15 Day Danube River Cruise | Amsterdam to Budapest

Amsterdam

Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Queen's official home-away-from-home.

On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

Cologne

Today join a walking tour of Cologne, highlighted by the soaring twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne's vibrant nightlife before setting sail.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Koblenz & Afternoon Cruising

The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join an orientation walk this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. During lunch, set sail and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship sails past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by.

Optional Tour: Marksburg Castle Tour

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Miltenberg

After a leisurely morning on board, arrive in the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg, a jewel on the banks of the Main River. Discover the Market Square with its Renaissance-era fountain, the Merchant Hall with its stunning Gothic architecture and the unique 14th and 15th century half-timbered houses. Rejoin the ship just before dinner and set sail for Wurzburg.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Wurzburg

Discover Wurzburg, named the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," with its dramatic Marienberg fortress, 15th century bridge and lush vineyards. Your tour takes you to the ornate Bishops' Residenz Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon, explore the town on your own or relax on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Bamberg

Today, dock in historic Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany's most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your walk in the medieval city center with its impressive 11th century Romanesque cathedral and gorgeous Rose Garden. After, view the very unusual City Hall built on a tiny island in the middle of the Regnitz River and Little Venice, an area of colorful fishermen's houses. This afternoon is free to explore Bamberg independently, before setting sail this evening while you dine on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Nuremberg

Today explore Nuremberg, an energetic city with a visible history of almost one thousand years. The guided excursion visits the historic Palace of Justice where the War Crimes Tribunal met in 1946 and continues to the vibrant Market Square. After lunch on board the ship, the afternoon is free to further discover this wonderful city on your own. Stroll through the shops that fill the Old Town or walk along the fortified walls of Nuremberg Castle. In the late afternoon set sail for Regensburg.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Regensburg

This morning relax on board as the ship cruises the Danube River. Arrive to Regensburg in the early afternoon, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube. Return to the ship or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. Tonight, after dinner, set sail for Passau.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Passau

Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture.

Explore Passau on a guided walking tour in the morning, or join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. If you choose to remain onboard the ship, continue sailing during lunch and relax this afternoon. In the early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk.

Optional Tour: Full Day Tour of Salzburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Melk

Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library. Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley. This Afternoon, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th-century town houses and wine taverns.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Vienna

Your morning tour of romantic Vienna introduces you to this Imperial city with its legendary opulence and elegance. Drive along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments. View the lavish Hofburg Palace, and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Continue to majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Parliament building. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, or, join the optional tour to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Habsburgs. Visit the gorgeous baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Tonight, perhaps take the opportunity to attend an evening of Viennese culture in the "City of Music" at an optional performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss, two of Vienna's most famous citizens.

Optional Tour: Schonbrunn Palace Tour (PM) or Classical Viennese Recital (PM)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Bratislava

This morning, enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the scenic Danube. At noon, arrive in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture.

This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town center; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Time to explore this colorful city on your own before returning to the ship for dinner as you sail for stunning Budapest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

 Budapest

During your morning tour of the city you will visit the Buda side with its castle district, as well as the Pest side with the Parliament, the City Park and the Heroes Square. Explore the city's wonderful shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish Farewell Dinner on board..

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: MS Monarch Baroness, MS Monarch Queen or similar

Budapest

This morning, disembark and make your way to the airport for your departure flight. Disembarkation will end at 9:30 AM.

Meals: Breakfast