Your itinerary
Day 1: UK - Budapest.
Fly to Budapest where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your ship for embarkation. Your cruise includes full board from dinner this evening until breakfast on day 15.
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Day 2: Budapest.
This morning brings a whole day to enjoy Hungary's capital. Straddling the banks of the Danube, with no less than seven bridges connecting Buda on the right bank to Pest on the west, this cosmopolitan city brims with sights and a wonderful, relaxed atmosphere. Highlights include the fairytale-turreted Fisherman's Bastion, from where you can enjoy stunning views over the cityscape. Time also to pick up souvenirs such as Budapest's renowned embroidery, porcelain and paprika - the main ingredient of Hungary's national dish, goulash.
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Day 3: Bratislava.
Tucked into the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, vibrant Bratislava is a treat for the senses. Wander the paved streets of its elegant Old Town to gaze at its 15th-century Town Hall and pretty Mirbach Palace, before admiring the Gothic St Martin's Cathedral, where many Hungarian kings were crowned.
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Day 4: Vienna.
A full day exploring the wonders of Vienna, once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, lies ahead. Dubbed the 'City of Music', the beauty of Austria's capital inspired some of the world's greatest composers, including Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss and still lifts the souls of modern-day visitors. Today, experience the lavish Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, Ringstrasse and spectacular St Stephen's Cathedral, as well as many other sights. Also, shop for souvenirs in the bustling Kärntnerstrasse and sample Austria's rich chocolate cake, Sachertorte, or apple strudel in an authentic coffee house. This evening, enjoy an optional concert in celebration of the city's unique musical heritage.
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Day 5: Dürnstein - Melk.
Dürnstein is right in the heart of the picturesque Wachau wine-growing region. Time to explore this lovely town, best known for its blue-painted Baroque church and the ruined hilltop castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1193. Next cruise to Melk, where you can enjoy a guided tour today of its glorious Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest monasteries, which dominates the town from its towering hilltop perch above the Danube.
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Day 6: Linz - Passau.
Next, sail to Linz, one of Austria's main river ports. Today, time in Passau - set at the meeting point of the Inn, Ilz and Danube rivers, to admire its graceful arcades, cobblestone streets and St Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world's largest church organ with its 1,700 pipes. Alternatively, enjoy an optional excursion to the storybook city of Salzburg, taking in its revered 'Sound of Music' sights.
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Day 7: Regensburg.
One of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, magnificent Regensburg is a visual and historic feast. Visit its majestic Town Hall and splendid gold Old Chapel.
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Day 8: Nuremberg.
Time to immerse yourself in this historic city, much of it restored to its original glory after World War II. Today, experience its fabulous Gothic churches, ancient ramparts and elegant patrician houses, and get a glimpse of the toymaking and metalworking that have helped it flourish through the centuries. Before leaving, try the town's fabled, sweet-decorated gingerbread known as Lebkuchen.
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Day 9: Bamberg.
Another UNESCO World Heritage site awaits today, this time in the shape of medieval Bamberg. Set on the Main-Danube Canal. This gem of a town is a wonder to behold with its breathtaking cathedral, Old Town Hall and warren of streets flanked by charming houses and 18th century mansions.
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Day 10: Würzburg.
Known as the 'Pearl of the Romantic Road', charming Würzburg nestles amid vineyard-clad hillsides. Our sightseeing includes a visit to Würzburg's famous Bishop's Residenz, a magnificent Baroque palace with spectacular, fresco-painted interiors - now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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Day 11: Miltenberg.
On the banks of the Main River, Miltenberg is a pretty Bavarian village that in ancient times thrived on its river traffic. Today gives you a chance to admire its gabled, half-timbered medieval and Renaissance houses and its crowning glory, the splendid Gothic Merchant Hall.
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Day 12: Rüdesheim - Rhine Gorge.
Call at picturesque Rüdesheim, a quintessential wine town topped with a medieval castle, with time to explore the Drosselgasse, the heart of its old town, shop for souvenirs and enjoy a vintage wine produced in this famed wine-growing region. Take advantage of an included excursion by mini-train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Cruise through the awe-inspiring Rhine Gorge, considered the Rhine's most beautiful stretch for its steeply forested banks graced with fairytale castles and medieval villages. Pass the legendary Rock of the Lorelei, where legend maintains a siren lured sailors to their deaths.
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Day 13: Cologne.
A full day to explore magnificent Cologne, one of Germany's largest cities, with its river skyline dominated by the soaring, 515-foot twin spires of its splendid Gothic cathedral. Enjoy the city's many delights today - the Germano-Roman Museum is a joy for history buffs; sample a Kölsch, Cologne's famous beer, in a tavern and buy some 4711, the original 'eau de cologne' as a reminder of your visit.
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Day 14: Amsterdam.
Holland's delightful 700-year old capital is a fascinating blend of old and new, with a sophisticated modern spirit and rich history displayed in the works of the Dutch Masters at its world-famous Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh museum. Today, admire the beauty of Amsterdam's canals ('grachten') on a canal boat cruise - the best way to experience this enchanting city. Sailing in a glasstop boat, you'll see elegant merchant's houses, arched bridges and charming, bell-towered churches as you glide over the water.
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Day 15: Amsterdam - UK.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport in Amsterdam for your return flight to the UK.
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