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European Gems River Cruise

This all-inclusive cruise travels the world-famous Rhine, Danube, and Main rivers and visits three of Europe’s most iconic capital cities, Budapest, Vienna, and Amsterdam.

A diverse range of excursions and port stops include culturally rich and historic towns like Bamberg and Salzberg, with a constantly changing tableau of architecture and landmarks dating from the medieval period to the 20th century.

Enjoy gourmet cuisine, stylish accommodation, and entertainment inspired by local regions on board a Travelmarvel luxury river cruiser.

4.75
Star Image
from 399 reviews
  • Cruise Line: APT Touring
  • Ship: Travelmarvel Polaris + 2 more
  • Duration: 14 Nights
  • Departure: Dec
£2,995pp
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European Gems River Cruise Cruise Itinerary

This 14-night cruise offers everything from iconic capital cities to famous landmarks and stunning scenery, exploring five European countries and sailing the legendary Rhine Gorge. Discover history, heritage, and culture with award-winning international and regional cuisines and hand-picked local wines from the comfort of a beautifully appointed luxury river cruiser.

Day 1

Budapest

Arrive in Budapest and enjoy a warm welcome on board your luxury river cruiser, home for the next fourteen nights. Enjoy a relaxing twilight cruise after the Captain’s Reception and a fabulous welcome dinner.

Day 2

Budapest

Staying in Budapest, guests have the opportunity to explore Hungary’s capital city, known as ‘the Paris of the East.’ Enjoy some of Buda’s most famous landmarks, like the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes Square, and Buda Castle, alongside a local guide, with plenty of time to work up an appetite for a delicious gala dinner in the evening cruising the Danube as you dine.

Day 3

Vienna

Start your exploration of Vienna with a walking tour and see highlights like St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Gaben, and Hofburg Palace, or browse the eclectic and varied stalls of the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous market. Take time out in the evening to enjoy a concert with something for every musical taste, from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music.’

Day 4

Vienna

One day in Vienna is just not enough, so explore at your own pace and choose the attractions and landmarks that interest you. Browse the city’s famous shopping street, the Karntnerstrasse, or there is an optional excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace or a visit to Bratislava in Slovakia – the choice is yours.

Day 5

Durnstein, Melk

Cruise to the picturesque town of Durnstein, a charming port stop at the heart of this famous wine-growing area. Explore the hilltop ruins of Durnstein’s medieval castle, once the prison of King Richard I of England. There is an optional bike ride to Melk, a town located in a beautiful and scenic landscape with a rich cultural heritage, or stay on board for a voyage through the tranquil Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk by water. There is a tour to Melk Abbey, a thriving Benedictine monastery dating back to 1089.

Day 6

Aschach, Passau

Choose a tour to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg, the City of Music, and enjoy the locations of the world-famous film ‘The Sound of Music.’ For guests who want to stay on board, there is a relaxing sail to Passau, one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. In the evening, all guests enjoy an on-board Bavarian experience with local beer and food accompanied by traditional music and dancing.

Day 7

Regensburg

Discover Regensburg, a jewel on the Danube with a rich heritage dating back to the medieval period. Explore cobblestone streets and historic buildings with a guided walking tour exploring old Regensburg, plus a chance to take in the modern, vibrant shopping city with bars, restaurants, and quality retail outlets.

Day 8

Nuremberg

Arrive in Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria and home to Hitler’s rallies in World War II and the famous Nuremberg trials after the war was over. A city tour includes all the landmark sites, including the Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice.

Day 9

Bamberg

Untouched by the devastation of the Second World War, Bamberg is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and a quintessential German medieval town in Upper Franconia. Bamberg is spread over seven hills, sits alongside the pretty River Regnitz, and is brimming with culture, beautiful architecture, and craft beer.

Day 10

Wurzburg

Surrounded by lush, green hills and vineyards, Wurzburg is famed for its lavish rococo and baroque architecture, with the highlight an 18th-century palace with ornate rooms and huge frescoes and the stunning Wurzburg Court Garden. At the heart of the Franconian wine country, enjoy Wurzburg’s unique hospitality with wine bars and beer cellars. There is also the option of visiting the quaint town of Rothenburg, something out of the pages of a fairytale.

Day 11

Miltenberg

Miltenberg offers the chance to enjoy one of our unique Insider Experiences. Enjoy authentic German hospitality and sip coffee with the locals in their own homes, a chance to savour the warmth of a Miltenberg welcome in this picturesque fairytale town with pretty streets lined with half-timbered houses.

Day 12

Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge

Rudesheim is home to the famous Riesling wine as well as the legendary Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Guests also sail the spectacular Rhine Gorge with breathtaking hilltop castles and fortresses.

Day 13

Cologne, Bruhl

The cultural hub of West Germany, Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city with amazing views of the Rhine River and a uniquely walkable location. Visit the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle and the famous Cologne Cathedral. Guests can enjoy an Insider Experience in Bruhl, a short drive from Cologne, or stay and explore the city.

Day 14

Amsterdam

Dock in the heart of this historic and vibrant city and discover the city’s waterways from a glass-topped boat. Guests are free to explore Amsterdam on foot before returning to the ship to enjoy a sumptuous Farewell Dinner.

Day 15

Amsterdam

Disembark in Amsterdam and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

Day 1

Amsterdam

Arrive in Amsterdam and enjoy a warm welcome on board your luxury river cruiser, home for the next fourteen nights. Enjoy a relaxing twilight cruise after the Captain’s Reception and a fabulous welcome dinner.

Day 2

Amsterdam

Dock in the heart of this historic and vibrant city and discover the city’s waterways from a glass-topped boat. Guests are free to explore Amsterdam on foot.

Day 3

Cologne, Bruhl

The cultural hub of West Germany, Cologne is a 2,000-year-old city with amazing views of the Rhine River and a uniquely walkable location. Visit the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle and the famous Cologne Cathedral. Guests can enjoy an Insider Experience in Bruhl, a short drive from Cologne, or stay and explore the city.

Day 4

Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge

Rudesheim is home to the famous Riesling wine as well as the legendary Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Guests also sail the spectacular Rhine Gorge with breathtaking hilltop castles and fortresses.

Day 5

Miltenberg

Miltenberg offers the chance to enjoy one of our unique Insider Experiences. Enjoy authentic German hospitality and sip coffee with the locals in their own homes, a chance to savour the warmth of a Miltenberg welcome in this picturesque fairytale town with pretty streets lined with half-timbered houses.

Day 6

Wurzburg

Surrounded by lush, green hills and vineyards, Wurzburg is famed for its lavish rococo and baroque architecture, with the highlight an 18th-century palace with ornate rooms and huge frescoes and the stunning Wurzburg Court Garden. At the heart of the Franconian wine country, enjoy Wurzburg’s unique hospitality with wine bars and beer cellars. There is also the option of visiting the quaint town of Rothenburg, something out of the pages of a fairytale.

Day 7

Bamberg

Untouched by the devastation of the Second World War, Bamberg is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and a quintessential German medieval town in Upper Franconia. Bamberg is spread over seven hills, sits alongside the pretty River Regnitz, and is brimming with culture, beautiful architecture, and craft beer.

Day 8

Nuremberg

Arrive in Nuremberg, the second largest city in Bavaria and home to Hitler’s rallies in World War II and the famous Nuremberg trials after the war was over. A city tour includes all the landmark sites, including the Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice.

Day 9

Regensburg

Discover Regensburg, a jewel on the Danube with a rich heritage dating back to the medieval period. Explore cobblestone streets and historic buildings with a guided walking tour exploring old Regensburg, plus a chance to take in the modern, vibrant shopping city with bars, restaurants, and quality retail outlets.

Day 10

Aschach, Passau,

Choose a tour to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg, the City of Music, and enjoy the locations of the world-famous film ‘The Sound of Music.’ For guests who want to stay on board, there is a relaxing sail to Passau, one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. In the evening, all guests enjoy an on-board Bavarian experience with local beer and food accompanied by traditional music and dancing.

Day 11

Durnstein, Melk

Cruise to the picturesque town of Durnstein, a charming port stop at the heart of this famous wine-growing area. Explore the hilltop ruins of Durnstein’s medieval castle, once the prison of King Richard I of England. There is an optional bike ride to Melk, a town located in a beautiful and scenic landscape with a rich cultural heritage, or stay on board for a voyage through the tranquil Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk by water. There is a tour to Melk Abbey, a thriving Benedictine monastery dating back to 1089.

Day 12

Vienna

One day in Vienna is just not enough, so explore at your own pace and choose the attractions and landmarks that interest you. Browse the city’s famous shopping street, the Karntnerstrasse, or there is an optional excursion to the Schonbrunn Palace or a visit to Bratislava in Slovakia – the choice is yours.

Day 13

Vienna

Start your exploration of Vienna with a walking tour and see highlights like St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Gaben, and Hofburg Palace, or browse the eclectic and varied stalls of the Naschmarkt, Vienna’s most famous market. Take time out in the evening to enjoy a concert with something for every musical taste, from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music.’

Day 14

Budapest

Staying in Budapest, guests have the opportunity to explore Hungary’s capital city, known as ‘the Paris of the East.’ Enjoy some of Buda’s most famous landmarks, like the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes Square, and Buda Castle, alongside a local guide, with plenty of time to work up an appetite for a delicious gala dinner in the evening cruising the Danube as you dine.

Day 15

Budapest

Disembark in Budapest and transfer to the airport for your return flight home.

European Gems Cruise Ships

Trustpilot Reviews

European Gems Deals

14 nights & 3 rivers with APT

14 Nights
December

European Gems

  • Budapest
  • Vienna
  • Durnstein, Melk
  • Aschach, Passau
  • Regensburg
  • Nuremberg
  • Bamberg
  • Würzburg
  • Miltenberg
  • Rudesheim, Rhine Gorge
  • Cologne, Bruhl
  • Amsterdam
£2,995pp Est. Price per person
  • Travelmarvel Polaris + 2 more  

European Gems Cruise Review

“We are experienced river cruisers but have only ever taken shorter 7-night cruises and travelled one river at a time. This cruise was really pushing the boat out for us, literally, but we loved the longer trip and the different sequence of countries. The ship was very well-appointed and comfortable, and we would have happily stayed for several weeks. The Insider Experiences were a great addition, turning a great cruise into something truly memorable. This is one to recommend, and we will certainly be back.”

Peter and Bethany, Milton Keynes

European Gems FAQ

Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.

I’m on a restricted diet. Can the chefs accommodate my requirements?

Our gourmet chefs prepare all meals fresh every day, including vegan and vegetarian options, and will happily tailor menus to guests with specific dietary needs. Our cuisine focuses on local ingredients and regional flavours to reflect the area you sail through without compromising taste and flavour.

Do I need a Covid vaccination to travel?

We always want our guests to feel safe while travelling and recommend an up-to-date Covid-19 vaccination. AP Touring follows the latest guidance issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and complies with country or region-specific regulations in the areas we sail through. All on-board staff are Covid vaccinated.

Will I need a visa for this cruise?

The European Gems River Cruise sails through five European countries, so passengers will need visas, which should be arranged in your own country before you travel. Always plenty of time to apply as delays do occur during busy periods.

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