Join the Scenic Pearl on this fascinating cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest and discover European regions rich in ancient trade history. Today, the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers wind their way through forested ridges, magnificent vineyards, and charming towns. See traditional Dutch windmills in the village of Schermerhorn. Next, explore Germany's automotive heritage during a special event held at Motorworld in Cologne. Visit a tiny town in Germany, meet the residents, and gain an understanding of their way of life. At the majestic Palais Liechtenstein, enjoy a private Viennese classical concert. This river cruise takes you to Europe's best sights, evoking images of medieval jousting, cobblestone alleys, and childhood fairytales while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Highlights
Visit the Bishops’ Residenz Palace at Wurzburg.
Discover the Dom, Germany’s largest cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Bamberg.
View the striking architectural wonders of Prague.
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Explore wonderful Amsterdam, with its wealth of canals, museums, and bicycles.
Free choice: Hop aboard one of our e-bikes and take a guided bicycle tour outside the city, or join the flavors of Holland walking tour and taste some Dutch favorites such as herring, cheese, and poffertjes. Alternatively, take the opportunity to experience an iconic canal cruise, or step outside of Amsterdam and visit the villages of Alkmaar & Schermerhorn, home to authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century.
Freechoice: Take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral, or step inside the cathedral and let your local guide marvel you with its history. Alternatively, explore the city’s past and present, from Roman times to its Jewish heritage, during a guided tour, or if you are feeling more active, cycle to Cologne from the charming medieval village of Zons.
Enrich: Discover Germany’s motoring heritage with a special event held at Motorworld. Set amongst a large range of classic, vintage, and Formula 1 vehicles, you will have the opportunity to engage in a range of fun-filled activities.
Enjoy views of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Then alight in Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini-train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, before enjoying a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument for spectacular views of the river.
Freechoice: Meet a monk at a local monastery for a tour and insight into regional beer production, or meet a winemaker for a taste of his fine wines. Alternatively, meet a Baron and Baroness and learn about aristocratic life, or opt to visit a local Schnapps producer or a farming family and taste some of their homemade products.
Freechoice: Visit Würzburg’s Bishop’s Residenz Palace and sample some exquisite local wine in a nearby cellar before enjoying some free time at leisure, or visit the impressive estate of Schloss Weikersheim, a true Baroque and Renaissance delight. Alternatively, explore the famous Romantic Road, an important trade route during the Middle Ages, then take in the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, a medieval gem overlooking the Tauber River.
Freechoice: Take a guided tour of the Old Town of Bamberg and walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders once did. Alternatively, taste some of the city’s regional specialties on a city walk.
Enjoy this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century.
Freechoice: Explore Nuremberg by foot on a guided walking tour, or visit moving WWII sites and learn about this dark era in the city’s history. Alternatively, stay on board for a beer tasting experience.
There is much to explore in the 2,000-year-old town of Regensburg, situated at the confluence of three rivers.
Freechoice: Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg, or hop on board a local ferry and sail the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey and sample beer from one of the world’s oldest monastic breweries. Alternatively, join a local guide for a cycle to the Walhalla monument, or take an active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Palace.
Freechoice: Enjoy a guided tour of the baroque Old Town of Salzburg, learn about one of its most famous residents, Mozart, and be mesmerized by the city’s history and architecture. Alternatively, you may choose to join a walking tour focusing on sights from the classic movie ‘The Sound of Music.
Enrich: Based on the timeless movie of the same name, the exclusive ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ will wow you with its stage sets. Enjoy a delicious Austrian lunch before an afternoon humming along to some of the catchy classics.
Freechoice: Experience Melk’s magnificent 18th-century Benedictine Abbey on a guided tour, or if you are feeling more active, embark on a guided bike ride along the river from Melk to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the region. Alternatively, visit the fairytale castle of Burg Aggstein. Built-in the 12th century, the castle ruins offer spectacular views across the Danube.
Acquaint yourself with this opulent city by taking a fascinating guided tour of its most famous sights, including the Ringstrasse.
Enrich: Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private classical evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart. Even in elegant Vienna, Palais Liechtenstein is one of the grandest of all venues.
Freechoice: Take a tour of the Slovakian capital Bratislava, or visit Schönbrunn Palace and witness the opulence of the Habsburg Empire. Alternatively, discover Viennese coffee culture during a tour, or for those feeling more active, explore a different side of Vienna on a cycle to Danube Island.
Today we find ourselves in Budapest, the capital of Hungary and one of Europe’s oldest and prettiest cities.
Freechoice: Make the most of a guided tour of Budapest including a piano concert, or relax and unwind at the Thermal Baths and Spa. Choose to experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock, or join a local guide for a walking tour focused on the past and present of Budapest. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, you may choose to join a hike to Buda Hill.
Day 15: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Depart after breakfast, taking with you a lifetime of wonderful memories.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Europe Cruises & Tours.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Standard Stateroom E
160ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
Standard Stateroom D
160ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
Single Balcony Suite BS
160ft2. Single Balcony Suites are located on the Sapphire Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
Balcony Suite C
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Balcony Suite BA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Balcony Suite BB
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Balcony Suite B
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Junior Balcony Suite BJ
These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire Deck, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.
Balcony Suite A
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Balcony Suite P
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Balcony Suite PA
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Balcony Suite PP
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
Junior Balcony Suite RJ
These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Diamond Deck, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.
Royal Balcony Suite RA
315ft2. These suites are located on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Balcony Suite R
315ft2. These suites are located on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Panorama Suite RS
At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.
Royal Owner's Suite RO
520ft2 including the outdoor balcony. These Suites are located on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Notes
All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa or Mastercard. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
14 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Porterage
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Complimentary beverages
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
Passport or Visa fees
All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
The trip planners at Adventure Life were very helpful and always replied to my inquiries right away. The excursions, accomodations, and local guides were excellent
Avi Argaman
1 day ago
Be sure to sign up for all the tours, otherwise you will be sitting on the boat since not all stops are moored at a dock. Some are anchored.
Gail Puryear
1 day ago
There were two best aspects to our trip:
1. The Adventure Life folks and the folks in Athens and Crete who supported our itinerary, guided us, and ran the cooking program were all superb.
2. Everything they all planned for us went without a hitch. When we needed a bit of help, they came through with really good answers.
We became aware of AL from a friend who had an excellent experience in a different location. So did we. We can recommend AL without reservation.
Tom Campbell
1 day ago
My agent Jeff did not push the sale while providing thorough information and replying quickly to my many questions.
Mary Lou Carlson
2 days ago
We have used AL for decades now to plan trips. Kassandra has been with us from the start and has never disappointed. She knows our family and our quirks and is always willing to fit the trip to us. This time we made her work for the booking because of family member schedules. It has all come together for a great Christmas gift for many families.