On APT’s inimitable 15 Day Magnificent Europe cruise, relax in the sunshine as lush fields, towering mountains and medieval ruins drift gently by. Leave your cares behind as you bask in the subtly decadent surroundings of one of our custom-designed river ships. Glide from Amsterdam through five countries to Budapest, cruising down the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.
Day 1. Amsterdam
On arrival in Amsterdam be met transferred to your luxury river ship. This evening you'll enjoy a Welcome Reception.
Day 2. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today select your Freedom of Choice Touring activity. Perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the city’s architecture, visit the Van Gogh Museum. After your chosen activity, stop at Rembrandt’s Windmill for a photo opportunity. Rejoin your ship and cruise the Rhine River, before enjoying the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner on board.
Day 3. Düsseldorf, Freedom of Choice Touring, Cologne
Arrive in Düsseldorf today and choose your touring activity. Perhaps travel to Venlo and explore the spectacular displays on show at the 2012 Floriade Horticultural World Expo. Alternatively, take a trip to Maastricht, where you can explore the ancient architecture. Later, continue to Cologne.
Day 4. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
Today golfers play Frankfurter Golf Course, with its tree-lined fairways. Non-golfers cruise through the Rhine Gorge on what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine. Arrive in Rüdesheim, where you have a choice of activities, one of which includes the Winzerexpress mini-train, taking you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.
Day 5. Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring
Cruise to Freudenberg and enjoy a fascinating demonstration of glass-blowing on board. From here, travel by coach to Wertheim, located where the Main and Tauber rivers meet. After enjoying your Freedom of Choice Touring activity, rejoin your fellow travellers and enjoy a private tour of medieval Wertheim Castle and a glass of Sekt, a German sparkling wine.
Day 6. Würzburg Golf Course, Freedom of Choice Touring, Kitzingen
This morning golfers play Würzburg Golf Course, located just minutes from the World Heritage-listed city centre. For those not playing golf, enjoy your chosen Freedom of Choice Touring activity, one of which includes a tour taking in the Residential Palace. Tonight, enjoy an exclusive wine tasting event.
Day 7. Bamberg
In Bamberg today, tour the city’s streets with their charming houses and 18th century mansions, gaining an insight into Bamberg's history. Then, visit a beer haus and enjoy a local brew compliments of APT.
Day 8. Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Nuremberg played a pivotal role for the Nazi Party and was thus systematically bombed by the British and US Air forces during World War II. Here, you may choose to take a World War II tour and visit a range of sites from the war. Alternatively, set off on a medieval tour, or perhaps see the sights on an adventurous Segway tour. Later, your ship will cross Europe's Continental Divide.
Day 9. Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Touring
Arrive in Regensburg today, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Your touring options include a guided tour of the city’s architectural highlights. Tonight after dinner, enjoy a special musical performance on board.
Day 10. Passau, Freedom of Choice Touring, Linz
This morning arrive in Passau. Here, golfers will disembark and travel to the Beckenbauer Golf Course for a round of golf on this world-class course. Non-golfers can select from our touring options, including a visit to Salzburg for a tour of the city’s famous ‘Sound of Music’ sights.
Day 11. Melk, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dürnstein
Cruise through the pretty Wachau Valley this morning and take a guided tour of Melk Abbey, perched high on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. When it’s time to depart Melk, choose from our touring options. This evening, sample delicious regional Wachau Valley wines during a wine tasting.
Day 12. Vienna, Fontana Golf Course, Dine Around Dinner
Disembark in Vienna this morning and enjoy a walking tour of the historic city. This afternoon, golfers will play at Fontana Golf Course. With the afternoon at leisure, non-golfers might like to go for a stroll along the main shopping street, Kärntnerstrasse. This evening, choose from three dining options for your Dine Around Dinner, such as an Austrian schnitzel dinner.
Day 13. Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring
On your second day in the Austrian capital, select your touring option. Perhaps visit Schönbrunn Palace for a tour, explore the impressive collection of artwork at the city’s Fine Arts Museum, or see another impressive collection at the Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer. Alternatively, take an excursion to Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, for a tour taking in the key historic landmarks.
Day 14. Budapest
In Budapest today, enjoy a city tour, before visiting the Hungarian State Opera House for an exclusive tour, a glass of champagne and a private opera recital, exclusive to APT. This evening enjoy a Fare-well Dinner on board, before your ship sets off on a twilight cruise through Budapest.
Day 15. Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
Disembark your in Budapest today and transfer to the airport.
