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Ultimate European Journey

Ultimate European Journey combines two of our most popular cruises, ‘Highlights of Eastern Europe’ and ‘European Jewels.’ Travel from Amsterdam to Bucharest and from the North Sea to the Black Sea, on a remarkable journey of discovery.

Cruise through eight nations, exploring the heritage and culture of the Old World and the New World, a meeting of the East and West. Enjoy historic architecture, visit five capital cities, and marvel at UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous landmarks.

Travel like royalty aboard a Uniworld Super Ship with generously sized suites and staterooms, luxurious public areas, and award-winning cuisine reflecting different locations. Enjoy five-star boutique hotel facilities and service for the cruise of a lifetime.

4.55
Star Image
from 80 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Uniworld
  • Ship: S.S. Beatrice, River Duchess
  • Duration: 24 Nights(2024), 23 Nights(2025)
  • Departure: May, Jun, Jul & Sep 2024, Apr - Jul 2025
£10,699pp
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Ultimate European Journey Cruise Itinerary

An amalgam of two of our most popular cruises, this 24-night voyage visits eight countries and five capital cities. Enjoy history, heritage, regional cuisines, and fine wines partnered with some of Europe’s best scenic river views. Travel in luxury on board a Uniworld Super Ship with boutique-hotel-style interiors, award-winning cuisine, and five-star service.

Day 1

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and receive a warm welcome from your Uniworld representative. Transfer to your luxury cruise ship.

Day 2

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Discover the Straat Museum in Amsterdam Noord, a unique space dedicated to street art. Afterwards, enjoy a classic Amsterdam canal cruise, or guests can choose a refugee canal cruise as part of Uniworld’s Make Travel Matter programme.

Day 3

Cologne, Germany

Cologne is the largest city on the Rhine. Take a delightful tour of the Old Town and its historic riverside streets and buildings. The city has 12 Romanesque churches and a magnificent cathedral. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner.

Day 4

Rüdesheim, Germany

Cruise the spectacular Middle Rhine Valley before reaching Rüdesheim, a charming town with a Roman history. Experience the fantastic views of the local vineyards from a cable car ride to Niederwald Heights, or taste the Riselings at a medieval monastery.

Day 5

Frankfurt (Heidelberg) Germany

Explore Frankfurt, known as the ‘Manhattan’ of Europe, with vibrant parks, world-class museums, and towering skyscrapers. There is also the option to visit Heidelberg, a charming city with its famous ruined castle and Germany’s oldest university.

Day 6

Wertheim, Germany

Walk around Wertheim, home of some of Germany’s best pretzel makers. Explore the historic Old Town or head to nearby Kreuzwertheim and hike through the vineyards for stunning views of the Main River and a glass of sparkling wine.

Day 7

Würzburg, Germany

Dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg and visit the spectacular 18th-century Residence, one of Europe’s most opulent Baroque palaces. Witness the magnificent ceiling fresco, the Hall of Mirrors, and the beautifully restored gardens.

Day 8

Cruising the Main River, Kitzingen (Rothenburg), Germany

Enjoy a day’s sailing on the Main between Würzburg and Bamberg. Pause at Rothenburg and enjoy a tour of this stunning medieval location lifted straight from the pages of a fairy tale with half-timbered houses and a picturesque market square.

Day 9

Bamberg, Germany

Cruise to Bamberg, a beautifully preserved medieval town historically significant in the Middle Ages. Explore the well-preserved Old Town, the Imperial Cathedral, and the magnificent Old Palace, or head off into the stunning Franconian countryside.

Day 10

Nuremberg, Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Germany

Famous for its 20th-century history, Nuremberg has a historic centre that guests can explore, along with a visit to an underground Nazi art bunker housed in a network of medieval tunnels. There is also a tour of the iconic Nazi Party Rally Grounds.

Day 11

Regensburg, Germany

A walking tour of this beautiful Bavarian city reveals the cobbled lanes of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, a Gothic Town Hall, and the spectacular 14th-century cathedral of St. Peter. For beer lovers, enjoy a hop tour of Holledau.

Day 12

Passau, Germany

The City of Three Rivers, Passau, is famous for its Baroque cathedral as well as surviving remarkably intact after the onslaught of Allied bombing during World War II. Enjoy a tour of the medieval cobblestone streets and centuries of different architecture.

Day 13

Weissenkirchen (Melk), Austria

Reputedly the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley, enjoy an expert-led tour that includes local delicacies and wine tasting. There is a visit to the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and a vineyard hike on a designated wine trail with fabulous river views.

Day 14

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of Europe’s finest capital cities, a treasure trove of art, music, and architecture. View the city’s highlights on a tour of the famous Ringstrasse including the State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell dinner.

Day 15

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’ and is a city of two halves on either side of the river. Guests enjoy a panoramic city coach excursion or can choose a walking tour interspersed with culinary highlights and local Hungarian fare.

Day 16

Budapest, Hungary

Enjoy another day to explore beautiful and historic Budapest. There is free time to follow your own itinerary or join a tour of the Unicum Distillery, producing an herbal tincture since 1790 with a tasting.

Day 17

Budapest, Hungary

Explore the two halves of Budapest on opposite sides of the Danube. Join a walking tour or cover more ground on a panoramic tour. There is an excursion focusing on Budapest’s Communist regime, including the Retro Interactive Museum and Heroes’ Square.

Day 18

Mohacs, Batina, Vukovar, Croatia

Welcome to Croatia where from Batina, you’ll travel to Karanac, a traditional Croatian village. Later, visit the Vučedol Museum, a unique archaeological centre, with lunch at a family restaurant or hosted in a Croatian home. Travel to Vukovar.

Day 19

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Explore the city by bike or coach and see the fascinating architecture, a mixture of Gothic, Ottoman, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and utilitarian Communist. Visit the Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace.

Day 20

Golubac, Cruising the Iron Gates, Serbia

Visit the 14th-century Golubac Castle, one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses. Later, head to Lepenski Vir, a significant archaeological site dating to the Stone Age. Cruise the breathtaking and scenic Iron Gates, a series of river gorges.

Day 21

Vidin, Bulgaria

Vidin is a medieval port with a fascinating history and the great fortress Baba Vida. From here, guests can tour the remarkable Belogradchik rock formations or travel to the Negovanovtsi village to the Dos Alamos Winery for a tour and tasting.

Day 22

Ruse, Bulgaria

From Ruse, also known as ‘Little Vienna,’ a testament to its elegant architecture, travel to Veliko Tarnov, Bulgaria’s old capital, with the exceptional Samovod Marketplace, and Arbanassi with six 17th-century stone churches decorated with ornate frescoes.

Day 23

Giurgiu (Disembark), Transfer to Bucharest, Romania

Disembark your ship in Giurgiu and drive to Bucharest, where guests enjoy a panoramic city tour passing extravagant 19th-century architecture and visit the magnificent People’s Palace designed by 700 architects by order from Nicolae Ceausescu.

Day 24

Bucharest, Romania

Visit the private home of Nicolae Ceausescu, a grand villa with Baroque and Rococo styles. There is also the option of an excursion to Snagov Palace, built in the 1930s with a beautiful lake and island with a monastery reputedly housing the remains of Vlad the Impaler.

Day 25

Bucharest, Romania

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport for flights back to the UK.

Day 1

Bucharest, Romania

Arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and receive a warm welcome from your Uniworld representative. Transfer to your luxury cruise ship.

Day 2

Bucharest, Romania

Visit the private home of Nicolae Ceausescu, a grand villa with Baroque and Rococo styles. There is also the option of an excursion to Snagov Palace, built in the 1930s with a beautiful lake and island with a monastery reputedly housing the remains of Vlad the Impaler.

Day 3

Bucharest, Transfer to Giurgiu (EMBARK)

Embark your ship in Giurgiu and drive to Bucharest, where guests enjoy a panoramic city tour passing extravagant 19th-century architecture and visit the magnificent People’s Palace designed by 700 architects by order from Nicolae Ceausescu.

Day 4

Ruse, Bulgaria

From Ruse, also known as ‘Little Vienna,’ a testament to its elegant architecture, travel to Veliko Tarnov, Bulgaria’s old capital, with the exceptional Samovod Marketplace, and Arbanassi with six 17th-century stone churches decorated with ornate frescoes.

Day 5

Vidin, Bulgaria

Vidin is a medieval port with a fascinating history and the great fortress Baba Vida. From here, guests can tour the remarkable Belogradchik rock formations or travel to the Negovanovtsi village to the Dos Alamos Winery for a tour and tasting.

Day 6

Golubac, Cruising the Iron Gates, Serbia

Visit the 14th-century Golubac Castle, one of Europe’s best-preserved fortresses. Later, head to Lepenski Vir, a significant archaeological site dating to the Stone Age. Cruise the breathtaking and scenic Iron Gates, a series of river gorges.

Day 7

Belgrade, Serbia

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia is one of Europe’s oldest cities. Explore the city by bike or coach and see the fascinating architecture, a mixture of Gothic, Ottoman, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and utilitarian Communist. Visit the Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace.

Day 8

Mohacs, Batina, Vukovar, Croatia

Welcome to Croatia where from Batina, you’ll travel to Karanac, a traditional Croatian village. Later, visit the Vučedol Museum, a unique archaeological centre, with lunch at a family restaurant or hosted in a Croatian home. Travel to Vukovar.

Day 9

Budapest, Hungary

Explore the two halves of Budapest on opposite sides of the Danube. Join a walking tour or cover more ground on a panoramic tour. There is an excursion focusing on Budapest’s Communist regime, including the Retro Interactive Museum and Heroes’ Square.

Day 10

Budapest, Hungary

Enjoy another day to explore beautiful and historic Budapest. There is free time to follow your own itinerary or join a tour of the Unicum Distillery, producing an herbal tincture since 1790 with a tasting.

Day 11

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’ and is a city of two halves on either side of the river. Guests enjoy a panoramic city coach excursion or can choose a walking tour interspersed with culinary highlights and local Hungarian fare.

Day 12

Vienna, Austria

Vienna is one of Europe’s finest capital cities, a treasure trove of art, music, and architecture. View the city’s highlights on a tour of the famous Ringstrasse including the State Opera and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell dinner.

Day 13

Weissenkirchen (Melk), Austria

Reputedly the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley, enjoy an expert-led tour that includes local delicacies and wine tasting. There is a visit to the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and a vineyard hike on a designated wine trail with fabulous river views.

Day 14

Passau, Germany

The City of Three Rivers, Passau, is famous for its Baroque cathedral as well as surviving remarkably intact after the onslaught of Allied bombing during World War II. Enjoy a tour of the medieval cobblestone streets and centuries of different architecture.

Day 15

Regensburg, Germany

A walking tour of this beautiful Bavarian city reveals the cobbled lanes of the UNESCO-designated Old Town, a Gothic Town Hall, and the spectacular 14th-century cathedral of St. Peter. For beer lovers, enjoy a hop tour of Holledau.

Day 16

Nuremberg, Cruising the Main-Danube Canal, Germany

Famous for its 20th-century history, Nuremberg has a historic centre that guests can explore, along with a visit to an underground Nazi art bunker housed in a network of medieval tunnels. There is also a tour of the iconic Nazi Party Rally Grounds.

Day 17

Bamberg, Germany

Cruise to Bamberg, a beautifully preserved medieval town historically significant in the Middle Ages. Explore the well-preserved Old Town, the Imperial Cathedral, and the magnificent Old Palace, or head off into the stunning Franconian countryside.

Day 18

Cruising the Main River, Kitzingen (Rothenburg), Germany

Enjoy a day’s sailing on the Main between Würzburg and Bamberg. Pause at Rothenburg and enjoy a tour of this stunning medieval location lifted straight from the pages of a fairy tale with half-timbered houses and a picturesque market square.

Day 19

Würzburg, Germany

Dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg and visit the spectacular 18th-century Residence, one of Europe’s most opulent Baroque palaces. Witness the magnificent ceiling fresco, the Hall of Mirrors, and the beautifully restored gardens.

Day 20

Wertheim, Germany

Walk around Wertheim, home of some of Germany’s best pretzel makers. Explore the historic Old Town or head to nearby Kreuzwertheim and hike through the vineyards for stunning views of the Main River and a glass of sparkling wine.

Day 21

Frankfurt (Heidelberg) Germany

Explore Frankfurt, known as the ‘Manhattan’ of Europe, with vibrant parks, world-class museums, and towering skyscrapers. There is also the option to visit Heidelberg, a charming city with its famous ruined castle and Germany’s oldest university.

Day 22

Rüdesheim, Germany

Cruise the spectacular Middle Rhine Valley before reaching Rüdesheim, a charming town with a Roman history. Experience the fantastic views of the local vineyards from a cable car ride to Niederwald Heights, or taste the Riselings at a medieval monastery.

Day 23

Cologne, Germany

Cologne is the largest city on the Rhine. Take a delightful tour of the Old Town and its historic riverside streets and buildings. The city has 12 Romanesque churches and a magnificent cathedral.

Day 24

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Discover the Straat Museum in Amsterdam Noord, a unique space dedicated to street art. Afterwards, enjoy a classic Amsterdam canal cruise, or guests can choose a refugee canal cruise as part of Uniworld’s Make Travel Matter programme.

Day 25

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Check out of your hotel and transfer to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for flights back to the UK.

Ultimate European Journey Cruise Ships

Trustpilot Reviews

European Rivers Cruise Deals

Sail from the North Sea to the Black Sea through the Heart of Europe with Crui.se

24 Nights
May, Jun, Jul & Sep 2024
Apr - Jul 2025

Ultimate European Journey

  • Amsterdam
  • Cologne
  • Rüdesheim
  • Frankfurt (Heidelberg)
  • Wertheim
  • Würzburg
  • Kitzingen (Rothenburg)
  • Bamberg
  • Nuremberg
  • Regensburg
  • Passau
  • Weissenkirchen / Melk
  • Vienna
  • Budapest
  • Mohacs / Batina / Vukovar
  • Belgrade
  • Golubac - The Iron Gates
  • Vidin
  • Ruse
  • Giurgiu – Bucharest
  • Bucharest
£10,699pp Est. Price per person
  • S.S. Beatrice, River Duchess  

Ultimate European Journey Cruise Review

“The ship was beautiful, the food was very delicious and excellent, the service was impeccable, and the tours were so nice. What’s NOT to love about the River Duchess!!”

Monica Landry, Bournemouth

Ultimate European Journey FAQ

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

Where will the ship dock?

Uniworld ships don’t have control over the exact docking berth in any given port, as the local harbour authorities determine the location. Usually, we dock with easy access to the city or town, but on occasion, we are required to dock further away because the port is busy or because of river conditions.

Is there a laundry service available on board the ships?

All the suites on the S.S. Beatrice have a free laundry service. The River Duchess also offers a free in-suite laundry service to the suites on the Rhine Deck. There is a guest laundry with an ironing board for general passenger use on both vessels located on the Moselle Deck.

Can I smoke on board Uniworld ships?

Smoking is only allowed on the ship’s Sun Deck and is prohibited in all other public areas and the suites, staterooms, and cabins. The smoking ban includes all tobacco products, e-cigarettes, and vape devices. We ask that guests refrain from smoking on port excursions and coach tours. Smoking is banned in most tourist destinations and sites of interest.

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