Overview
Itinerary
Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river ship. Perhaps grab a map to explore this carefree, cosmopolitan city and its magnificent network of canals. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and fellow passengers at a Welcome Reception. Stay 14 Nights: aboard your Travelmarvel river ship (D)
Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam's maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight's special Gala Welcome Dinner. (B/L/D)
Learn how the twin spires of Cologne's famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure. (B/L/D)
Insider Experience - Augustusburg Palace in Germany Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rococo architecture from 18th century Germany.
Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known to be the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through the town to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of the most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in all of Germany. (B/L/D)
Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town's half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. (B/L/D)
Insider Experience - Miltenberg Culinary Tour Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.
Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Admire the baroque palace and walk through the beautiful Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairytale town. (B/L/D)
Enhance Your Journey - Rothenburg Excursion Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.
Spend a leisurely morning cruising along the last stretch of the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you'll gaze upon such sights as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship will reach the Main-Danube Canal. (B/L/D)
Explore Nuremberg, the site of Hitler's infamous rallies. Wander the cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores. Finish your day cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe's Continental Divide thanks to the canal's 16 stair-step locks. (B/L/D)
Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits. Spend the day in this charming city, docked right in the heart of town, and join a guided walking tour to see its major sights. Later, perhaps take an optional tour to Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg. Take a guided tour of the family-owned brewery and see The Kuchlbauer Tower, designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. (B/L/D)
Insider Experience - Bavarian Evening on Board This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.
Enhance Your Journey - Kuchlbauer's World of Beer Brewery Visit Tour Kuchlbauer's World of Beer in Abensberg and see the Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.
As you enjoy your breakfast, arrive in the ‘Three Rivers City' of Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Perhaps join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music'. Alternatively, stay on board and enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Linz. (B/L/D)
Enhance Your Journey - Český Krumlov Visit Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.
Enhance Your Journey - Sights from 'The Sound of Music' Depart from Passau to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights from ‘The Sound of Music', including the famous Wedding Church.
After cruising into Austria, dock in Melk for a tour of Melk Abbey with a local guide. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop, offering commanding views of the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was kept as a prisoner in the 12th century. You have the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, town houses and taverns of the town. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region's wine. (B/L/D)
Enhance Your Journey - Wine Tasting Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you'll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or Riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.
In Vienna, join a walking tour of St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Afterwards, you may enjoy visiting the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music'. (B/L/D)
Enhance Your Journey - Mozart and Strauss Concert Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna's palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringtrasse.
Today is yours to explore Vienna. Perhaps visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury. Otherwise, enjoy an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava. Later, set sail for Hungary. Tonight, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain's Farewell Dinner. (B/L/D)
Enhance Your Journey - Schönbrunn Palace Delve into royal history as you wander the lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens of the famous Schönbrunn Palace.
Enhance Your Journey - Bratislava City Tour Travel from Vienna into Slovakia and on to its capital, Bratislava. There, explore the charming Old Town on a guided tour.
Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube's most enchanting riverside cities as your ship drifts right into the heart of Hungary's capital. After breakfast, a local guide will lead you through Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum. (B/L/D)
Enhance Your Journey - Hospital in the Rock Tour Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle. This first-aid shelter was constructed in 1941 to withstand the blasts of bombing.
Insider Experience - Hungarian State Opera Visit Visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a guided tour. You'll then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you're treated to a private opera recital.
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Life Onboard Capella
Part of Travelmarvel's brand-new fleet of European river ships, Capella makes river cruising Europe with Travelmarvel better than ever before. Read more
Travelmarvels cruise directors plus a high staff-to-guest ratio on each ship ensures a smooth cruise holiday. Read more
Capella has its guests cruising in style with more amenities & features in each stateroom and suite. Read more
Discover Europe's culinary delights with a greater range of dining venues and options to suit your preference. Read more
From live music and dancing, to parties and games, Travelmarvel's Capella will keep you entertained day and night. Read more
Enjoy an unimpeded view of Europe from the Sun and Sky decks, available to you throughout your cruise. Read more
Trip Reviews (37) View All Most Recent 'European Gems' Reviews
1. ...read more We travelled Amsterdam to Budapest and I would definitely recommend this direction rather than the reverse. The reasons include the first day or 2 are more grass bank views before the beautiful castles and towns appear, and you also get the mind-blowing view of Budapest at the end of the trip.
2. Take a few days in Amsterdam at the beginning and a few days at Budapest at the end as these are brilliant cities. Be sure to book Anne Frank House in Amsterdam 6 weeks before you arrive (as we did) as it will definitely sell out and every other passenger missed out.
3. Flights were included in the cost, but we paid for a Business class upgrade that was good value and worth every cent.
4. Travelmarvel caters for both independent travellers, and well as those who wish to pay for the extra day trips. We liked this option as well could often "do our own thing" on land and that suited us.
5. The meals on board were great.
6. Drinks at lunch and dinner are included, and we found that refills were regular and plentiful and more than enough for us. You could even get the glass filled before 9pm closure and take it upstairs to the lounge.
7. Rooms are great and second and third floor of the Polaris had large windows that could be lowered for a great view.
Global Journeys were very communicative and our agent Rachael McSorley was excellent in answering all questions and providing all information. Well done Rachael.
You could do as ...read more much or as little as you wanted in regards to tours and exploring on your own. We made some nice friends - tour was predominantly Australian, with a few Kiwis and Americans thrown in.
My only big disappointment was that we paid for a room with a french balcony, so that we could enjoy the views and fresh air. We spent the majority of the days, when the boat wasn't sailing (which was a lot), in darkness, because another boat was nearly always tethered to our side of the boat. And apart from a 1/2 day, it was always on our side of the boat. I don't recall this being mentioned when we booked. This got worse as the cruise went on, as many days were spent in port while the sailing was done later in the evening. Yes, you can go on deck, but we wanted to be able to chill out in our rooms by ourselves occasionally, and enjoy the view. I'm not sure that I would do another cruise because of this.
We also missed out on the Amsterdam canal cruise, due to Mardi Gras, which couldn't be helped, but still disappointing. A highlight was the boat sailing up and down the Danube River at night, so that we could see the very pretty lights of Budapest. Overall, we had a lovely time and experienced lots of lovely and interesting places! I also couldn't fault the staff - they all did a great job.
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Travelmarvel. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Travelmarvel. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
