Magnificent Europe

Your fly, stay and cruise package includes:

• Economy class flights from Sydney to Amsterdam, returning from Budapest
• 2 nights accommodation in Amsterdam
• 14 night luxury river cruise onboard MS AmaVenita, Amsterdam to Budapest
• 41 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
• Services of an expert cruise director
• A wide range of onboard activities & entertainment
• Port charges & prepaid gratuities onboard your cruise
• Airport, hotel and port transfers throughout

***Rate based on twin share for travel 27 November to 16 December 2022. Additional dates available, a surcharge may apply.***

Day 1: Amsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam! We’ll collect you from your hotel and transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Day 2: Amsterdam
Perhaps admire Amsterdam’s canals from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th-century homes, churches and merchant houses. Maybe visit Zaanse Schans – known for its windmills and specialty produce. Or even sleep in and take the day as it comes. If you’re lucky enough to be on one of our spring departures, the tulips of Keukenhof Gardens are ready to greet you at every colourful turn. Tonight, celebrate with a gala welcome dinner.

Day 3: Andernach, Koblenz
On a visit to Namedy Castle, go beyond the gates and wander about the rooms and grounds, then enjoy a cocktail party in the ballroom, where a pianist sets the mood.
This morning will be spent cruising through Germany. You might want to head up to the sun deck and take in the views as they pass by. Disembark in Andernach for your first Signature Experience. Later, head back on board and enjoy dinner as your ship sets sail for Koblenz. Here, perhaps join your cruise director for an evening stroll through the charming village.

Day 4: Koblenz, Rudesheim
A gondola ride over the Rhine Valley will give you the best perspective of the town. For something a little more quirky, Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum houses a collection of fine automated musical creations.
Have your camera handy to capture some of the best scenery you’ll encounter as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge. Dock in Rudesheim, where you’ll choose your activity.

Day 5: Miltenberg
Step ashore in Miltenberg today and set out on a guided exploration. Wander through cobblestone streets and admire the town’s enchanting half-timbered houses before time at leisure to explore on your own.

Day 6: Würzburg
Seize the day and walk to the 18th-century Würzburg Residence. Or travel to the fairytale town of Rothenburg. Maybe get to know the locals with a visit to a family-owned farm, with a home-cooked morning tea on the menu.

Day 7: Bamberg
Relax on board as you sail to Bamberg. On arrival, join an exploration with a local expert to uncover everything World Heritage-listed Bamberg has to offer.

Day 8: Nuremberg
Perhaps journey through Nuremberg’s history with its Gothic churches and World War II sites. Or keep fit with a guided walk through the Schwarzach Valley. This morning gives you the chance to choose your sightseeing activity. This afternoon, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas.

Day 9: Regensburg
In Regensburg, explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Or, you might prefer to get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany’s past.

Day 10: Passau, Linz
From Passau, head to Salzburg to visit some of the sites featured in The Sound of Music. Or set off into the Czech Republic, where Cesky Krumlov awaits. Either way, re-board your ship in Austria’s Linz. Alternatively, explore the town of Passau, followed by a relaxing day on board cruising to Linz.

Day 11: Melk, Durnstein
Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein, where you’ll roam its cobblestone lanes at your leisure. Or perhaps take a guided bike ride along the river from Melk to Durnstein. Visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey. Then, it’s up to you how you get to the next port of call.

Day 12: Vienna
Signature Experience: After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital and a performance by some members of the Mozart Boys’ Choir.
Perhaps take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen’s Cathedral. The 1,441-room Schonbrunn Palace and its gardens are another option. Or tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava. Otherwise, get active with a bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery.

Day 13: Budapest
In Esztergom, set out on a guided tour to discover this picturesque town and its historic buildings. Then, follow in the footsteps of the Habsburg Empire as you board the Grand Empress steam train, bound for Budapest. See inside some of the ornately adorned carriages from the early 1900s and be treated like royalty as you savour lunch on board. On arrival at Budapest Railway Station, see the Royal Waiting Room – a rather fitting way to end this opulent journey. Later, return to your ship. Operates on all departures between April and September.

Day 14: Budapest
Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore.

Day 15: Budapest
Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.

Prices listed are per person in Australian/New Zealand Dollars, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest Inside category available at the time. Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 19 April 2022 and can be withdrawn without notice. Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Airfares are based on economy class flights from Sydney and are subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions, please call us for prices from other cities. Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Complimentary APT transfers are available to port in Amsterdam from hotels within Amsterdam ring road or airport.