Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Budapest
Budapest- Meals
- Dinner (Welcome reception)
Optional Activities
- Explore Budapest's nightlife
- Day 2
Budapest
Budapest- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Budapest in depth coach tour - Varkert Bazaar, Margaret Bridge crossing, Szechenyi Square, Elizabeth Square, piano recital at Institute for the Blind
- Budapest's past and present walking and coach tour - communist history, 1956 Hungarian revolution, Jewish cultural sites
- Hospital in the Rock underground exploration - WWII secret hospital and nuclear bunker
- Guided hike of Buda district - Varkert Bazaar, landscaped gardens, Danube River views
- Hungarian culinary market tour - Grand Central Market and local delicacies tastings
Optional Activities
- Visit thermal baths and hot springs
Landmarks Varkert Bazaar Margaret Bridge Szechenyi Square Elizabeth Square Institute for the Blind Hospital in the Rock Danube River - Day 3
Budapest to Vienna
Budapest to Vienna- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (At Palais Liechtenstein during classical concert)
Included Activities
- Classical concert at Palais Liechtenstein - exclusive private concert with Austrian Sekt, music by Strauss and Mozart, ballet dancers, vocalists, surrounded by world-famous art
Landmarks Palais Liechtenstein - Day 4
Vienna
Vienna- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycle to Danube Island - guided e-bike tour to recreational area with bathing, boating, cycling, and beaches
- Excursion to Bratislava - coach travel to Slovak capital, visit Bratislava Castle, Hlavne Namestie main square, Old Town Hall with local guide
- Hidden Gems of Vienna - tour of Ringstrasse, Austrian Parliament, City Hall (Rathaus), St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna State Opera
- Klosterneuburg Abbey guided tour and wine tasting - visit Austria's oldest wine estate (900 years of wine production), Imperial Apartments, guided wine tasting in historic winery
Landmarks Ringstrasse Danube Island Bratislava Castle Hlavne Namestie Austrian Parliament City Hall (Rathaus) St. Stephen's Cathedral Vienna State Opera Klosterneuburg Abbey - Day 5
Krems - Dürnstein
Krems - Dürnstein- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Göttweig Abbey - founded sixth century, rebuilt after 18th century fire, visit magnificent frescoes and Austria's largest Baroque staircase
- Wachau Valley wine tasting - visit local winemaker, learn age-old winemaking traditions, sample wines
- UNESCO Wachau Valley e-bike experience - electronic bicycle tour along Danube to Dürnstein, pass charming villages and vineyard landscapes, stops for views
Optional Activities
- Explore Dürnstein free time
Landmarks Wachau Valley Göttweig Abbey Danube River - Day 6
Passau
Passau- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (At local restaurant (included in full-day excursions)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Full day excursion to Salzburg - guided tour of Mozart's birthplace, Hohensalzburg Fortress, art and music scene, lunch at local restaurant, free time
- Full day excursion to Cesky Krumlov - World Heritage-listed town tour with local guide, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, lunch at local restaurant
- Highlights of Passau - walking tour with local guide, brightly colored waterside buildings, St. Stephens Cathedral (originally 450 AD, rebuilt Baroque style after 1662 fire)
Landmarks St. Stephens Cathedral Mozart's Birthplace Hohensalzburg Fortress Cesky Krumlov - Day 7
Regensburg
Regensburg- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Regensburg - local guide, old stone bridge, Church of St James, Porta Praetoria
- Weltenburg Abbey - ferry through Danube Gorge to oldest Bavarian monastery (founded approximately 600 AD), explore Abbey and Cloister Church, sample award-winning beer (produced on site since 1050)
- Thurn und Taxis active walking tour - guided tour of castle, free time, 12th century noble family history
- Cycle to Walhalla Memorial - bike tour through Danube Valley scenery along river and countryside, Walhalla Memorial commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria honoring notable Germans
Landmarks Church of St James Porta Praetoria Danube Gorge Weltenburg Abbey Thurn und Taxis Castle Walhalla Memorial Danube Valley - Day 8
Nuremberg
Nuremberg- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Nuremberg Old Town - drive past ancient city walls, walking tour with local guide, Imperial Castle, St. Egidien's Church, market square
- World War II tour - local guide highlighting main Nazi regime events, visit important sites from dark period of German history
- Nuremberg's castle and city walls - active walking tour on cobblestone streets, Imperial castle, impressive medieval city walls
Landmarks Imperial Castle St. Egidien's Church Market Square - Day 9
Bamberg
Bamberg- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg Old Town - World Heritage-listed Old Town, one of Europe's largest intact centers, history through stunning medieval and Baroque buildings
- Excursion to Coburg - coach to Coburg (seat of Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria), visit impressive castle overlooking city (one of Germany's largest and best-preserved forts), museum with carriages, weapons, armor, and renowned paintings
Optional Activities
- Relax on Sun Deck
- Relax in suite
Landmarks Bamberg Town Hall Bamberg Cathedral Coburg Castle - Day 10
Würzburg
Würzburg- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour and Würzburg Residence - visit Baroque palace surrounded by manicured gardens, guided tour seeing valuable paintings, tapestries and period furniture, stroll into city for free time
- Romantic Road to Rothenburg - coach drive to Rothenburg along famed Romantic Road (important medieval trading route), guided tour of well-preserved medieval old town, free time to explore
Landmarks Würzburg Residence Old Main Bridge Romantic Road Rothenburg - Day 11
Wertheim - Miltenberg
Wertheim - Miltenberg- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (On board during night cruise)
Included Activities
- Wertheim tour and winery - orientation tour of historic half-timbered town, free time, visit local winery to meet winemaker, learn production process, transfer to Miltenberg
- Gamburg Castle tour - visit Gamburg for guided castle tour, private reception with Baron and Baroness, glass of sparkling wine
- Miltenberg hike - guided hike through elegant Franconian landscape hills and forests, panoramic views of Main River, ancient vineyard terraces, medieval villages, regional stories
- Tastes & treasures of Miltenberg - explore local life visiting fine producers (artisanal butchers, bakers, Schnapps producers), cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, authentic Franconian craftsmanship
- Schnapps tasting - visit local schnapps distiller, understand production of flavored liqueur, tasting of multiple flavors, orientation tour of Miltenberg, free time
Landmarks Spitze Turm Gamburg Castle - Day 12
Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge - Bonn
Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge - Bonn- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Lavish dinner with classical music at La Redoute)
Included Activities
- Siegfried's Musikkabinett Museum - local guide introduction to mechanical musical instruments, self-exploration or cable car to Niederwald Monument
- Hike & cable car - guided hike through rolling vineyards, spectacular countryside and Rhine River views, cable car ride to Niederwald Monument, return to town on foot
- Rhine Gorge cruise - relax on board during 65-kilometre cruise through picturesque gorge with 40 hilltop castles spanning 1000 years, view Lorelei statue dedicated to tragic legend
- La Redoute Recital Hall - coach transfer to Bonn, exclusive evening at La Redoute (built 1792 by last Elector of Cologne, previous guests include Princess Diana and Queen Elisabeth II), lavish dinner accompanied by classical music
Landmarks Niederwald Monument Rhine Gorge Lorelei statue La Redoute - Day 13
Cologne
Cologne- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Old Town - historic buildings, beautiful squares, World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral - Day 14
Amsterdam
Amsterdam- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Canal cruise - one-hour cruise along historic waterways, over 100 kilometres of canals, Golden Age mansions, grand warehouses, narrow bridges
- Walking tour of Amsterdam - explore maze of canals and bridges in city centre, local guide covering history, modern lifestyle, Dutch culture, taste herring local delicacy
- Dutch countryside e-bike tour - take ferry to town outskirts, biking tour, local guide information about everyday Dutch life
- Excursion to Schermerhorn & Alkmaar - visit Schermerhorn village with authentic 16th-century windmills, travel to charming Alkmaar town known for historic buildings and picturesque canals
Landmarks Schermerhorn Alkmaar - Day 15
Amsterdam to Paris
Amsterdam to Paris- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Flight Amsterdam to Paris
- Day 16
Les Andelys
Les Andelys- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cruise along the Seine to Les Andelys
- Stroll alongside the river and explore the charming centre of Les Andelys
Optional Activities
- Hike to Château Gaillard with 'Richard the Lionheart' - Medieval-themed walking tour with guide in traditional attire
- Tour of Les Andelys with Château Gaillard - Explore the Norman town with local guide
- Cider farm visit - See cider production in action and taste Normandy cider
- Château d'Acquigny Gardens & Louviers - Explore castle gardens with rare botanical collections, then visit the medieval town of Louviers and view the Gothic Church of Notre-Dame
Landmarks Château Gaillard Château d'Acquigny Church of Notre-Dame, Louviers - Day 17
Rouen
Rouen- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Rouen city tour - why Victor Hugo called Rouen 'the city of a hundred spires', cathedral district, old marketplace, Saint-Maclou Quarter, Medieval alleys, half-timbered houses, Joan of Arc history and death site (1431), free time
- Guided tour of Rouen with Rollo the Viking - authentically dressed guide as Viking warlord Rollo the Walker, city tour learning about Viking raiders who made Rouen capital, Medieval past focus, free time
- In the footsteps of Joan of Arc - captivating walking tour through Rouen, dramatic narrative of young heroine, St. Ouen Church witness to her faith, Old Market Square martyrdom site
- WWI Lecture - A day in the life of a Tommy - interactive evening understanding soldier life on Western Front, learn why 'the Great War', 1914 Christmas armistice football match to trench warfare horrors, try soldier equipment and weapons, taste soldier rations, immersive experience
Landmarks Rouen Cathedral Saint-Maclou Quarter Old Market Square St. Ouen Church - Day 18
Rouen
Rouen- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (At local restaurant (included in Somme excursions)), Dinner (Exquisite dessert buffet with classic French cakes, fine coffee or dessert wine)
Included Activities
- Excursion to Somme Battlefields including Newfoundland Memorial Park - full day to WWI Battle of the Somme site (150,000+ British and Commonwealth soldiers), visit Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, Lochnagar Crater, Newfoundland Memorial Park (largest Western Front area with visible shell holes and trenches)
- Excursion to Somme Battlefields Including Thiepval - same itinerary visiting Somme Battlefields, Australian National Memorial (Sir John Monash Centre), Franco-Australian Museum, lunch, Caterpillar Valley Cemetery (5,500+ Commonwealth graves), Thiepval Memorial to the Missing, Lochnagar Crater
- Claude Monet and the colours of Rouen - explore Monet-inspired city landmarks, wander Medieval streets with guide sharing historical insights and Monet anecdotes, see iconic Rouen Cathedral (immortalized in 30+ paintings), visit Musée des Beaux-Arts
- Exquisite dessert buffet - artistry of local pastry chef, classic French cakes, beautifully displayed desserts, pairs with fine coffee or dessert wine
Landmarks Somme Battlefields Sir John Monash Centre Newfoundland Memorial Park Thiepval Memorial Caterpillar Valley Cemetery Lochnagar Crater Franco-Australian Museum Musée des Beaux-Arts - Day 19
Honfleur
Honfleur- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided walking tour of Honfleur - charming Inner Harbour, Church of Sainte-Catherine, Garden of Personalities, free time to explore
- French cheesemaking presentation and tasting - spotlight on Normandy's celebrated classics (Camembert de Normandie, Pont-l'Évêque, Neufchâtel), on board experience
- Lecture about Operation Fortitude and D-Day - engaging lecture on Honfleur citizens' daily life during WWII D-Day campaign
Landmarks Inner Harbour Church of Sainte-Catherine Garden of Personalities - Day 20
Honfleur
Honfleur- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (At local restaurant (included in excursions)), Dinner
Included Activities
- Excursion to Normandy Beaches including Omaha Beach - Utah Beach memorial (20,000+ US troops June 6 1944), Sainte-Mère-Église (30 US paratroopers landing), lunch at local restaurant, Normandy American Cemetery and Visitor Centre, Omaha Beach Memorial (2,400 casualties, 'Bloody Omaha')
- Excursion to Normandy Beaches including British Normandy Memorial - Bayeux (first liberated town, French capital summer 1944), Bayeux War Cemetery, Museum of the Battle of Normandy, Arromanches Landing Museum (artificial harbor), lunch at local restaurant, British Normandy Memorial, Pegasus Bridge & Museum, Ranville War Cemetery
- Excursion to Normandy Beaches including Juno Beach Centre - Abbey d'Ardenne (11th century memorial to Canadian POWs), Juno Beach Centre (20,000 Canadian troops landing), lunch at local restaurant, Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery (335 Canadian men killed D-Day and early campaign), Pegasus Bridge & Museum
- Bayeux tour - guided tour of Bayeux including Notre Dame Cathedral (11th-14th centuries, Norman Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece), free time to explore town
Landmarks Utah Beach Sainte-Mère-Église Omaha Beach Normandy American Cemetery Bayeux Bayeux War Cemetery Museum of the Battle of Normandy Arromanches Landing Museum British Normandy Memorial Pegasus Bridge & Museum Ranville War Cemetery Abbey d'Ardenne Juno Beach Centre Bény-sur-Mer Canadian Cemetery Notre Dame Cathedral, Bayeux - Day 21
Honfleur - Caudebec-en-Caux
Honfleur - Caudebec-en-Caux- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cycle to Villequier with Victor Hugo Museum - active biking tour on e-bike along River Seine banks, flat eight-kilometre each way route, visit museum dedicated to Victor Hugo (poet, playwright, novelist), return to ship
- Fecamp and Bénédictine Palace - coach transfer to historic Fecamp seaside town (surrounded by tallest Normandy cliffs), guided tour of 19th century Bénédictine Palace (architectural masterpiece), produces Bénédictine liquor (27 plants and spices), tasting during visit
- Tales of the French Resistance - walking tour learning stories of French Resistance fighting Nazi Occupation, heroism and daring missions exploration, historic city exploration
- Normandy Abbey Road - explore Normandy spiritual and economic heritage since Middle Ages, local guide on Abbey Road where grand abbeys sit on River Seine banks
Landmarks Notre Dame Caudebec-en-Caux Villequier Victor Hugo Museum Fecamp Bénédictine Palace River Seine - Day 22
Vernon - La Roche-Guyon
Vernon - La Roche-Guyon- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (During classical concert at Château de La Roche-Guyon)
Included Activities
- Monet's House and Garden - journey to Giverny, tour town, visit founder of Impressionism home, Japanese-inspired water garden with lilies (inspired most famous works), free exploration time
- Self-guided cycle from Vernon to Giverny - self-guided biking tour from ship in Vernon to Giverny (approximately 5 kilometres each way), visit Monet's House and Garden or wander charming town, return to ship
- On-board painting class - inspired painting class after garden touring
- Classical concert at Château de La Roche Guyon - short walk from ship to 16th century château built into chalk hillside, walk through manicured orchard and vegetable gardens (producing fresh juices), admire decorative walls, ceilings, tapestries, drink upon arrival, splendid classical concert featuring French composers music
Landmarks Giverny Monet's House and Garden Château de La Roche-Guyon - Day 23
Conflans - Paris
Conflans - Paris- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Auvers-Sur-Oise - village where Vincent Van Gogh painted final masterpieces, see landmarks immortalized in works (Notre Dame de l'Assomption church), entry to Van Gogh's room (attic rented during final months, empty since 1890), free wandering time
- Château de Chantilly - guided castle tour (magnificent tribute to France's cultural heritage by Henri d'Orléans, son of last King of France), fine collections viewing, gardens exploration, free time
- Active walk with Musée de la Batellerie - active tour in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine visiting Inland Water Transport Museum, Conflans as 'barge capital of world' on Oise-Seine confluence, water's important role in residents' lives
- Château de Malmaison - historic estate residence of Napoleon Bonaparte and first wife Josephine de Beauharnais, elegant neoclassical architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens reflecting Josephine's refined taste and botany passion, museum showcasing Napoleonic era furniture, artwork, personal items
Landmarks Auvers-Sur-Oise Notre Dame de l'Assomption, Auvers Château de Chantilly Musée de la Batellerie Château de Malmaison - Day 24
Paris
Paris- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trendy Marais with a local Parisian - guided walking tour with Parisian guide, melting pot of cultures, fascinating history, opulent architecture, eclectic arts scene, high-end fashion
- Highlights of Paris city tour - coach tour with local guide, famous sites (Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysee, Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square), Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral (1163-built, 2019 fire reopened)
- Opera Garnier - spectacular opera house tour (ornately decorated rooms, grand staircases, glistening chandeliers, commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, theatrical heart of Paris)
Optional Activities
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte coach tour - one hour from Paris, founding French formal garden (inspired Versailles), stunning symmetrical layout, theatrical gardens
- Free afternoon exploration - people-watch on Champs-Elysee from sidewalk café
- Free afternoon exploration - Eiffel Tower top visit for bird's-eye city view
- Free afternoon exploration - venture to Montmartre artist's district (Moulin Rouge location)
- Relax on board Scenic Space-Ship
Landmarks Eiffel Tower Marais District Champs Elysee Arc de Triomphe Concorde Square Notre Dame Cathedral Opera Garnier Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte Montmartre Moulin Rouge - Day 25
Paris
Paris- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Transfer to Paris airport
- Transfer to Paris train station
