Our most in-depth journey on Europe’s waterways. Board your luxury river ship in Romania then cruise the Danube, stopping to explore riverside towns in Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary and Austria. Continue through Germany along the Main and Rhine rivers to Amsterdam.
On arrival into Bucharest, transfer to your river ship.
In Veliko Tarnovo, a local expert will guide you through this medieval city. Uncover its rich history as you wander through the city’s cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik to uncover its ancient fortress on the northern slope of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.
The day is yours to relax on board, sleep in and take it easy, or awake early and take in stunning views from the Sun Deck.
Choose how you’d like to spend the day in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city.
Freedom of Choice – Guided City Discovery
Enjoy a guided tour of Novi Sad, situated on the banks of the Danube River. Discover the city's iconic sights found along the main walkway of Zmaj Jovina.
Freedom of Choice – Local Farmstead
Visit a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture, featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts.
Enjoy a Signature Experience today.
Signature Experience – Folk Art House & Horse Show
Visit the Folk Art House where local handicrafts are on show, then visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.
Today unfolds as you please. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s farewell dinner.
Freedom of Choice – Hospital in the Rock
Set out on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.
Freedom of Choice – Thermal Baths Visit
You may wish to relax in the thermal water pools at the historic Gellért Thermal Baths, which first opened its gates over 100 years ago.
We have set aside a full day for you to explore more of this fascinating city at your leisure.
Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today before cruising to Vienna.
Freedom of Choice – City Tour
Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, exploring historic monuments like Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen's Basilica. Then, visit the Great Market Hall and sample delicious local produce.
Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride
Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.
Freedom of Choice – Gellért Thermal Bath
You may wish to relax in the thermal water pools at the historic Gellért Thermal Bath, which first opened its gates over 100 years ago.
Gala Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a multi-course meal with an expertly crafted menu.
Enjoy a relaxing morning cruising to Vienna. On arrival, take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity this morning. In the evening, an unforgettable Signature Experience awaits.
Freedom of Choice – Schönbrunn Palace Visit
Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.
Freedom of Choice – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia
Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev.
Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace
After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic performance.
Explore the beautiful town of Dürnstein before choosing your activity.
Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley
Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, where you’ll roam the town's cobblestone lanes at your leisure.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride from Melk to Dürnstein
Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein and take in the beautiful scenery of the Wachau Valley along the way.
Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.
Signature Experience – Gaisberg Mountain Lunch and ‘Sound of Music’ Show
Be welcomed by a Jagdhornbläser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a show featuring music from the classic film, ‘The Sound of Music’.
Enjoy the chance to personalise your day with a choice of sightseeing activities on offer.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Tour of Regensburg’s World Heritage-Listed City Centre
Explore Regensburg's World Heritage-listed city centre on a guided tour. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Your tour will finish with a tasting at Regensburg’s historic sausage kitchen, thought to be one of the oldest working restaurants in the world.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride to the Walhalla Memorial
Set out on a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany’s past.
This morning, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas. On arrival in Nuremberg, set out on your preferred activity.
Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites
Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.
Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour
Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.
Arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. As you explore the Old Town with a guide, you will discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the Regnitz River. Otherwise, take it easy and relax on board.
Today unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.
Freedom of Choice – Visit the Würzburg Residence
The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Würzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.
Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg
Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets and admire the colourful houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Käthe Wohlfahrt’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest collection of German Christmas decorations in the world.
Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress
Enjoy a hike to Würzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city, which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries.
Freedom of Choice – Tastes of Franconia
Travel to the Volkacher Mainschliefe, the largest wine-growing region in Franconia and home to one of the most famous Franconian whisky distilleries. Here, enjoy a guided tour and meet the whisky and winemaker to uncover the art of making whisky. Savour a tasting of their finest creations paired with freshly baked bread from a local bakery.
Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Walking Tour and Liqueur Tasting
Embark on a guided exploration of Miltenberg. Discover the town's remarkably preserved buildings and lively squares, offering a unique glimpse into Germany’s rich history. Then, visit one of Franconia's oldest wine cellars for a tasting of local liqueurs.
Freedom of Choice – Local Monastery Visit
Travel to the hills overlooking Miltenberg for a visit to a local monastery. Here, you'll meet with a Franciscan friar to hear about life in the monastery. You'll also sample some homemade sausages, cheese and bread before free time to wander through the gardens and vineyard.
Dock in Rüdesheim this morning, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, embark on your chosen activity. This afternoon, you’ll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards.
Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride
Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in 1871.
Freedom of Choice – Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. This eccentric and unique museum is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.
Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar
Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions.
Today, enjoy an exclusive Signature Experience. The afternoon will be spent cruising onwards to the Netherlands.
Signature Experience – Namedy Castle
Princess Heide von Hohenzollern graciously welcomes APT guests into her home, Namedy Castle, a 14th century residence set near the Rhine River in Germany. Go beyond the gates and wander about the rooms, hidden nooks and manicured grounds. You’ll then enjoy a morning tea, where a pianist playing classical music sets the mood.
Arrive in Amsterdam and set out on your chosen activity. This evening, savour fresh locally sourced oysters with regional sparkling wine.
Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise
A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.
Freedom of Choice – Cheese Tasting
Visit a local cheese store for a tasting of regional cheeses. The Netherlands is renowned for its cheese production, including iconic varieties such as Edam and Gouda.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride
Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.
Freedom of Choice – Keukenhof Gardens in Spring
On select spring departures, you also have the option to visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips.
Your spectacular journey comes to an end today. Following breakfast, say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.
Select your preferred date or enquire
APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.