Jewels of Europe River Cruise

DAY 6 Dürnstein / Melk: Early this morning, arrive in the charming town of Dürnstein. Enjoy free time to stroll along the main street, or hike to the hilltop castle ruins where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned. Sail through the Wachau Valley to Melk, home to an imposing 900-yearold Benedictine Abbey featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. Freechoice: a guided visit through Melk Abbey; visit the fairytale castle of Burg Aggstein. OR the more active guests can choose to join the e-bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 7 Brandstatt, Germany / Passau: Freechoice: Today, choose between excursions to two World Heritage sites. Explore picturesque Salzburg, Austria, birthplace of Mozart and famous as the backdrop for ‘The Sound of Music’. Stroll through the charming streets of the Old Town, pass Mozart’s birthplace, and see its historic sites. Alternatively, head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic – a labyrinth of cobblestoned streets with medieval, baroque, and Renaissance houses, lively cafés, and hidden squares.

Meals: B, L, D

DAY 8 Regensburg: As one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, Regensburg offers a rich tapestry of experiences. Your Freechoice activities are: enjoy a walking tour of the city; hop onboard a local ferry and sail the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey. OR join an active walking tour to Thurn und Taxis Palace. You can also take a guided bike tour to the Walhalla Monument. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 9 Nuremberg: There are three Freechoice activities in Nuremberg: discover the Old Town on an orientation tour by foot; visit moving WWII sites and learn about this dark era in the city’s history. OR, if feeling active, explore the cobblestone streets surrounding the Imperial Castle and admire the city walls that remain since medieval times. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 10 Bamberg: Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the Old Town of Bamberg, one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centers, and a UNESCO World Heritage city, alive with history. Freechoice: along with your local guide, walk the same cobbled streets of the old town as medieval traders once did. OR, journey by coach to Coburg, whose impressive castle overlooks the city and is considered one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Germany. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 11 Würzburg: Set amongst sloping, vineyard-covered hills, Würzburg is known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”. Your Freechoice activities include: a visit to the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you sample some exquisite local wine. OR, explore the famous Romantic Road, an important trade route during the Middle-Ages, followed by a visit to the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, a medieval gem overlooking the Tauber River. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 12 Wertheim - Miltenberg: Today is about getting to know local culture. The Freechoice options are: an orientation tour of Wertheim and visit to a local winery. OR journey to Gamburg for a guided tour of the caslte and meet the Baron and Baroness. Alternatively, visit a local farm in Miltenberg and meet the family who operates it, OR visit a local schnapps distiller to learn about making the product and a tasting. OR, if you’re active, join the e-bike ride between Wertheim and Miltenberg. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 13 Rüdesheim / Rhine Gorge: Alight in Rüdesheim and for your Freechoice tours: Board the Winzerexpress mini-train that takes you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Visit this unique museum then board a cable car to ride to the Niederwald Monument for spectacular views of the river below. OR join a local guide for a hike through the vineyards that cover the slopes of the Rhine River, then relax as you make your way back to the town center by cable car. Alternatively, take an e-bike ride through spectacular landscapes to Schloss Johannisberg. This afternoon may be a highlight as you witness the unrivalled views of the World Heritage Rhine Gorge and cruise past the infamous Lorelei Rock. Keep your camera ready to capture the stunning vistas of castles perched atop steep vine-covered slopes in this section of the river. Enrich: this evening, attend a lavish dinner and classical concert in the magnificent La Redoute recital hall in Bonn. The hall has hosted dignitaries including Queen Elizabeth and U.S. Presidents. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 14 Cologne: Cruise along the Rhine River to Cologne, famous for its UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral. Your Freechoice activities include: taking a stroll through Cologne to get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral. OR step inside the cathedral and let your local guide astound you with its history. Alternatively, explore the city’s past and present during a guided tour, OR, for the more active guests, join a guided cycling tour. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 15 Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Your Freechoice activities in this historic city are: experience an iconic canal cruise; explore on foot during a flavors of Holland walking tour and taste some Dutch favorites such as herring, cheese and poffertjes; discover the city by bicycle. OR journey outside of Amsterdam and visit the villages of Alkmaar & Schermerhorn, home to many authentic windmills dating back to the 16th century. Meals: B, L, D

DAY 16 Amsterdam / USA: After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the Captain and crew as you disembark the ship for your transfer to Schiphol Airport. Meal: B

Itinerary is subject to change.