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Visit charming Passau

Magnificent Europe

Example 17 Day Cruise aboard MS Amastella
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Embark on a 17-day cruise with stays in Amsterdam aboard the MS Amastella. Tracing the paths of emperors, kings, and queens along three iconic rivers and through five captivating countries. Marvel at the natural beauty of the Danube, Main, and Rhine rivers, which lead to an array of UNESCO World Heritage treasures: Cologne’s awe-inspiring Gothic Cathedral, the splendid Würzburg Residenz Palace, the picturesque Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the majestic Melk Abbey, among others. Wine enthusiasts will savor the distinct flavors of German and Austrian Rieslings, while food lovers can relish the diverse culinary delights of Western and Eastern Europe. For those seeking adventure, enjoy hiking and biking amidst the stunning landscapes of Passau and Vienna. This extraordinary journey promises an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and exploration.
NurembergBaroque elegance in romantic ViennaRudesheimBambergMozart Statue in ViennaBudapestVisit charming Passau
Highlights
  • Stroll Wertheim’s charming streets and visit its medieval castle ruins
  • Explore Nuremberg’s imperial past through castles and ancient walls
  • Marvel at Cologne’s Gothic charm and its towering UNESCO cathedral
  • Cruise Amsterdam’s scenic canals and admire its historic bridges
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Arrive in the vibrant city of Amsterdam and settle into your hotel, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

Day 2: Amsterdam

  • 1 Breakfast
Discover the enchanting capital of the Netherlands, where iconic meandering canals, charming bridges, and striking architecture come together to create a captivating experience.

Day 3: Amsterdam | Embark

Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, where you can observe life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18-th century village.

Day 4: Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam.

Day 5: Cologne, Germany

Cologne is home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. As an alternative, explore the historic and modern architectural styles on display across Cologne on a guided tour, including a special visit inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active adventurists will instead want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine.

Day 6: Rhine Gorge | Rudesheim

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. There you may drink up the stunning views of the vineyards during a gondola ride. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you, or savor the Rüdesheimer Coffee that the town is famous for.

Day 7: Wertheim

Enjoy your time in Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. 

Day 8: Wurzburg

Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road.

*Not combinable with other tours on this day.

Day 9: Eltmann | Bamberg

Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, pralines, and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.

Day 10: Nuremberg

Depart the ship for a guided tour of Kaiserburg, Nuremberg’s Imperial castle and one of the most important palaces of the Old Holy Roman Empire. While wandering through this historical fortress towering high above the city center, pass by an exhibition of military artifacts, from weapons to suits of armor, as well as architectural models that show the castle through the ages. Following your Kaiseburg tour, head to the former home of Albrecht Dürer, arguably Germany’s most famous artist and Nuremberg’s most famous resident. It is within these walls where he lived and worked for nearly 20 years in the early 16th century, and view some of his and other artists’ works during your tour. 

Day 11: Nuremberg

You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided tour through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. Or turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the coliseum. Visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal.

Day 12: Regensburg

Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active adventure, bike to Walhalla where you can see the neoclassical white marble temple. 

Day 13: Passau

For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. En route to Salzburg, stop at Mondsee, home of the Basilica St. Michael, where the famous wedding scene in the movie was filmed. Alternatively, you can discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour to Wertheim, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. 

Day 14: Melk

Cruise to Melk where you can visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries. For a more active adventure, you can also join a guided bike tour along the Danube River or hike up to the Abbey.

Day 15: Vienna

The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures. Your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over Vienna for 700 years and is one of the most important and beloved landmarks in Austria. Or, if you prefer to go on a more active adventure, then join a guided bike tour through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more.

Day 16: Budapest, Hungary

Today you have the opportunity to visit the Buda (hilly) side of the Danube River. Following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you can marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill.

Day 17: Disembark | Depart Budapest

  • 1 Breakfast
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home.

Ship/Hotel

MS Amastella

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • May 2, 2026from $8,449
  • May 28, 2026from $8,449
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Cat. E
Violin & Cello Deck French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Cat.D
Piano Deck Fixed Windows, 160 sq. ft.
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Cat.CB
Violin Deck French Balcony, 155 sq. ft.
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Cat.CA
Violin & Cello Deck French Balcony, 170 sq. ft.
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Cat.BB
Cello Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat.BA
Violin Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 210 sq. ft.
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Cat.AB
Cello Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Cat.AA
Violin Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 235 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck French Balcony & Outside Balcony, 350 sq. ft.

Notes

Single supplement is 50%, except for Suites which are 100%.
Included
  • 16 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 16 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Port Fees
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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