Compare Treasures of the Main & Rhine by AMA Waterways vs Essential Western Europe: Amsterdam, Berlin & Epic Views by G Adventures
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Trip |
3.5 | Average
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5 | Excellent
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Duration | 10 days | 10 days |
Price From | $ 3,319 | $ 1,599 |
Price Per Day | $ 332 | $ 160 |
Highlights |
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Trip Style | River cruise | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Basic |
Physical Level |
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Travel Themes |
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N/A |
Countries Visited | ||
Cities and Attractions |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Ground transport included |
Activities |
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Meals Included |
9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 6 Dinners |
9 breakfasts |
Description |
Your European adventure begins with a visit to historic Prague, “the city of a hundred spires.” Embark upon your luxurious river cruise ship in historic Nuremberg and cruise through the Main-Danube Canal to Bamberg. Cruise the beautiful Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stopping along the way to visit charming Rüdesheim and Koblenz. In Cologne, you will visit the city’s magnificent Cathedral before concluding your vacation in Amsterdam, one of Europe’s liveliest capitals. |
Amsterdam. Prague. Vienna. Berlin. Munich. If these names alone have you squealing with excitement, this 10-day adventure will have you dancing down cobblestone streets. You’ll soak up the history and booming art scene of Berlin, and have your mind blown by the architecture of Prague and Vienna. Want epic natural views? You got it. Walk the highest natural rock bridge in all of Europe at the Pravčická Gate, and hike along a ridiculously scenic mountain lake on the way to Salzburg. Staying in awesome hostels along the way, this adventure is the best of Western Europe, all wrapped up into one. |
Day 1: Arrive In Prague, Czech Republic
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this beautiful city.
Day 2: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
This morning’s sightseeing tour reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities. Visit the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral, then cross the Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The remainder of your day is free to shop, mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square or relax at a coffeehouse.
Day 3: Prague - Nuremberg, Germany – Embarkation
Meals: Breakfast
Depart Prague after breakfast and drive through the scenic German countryside to Nuremberg for embarkation. Tonight, gather on board your ship for a Welcome Dinner with your fellow passengers. The ship moors in Nuremberg overnight.
Day 4: Nuremberg – Bamberg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy breakfast as we cruise through the engineering marvel known as the Main-Danube Canal, which traverses the Alps via 16 locks. Arrive in Bamberg and enjoy a walking tour of this medieval gem, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark for a guided walking tour and see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Alternatively, you may choose to sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer or enjoy a guided bike tour along the Main River. The ship departs this evening and cruises overnight.
Day 5: Kitzingen-Wurzburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning you will arrive in Kitzingen for a walking tour. You’ll see the famous Leaning Tower, built during the 13th century, the Old Main Bridge, Kitzingen Church and the Renaissance Town Hall. Later, the Aulic Council and Wine Queen will welcome you to Germany’s oldest wine cellar, where you will taste several different wines and learn about the history of wine production in the region. This afternoon’s guided tour of Würzburg will show you all of the city’s major sights, or you may prefer to visit the Residenz Palace and gardens, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. We cruise overnight tonight to Wertheim.
Day 6: Wertheim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Welcome to Wertheim, a quaint German town known for its intricate glassworks and charming medieval architecture. You have your choice of one of three excursions today. You have your option of enjoying a guided walking tour of the historic city center, a guided bike tour along the Main River, or a visit to local bakery for a Pretzel tasting. After lunch, the ship will cruise towards Mainz.
Day 7: Rudesheim-Koblenz
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, cruise through the picturesque Rhine Gorge, admiring its many castles and fortress ruins and the legendary Lorelei Rock. This afternoon you will arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim where you will have the option to take one of three excursions: wine tasting with a local vintner, a Gondola Ride above the town to see the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, or a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to one of Germany's best wine regions. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to explore the Drosselgasse, the town’s most famous and charming street, a narrow passage lined with shops and taverns. Later this morning, visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, home to a remarkable collection of old robotic and self-playing musical instruments. This afternoon, your ship departs for Koblenz and cruises through the Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, with hillsides dotted with fairy-tale castles. After arriving in Koblenz this evening, your Cruise Manager will take you on a walking tour through this charming town. The ship moors here overnight.
Day 8: Koblenz-Cologne
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The ship cruises to Cologne today, where you will have an afternoon walking tour of the old part of the city and visit the fabled 13th-century gothic cathedral. You will have some free time to explore on your own. The ship departs this evening for Amsterdam.
Day 9: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Enjoy a leisurely cruise this morning to Amsterdam, arriving after lunch. You’ll have a guided canal cruise, a city tour of all the top sights, a photo stop at an iconic Dutch windmill and free time to explore this vibrant and colorful city our own.
Day 10: Amsterdam – Disembarkation.
Meals: Breakfast
Your cruise comes to an end as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
Day 1 Amsterdam
Arrive at any time, find a comfy spot in the hostel to relax or go out to explore before meeting fellow Roamies in the evening.
Day 2 Amsterdam/Berlin
Remember booking this trip months back? Now, you’re actually on it, in the places you hoped to experience. What a cool feeling! Soak it up with an included bike tour of Amsterdam. Hop on two wheels and cruise along the city's canals like the locals do. Then, travel by train from Amsterdam to Berlin where you will have a free evening to explore this fascinating city. You could also spend the evening unwinding in your hostel. Maybe play some cards as a group. Anyone ever heard of “Pitch”?
Day 3 Berlin
Let loose today, we dare you. Why? Because it will be fun, especially with your newest pals. Get your bearings with an orientation walk with your CEO around the city. Then, it's your turn to explore the tangible history and melting pot of cultures at work here. Head straight for the Berlin Wall, walk through the Brandenburg Gate, and feast those eyes on the Checkpoint Charlie Museum. Want to try something even cooler? Rent a bike and visit the now defunct Tempelhof Airport which doubles as a beautiful park space in the city. (A best-kept local secret if we do say so ourselves). At night lounge in the hostel or witness the vibrant nightlife Berlin is known for.
Day 4 Berlin/Prague
Prague is up next, with a few treats along the way! First up on your journey is Dresden, Germany. Home to a booming art scene, we think a visit there to wander around the cobblestone streets, is a must. Explore the picturesque old town, stroll through the charming streets and take in the beautiful views of the Elbe river. Step back in time and admire the stunning reconstruction of Frauenkirche, a must-see landmark in Dresden. Indulge in the art and culture scene. Lace up those boots and set out on a small hike at the Pravcicka Gate, which happens to be the largest naturally formed rock gate in all of Europe. Afterwards, hit the road and arrive in Prague by early evening. Your day doesn’t end here, gather as a group and go on a highlight walk with your cool CEO passing must-see places like, the TV Tower of Prague, the Astronomical Clock, Charles Bridge, and John Lennon's Wall.
Please note that the Pravcicka Gate hike is unfortunately closed from November through March. During this time the group will spend more time exploring Dresden. In November and December a Christmas Market will be there for us to visit.
Day 5 Prague
Soak up the atmosphere of Prague on a highlight walk of all the city has to offer. Afterwards, hit up the famous Charles Bridge with your friends, admire the clock tower in the main square, or sit and sip a thirst-quenching brew at a traditional Czech beer hall with a side of meat and potatoes. It’s guaranteed to be a loud, lively and marvellous time! Remember, it's all up to you.
Day 6 Prague/Vienna
You're in for a day of unbeatable views! Get ready for another round of those back-in-time feelings as you stroll through the Medieval town of Cesky Krumlov on the way to Vienna. Be your own Queen (or King) of the castle as you explore 13th century ramparts with the added bonus of spectacular views. Slip into your inner explorer and see the Old Town from the top of the round bell tower, people watch from a cafe in the main square while you debate as a group where to have lunch, and then toss a coin to make the decision. Finish the day in Vienna where you’ll get to know the city as a group on an evening highlights walk. Pass sites like, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Rathaus, National Library, The Hofburg and much more. Later, kick back, relax, and have some laughs at your hostel.
Day 7 Vienna
We’re excited for you today! The day is yours, but don’t let the freedom paralyze you. We have plenty of suggestions. You could seek out famous landmarks like, The Vienna State Opera House, Belvedere Palace, the Kunsthistorisches Museum, and Vienna City Hall. Remember, we all need a little downtime during our travels, so if you need a break we get it. Grab a coffee, order a slice of mouthwatering cake and settle yourself in with your pals on a café terrace as the world moves on around you. Don’t worry, you still have plenty of time to keep finding a few world-famous museums and indulge in typical Austrian desserts like strudel or Sacher Torte. Keep in mind your CEO just might know the best secret places that will really set your experience apart from the main crowd. Ask away!
Day 8 Vienna/Salzburg
If you have a soft spot for beautiful alpine lakes that border two countries, today is going to check off all of those boxes. You’ll be able to wander around the clear waters of Konigsee, smell the fresh air, and find that inner peace that comes from being in the great outdoors. Salzburg is up next, so don’t forget to save some of that wanderlust energy! You’ll go with the group on an orientation walk of the city. Wander the historic squares and quaint little side streets of Salzburg Old Town. Climb Festungsberg Hill to visit Hohensalzburg Castle, or find the birthplace of Mozart and meet up to go to the museum there.
Day 9 Salzburg/Munich
A whistle blows in the distance as a conductor shouts, “All Aboard!” You rush to the platform, jumping on with just moments to spare. While this may not be exactly what happens today, it will pretty much be along those lines when you hop on a train from Salzburg to Munich. A city with a big heart, as charming as it is laid back, and as buzzing as it is calm will be waiting for you upon arrival. Spend time in Marienplatz, home to the Old and New Town Halls. Find the famous glockenspiel, or one of the many great beer halls, or the green dome-crested towers of the iconic Church of Our Lady. The vibe is totally up to you, have a pint, or two, or three!
Day 10 Munich
Depart at any time, or maybe extend your stay in the hostel for a few more days to keep the good times rolling.