br />Cruise through five countries in the heart of Europe on this relaxing 14-night cruise. Let the waters of the Rhine, Moselle, Main and Danube carry you gently through Holland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, exploring striking vistas rich with history, culture, lore and traditions. Sail by castles, fortresses, villages and vineyards and through the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Explore Amsterdam, Cologne, Koblenz, Rudesheim, Bamberg, Bratislava, Budapest, Melk, Vienna and much more.
Day 1: Overnight FlightJoin Collette Vacations on the legendary waterways that define the true soul of Europe. Begin with an overnight flight to Europe.
Day 2: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Tour Begins - Board ShipYour tour begins in Amsterdam where you board your ship for a relaxing 14-night river cruise across Europe. Your ship offers the newest technology, panoramic deck, panorama salon and bar, excellent cuisine, and outstanding service. Meet your fellow travelers at a welcome cocktail reception.
Day 3: AmsterdamA local expert leads a leisurely-paced walking tour of Amsterdam highlighting its 500 bridges, intricate canal system, charming churches, and 16th-century homes. Later, enjoy a canal cruise through the city center before you set sail from Amsterdam this evening. Aboard the ship you will enjoy a Dutch folklore show.
Day 4: Cologne - Koblenz, GermanyCruise the scenic Rhine River to Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities.
A guided tour through the old part of the city highlights the twin-steepled, 13th-century gothic cathedral. Continue to Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.
Day 5: Koblenz - RüdesheimEnjoy exploring Koblenz before cruising along a beautiful stretch of the Rhine. Sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, dotted with hilltop castles. See the legendary Lorelei Rock before arriving in Rüdesheim, a charming Rhine Valley wine town.
The "Winzerexpress" mini-train takes you to Siegfried´s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum for a guided tour. Explore the pedestrian street, Drosselgasee, and sample local wines before you enter the Main River.
Day 6: MiltenbergArrive in Miltenberg. You have the day to explore independently or perhaps you will choose to join an optional excursion that includes a walking tour along Miltenberg’s cobblestone streets followed by a visit to the city of Wertheim. Your cruise continues through the valleys of the Main River.
Day 7: WürzburgArrive in Würzburg, "The Pearl of the Romantic Road." Nearly destroyed during WW II, Würzburg has been rebuilt into a beautiful Franconian town.
See sights including the Bishops' Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue cruising through the Franconian wine region.
Day 8: BambergEnter the Main-Danube Canal at Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem, founded in 902. Later, cruise to medieval Nuremberg.
Day 9: Nuremberg - KelheimDepart on a guided tour of Nuremberg, Bavaria's second largest city. View the 900-year-old ramparts, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace. Later, arrive at the highest point of your cruise before descending through stair-step locks.
Day 10: Kelheim - RegensburgCruise through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal before arriving in magnificent Regensburg. Founded 2,000 years ago, Regensburg stands as Germany's best-preserved medieval city.
A city walk features the Old Town Hall, 12th-century Stone Bridge, St. Peter's Cathedral, and the Porta Pretoria. Tonight, enjoy a typical Bavarian evening on board the ship.
Day 11: Passau - Linz, AustriaArrive in Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Enjoy a walking tour of this beautiful town, home to St. Stephan's Cathedral and the world's largest church organ. Sail to Linz, a favorite of Mozart, who dedicated his Linz Symphony to the town.
Day 12: Melk - ViennaCruise through the Strudengau en route to the Wachau Valley and charming Melk. Here you enjoy a guided tour which visits Melk's magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe’s largest baroque monasteries, followed by a wine tasting during your visit. Later, your cruise continues to Austria’s capital city, Vienna.
Day 13: ViennaJoin a local expert exploring Vienna's Imperial architecture including the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and St. Stephen's Cathedral. The remainder of the day is at leisure. Tonight, cruise to Slovakia.
Day 14: Bratislava, SlovakiaTour Slovakia's capital, Bratislava, including the 13th-century castle, the old town, St. Martin's Cathedral, Michael's Gate, and the Archbishop's palace. The afternoon is at leisure.
Tonight, you are invited to attend the Captain's Gala Dinner before departing for Hungary.Day 15: Budapest, HungaryYour tour of Budapest, Hungary’s lovely capital, features the historic Buda Castle-area, Fisherman's Bastion and 500-year-old St. Matthias Church. Enjoy splendid views of the twin cities of Buda and Pest, spread over both banks of the river.
Tonight, gather on board with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. After dinner, enjoy a folklore show.
Day 16: Budapest - Disembark Ship - Tour Ends