Budapest to Amsterdam River Cruise With Scenic Tours

Uncover the treasures of the grand waterways of Europe on an unforgettable river cruise along the Danube, Rhine and Main rivers, whose banks are graced by the incredible imperial cities of Budapest, Vienna and Amsterdam. A showcase of medieval castles, vistas of vine covered slopes, the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, and charming villages; this route includes the beautiful Austrian cities of Melk and Linz; the wine town of Dürnstein in the stunning Wachau Valley; historic Cologne, Würzburg on the ‘Romantic Road’; baroque Bamberg; Nuremberg, famous for its beer and bratwurst; Regensburg, the largest preserved medieval city centre in Germany; and Passau, the ‘City of Three Rivers’.

Full Itinerary

Meal inclusions: D = Dinner, L = Lunch and FB = Full Breakfast

Day 1: Budapest (D)

Welcome to Budapest, one of Eastern Europe’s most ancient cities. A Scenic Tours Representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer* to your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’ where you will be warmly welcomed on board by your dedicated crew. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Budapest (FB,L,D)

Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) discover the highlights of both Buda and Pest during a guided city tour; or (2) relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (3) explore the labyrinths of Hospital in the Rock – Nuclear Bunker Museum.

Day 3: Vienna (FB,L,D)

As you cruise the mighty Danube perhaps relax in one of the lounges and viewing areas on board. SCENIC ENRICH: Highlights include a glass of Austrian sekt at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein followed by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart. The Palais is also known as the Garden Palace and it reveals fascinating insights into 400 years of artistic patronage and is where the Prince of Liechtenstein showcases his privately owned art collection.

Day 4: Vienna (FB,L,D)

To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included orientation tour of the famous sights. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; or (2) an excursion to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava; or (3) a visit to the world renowned Spanish Riding School for a guided tour or witness the famous Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program (not available for all departure dates).

Day 5: Dürnstein – Melk (FB,L,D)

This morning your ship docks in the town of Dürnstein. Enjoy leisure time to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) take a picturesque bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk; or (2) visit the magnificent Benedictine Abbey in Melk.

Day 6: Aschach – Passau (FB,L,D)

Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of two countries: (1) a visit to Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’; or (2) take an excursion to the medieval Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. Your Scenic Tailormade device is also available and gives you an opportunity to explore Passau at your leisure.

Day 7: Regensburg (FB,L,D)

Regensburg is one of Germany’s finest preserved cities. Today you’ll be able to explore this unique town, home to the world’s oldest sausage kitchen. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a guided walking tour including an organ recital; or (2) a guided bicycle tour to the Walhalla Memorial. Alternatively, explore this charming town independently with Scenic Tailormade, featuring more than 25 points of interest including Thurn and Taxis Palace, the Imperial Hall and Regensburg Cathedral.

Day 8: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)

Today offers two Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours to choose from: (1) see the infamous WWII sites followed by a self-guided tour of the Documentation Centre; or (2) ‘Tastes of Nuremberg’: enjoy a delicious sampling of Nuremberg’s famous bratwurst, beer and gingerbread.

Day 9: Bamberg (FB,L,D)

Bursting with character and charm, enjoy the sights of Bamberg on your Included city tour. Back on board, join your fellow passengers for the opportunity to experience some of the region’s finest brews including Bamberg’s famous Smoked Beer.

Day 10: Würzburg (FB,L,D)

Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a guided walking tour of Würzburg including the Prince Bishop’s Residenz Palace and a wine tasting in its underground cellars; or (2) enjoy an excursion down the Romantic Road to Rothenburg.

Day 11: Wertheim – European Village Life (FB,L,D)

SCENIC ENRICH: Today you will be taken off the beaten track as an invited guest to experience European village life just for a day – exclusive to Scenic Tours. Choose from a selection of SCENIC FREE CHOICE activities, such as playing a game of Kegeln (a typical German game similar to bowling), or be welcomed into private family wineries.

Day 12: Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge – Marksburg Castle (FB,L,HD)

Today in Rüdesheim board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car up to the Niederwald Monument, for a bird’s eye view overlooking the river. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. Tonight’s SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine, this 12th century castle is the only one in the region never to have been destroyed. Enjoy a private tour of the castle before stepping back in time for a medieval feast.

Day 13: Cologne – Düsseldorf (FB,L,D)

Today choose one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) enjoy a walking tour of Cologne; or (2) a walking tour of Düsseldorf. Tonight gather in the Crystal Dining Room for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Day 14: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)

Today cruise into the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) a sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) an excursion to the windmills of Zaanse Schans. Alternately, explore the city at your own pace on a bicycle with Scenic Tailormade using your personal GPS device.

Day 15: Amsterdam (FB)

After breakfast it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Our Scenic Tours Representative will take* you to the airport.