Discover three of Europe’s grand rivers—the Rhine, the Main, and the Danube—on an unforgettable cruise from the canals of Amsterdam to the majestic heart of Budapest. Along the way, encounter local cuisine, rich history and a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Over two unforgettable weeks, explore Amsterdam, Vienna and Budapest, and trace history in a string of enchanting German towns, including the UNESCO-designated Regensburg and Bamberg. Admire architectural gems from Cologne’s Gothic cathedral to the Baroque Residenz Palace of Würzburg, and take in the gorgeous castle-laden scenery of the Rhine Gorge and Austria’s Wachau Valley. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours that include meeting glass-blowing artisans in Wertheim, a guided tour of Amsterdam’s world-renowned Rijksmuseum and Vienna’s Kunsthistoriche Museum, and exploring the Ludwig Canal near Nuremberg. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Discover three of Europe’s grand rivers—the Rhine, the Main, and the Danube—on an unforgettable Europe’s Magnificent Waterways: Cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers journey from the canals of Amsterdam to the majestic heart of Budapest. Along the way, encounter local cuisine, rich history and a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Over two unforgettable weeks, explore Amsterdam, Vienna and Budapest, and trace history in a string of enchanting German towns, including the UNESCO-designated Regensburg and Bamberg. Admire architectural gems from Cologne’s Gothic cathedral to the Baroque Residenz Palace of Würzburg, and take in the gorgeous castle-laden scenery of the Rhine Gorge and Austria’s Wachau Valley. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours that include meeting glass-blowing artisans in Wertheim, a guided tour of Amsterdam’s world-renowned Rijksmuseum and Vienna’s Kunsthistoriches Museum, and exploring the Ludwig Canal near Nuremberg. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
Magnificent Europe (Smithsonian Journeys)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Day 1 | Amsterdam | EMBARKATION |
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Arrive in Amsterdam and board your beautiful river cruise ship. Gather on board for a festive welcome dinner. (Meals: D)
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
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| | OR Rijksmuseum guided tour – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive > |
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Experience Amsterdam from its canals on a private cruise, viewing important landmarks and gabled houses as you glide beneath graceful bridges. Or tour the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Glide toward the Rhine River later this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 3 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer |
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| | OR Cologne Architecture tour with Cologne Cathedral visit |
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| | OR Cologne Roman Ruins and Belgian House – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
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Cruise to Cologne and delve into the enchanting Old Town on a guided tour followed by a tasting of the city’s signature Kölsch beer. Alternatively, take an architecture tour that includes a visit to the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, explore the extensive Roman ruins of Cologne, or enjoy a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 4 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
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Cruise the spectacular UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where more than 40 castles perch atop steep bluffs and half-timbered villages dot the riverbanks. Go ashore in Rüdesheim and choose a scenic gondola ride over the vineyards of the Rheingau wine region; a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or a taste of the town’s specialty, Rüdesheimer coffee, at a local café. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5 | Wertheim | Wertheim walking tour and glass-blowing workshop – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
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| | OR Wertheim Castle Hill hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
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Today your beautiful river cruise ship leaves the Rhine River in Mainz and continues east along the Main River toward the town of Wertheim. Once in Wertheim, take a walking tour of its charming historic center and visit a glass-blowing workshop, take a guided bike tour along the riverbanks, or hike up to the evocative ruins of Wertheim Castle. Alternatively, head to a bakery for a pretzel tasting. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Würzburg | Würzburg Walking tour with wine tasting |
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| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
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| | OR Full-day Rothenburg excursion* |
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Venture into Würzburg’s Old Town, carefully restored after being largely destroyed during World War II, and stop for a wine tasting on your walking tour. Instead, visit the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or hike to Marienberg Fortress for a panoramic view. Alternatively, you may embark on a full-day excursion along the Romantic Road to the beautifully preserved walled town of Rothenburg. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other excursions on this day.
Day 7 | Bamberg | Bamberg “UNESCO City” walking tour with smoked beer tasting |
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| | OR Ludwig Canal and Lock 100 – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
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Today, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg. Take a guided tour of this medieval gem to see its diverse architecture, from the cathedral to its elegant mansions. Or taste your way through town, sampling smoked beer, pralines, and hörnla pastries. For a more active adventure, join a bike tour or walk along the historic Ludwig Canal to Lock 100, still in use today. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8 | Nuremberg | Medieval city tour |
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| | OR Ludwig Canal bike tour |
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| | OR Imperial Castle - Kaiserburg and Dürer House excursion |
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Explore this hub of the German Renaissance on your choice of excursions. Take a guided walk through the medieval city, seeing its castle and ramparts as well as the famous fountain on Market Square. For those who want to be more active can join a guided bike tour along the Main Danube canal visiting one of the original locks from the Ludwigs canal. Alternatively begin the day with a guided tour of the Imperial castle or Kaiserburg, one of the most important palaces of the Holy Roman Empire. Then tour the home where Albrecht Dürer lived and worked in the early 16th century, and see the works of Dürer and others displayed within. In the afternoon enjoy free time and our shuttle service to the city or the ship. The ship remains docked in Nuremberg overnight. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 9 | Nuremberg | WWII History tour with Document Center and Courtroom 600 |
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Visit the city’s World War II sites, including the Nazi Party rally grounds and Documentation center, as well as the Courtroom 600 where the Nuremberg trials took place. Alternatively, sample Franconian specialties such as Nuremberger bratwurst, rotbier, and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel thought up by Emperor Charlemagne that connects the North Sea to the Black Sea. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 10 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
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| | OR House of Bavarian History and Walhalla Monument – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
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Explore Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Discover the Roman-era Porta Praetoria and the Old Town Hall or visit the House of Bavarian History Museum, acclaimed for its architecture as well as its exhibitions, to gain a deeper understanding at how this free state of Bavaria has influenced the nation of Germany and see the impressive monument of Walhalla, built in the style of a Greek temple honouring cultural, scientific and artistic contributions of German speaking celebrities. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 11 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
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| | OR Full-day Salzburg and Mozart’s Birth House – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive* |
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Arrive in Passau, situated where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz rivers. If you wish, spend the day in Salzburg where on your walking tour will see sights from The Sound of Music. Tour Salzburg’s UNESCO-designated Old Town, from Mozart’s home to the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Or stay in Passau and enjoy a walking tour with hand-made pretzels and chocolates, a guided bike ride, or a hike to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other excursions on this day.
Day 12 | Melk | Melk Abbey visit with manuscript library highlight – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
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Enter the breathtaking Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube River. Tour the Benedictine Melk Abbey, a marvel of Baroque architecture perched above the river, and meet a librarian to learn how medieval books are meticulously restored. Alternatively, hike up to the abbey or embark on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Then continue your scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 13 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour with Kunsthalle Museum – Smithsonian
Journeys Exclusive |
|
Glide into Austria’s capital and tour its imperial treasures, from the majestic Opera House to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over the city center for 700 years. Explore the city by bike, or follow a guide through Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien, where a breathtaking fine art collection—including works by Vermeer, Velazquez, Raphael, and Dürer—is housed within an opulent neoclassical building. Enjoy free time in Vienna this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 14 | Budapest | Buda city tour and Central Market Hall |
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ourney into the center of Budapest and set out to discover Buda’s Castle District, taking in sweeping city views from the turrets of the fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion and admiring the architecture of Matthias Church. Explore the grand monuments of Pest this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 15 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
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Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)
Day 1 | Amsterdam | Hotel check-in |
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Arrive in Amsterdam and check into your hotel.
Day 2 | Amsterdam | Walking tour |
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Follow your guide through the charming capital of the Netherlands, with its iconic meandering canals, bridges and distinctive architecture. (Meals: B)
Day 3 | Amsterdam | Zaanse Schans visit |
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Check out of your hotel and, before transferring to your ship, visit Zaanse Schans, where you can observe life as it used to be lived in the Netherlands. Authentic windmills, houses and ships were relocated to this picturesque area, creating a typical 17th- to 18-th century village. Later, embark your beautiful river cruise ship and gather on board for a festive welcome dinner. (Meals: D)
Day 4 | Amsterdam | Canal cruise |
|
| | OR Rijksmuseum guided tour – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive > |
|
Experience Amsterdam from its canals on a private cruise, viewing important landmarks and gabled houses as you glide beneath graceful bridges. Or tour the world-renowned Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces of the Dutch Golden Age. Glide toward the Rhine River later this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 5 | Cologne | Cologne walking tour and Kölsch beer |
|
| | OR Cologne Architecture tour with Cologne Cathedral visit |
|
| | OR Cologne Roman Ruins and Belgian House – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Cruise to Cologne and delve into the enchanting Old Town on a guided tour followed by a tasting of the city’s signature Kölsch beer. Alternatively, take an architecture tour that includes a visit to the 13th-century Dom Cathedral, explore the extensive Roman ruins of Cologne, or enjoy a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 6 | Rüdesheim | Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet |
|
Cruise the spectacular UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, where more than 40 castles perch atop steep bluffs and half-timbered villages dot the riverbanks. Go ashore in Rüdesheim and choose a scenic gondola ride over the vineyards of the Rheingau wine region; a visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet; or a taste of the town’s specialty, Rüdesheimer coffee, at a local café. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 7 | Wertheim | Wertheim walking tour and glass-blowing workshop – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
| | OR Wertheim Castle Hill hike |
|
| | OR Pretzel bakery visit and tasting |
|
Today your beautiful river cruise ship leaves the Rhine River in Mainz and continues east along the Main River toward the town of Wertheim. Once in Wertheim, take a walking tour of its charming historic center and visit a glass-blowing workshop, take a guided bike tour along the riverbanks, or hike up to the evocative ruins of Wertheim Castle. Alternatively, head to a bakery for a pretzel tasting. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 8 | Würzburg | Würzburg Walking tour with wine tasting |
|
| | OR Marienberg Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Full-day Rothenburg excursion* |
|
Venture into Würzburg’s Old Town, carefully restored after being largely destroyed during World War II, and stop for a wine tasting on your walking tour. Instead, visit the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or hike to Marienberg Fortress for a panoramic view. Alternatively, you may embark on a full-day excursion along the Romantic Road to the beautifully preserved walled town of Rothenburg. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other excursions on this day.
Day 9 | Bamberg | Bamberg “UNESCO City” walking tour with smoked beer tasting |
|
| | OR Ludwig Canal and Lock 100 – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Today, you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bamberg. Take a guided tour of this medieval gem to see its diverse architecture, from the cathedral to its elegant mansions. Or taste your way through town, sampling smoked beer, pralines, and hörnla pastries. For a more active adventure, join a bike tour or walk along the historic Ludwig Canal to Lock 100, still in use today. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 10 | Nuremberg | Medieval city tour |
|
| | OR Ludwig Canal bike tour |
|
| | OR Imperial Castle - Kaiserburg and Dürer House excursion |
|
Explore this hub of the German Renaissance on your choice of excursions. Take a guided walk through the medieval city, seeing its castle and ramparts as well as the famous fountain on Market Square. For those who want to be more active can join a guided bike tour along the Main Danube canal visiting one of the original locks from the Ludwigs canal. Alternatively begin the day with a guided tour of the Imperial castle or Kaiserburg, one of the most important palaces of the Holy Roman Empire. Then tour the home where Albrecht Dürer lived and worked in the early 16th century, and see the works of Dürer and others displayed within. In the afternoon enjoy free time and our shuttle service to the city or the ship. The ship remains docked in Nuremberg overnight. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 11 | Nuremberg | WWII History tour with Document Center and Courtroom 600 |
|
Visit the city’s World War II sites, including the Nazi Party rally grounds and Documentation center, as well as the Courtroom 600 where the Nuremberg trials took place. Alternatively, sample Franconian specialties such as Nuremberger bratwurst, rotbier, and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel thought up by Emperor Charlemagne that connects the North Sea to the Black Sea. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 12 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
| | OR House of Bavarian History and Walhalla Monument – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Explore Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Discover the Roman-era Porta Praetoria and the Old Town Hall or visit the House of Bavarian History Museum, acclaimed for its architecture as well as its exhibitions, to gain a deeper understanding at how this free state of Bavaria has influenced the nation of Germany and see the impressive monument of Walhalla, built in the style of a Greek temple honouring cultural, scientific and artistic contributions of German speaking celebrities. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 13 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Salzburg and Mozart’s Birth House – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive* |
|
Arrive in Passau, situated where the Danube meets the Inn and Ilz rivers. If you wish, spend the day in Salzburg where on your walking tour will see sights from The Sound of Music. Tour Salzburg’s UNESCO-designated Old Town, from Mozart’s home to the gardens of Mirabell Palace. Or stay in Passau and enjoy a walking tour with hand-made pretzels and chocolates, a guided bike ride, or a hike to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (Meals: B,L,D)
*Not combinable with other excursions on this day.
Day 14 | Melk | Melk Abbey visit with manuscript library highlight – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive |
|
Enter the breathtaking Wachau Valley, a UNESCO-listed stretch of the Danube River. Tour the Benedictine Melk Abbey, a marvel of Baroque architecture perched above the river, and meet a librarian to learn how medieval books are meticulously restored. Alternatively, hike up to the abbey or embark on a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Then continue your scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 15 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour with Kunsthalle Museum – Smithsonian
Journeys Exclusive |
|
Glide into Austria’s capital and tour its imperial treasures, from the majestic Opera House to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over the city center for 700 years. Explore the city by bike, or follow a guide through Kunsthistoriches Museum Wien, where a breathtaking fine art collection—including works by Vermeer, Velazquez, Raphael, and Dürer—is housed within an opulent neoclassical building. Enjoy free time in Vienna this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 16 | Budapest | Buda city tour and Central Market Hall |
|
ourney into the center of Budapest and set out to discover Buda’s Castle District, taking in sweeping city views from the turrets of the fairytale Fisherman’s Bastion and admiring the architecture of Matthias Church. Explore the grand monuments of Pest this afternoon. (Meals: B,L,D)
Day 17 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
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Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight home. (Meals: B)