Compare Ultimate River Cruise by AMA Waterways vs Trans-European Cruise from Budapest to Strasbourg by CroisiEurope
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 20 days | 13 days |
| Price From | $ 7,218 | $ 2,520 |
| Price Per Day | $ 361 | $ 194 |
| Highlights |
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CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
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| Trip Style | River cruise | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Premium |
| Physical Level |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
19 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches and 13 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
This cruise along the legendary rivers of Europe showcases a number of cultural and scenic highlights in France, Luxembourg, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Begin your river cruise vacation in beautiful Paris, the timeless “City of Light.” Sail through the lush Mosel River Valley, discover the most scenic portion of the Rhine, famous for its historic castles and incredible wine, and gaze upon medieval cities that line the Main and Danube rivers. You will experience three grand old capitals – Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna – interspersed with charming towns, steeply terraced hillside vineyards, ancient fortresses and spectacular vistas. Conclude your journey in Budapest. |
From Budapest to Strasbourg, enjoy a unique cruise crossing three rivers and four countries. From the Danube to the Rhine via the Main, you will be dazzled by the beauty of landscapes but also by the sweetness of these rivers that form a link between people, cultures and traditions. Hungary, Austria, Germany and France will unveil their history and rich heritage for an unforgettable trans-European getaway. |
Day 1: Arrive Paris, France
Arrive in Paris and check-in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Walk through the city’s enchanting streets, drop by a charming sidewalk café or visit one of many world class museums.
Day 2: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
Today you’ll visit Notre Dame and then enjoy some free time to explore the “City of Light.” Afterwards, you’ll see some of the most famous sights on a panoramic city tour, followed by a photo stop at Champs de Mars for views of the Eiffel Tower.
Day 3: Paris
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a free day to explore the romantic “City of Light.” Stroll along the Champs Elysées, lined with boutiques and cafés, or go to the top of the Eiffel Tower, built for the 1889 World’s Fair.
Day 4: Paris - Luxembourg - Embarkation
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Bid au revoir to Paris as you board your TGV high-speed train that will whisk you away to Luxembourg, one of Europe’s last independent duchies. You will have a guided walking tour of Luxembourg as well as a stop at the American Cemetery and Memorial, the final resting place of General George Patton, before boarding the ship. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. The ship departs very late tonight for Germany.
Day 5: Trier, Germany – Bernkastel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast enjoy a guided walking tour of Trier, Germany’s oldest city with a rich Roman past. You will see Trier Cathedral, the Basilica of Constantine and the Porta Nigra gate that dates back to 179 A.D. Continue on to Bernkastel, strategically located in the middle of the Mosel Valley’s wine-producing region, an area that’s been cultivating wine for over 500 years. A guided walking tour through the old town center this afternoon will take you past many medieval and Renaissance buildings. You will also enjoy a winery visit and sample several regional vintages. Your ship departs later this evening and cruises overnight.
Day 6: Koblenz – Rhine River Gorge – Rüdesheim
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today, enjoy a guided tour of Cochem that takes you to the spectacular hilltop Reichsburg Castle, offering fantastic views of the river valley below. Or, opt to take a walking tour of Koblenz and explore its charming town square and quaint shops. Return to the ship for a scenic afternoon cruise along the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine, with castle ruins, fortresses and the legendary Lorelei Rock. We arrive in Rüdesheim this evening and visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or you may choose to join us for some Rüdesheimer Coffee. The ship moors overnight in Rüdesheim.
Day 7: Mainz – Heidelberg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, depart Rüdesheim and cruise to beautiful Mainz, arriving after lunch. Your guided walking tour includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, home to two copies of the world’s first printed Bible as well as centuries-old manuscripts and printing presses. You may also choose to see the famed Chagall windows, which depict scriptural scenes in stunning blue. As an alternative to Mainz, you can travel by motor coach to Heidelberg, Germany’s oldest university town, where you will take a tour of the old town, visit the red-walled castle with its Great Vat (a 49,000-gallon wine cask) and enjoy beautiful views of the Neckar Valley and the city below. Later this afternoon, the ship departs Mainz and cruises overnight to Wertheim.
Day 8: 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. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic city center, a scenic guided bike tour along the Main River, or a visit to local bakery for a pretzel-making demonstration and tasting. Your ship cruises to Würzburg this evening.
Day 9: Würzburg - Kitzingen
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning’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. The next stop is Kitzingen this afternoon where the town’s Historic Court Council and honorary Wine Queen will escort you to one of Germany’s oldest wine cellars to sample regional wines. You may either cruise to Kitzingen, or get there via a guided bike ride through the Franconian countryside. Later tonight, the ship sails towards Bamberg.
Day 10: Bamberg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Arrive this afternoon in enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you will have one of three ways to explore. The first is a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions, as well as sample some of Bamberg’s famous smoked beer. The second is a guided bike tour along the Main River and the third is a Bamberg Specialties tasting where you will enjoy smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla, a local favorite whose recipe dates back to 1427. This evening, we continue cruising towards Nuremberg.
Day 11: Nuremberg-Munich
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today you will travel by train from Nuremberg to Munich, the capital of Bavaria and one of Germany's largest cities. You will have an orientation walk upon arrival, and then your guide will offer suggestions on what to see during your free time in town and will take you to lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of this vibrant city. Back on board the ship tonight, you will meet new guests arriving from Prague.
Day 12: Nuremberg – Continental Divide
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
You have two excursion options today. Take a tour of the city’s medieval highlights, including Nuremberg Castle, the 900-year-old ramparts surrounding the city, Town Hall, Notre Dame and the house of artist Albrecht Dürer, or join a WWII tour and see the Coliseum, Nazi Parade Ground and Justice Palace. Later, the ship cruises the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg.
Day 13: Regensburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning’s scenic cruising brings you into the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal en route to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. A guided walking tour will show you the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D.
Day 14: Passau – Linz, Austria
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, arrive in picturesque Passau, where the Inn and Ilz rivers flow into the Danube. You will have a choice of a walking tour of Passau’s Old Town, past the old city fortifications, Rathaus, Domplatz and Residenzplatz squares, as well as St. Stephen’s Cathedral, or more active guests may join either a guided bike tour from Passau to Erlau or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress overlooking Passau. Return to the ship this afternoon for a scenic cruise to Linz, Austria’s third largest city and a major river port.
Day 15: Melk – Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Early this morning, we cruise to Melk. You have a choice between a guided tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered monasteries, or a guided bike tour along the Danube. Return to the ship for lunch before cruising on through the scenic Wachau Valley. Arrive in Vienna after dinner and explore the magnificent Austrian capital on your own.
Day 16: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This morning, you will have a chance to savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna through your choice of one of three different excursions. The first option is a panoramic tour of Vienna that guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall and Vienna University. Afterwards, you will visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben and the world famous Spanish Riding School. The second option is a walking tour of Vienna’s hidden treasures that takes you to secret places and sights like Ankeruhr, a whimsical Art Nouveau clock. Your third option is a guided bike tour along the Danube and through the Donaupark. This afternoon, you can join a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery, or explore at your leisure. Be sure to sample some Viennese coffee and pastries.
Day 17: Budapest, Hungary
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Your morning excursion includes sightseeing in the cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. You will see famed Heroes’ Square and Castle Hill, home to Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and spectacular views of the Danube. Alternatively, you may join a guided hike up to Budapest Castle Hill. After dinner, the ship will sail a special Illuminations Cruise past the city’s glittering riverfront.
Day 18: Budapest - Disembarkation
Meals: Breakfast
This morning, transfer from the ship to your hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own.
Day 19: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
The day is free to explore beautiful Budapest at your leisure.
Day 20: Depart Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Budapest and prepare for your homeward flight.
Day 1 BUDAPEST
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : An evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest.
Day 1 BUDAPEST
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner tonight will be followed by an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : An evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest.
Day 2 BUDAPEST - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.We'll return on board in Esztergom. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own exploring the former capital of Hungary. The city is full of treasures such as the Neo-classical basilica and former Royal palace. We'll return on board and depart for Vienna. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 2 BUDAPEST - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.We'll return on board in Esztergom. In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own exploring the former capital of Hungary. The city is full of treasures such as the Neo-classical basilica and former Royal palace. We'll return on board and depart for Vienna. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 3 VIENNA
Upon arriving in Vienna, join us for an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : A visit to the Hofburg Palace, former residence of the Hapsburgs. Tonight, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour Vienna by night.
Day 3 VIENNA
Upon arriving in Vienna, join us for an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : A visit to the Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg's winter residence and its Sisi Museum. Tonight, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour Vienna by night.
Day 4 VIENNA
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, followed by a panoramic tour of Vienna.DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living, music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1). After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion: Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town and the famous Ring road in Vienna.This evening, join us on an optional excursion (not included in packages): Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)Our ship will depart at midnight.
Day 4 VIENNA
This morning, join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer residence of the Imperial family, followed by a panoramic tour of Vienna.DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living, music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1). After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion: Horse-drawn carriage ride through the old town and the famous Ring road in Vienna.This evening, join us on an optional excursion (not included in packages): Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)Our ship will depart at midnight.
Day 5 MELK
We'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley this morning, arriving in Melk in the morning. We'll then set off on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board and cruise towards Passau. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 5 MELK
We'll cruise along the most beautiful section of the Wachau Valley this morning, arriving in Melk in the morning. We'll then set off on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Dürnstein, the fortified village where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. Originally a Baroque-style palace built between 1702 and 1736, it is now a Benedictine monastery that hosts a prestigious coed school with more than 900 students. We'll return on board and cruise towards Passau. Enjoy an evening of entertainment.
Day 6 PASSAU
We'll set out to explore Passau in the company of hostess, strolling the narrow romantic streets and admiring is Baroque-style buildings. We'll then cruise to Regensburg through the night.
Day 6 PASSAU
We'll set out to explore Passau in the company of hostess, strolling the narrow romantic streets and admiring is Baroque-style buildings. We'll then cruise to Regensburg through the night.
Day 7 REGENSBURG - KELHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Regensburg and the Walhalla hall of fame which overhangs the river. We'll return on board in Kelheim and cruise the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg.
Day 7 REGENSBURG - KELHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Regensburg and the Walhalla hall of fame which overhangs the river. We'll return on board in Kelheim and cruise the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg.
Day 8 NUREMBERG - ERLANGEN - BAMBERG
We'll arrive in Nuremberg in the morning. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of the city and tasting of its famous gingerbread. We'll return on board in Erlangen and start sailing towards Bamberg. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 8 NUREMBERG - ERLANGEN - BAMBERG
We'll arrive in Nuremberg in the morning. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of the city and tasting of its famous gingerbread. We'll return on board in Erlangen and start sailing towards Bamberg. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 9 BAMBERG - SCHWEINFURT - GERLACHSHAUSEN
We'll spend this morning cruising to Schweinfurt. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Rothenburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This magnificent walled town located on the historic Roman Road has managed to keep its authentic charm. We'll return on board in Gerlachshausen. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 9 BAMBERG - SCHWEINFURT - GERLACHSHAUSEN
We'll spend this morning cruising to Schweinfurt. Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour of Rothenburg, one of the oldest cities in Germany. This magnificent walled town located on the historic Roman Road has managed to keep its authentic charm. We'll return on board in Gerlachshausen. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 10 WÜRZBURG - KARLSTADT - WERTHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Würzburg and the former Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. We'll return on board in Karlstadt. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 10 WÜRZBURG - KARLSTADT - WERTHEIM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Würzburg and the former Residence of the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. We'll return on board in Karlstadt. Our ship will cruise through the night.
Day 11 WERTHEIM - MILTENBERG - FRANKFURT
We'll set out to explore Miltenberg in the company of our hostess and discover this charming, very typical German village. Its marketplace surrounded by half-timbered houses, its Grande Rue and former Town Hall make Miltenberg a unique town and the "pearl of the Main". We'll cruise to Frankfurt.
Day 11 WERTHEIM - MILTENBERG - FRANKFURT
We'll set out to explore Miltenberg in the company of our hostess and discover this charming, very typical German village. Its marketplace surrounded by half-timbered houses, its Grande Rue and former Town Hall make Miltenberg a unique town and the "pearl of the Main". We'll cruise to Frankfurt.
Day 12 FRANKFURT - MAINZ
Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Tour of Frankfurt.DISCOVERY: Panoramic tour of Frankfurt and ascent of the Main Tower.We'll return on board and cruise to Mainz. Gutenberg's hometown, Mainz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main and is a perfect blend of past and present. Its age-old cathedral is not to be missed. You'll be able to explore the city in the company of our hostess. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.
Day 12 FRANKFURT - MAINZ
Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Tour of Frankfurt.DISCOVERY: Panoramic tour of Frankfurt and ascent of the Main Tower.We'll return on board and cruise to Mainz. Gutenberg's hometown, Mainz lies at the confluence of the Rhine and the Main and is a perfect blend of past and present. Its age-old cathedral is not to be missed. You'll be able to explore the city in the company of our hostess. Tonight is our gala dinner and evening.
Day 13 STRASBOURG
Enjoy buffet breakfast on board as we cruise towards Strasbourg, passing through two impressive locks on the Rhine, Iffezheim and Gambsheim. We'll reach Strasbourg at 2:00 p.m. and disembark after lunch. End of our services.
