Compare Ultimate River Cruise by AMA Waterways vs Paris to Berlin: Art & the Alps by G Adventures
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| Trip |
3.5 | Average
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 20 days | 21 days |
| Price From | $ 7,218 | $ 4,249 |
| Price Per Day | $ 361 | $ 202 |
| 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 |
19 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches and 13 Dinners |
1 lunch |
| 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. |
Travelling on a budget doesn’t mean you have to see less; it just means you have to plan more. Lucky for you, we’re pretty great planners. Cross nine countries off your list in 21 thrilling days and immerse yourself in everything Europe has to offer. Check out the galleries and museums of Paris, the beauty of the Swiss Alps, delicious Italian cuisine (and, of course, wine!), the exciting nightlife of Berlin, and Prague, and the Eastern charms of Krakow, Vienna, and Budapest. Do more, spend less. |
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 Paris
Arrive at any time. Tonight, you won’t need to go far for Paris to sweep you off your feet, because after all, it is the City of Love. Head to your hostel’s bar with your CEO and group to kick back and grab drinks in celebration of the first day of your grand adventure.
Day 2 Paris
Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower; opt to visit Notre Dame Cathedral or explore Montmartre.
Explore and discover the “je ne sais quoi” of the City of Lights. Paris has something for everyone and you can use your day here to picnic under the Eiffel Tower, explore the outstanding museums and churches, float down the Seine on a river cruise or people watch at one of the charming cafés.
Day 3 Paris/Interlaken
Take a train from Paris to Interlaken, a small city in the Swiss Alps with breathtaking scenery.
Day 4 Interlaken
Enjoy an orientation walk of Interlaken. Opt to get the adrenaline pumping with some canyoning or whitewater rafting. Explore a nearby glacier or go swimming in a crystal clear lake. Don't miss the nightlife on your Big Night Out!
Day 5 Interlaken
Take a full free day to enjoy all the adventures you'll find on this side of the Alps.
Day 6 Interlaken/Rome
Travel to Rome by train via Milan. Upon arrival, enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of Rome. Opt for an evening out with the group.
Opt to check out the famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Opt to wander the cobblestone streets, or relax in a piazza with an espresso. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife. We recommend pre-purchasing advance entry tickets for popular attractions such as the Sistine Chapel, Villa Borghese, and the Colosseum to avoid waiting in long queues on the day of your visit.
Day 7 Rome
Opt to check out famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. Don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 8 Rome/Florence
Enjoy a G Adventures supported migrant led walk of Rome before heading to Florence. Walk through the city catching a glimpse of the Duomo, Piazza Indipendenza and Ponte Vecchio.
Explore a different side of Rome on a walking tour led by a migrant guide and see Rome through the eyes of a recent newcomer to Italy. Leave Rome behind and head towards Florence. No city can boast of such artistic richness as this romantic Renaissance city. Food, art, culture, and beautiful views put this outstanding Italian city in a field of its own. The list of things to see and do in Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside is unlimited, be it art, nature, architecture, history, or food and drink!
Day 9 Florence
Free day in Florence to explore. Opt for a day trip to nearby Siena, or just enjoy all the city has to offer.
For a truly local experience, indulge your inner gastronome on a culinary tour of the city. Opt to pre-book the "Florence Food Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 10 Florence/Venice
Catch a train into Venice. Enjoy an orientation walk along the canals, then take some time to explore the city's winding streets on your own.
Opt to take a ride in a gondola, visit Piazza San Marco, or discover the magic behind Murano glass.
Day 11 Venice/Ljubljana
Journey to Ljubljana, Slovenia. Explore the Ljubjanica River lined with outdoor cafes, or opt to take a quick trip to nearby Bled.
Day 12 Ljubljana/Vienna
Catch the bus to Vienna. Take a short orientation walk around this incredible city.
Day 13 Vienna
Free time to wander the imperial streets of Austria’s capital, with its grand buildings, gardens, museums, and tasty pilsner. Opt to see the Lipizzaner 'dancing' horses.
After tiring yourself out with sightseeing, pop into a café, a Viennese institution. For a slice of local life, the cafés are good places to relax and get your bearings while deciding what to do next. A delicious café experience involves Gugelhupf, one of Vienna’s specialty cakes, and a cup of Melange (half coffee, half milk).
Day 14 Vienna/Budapest
Travel from Vienna to Budapest by train and take orientation walk upon arrival before enjoying a free afternoon to explore. Visit the beautiful Parliament building, stroll along the streets or check out the thermal baths. Hit up the city's nightlife in the evening on a Big Night Out with the group.
To gain deeper insight on local history, opt to pre-book the "Budapest History Walking Tour" on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour.
Day 15 Budapest
Free time to explore. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets, cruise the Danube, or check out the thermal baths.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of the adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Day 16 Budapest/Krakow
Enjoy free time to explore Hungary's capital. Opt to check out the beautiful Parliament building, stroll the streets or visit the thermal baths. Visit a G Adventures-supported café that assists Hungarians living with a disability before boarding the overnight train to Krakow.
With the Danube River dividing old town, Buda, from the newer area, Pest, there is plenty to see and do.
Day 17 Krakow
Orientation walk upon arrival. Free time to visit Auschwitz, travel to see old salt mines, or stay in the city to explore the Jewish Quarter.
Opt to visit Rynek Główny - Europe’s largest medieval market square; savour a traditional Polish breakfast (kielbasa, yum), or sit back with a coffee and a slice of Poland's famous cheesecake (sernik babci) at one of the many cafes in the area. Then, walk it off with a stroll uphill to marvel at the impressive Wawel Royal Castle.
Day 18 Krakow/Prague
Take a day train to Prague, then enjoy an orientation walk around town, including a visit to a genuine beer hall. Later, enjoy your Big Night Out with the group. Na Zdravi!
Imagine a city lined with Bohemian art, beer halls offering the finest brews in the region, tranquil gardens, and ornate chapels - it's no wonder why visitors fall in love with this place. Take the afternoon and get lost.
Day 19 Prague
Free day for exploration—check out the Prague castle complex or walk the cobblestone streets through the old town and Jewish ghetto.
Enjoy all Prague has to offer. Opt to visit the famous Charles Bridge, the clock tower in the main square or a traditional Czech beer hall with serious helpings of meat and potatoes.
Day 20 Prague/Berlin
Take a train to Germany and enjoy an orientation walk in Berlin. Opt to check out the city's vibrant nightlife.
Berlin is an amazing city with tangible historical importance and a melting pot of different cultures and flavours.
Day 21 Berlin
Depart at any time.
