through the historical center and take in its charming atmosphere and narrow alleyways flanked by old houses. No matter how you choose to explore Old Town, you'll also have ample free time to explore the city on your own. In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Featured Excursion: Cologne Walking Tour
Experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine this morning as you cruise past the famous Middle Rhine Valley. Later, experience Germany's fabled Rheingau in one of two ways today. Take in spectacular views of the region from the Rüdesheim mini-train, or venture within an atmospheric medieval monastery and taste the Rieslings made on site. Like many cities along the Rhine, Rüdesheim has a lengthy history that stretches back to Roman times. These days, the town is best known for its narrow avenue of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse and its impressive Niederwald Monument.
Featured Excursions: Choice of The Rüdesheim Mini-Train OR Abbey Eberbach Medieval Monastery Tour with Riesling Tasting
Vibrant Frankfurt, often referred to as the “Mainhattan” of Europe, boasts world-class museums, soaring skyscrapers, cozy wine taverns and lovely parks. Choose a brief tour that gives you an overview of this major European financial and trade center. Alternatively, visit romantic Heidelberg and its Renaissance castle.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Frankfurt Walking Tour with Local Treats OR Heidelberg Castle Visit
After today, you may never eat a pretzel again without thinking of the town of Wertheim. You'll meet one of Germany's best pretzel makers, as well as the owner of a historic wine estate. If you're more in the mood for a scenic hike, you are welcome to do that as well.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Wertheim Walk with Local Treats OR Let's Go: Wertheim Hike
Your ship will dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg, where you can visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence, one of the most opulent baroque palaces in Europe.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Würzburg Residence Visit with Court Gardens OR Würzburg Wine Cellar
Step into a fairytale version of the Middle Ages in Rothenburg and visit a medieval castle that's been described as a miniature Versailles. Spend a relaxing day onboard as your ship wends its way along the Main River between Würzburg and Bamberg. It's something of a truism to say that this route takes you from wine to beer, and you'll see the transition as you sail past the vineyard-covered slopes around Würzburg toward Bavaria's famous beer-brewing center, Bamberg.
Along the way, you'll pass delightful little villages and romantic castle ruins, drift under lovely old bridges, and have plenty of time to observe the fascinating variety of vessels plying the river, from heavily loaded barges to jaunty little pleasure craft.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Fairytale Rothenburg OR Active Rothenburg: Walk the Ramparts
Your floating boutique hotel takes you to Bamberg today, a well-preserved town that offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval times. Explore the city on foot or opt to head deeper into the Franconian countryside to experience an authentic slice of rural life—including a tractor ride. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church tops each one.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Bamberg Walking Tour OR Franconian Village Day
Note: You'll spend the rest of the day on the peaceful Main River, cruising past quiet Franconian hamlets and picturesque countryside. It's the perfect time to indulge in the many comforts of your luxury ship while watching some of Europe's loveliest scenery glide by.
Head up to the top deck or find a seat with a good view—you won't want to miss seeing the ship navigate its way through a marvel of modern engineering, the Main-Danube Canal. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European “continental divide.” Arrive in the archetypal medieval German city of Nuremberg. Nuremberg is justifiably famous for its gingerbread and pocket watches, and it was also the site of some key moments in 20th-century history.
You'll choose between two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city. You can join a tour of a secret Nazi art bunker hidden underground, or you can accompany a local expert to the city's most important WWII sites, including the enormous Nazi Party Rally Grounds—the actual site of the Nazi Party rallies.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Nuremberg City Tour with WWII Rally Grounds and Documentation Center Visits OR Nuremberg City Walk & Art Bunker Visit
Bavaria's first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, a fact recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you'll discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Regensburg Walking Tour OR “From Hops Field to Beer Stein” Farm Visit OR Bavarian History & Beer
Located at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, Inn, and Ilz— Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as you'll see on your walking tour.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Passau Walking Tour OR Let's Go: Bicycle Ride along the Inn River OR Passau Through the Lens
Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show you around and introduce you to some regional delicacies, including a wine tasting. Prefer to go for baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Later, you can stretch your legs with a vineyard hike.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Let's Go: Vineyard Hike OR Nights Out: Private Johann Strauss Experience OR Melk Abbey with Library Visit OR Weissenkirchen Village Walk with Wine Tasting
Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Embark on a tour of the city's imperial highlights and a visit to Hofburg Palace or a visit to an interactive multimedia experience featuring the work of Mozart. A special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening. (B/L/FD)
Featured Excursions: Choice of Imperial City Highlights with Hofburg Palace Visit OR Mythos Mozart & Imperial City Highlights OR Vienna Culinary Walking Tour
Called the “Queen of the Danube,” in part because of the way the city hugs the banks of the river, Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Made up of two parts— Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands)—and divided by the Danube, Hungary's capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history. You'll have two enticing ways to experience the city—a panoramic guided tour aboard a motorcoach with a visit to the Parliament, or discover the Budapest that locals love on a special walking tour of the city's most important landmarks.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Parliament Visit OR Budapest Walk with Local Treats
Other passengers are heading home today, but you are only halfway through your marvelous holiday. Enjoy a day of leisure exploring beautiful and historic Budapest.
Featured Excursion: Unicum Distillery Visit
Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Explore this dynamic and multifaceted city with your choice of excursions—you can see it from a local's perspective on our walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Vibrant Budapest, Hungary's capital, offers an enchanting combination of East and West.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Budapest Communist Tour OR Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Synagogue Visit
Note: Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience onboard today, during which a local speaker will present an engaging lecture on the history of the Roma people in Hungary, accompanied by a vibrant musical performance. --> In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as simple, delicious local rustic food.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Osijek Walking Tour, Home-Hosted Lunch, and Vučedol Museum OR Osijek Panoramic Tour, Family Restaurant Lunch, and Eltz Manor
Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, is one of Europe's oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, juxtaposed with the city's vibrant modern-day present.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Nights Out: Kalemegdan Fortress Concert OR Belgrade City Tour with Visit to the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace OR Let's Go: "I Bike Belgrade" Tour OR Skardarlija Bohemian Street & Truffle Tasting
Head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site and an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval fortress. All along the way, history lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan's Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars, and Turks.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Lepenski Vir Archaeological Park and Golubac Castle OR Let's Go: Kovilovo Viewpoint Hike
Note: Unwind onboard as you cruise the breathtaking Iron Gates, an 83-mile-long (134-kilometer-long) stretch of scenic gorges that were cut through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains over eons by the Danube River. These gorges, which act as a natural border between Serbia and Romania, are among the most dramatic and beautiful sights in all of Europe. This was one of the swiftest and most dangerous stretches of the river before two dams were built: Iron Gate I and Iron Gate II. Construction on the dams began in 1964 and took 20 years to complete; they have dramatically altered the area's landscape, raising the water level by 114 feet (35 meters) and drowning several islands and villages.
Vidin is a port town on the Danube that once played an important role in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It's your base for an unusual excursion today—a visit to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Or you can indulge in a tasting at a local winery.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Belogradchik Red Rock Valley OR Dos Alamos Wine Estate Visit and Tasting
Bulgaria's foremost Danube port, Ruse is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings. In the evening, a special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you. (B/L/FD)
Featured Excursions: Choice of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with Authentic Bulgarian Lunch OR Ruse Walking Tour with Ivanovo and Basarbovo Monasteries
This morning, you'll disembark the ship in Giurgiu and drive through the countryside to Bucharest, where you'll enjoy a panoramic city tour and a visit to People's Palace. Tonight, you'll relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, Romania's capital and its cultural and economic center.
Featured Excursions: Choice of Bucharest Communist Tour with People's Palace OR Bucharest Foodie Tour
Get to know the bustling heart of Romania's capital city with a full day to explore Bucharest on your own.
Featured Excursions: Choice of The Ceausescu Mansion - a Dictator's private home OR Snagov Palace with Vlad the Impaler's tomb
Check out of your hotel this morning. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport for your flight home.
Tour Inclusions
- 8 countries: Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, the Netherlands
- 9 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
- Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
- Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
- 21 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English speaking local experts
- Guided “Let's Go” and “Village Day” programs
- State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
- Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
- All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
- 24 breakfasts, 19 lunches, 22 dinners
- 2 Captain's Welcome and 2 Captain's Farewell Receptions
- 2 Welcome and 2 Farewell Gala Dinners
- Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
- 21-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the imperial S.S. Beatrice or stunning River Duchess
- 2 nights in Bucharest at The Marmorosch Bucharest hotel (or similar) with breakfast
- Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites on the cruise have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, custom cotton sateen sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
- Free Wi-Fi
- 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
We draw our inspiration for the design philosophy of every one of the 17 ships in our fleet directly from the destination more in which they sail. The craftsmanship, the attention to detail, the art onboard, the handcrafted furniture and intricacy of the fabrics are lovingly assembled to be a masterpiece in and of itself. Stepping onboard is to step into a world of beautiful colours and one-of-a-kind details that truly bring your destination to life.
Crafting experiences you can’t find anywhere else, means continuing to elevate Uniworld to new heights year after year. From the addition of four new Super Ships in Egypt, Vietnam, Portugal and Italy, to the award winning service that comes from the heart, we’re putting even more emphasis on what’s onboard to enhancing several itineraries to accommodate guest’s diverse tastes for the future. We truly look forward to welcoming our Australian guests onboard.
Named after German-American icon Marlene Dietrich, Uniworld's latest Super Ship blends refined design with boutique luxury. Read more
Uniworld has elevated all-inclusive river cruising in Europe to an entirely new level. Read more
Shore excursions for every traveler type. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more
Your Uniworld experience includes many options for you to stay fit both on board and onshore. Read more
Uniworld strives to go above and beyond to deliver you a truly exceptional travel experience. Read more
Be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit. Read more
River Cruise Reviews (9)
We meet a couple who had a suite 406, and visited their room........ very nice and spacious, but then again more expensive. Each morning we got up and did the fitness/yoga/stretching with the Dusko the instructor. Sometimes did it up on the sun deck if weather not cool at 7am, but mostly in the lounge/bar. Did Nordic walking twice. Fitness lasted usual about 1 hour. Most excursions started at 9am and lasted until about 1pm. Back to boat in time for lunch. If longer excursions, usually provided a meal at the location. Very good meals and toilet breaks.
Evening meals start at 7pm and finish in time for local entertainment. one night was a dress up night 60's night....bit of a laugh, most did not able to recognise us. Meals and drinks. Beautiful. We were unable to use the sundeck for about 6 days as the river level for clearance under the bridges insufficient. Our cruise left on 10th May 2024. Only 1.5 days of rain. Uniworld also took along 2 tour buses, who meet us at city to take us on the excursions, plus arranged extra buses as required up until Budapest. From Budapest to Bucharest they used another bus company. Liked all the excursions apart from the last one up to see the churches.......a long day and not much to see......maybe I needed a holiday .....hahaha. Booking process etc perfect. Recommend to others. Meet some wonderful people from around the world. Score the trip 10/10.
Bathroom very tight but otherwise fine for a river boat (and the bathroom was more spacious and far more functional than the one in our Istanbul hotel!)
Food and Dining
More than enough variety and quantity; quantities well judged to minimise waste, even for a 4- or 5-course dinner; vegetarians and other special diets read more well catered for, also non-alcoholic wine/beer etc.; all beautifully presented, served quickly etc. - nothing was too much trouble for waiters or kitchen staff; an added bonus was provision of recipes.
Onboard Entertainment
Specials were excellent (classical pianist, folkdance groups etc.; also most of the guest lecturers) but regular pianists were just 'pretty good'. However in all fairness the people who listened to the regular pianists most nights really enjoyed the music, dancing etc.
Shore Excursions
Satisfaction was very dependent on luck i.e. which small group tour guide - most were excellent but a few were just OK (feedback provided to cruise director where relevant). Each shore excursion offered a 'gentle walkers' group which either did less walking or less strenuous walking than other groups. Our cruise directors (a different one for the two 'halves' of the trip) also catered for people with more severe physical limitations by arranging taxis, rickshaws etc. (at the guests' expense) where the walking tours were not suitable for these guests. The cruise directors were very thoughtful and very helpful in every way.
My biggest disappointment was that several of the shore excursions advertised by Uniworld were simply not offered - I asked about them (e.g. Cesky Krumlov) but didn't really get a satisfactory response from the cruise director (this is different from offering an excursion then not running it due to insufficient takers - I understand the need for a minimum number to make it viable.) I think if something has been advertised in their promo material as being on offer that should be honoured. Several other people expressed the same disappointment.
Value for money
Even with 'two for one' it's hard for me to justify spending roughly $1,000 a day on a vacation! The benefits of cruising over coach tours are obvious but the difference in cost is a huge factor.
Global Journeys
We were very pleased with Yvonne's handling of our booking, especially getting our tickets to us early due to our being in India. The only 'gripe' (and it's minor) was that Yvonne wasn't able to book a 1-night extension for us in Istanbul, even though the Uniworld brochure/website said this could be done and many other Australian guests had made such arrangements through their agents. The only difference, once we'd made our own booking for the extra night, was that we had to arrange our own transport to the airport, which was no trouble at all. So it really didn't matter (although travellers without access to email - if there are any left! - might have had trouble making the booking for the extra night).
Useful Tip
For any guests arriving in Amsterdam by train to join a cruise, it would be helpful to know that the ship is docked just a short 5-min walk from the main train station (though it takes a taxi fare of EUR10 or more because of one-way streets etc.)
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Uniworld River Cruises (2026-27)
AUD 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 Uniworld. 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.
