Cruise four of Europe’s most important waterways: the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube and unpack just once on a relaxing 14-night cruise through five European countries. Explore historic medieval port cities; delight in old world traditions, savor local Bavarian foods and other regional specialties, gypsy music, lavish palaces and ancient castle ruins. Your adventure begins in Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, and where you’ll board ship on the ms Amadeus Princess whose amenities include a panoramic deck, fitness center, 81 spacious cabins with large windows and terrace café. This brand new ship offers excellent cuisine and outstanding service. Join a local expert in Amsterdam, the 700-year-old capital of the Netherlands and marvel at its Golden Age architecture including 500 bridges, intricate canal system and 17th century homes and churches. Cruise the scenic Rhine to Cologne and take a guided tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities. Continue to Koblenz, where the Rhine meets the Moselle River; see the legendary Lorelei Rock; and end in Rudesheim, where you can explore the Drosselgasse, renowned for its dance halls and bands. In Würzburg, rebuilt after World War II, see the magnificent Bishops’ Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cruise the famous Franconian wine region, the Main-Danube canal and enjoy a guided tour of the winding cobblestone streets, 18th century mansions and 11th century cathedral in Bamberg, founded in 902. In medieval Nuremberg, Bavaria’s second-largest city and site of the 1946 World War II War Crimes Tribunal, see its 900 year-old-ramparts and Imperial Castle. In Melk, see the magnificent, 900-year Benedictine Abbey of Melk, one of Europe’s largest Baroque monasteries and join a local expert exploring Vienna’s Imperial architecture including the lavish Hofburg Palace and the impressive Vienna Opera House. Your final stop is Hungary’s famous capital city of Budapest, where you’ll enjoy a city tour and a farewell dinner accompanied by Gypsy music. 

• Cruise four of Europe's most important waterways: the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube.
• Visit five countries and experience the cultures and traditions of each, all in one trip.
• Explore the famous Franconian wine region.
• Discover the beautiful Wauchau Valley.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Welcome as you join Collette Vacations cruising along the legendary waterways that define the true soul of Europe. Explore historic ports along the Rhine and Moselle rivers, delight in old world traditions, enjoy Rhineland vineyards and marvel at the varied landscapes and sights along the Danube River. Your adventure begins with an overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Amsterdam, Holland - Tour Begins - Board Cruise Ship
Your tour begins in Amsterdam, the delightful 700-year-old capital city of the Netherlands. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to explore Amsterdam's fascinating history, fine museums and lively markets. Board your ship and unpack once for a relaxing 14 night river cruise aboard the MS Amadeus Princess. This brand new ship offers the newest technology, 81 spacious cabins with large windows, panoramic deck, terrace café, panorama salon and bar, fitness center, excellent cuisine and outstanding service. Meet your fellow travelers at the welcome cocktail reception followed by dinner. (D)

Day 3: Amsterdam
The morning is at leisure for you to explore Amsterdam or participate in an optional canal boat excursion. After lunch, join a local expert on a leisurely-paced walking tour of Amsterdam admiring Amsterdam's Golden Age architecture which includes over 500 bridges, an intricate canal system, beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches and 16th-century merchant houses. Tonight, you are invited to attend the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Cologne - Koblenz, Germany
Cruise the scenic Rhine River to Cologne, the Rhineland's largest city and one of Germany's oldest and most distinguished cities. Take a guided tour through the old part of the city and visit the massive, twin-steepled, 13th-century gothic cathedral. At noon, continue to Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Tonight, enjoy an after dinner walk exploring this charming town which is surrounded by vine-covered hills. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Koblenz - Rüdesheim
Enjoy a morning cruise along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Rhine. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, where the landscape is dotted with magnificent hilltop castles! See the legendary Lorelei Rock before arriving in charming Rüdesheim, the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. The "Winzerexpress" mini-train takes you to Siegfried´s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a fascinating guided tour. Explore the pedestrian street, Drosselgasee, and sample some local wines before you bid farewell to the Rhine and enter the Main River. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Miltenberg - Wertheim
Arrive in Miltenberg for a guided morning walking tour along the town's narrow cobblestone streets and gabled, half-timbered houses. Next, visit the beautiful city of Wertheim, situated at the meeting of the Main and Tauber rivers. Enjoy free time exploring the historic town square and its beautiful ancient castle ruins. Later, your cruise continues through the picturesque valleys of the meandering Main River. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Würzburg
Arrive in Würzburg, known as "The Pearl of the Romantic Road", a charming town surrounded by sloping hills and vineyards. Nearly destroyed during WW II, Würzburg has been rebuilt into a beautiful Franconian town boasting well-preserved baroque architecture. During your morning tour, visit the major sights including the magnificent Bishops' Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Later, continue cruising through the Franconian wine region. Tonight, after dinner, you are treated to traditional music and dances performed by local artists. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Bamberg
Today the ship enters the Main-Danube Canal at enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem. Founded in 902, Bamberg maintains quaint baroque patrician houses along its winding cobbled streets. You'll marvel at the breathtaking 11th century cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the river, and serpentine streets crowded with 18th century mansions. Later, cruise to medieval Nuremberg. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Nuremberg - Regensburg
Begin your day with a leisurely-paced guided tour of Nuremberg, Bavaria's second largest city. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts, the Imperial Castle, and the Justice Palace where the WW II War Crimes Tribunal took place in 1946. Later, you arrive at the highest point of your cruise - 1,332 feet above sea level - before descending again through stair-step locks. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian evening on board, complete with local foods, music and dancing. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Regensburg - Passau
This morning you cruise through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal. Later, your ship arrives in magnificent Regensburg. Founded 2,000 years ago, Regensburg escaped major WW II damage and today stands as Germany's best-preserved medieval city. A guided tour of Regensburg features the Old Town Hall, 12th century Stone Bridge, towering St. Peter's Cathedral and the Porta Pretoria. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Passau - Linz, Austria
After breakfast, arrive in Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful town with cobblestone streets and graceful arcades. Passau is home to St. Stephan's Cathedral, known to have the world's largest church organ with 17,774 pipes. Later, sail to Linz, Austria, a favorite city of Mozart, who dedicated his Linz Symphony to the town. Take time to explore the large town square with the 66 foot high Trinity Column and surrounded by patrician houses. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Melk - Dürnstein
Cruise through the narrow Strudengau and reach the picturesque Wachau Valley and the charming town of Melk. A guided tour takes you to Melk's magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. Your next stop is medieval Dürnstein, known to be the loveliest town on the Wachau Valley. Above the town, you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionhearted, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Enjoy a walking tour exploring the town's many hidden treasures. A wonderful evening of food, music and entertainment awaits you at the Captain's Dinner. Your cruise continues to Austria's capital city, beautiful Vienna.(B, L, D)

Day 13: Vienna
Join a local expert exploring Vienna's Imperial architecture including the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral. The remainder of the day is at leisure. If you wish, you may join an optional excursion to the opulent Schoenbrunn Palace, the summer retreat of the Habsburg dynasty. At midnight, the ship cruises to nearby Slovakia. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Bratislava, Slovakia
A morning tour of Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, includes the enormous 13th-century castle that towers 300 feet above the Danube; the old town; St. Martin's Cathedral; Michael's Gate; and the Archbishop's palace. The afternoon is yours to shop or explore the city on your own. Tonight, your senses will be delighted with a musical performance by a Slovakian ensemble on board. This evening, the ship departs for Hungary. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Budapest, Hungary
Welcome to Budapest, Hungary's famous capital city. Your sightseeing tour of this lovely capital features the historic Buda Castle-area with its turreted Fisherman's Bastion and 500-year-old St. Matthias. From this vantage point, you have splendid views of Chain Bridge and the twin cities of Buda and Pest, spread over both banks of the river. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Budapest on your own or shop for last minute shopping opportunities. Tonight, gather on board with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell gala dinner accompanied by soothing Gypsy music. (B, L, D)

Day 16: Budapest - Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
(B)

Stay Another Night - Add a post night stay in Budapest. Prices start at $115 per person, double.

*Tour and air prices are lead-in rates from a specific gateway based on twin occupancy and are subject to change. Rates do not include inter-air flights. Please call for triple or child occupancy rates. Tours departing BEFORE 4/30/06 may follow a different itinerary than what is listed here. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. For tours that feature a cruise, port taxes are not included in the prices above. Additional tour dates may be available, please call us for information.

16 days, 41 meals
14 Buffet Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Day 2 - 15 - MS Amadeus Princess

On some dates alternate hotels may be used

NOTES:

Back to Itinerary Page