Call Us 800.528.9300
Magnificent Europe (Smithsonian Journeys) (Amsterdam to Budapest)
Tour Description:
Follow the route of emperors, kings and queens on a magnificent European journey along three rivers and through four fascinating countries. The natural wonders of the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers yield way to countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral, the Würzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the Melk Abbey—to name a few. Whimsical delights from Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum in Rüdesheim to the crooked houses in Miltenberg, will enchant. Connoisseurs of fine wines get to taste the difference between German and Austrian Rieslings; and gourmets get to indulge in Western and Eastern European specialties. And for active enthusiasts, you will get to hike and bike through breathtaking scenery in Passau and Vienna. All of this and more awaits on one all-encompassing magnificent journey.
Click for larger view.
Dates & Pricing
| Saturday 30 May 26 — Saturday 13 Jun 26 | Starting at $7,499 |  SPECIAL | Get a Quote |
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
Destination & Sightseeing
ITINERARY
ITINERARYDay 1
ARRIVE IN AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS – EMBARKATION. Arrive in Amsterdam and board your beautiful river cruise ship. Gather on board for a festive welcome dinner. (Meals: D)
Day 2
AMSTERDAM. Experience Amsterdam from its canals on a private cruise, viewing important landmarks and gabled houses as you glide beneath graceful bridges. Or tour the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Glide toward the Rhine River later this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3
COLOGNE, GERMANY. Cruise to Cologne and delve into the enchanting Old Town on a guided tour followed by a tasting of the city’s signature Kölsch beer. Alternatively, take an architecture tour that includes a visit to the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, explore the extensive Roman ruins of Cologne, or enjoy a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 4
RHINE GORGE – RÜDESHEIM. Cruise the spectacular UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where more than 40 castles perch atop steep bluffs and half-timbered villages dot the riverbanks. Go ashore in Rüdesheim and choose a scenic gondola ride over the vineyards of the Rheingau wine region; a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or a taste of the town’s specialty, Rüdesheimer coffee, at a local café. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5
WERTHEIM. Today your beautiful river cruise ship leaves the Rhine River in Mainz and continues east along the Main River toward the town of Wertheim. Once in Wertheim, take a walking tour of its charming historic center and visit a glass-blowing workshop, take a guided bike tour along the riverbanks, or hike up to the evocative ruins of Wertheim Castle. Alternatively, head to a bakery for a pretzel tasting. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6
WÜRZBURG. Venture into Würzburg’s Old Town, carefully restored after being largely destroyed during World War II, and stop for a wine tasting on your walking tour. Instead, visit the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or hike to Marienberg Fortress for a panoramic view. Alternatively, you may embark on a full-day excursion along the Romantic Road to the beautifully preserved walled town of Rothenburg. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other excursions on this day.
Day 7
ELTMANN – BAMBERG. Today, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg. Take a guided tour of this medieval gem to see its diverse architecture, from the cathedral to its elegant mansions. Or taste your way through town, sampling smoked beer, pralines, and hörnla pastries. For a more active adventure, join a bike tour or walk along the historic Ludwig Canal to Lock 100, still in use today. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8
NUREMBERG. Explore this hub of the German Renaissance on your choice of excursions. Take a guided walk through the medieval city, seeing its castle and ramparts as well as the famous fountain on Market Square. For those who want to be more active can join a guided bike tour along the Main Danube canal visiting one of the original locks from the Ludwigs canal. Alternatively begin the day with a guided tour of the Imperial castle or Kaiserburg, one of the most important palaces of the Holy Roman Empire. Then tour the home where Albrecht Dürer lived and worked in the early 16th century, and see the works of Dürer and others displayed within. In the afternoon enjoy free time and our shuttle service to the city or the ship. The ship remains docked in Nuremberg overnight. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 9
NUREMBERG. Visit the city’s World War II sites, including the Nazi Party rally grounds and Documentation center, as well as the Courtroom 600 where the Nuremberg trials took place. Alternatively, sample Franconian specialties such as Nuremberger bratwurst, rotbier, and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel thought up by Emperor Charlemagne that connects the North Sea to the Black Sea. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 10
REGENSBURG. Explore Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Discover the Roman-era Porta Praetoria and the Old Town Hall or visit the House of Bavarian History Museum, acclaimed for its architecture as well as its exhibitions, to gain a deeper understanding at how this free state of Bavaria has influenced the nation of Germany and see the impressive monument of Walhalla, built in the style of a Greek temple honouring cultural, scientific and artistic contributions of German speaking celebrities. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 11
PASSAU - SALZBURG. Arrive in Passau, situated where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz rivers. If you wish, spend the day in Salzburg where on your walking tour will see sights from The Sound of Music. Tour Salzburg’s UNESCO-designated Old Town, from Mozart’s home to the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Or stay in Passau and enjoy a walking tour with hand-made pretzels and chocolates, a guided bike ride, or a hike to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other excursions on this day.
Day 12
MELK, AUSTRIA. Enter the breathtaking Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube River. Tour the Benedictine Melk Abbey, a marvel of Baroque architecture perched above the river, and meet a librarian to learn how medieval books are meticulously restored. Alternatively, hike up to the abbey or embark on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Then continue your scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 13
VIENNA. Glide into Austria’s capital and tour its imperial treasures, from the majestic Opera House to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over the city center for 700 years. Explore the city by bike, or follow a guide through Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien, where a breathtaking fine art collection—including works by Vermeer, Velazquez, Raphael, and Dürer—is housed within an opulent neoclassical building. Enjoy free time in Vienna this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 14
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY. ourney into the center of Budapest and set out to discover Buda’s Castle District, taking in sweeping city views from the turrets of the fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion and admiring the architecture of Matthias Church. Explore the grand monuments of Pest this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 15
DISEMBARKATION – DEPART BUDAPEST. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)
Disclaimer: Prices listed are per person, based on double occupancy, and in USD. All promotions are valid for new bookings only, capacity controlled and valid on select dates and departures. Individual Terms and Conditions will apply to all promotions. Any promotion can be withdrawn at any time without notice. Please speak with your Pavlus Travel Planner for complete vendor terms and conditions, including eligible tour and cruise dates.
