Rivers, Mountains & Monasteries

Begin your journey in the picturesque city of Basel and end in imperial Vienna, two showstopping destinations to highlight your cruise. Along the way, you’ll cruise through 3 different rivers—the Rhine, Main and Danube—to visit Switzerland, France, Germany and Austria.

You’ll visit the resort town of Baden-Baden and climb to the treetops of Bamberg, wander the palatial residences of historic rulers and venture into the Bavarian forest. Taste Rheingau wines and German beers at the source. Wonder at the Wachau Valley’s riverscapes and the equally incredible agricultural products grown there. This adventure is full of memorable moments from first to last.

Majestic mountains and rustic medieval villages await in Romania. Our spellbinding adventure will take us from the elegant streets of Bucharest to the dramatic forests of Transylvania. En route, we'll discover spectacular churches, tour storied castles and sample sumptuous delicacies unique to this remarkable region.

Your Fly, Cruise & Tour Package Includes:

• $3000 flight credit per person
• 1 night premium accommodation in Basel with breakfast
• 14 night Grand Central Europe river cruise onboard River Princess, Basel to Vienna
• Includes all meals & unlimited beverages onboard, excursions, WiFi, gratuities plus more
• 2 nights premium accommodation in Bucharest with breakfast
• 8 night Romania guided tour with Back-Roads Touring, Bucharest return
• Includes hand-picked accommodation, 13 meals, premium transportation, experienced tour leader plus more
• Select private transfers throughout

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 11 June – 06 July 2024

Solo traveller pricing available. Please speak to one of our travel consultants for more details

Cruise Itinerary:

DAY 1 BASEL (EMBARK)

Arrive at EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 2 BREISACH

Breisach is often referred to as the gateway to the Black Forest, which you will venture into on today's excursion.

DAY 3 STRASBOURG (BADEN-BADEN)

Strasbourg is invariably described as quaint, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests and impossible-to-resist pastry shops. While we’re docked here today, make sure to get out and explore this charming town—but you won’t want to miss our day trip to the blissful spa town of Baden-Baden.

DAY 4 MAINZ, OFFENBACH

Your day in Mainz includes a visit to one of Germany's most stunning locales: Heidelberg.

DAY 5 MILTENBERG

The perfect German town calls for a day full of quintessential German experiences. Resting on the left bank of the Main, Miltenberg is classically quaint with its charming squares, farmland, biking and pedestrian paths, impressive castles and one of Germany’s oldest inns.

DAY 6 WÜRZBURG

The opulent Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a true sense of the region’s history through the European Renaissance. It even contains the world’s largest ceiling fresco by Tiepolo. Visit the Residence and its carefully restored gardens or get outdoors and enjoy a scenic hike around Festung Marienberg, a prominent landmark that was previously home to a long line of prince-bishops.

DAY 7 BAMBERG

Bamberg in its entirety is not only described as beautiful but has often been regarded as one of Germany’s most attractive settlements, with its picturesque architecture, intersecting canals and rivers, and charming stores and restaurants, all framed by rolling hills.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 8 NUREMBERG

Other passengers are heading home today, but you are only halfway through your journey! Take this time to head out and explore Nuremberg on your own. Your Cruise Manager will be full of suggestions on how to make the most out of this marvelous city.

DAY 9 NUREMBERG

The archetypal medieval German city, Nuremberg was once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, housing many German kings in the Kaiserburg castle complex. Later, this city became the epicenter of the Nazi party. When the end of WWII left Nuremberg almost completely leveled, it was chosen to be the site of the war crimes tribunal—the Nuremberg Trials. Now, most of the city has been restored, including the old castle.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 10 REGENSBURG

The nearly 2,000-year-old history of Regensburg begins with a Roman fort in 90 AD, from which Regensburg grew into the large and prosperous trade center that it became in the last few centuries of the Medieval period. This long history has been excellently preserved through Regensburg’s iconic architecture—particularly its many Gothic and Romanesque churches and Patrician houses.

DAY 11 STRAUBING, DEGGENDORF, VILSHOFEN

Nestled between Regensburg and Passau sits a town surrounded by the foothills of the Bavarian Forest, Deggendorf. Journey deep into the alluring Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany’s first national park, and discover outdoor leisure at its best.

DAY 12 VILSHOFEN, PASSAU

A new day brings new experiences in the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers join together, at one time bringing an influx of wealth and culture into the region.

DAY 13 WEISSENKIRCHEN, MELK

Start your day in the heart of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, strolling through Weissenkirchen’s idyllic wine village while sampling mouth-watering apricot treats. Named for its white church that dominates the landscape, the city is flanked by vineyard-lined hills, historic houses and beautiful courtyards. The Melk Abbey is a baroque monastery and sits atop a rocky formation overlooking the Danube.

DAY 14 VIENNA

On this day, explore the “City of Waltzes” and dive into its vast artistic legacy. The city is known for its imperial palaces, famous residents and expansive art collections.

In the evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

DAY 15 VIENNA (DISEMBARK)

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Vienna International Airport for your flight home.

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1 / Bucharest (Romania)

Welcome to Bucharest, a capital city that’s been nicknamed ‘Little Paris’ for its enchanting architecture. After meeting the group at the hotel, we’ll venture out for our first delicious meal and get to know each other a little better. Accommodation: Hotel Capitol (or similar)

Day 2 / Bucharest – Sinaia – Brasov

Today, we’ll depart for the spectacular town of Sinaia which sits at the base of the fir clad Bucegi Mountains. We’ll journey through the lush Prahova Valley and stop off at Peles Castle: a Neo-Rennaissance masterpiece nestled just northwest of the town. Wander its grand hallways and discover its history as a royal summer retreat. Later, we’ll move onto Brasov – our home for the next two nights. This Transylvanian city is renowned for its Saxon-era walls and charming cobbled squares. The evening will be yours to admire Brasov’s colourful architecture and dine on various local delights, including ciorba de vacuta (a hearty soup) and bulz (savoury stuffed polenta cakes). Accommodation: Hotel Casa Wagner (or similar)

Day 3 / Brasov – Bran – Brasov

This morning, we’ll travel south to Bran. This sleepy commune is famed for its impressive 13th century fortress that’s commonly nicknamed Dracula's Castle. Discover more about Bran Castle’s associations with the legendary vampire on a guided tour. This afternoon, we’ll sample the region’s local tipple at a brandy distillery in Rasnov. Learn about the unique distilling process of this traditional fruit spirit and sip on five delicious varieties. Then: we’ll return to Brasov for another evening at our leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Casa Wagner (or similar)

Day 4 / Brasov – Viscri – Sighisoara

Following a delicious breakfast, we’ll wave goodbye to Brasov and take the scenic route to Viscri. This idyllic village is beloved by King Charles III who even owns three Saxon houses in the area. Stroll around the picturesque streets before we reconvene for lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, we’ll continue to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Sighisoara. Founded by the Transylvanian Saxons over a millennia ago, it’s awash with impeccably preserved medieval structures. The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Accommodation: Hotel Central Park Sighisoara (or similar)

Day 5 / Sighisoara – Parajd – Sighisoara

Ready to discover more about Sighisoara’s fascinating past? This morning, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the city’s fortified Old Town that’s brimming with storybook towers, ornate churches and medieval marketplaces. A highlight is the birthplace of Vlad Dracula (or Vlad the Impaler) – a fearsome 13th century ruler and the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s best-selling novel. Later: we’ll stop off at a traditional restaurant for lunch before journeying onwards to the Parajd Salt Mine. The largest salt reserve in Europe, we’ll delve 120 metres below sea level to marvel its immense beauty. Afterwards, we’ll head back to Sighisoara for another evening at leisure. Accommodation: Hotel Central Park Sighisoara (or similar)

Day 6 / Sighisoara – Biertan – Sibiu

Biertan’s UNESCO-listed church is the main feature of today’s itinerary. Following a morning exploring the village and its magnificent Gothic centrepiece, we’ll continue to Sibiu. This walled city at the heart of Romania is renowned for its Germanic architecture, medieval Council Tower and brilliant art museums. Following an orientation walk, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. Accommodation: Imparatul Romanilor (or similar)

Day 7 / Sibiu – Sibiel – Sibiu

Today, you’ll have plenty of free time to soak up the rest of Sibiu’s extraordinary sights. Make sure you don’t miss out on the beautiful Brukenthal Palace that’s brimming with priceless artwork. The Astra Museum also offers a terrific treasure trove of traditional arts and crafts. Later, we’ll venture just beyond the city to the delightful village of Sibiel for a masterclass in rustic Romanian cuisine. Learn how to make a rich, authentic goulash which you’ll then devour for lunch. Afterwards, you’ll have time to continue your exploration of Sibiu. Accommodation: Imparatul Romanilor (or similar)

Day 8 / Sibiu – Cozia – Ramnicu Valcea

Next stop: Ramnicu Valcea. First though, we’ll depart Sibiu and drive south via the incredibly scenic Transalpina route. This high-altitude road weaves its way through the spectacular Carpathian Mountains. It’s one of the most photogenic locations in Romania, so make sure you have your camera ready! This afternoon, we’ll swap mountains for monasteries with a tour of Cozia Monastery. This handsome structure on the River Olt houses the tomb of Mircea the Elder and is one of the country’s most celebrated medieval landmarks. We’ll conclude the day in nearby Ramnicu Valcea where we’ll enjoy a farewell dinner together and reminisce about our Romanian adventure. Accommodation: Grand Hotel Sofianu (or similar)

Day 9 / Ramnicu Valcea – Bucharest

Today, we’ll journey back to Bucharest where we’ll say our final goodbyes. On the way, you’ll have a chance to feast your eyes on more breathtaking vistas of central Romania.

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 outside 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 03 October 2023 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.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Air credit is applicable on airline of choice, subject to availability and subject to the carriers’ flight schedules and conditions.