Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

Called the “Queen of the Danube,” in part because of the way the city hugs the banks of the river, Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Made up of two parts— Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands)—and divided by the Danube, Hungary’s capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history. You have two enticing ways to experience the city—a panoramic guided tour aboard a motorcoach with a visit to the Parliament, or discover the Budapest that locals love on a special walking tour of the city’s most important landmarks.

Choose between Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Parliament Visit or Budapest Walk with Local Treats.

A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you in the evening.

Today is your day to relax onboard, enjoying the luxuries of your river cruise ship while soaking in the spectacular scenery around you as your ship heads for Vienna. Come up to the Sun Deck to admire the city’s landmarks strung along the riverbanks.

Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art, music (and rich pastries). Begin your day at the Vienna Art History Museum, then tour the city's imperial highlights.

Featured Excursion: “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum and Vienna - Imperial City Highlights

Awaken to the spectacular scenery of the Wachau Valley, one of Europe's most beautiful stretches of river landscape. Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show you around and introduce you to regional delicacies, including a wine tasting. Prefer to go for baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Later, you can stretch your legs with a vineyard hike.

Featured Excursion: Let's Go: Vineyard Hike

Choose between Weissenkirchen Village Walk with Wine Tasting or Melk Abbey with a library visit

Before reaching Passau, the ship will pass through the famous Schlögener Schlinge—a "gooseneck" or hairpin turn in the Danube. Located at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, Inn, and Ilz— Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as you can see on your walking tour.

Choice of Passau walking tour or "Let's Go" bicycle ride along the Inn River

Bavaria’s first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center.

Choice of Regensburg Walking Tour or “From Hops Field to Beer Stein” Farm Visit

Arrive in the archetypal medieval German city of Nuremberg. Nuremberg is justifiably famous for its gingerbread and pocket watches, and it was also the site of some key moments in 20th-century history. You can choose between two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city. You can join a tour of a secret Nazi art bunker hidden underground, or you can accompany a local expert to the city’s most important WWII sites, including the enormous Nazi Party Rally Grounds—the actual site of the Nazi Party rallies.

Choice of Nuremberg City Tour with WWII Rally Grounds and Documentation Center Visit or Nuremberg City Walk & Art Bunker Visit

Onboard: This morning, head up to the top deck or find a seat with a good view—you won’t miss seeing the ship navigate through a marvel of modern engineering, the Main-Danube Canal. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European “continental divide.”

Your floating boutique hotel takes you to Bamberg today, a well-preserved town that offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval times. Explore the city on foot or opt to head deeper into the Franconian countryside to experience an authentic slice of rural life—including a tractor ride. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church tops each one.

Choice of Bamberg walking tour or Franconian “Village Day”

Spend the rest of the day on the peaceful Main River, cruising past quiet Franconian hamlets and picturesque countryside. It’s the perfect time to indulge in the many comforts of your luxury ship while watching some of Europe’s loveliest scenery glide by.

Your ship will dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg, where you can visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence, one of Europe's most opulent baroque palaces.

Featured Excursions: Würzburg Residence visit with Court Gardens or Fairytale Rothenburg
 

After today, you may only eat a pretzel again after thinking of the town of Wertheim. You meet one of Germany's best pretzel makers and the owner of a historic wine estate. You are also welcome to do that if you're more in the mood for a scenic bike ride.

Choice of Wertheim walk with local treats or "Let's Go" Wertheim bicycle tour.

Frankfurt is known as the “Mainhattan” of Europe due to its profusion of bankers and soaring skyscrapers, which coexist with the city’s traditional Old Town architecture. Choose a brief tour that gives you an overview of this major European financial and trade center. Alternatively, visit romantic Heidelberg and its Renaissance castle.

Choice of Heidelberg Castle Visit or Heidelberg School Visit or Frankfurt Walking Tour with Local Treats.

Experience Germany’s fabled Rheingau in one of two ways today. Take in spectacular views of the region’s famous vineyards from the perspective of an aerial cable car, or venture within an atmospheric medieval monastery and taste the Rieslings made on-site. The town is best known for its narrow avenue of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse. Experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine later in the afternoon as you cruise past the famous Middle Rhine Valley.

Choose between the Rüdesheim Wine Village and Panoramas of Niederwald Monument or the Abbey Eberbach Medieval Monastery Tour with Riesling Tasting.

Enjoy a delightful tour of Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its stunning Renaissance facade. Wander through the historic center and take in its charming atmosphere and narrow alleyways flanked by old houses. No matter how you explore Old Town, you can also have ample free time to explore the city independently.

Featured Excursion: Cologne Walking Tour

A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Enjoy the luxury of a full day in the "Venice of the North," starting with a delightful tour of the Straat Museum. Afterward, explore the city's canals by boat.

Choose between the STRAAT Museum & Canal Cruise or the Refugee Canal Cruise.

Disembark the ship. Depart for the airport for your flight home.