Australia NewZealand

Air-Inclusive Escorted

Special Deals

See our special deals

Latest 2012 Brochure

Australia and New Zealand

Share Watch DVD

Magnificent Europe - Amsterdam to Budapest

See Virtual Tour of river ships on 'Europe' page of this website

Select your travel date

1 Mar. 2012 - 31 Dec. 2012
1 Mar. 2013 - 31 Dec. 2013

Tour Code	EUMC15
Itinerary Valid	1 Mar. 2012 - 31 Dec. 2012
Trip Duration	15 days
Accommodation	Luxury Cruise Ship
Meals	41 meals included

This itinerary is currently not able to be booked online.

For more information please contact us.

APT on YouTube Watch DVD

Save Itinerary Print Itinerary Tell a friend

Day 1. Arrive Amsterdam

Be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Reception with your APT Cruise Director and fellow guests.

Stay: 14 Nights: one of APT’s luxurious Aria Class or Concerto Class river ships

Daily Meal Included: • Dinner

Day 2. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today select your activity from our options in the incredible capital city of The Netherlands. Perhaps take a canal cruise and admire the city’s architecture as you cruise in a glass-top boat past 17th century homes, charming churches and 16th century merchant houses. Alternatively, visit the Van Gogh Museum, which contains the world’s largest collection of Van Gogh paintings. Or, take a guided Wetland Safari canoe tour through extraordinary landscapes. After your chosen activity, stop at Rembrandt’s Windmill for a photo opportunity. Rejoin your ship in Utrecht and cruise along the Rhine River. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner on board.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

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, with time to admire the impressive landscaped gardens and floral exhibitions. Alternatively, you may like to take a trip to the historic city of Maastricht, where you can explore the grand ancient architecture and boutique shops. After your chosen activity, continue to Cologne, which you’ll discover with a guided walking tour. This historic and cultural city is packed with attractions such as museums and galleries, and features stunning examples of architecture, including twelve Romanesque churches. Your tour will take you to the spectacular Gothic cathedral, one of the largest churches in the world.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 4. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today 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. The Winzerexpress mini-train will take you to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, a tour will highlight one of the largest collections of automated musical instruments in the world. Alternatively, you may like to discover why German Riesling is so renowned with a visit to a winery and a tasting of local wines. This afternoon, your ship enters the Main River.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 5. Freudenberg, Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring

Still in Germany, 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. This small town is noted for three enticing attractions: delicious regional wine, a spectacular castle and an ancient town centre. Perhaps embark on a guided bicycle or walking tour of this lovely medieval town, or go for a paddling tour in a canoe or kayak along the Tauber River. Afterwards, rejoin your fellow travellers and enjoy a private tour of medieval Wertheim Castle and a glass of Sekt, a German sparkling wine.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 6. Würzburg, Freedom of Choice Touring, Kitzingen

Surrounded by green hills covered with vineyards, Würzburg is the capital of Lower Franconia and a crucial centre for wine and trade. This morning, you may like to embark on a tour taking in the Resi-dential Palace and churches ranging in styles from Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque to Modern. Alternatively, visit medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town on the Romantic Road. After a tour here, have a look through the city’s famous German Christmas Museum. Later, reboard your ship for lunch and cruise to the picturesque Bavarian town of Kitzingen. Perhaps wander over to the town’s 13th Century Leaning Tower, or search for Dracula’s Grave, rumoured to be located in the town cemetery. This evening, enjoy an exclusive wine tasting event, hosted by a ‘Wine Queen’ and members of the Aulic Council at Germany’s oldest wine cellar. The Alter Klosterkeller was built by nuns and now offers an historic setting in which to sample Bavarian wines. Back on board, enjoy a medieval themed dinner.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 7. Bamberg

After breakfast, disembark and travel to World Heritage-listed Bamberg, one of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed by bombs during World War II. Here, tour the city’s streets with charming houses and 18th century mansions. Then, visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy a local brew compliments of APT. Later, return to your ship and cruise into the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal is truly a feat of modern engineering. It links the North and Black seas, enabling ships to cross the entire continent.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

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. It went on to act as the host of the Nuremberg Trials. Today, select from three touring options. Perhaps take a World War II tour and visit a range of significant sites from the war, including the famous Courtroom 600. Or take a medieval tour and see the 900 year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the Kaiserburg Fortress and more. The more adventurous may like to see the sights by Segway. At lunch, reboard your ship and continue along the Main-Danube Canal. Today, thanks to the series of stair-step locks, you’ll arrive at the highest point of the cruise, 435 metres above sea level, and cross Europe’s Continental Divide.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 9. Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Touring

Arrive in Regensburg today, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, at the confluence of the Regen and Danube rivers. Here you’ll enjoy the opportunity to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Your touring options include a guided sightseeing tour of the city’s architectural highlights - including the Old Town Hall, the World Heritage-listed city centre and the Porta Pretoria. You may opt to visit the nearby Audi Museum and Factory, where you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the past, present and future of the German car industry and the renowned Audi car. Or perhaps take a guided bicycle tour to the imposing hillside temple of Walhalla. This neo-Classical building serves as a hall of fame honouring Germans of high distinction. The displays of plaques and busts commemorate over 2000 years of history, beginning in 9 AD with Arminius, who fought victoriously in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. Tonight, enjoy a music performance on board your ship after dinner.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 10. Passau, Freedom of Choice Touring, Linz

This morning arrive in Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Here, you’ll disembark and select from our touring options. Perhaps travel by coach to Salzburg and take a tour of the city’s famous ‘Sound of Music’ sights, including the Wedding Church, Mirabell Gardens and Great Salzburg Festival Hall. Then travel by coach to Linz and rejoin your ship. Or you may like to take a day tour to the World Heritage-listed city of Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic. Alternatively, take a tour of Passau, including a visit to St Stephen’s Cathedral, before enjoying a cruise into Austria and to Linz. During your cruise, witness the culinary art involved in making traditional apple strudels during an onboard cooking demonstration. After dinner tonight, perhaps enjoy an evening stroll through Linz.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 11. Melk, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dürnstein

Cruise through the Strudengau region to the pretty Wachau Valley this morning and take a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous and spectacular monastic sites. Located high above the town of Melk on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube, it has the rare distinction of surviving as an active Benedictine monastery continuously since its foundation in 1089. When it’s time to depart Melk, choose from our two touring options. Perhaps take a guided bicycle ride on a path along the pretty banks of the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein. Alternatively, rejoin your ship and continue cruising to Dürnstein for a walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets that reveal 16th century townhouses and wine taverns. Here, above town, lie the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was -imprisoned in 1192. This evening, enjoy sampling delicious regional Wachau Valley wines during a wine tasting.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 12. Vienna, Dine Around Dinner

Disembark in Vienna this morning and enjoy a walking tour of the historic city, founded in 500 BC. Famed for striking architecture, classical musical and vibrant café culture, Vienna is a truly delightful place to explore, packed with historical and cultural landmarks. A wide variety of architectural masterpieces can be seen here, including examples of Baroque and Romanesque design, representing many centuries of development. Museums, galleries, opera houses and theatres abound - a testament to the world-class performances typically held here. The city is also a notable producer of fine cakes, one of which - the famous chocolate ‘Sachertorte’ - you can sample with coffee after your tour. This evening, choose from three tantalising dining options. Perhaps stay on board your luxury river ship and enjoy a classic dinner followed by a Mozart and Strauss concert celebrating Vienna’s reputation for classical music at the spectacular Hofburg Palace. Complete your evening with an Illuminations tour around the sights of the famous Ringstrasse, an historic avenue featuring many opulent buildings and striking monuments. Alternatively, opt for an Austrian schnitzel dinner in a local beer garden, or enjoy a traditional dinner in a Heuriger wine inn.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 13. Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring

On your second day in the Austrian capital, select from our Freedom of Choice Touring options. Perhaps visit Schönbrunn Palace for a tour inside this magnificent residence including the Carriage Museum within the palace grounds. You may prefer to explore the impressive collection of artwork at the city’s Fine Arts Museum, a palatial building crowned with an octagonal dome housing many celebrated paintings. Or see another impressive collection, the Hofburg Crown Jewels at the Imperial Treasury Schatzkammer, which boasts a thousand year-old collection of treasures. Alternatively, you may like to take an excursion to Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, for a tour taking in the key historic landmarks of the former Communist regime.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 14. Budapest

Still on the Danube River, arrive in Budapest, the romantic Hungarian capital. Disembark for a tour that includes such places as 500 year-old Matthias Church, St Stephen’s Basilica, the distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace and historic Buda Castle, offering views of Buda and Pest over both banks of the river. In the afternoon, exclusive to APT, visit the Hungarian State Opera House, which is widely recognised as one of the best examples of neo-Renaissance architecture in the world. Absorb the grandeur of the building from outside, then venture inside for an exclusive tour, a glass of champagne and a private opera recital of two or three ariettas. This evening enjoy a Fare-well Dinner on board, before your ship sets sail on a twilight cruise, allowing you to take in the glittering lights of Budapest. You’ll also enjoy an onboard performance by Gypsy violinists.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 15. Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest

After breakfast this morning, you’ll disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast

All prices are displayed in US Dollars (USD)

See what people have said about this tour

Save Itinerary Print Itinerary Tell a friend

Discover the comforts of APT river cruising

Enjoy room service on your luxury river ship with APT

Virtual Tour

See APT Cruising Fleet web page

APT Platinum Series

Butler and Room Service - for selected suite categories
Freedom of Choice Touring in Amsterdam, Wertheim, Nuremberg, Passau, Melk, Vienna and Bratislava
Contact Us for further details

Included Signature Experiences

Tour medieval Wertheim Castle and enjoy a sparkling glass of Sekt
Enjoy an exclusive wine event, hosted by the Aulic Council, in Germany’s oldest wine cellar in Kitzingen, and a special medieval-themed evening back on board your ship
Sample ‘Rauchbier’ (smoked beer) with a complimentary drink at a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus
Visit the Hungarian State Opera Housein Budapest for a tour, a glass of champagne and a private music recital

APT Guaranteed Inclusions

Airport transfers included
Tipping included
Enjoy excursions and entertainment at no extra cost
Enjoy the services of an APT Cruise Director
Enjoy a unique photo opportunity at Rembrandt’s Windmill in Amsterdam
See spectacular Cologne Cathedral
Sample delicious Wachau Valley wines
In Vienna, take a sightseeing tour of the city’s main attractions, followed by a delicious ‘Sachertorte’ cake and coffee
Discover the sights of Budapest, including Matthias Church, St Stephen’s Basilica, the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace and historic Buda Castle
Take in the sparkling lights of Budapest as your ship takes you on a twilight cruise along the Danube River

Freedom of Choice Touring

In Amsterdam, take a guided canal boat cruise, visit the Van Gogh Museum, or take a Wetlands Safari canoe tour
From Düsseldorf, travel to Venlo and see the 2012 Floriade Horticultural Expo or visit historic Maastricht
In Rüdesheim, ride the Winzerexpress mini-train and tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, or visit a Rhine Valley winery for a tasting of famous wines
In the medieval village of Wertheim, enjoy a guided bicycle tour, take a guided walking tour or go for a paddle on the Tauber River
See the sights of Würzburg on a city tour, including the impressive Residential Palace, or take an excursion to the medieval walled city of Rothenburg
In Nuremberg, choose from a medieval city tour, take a close look at a selection of significant World War II sites, or tour the sights by Segway
Take a sightseeing tour of Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, visit the Audi museum or cycle to the temple of Walhalla
In Passau, perhaps take a city tour then cruise to Linz; visit Salzburg to discover the sites of the Sound of Music film, or take a day tour to Ceský Krumlov
From Melk, take a guided bike ride to Dürnstein or cruise to Dürnstein and enjoy a sightseeing tour
With an extended stay in the Austrian capital, choose from a great range of touring options, including a visit to majestic Schönbrunn Palace or a Communist-themed tour of nearby Bratislava in Slovakia

Outstanding Accommodation

Enjoy 14 nights cruising on a luxurious Aria or Concerto class river ship

Cruising Highlights

Cruise past castles, quaint villages and fertile fields along the River Rhine
Cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known as the Rhine’s most beautiful stretch
Glide through the picturesque valleys of the meandering Main River
Traverse the Main-Danube Canal, with its fascinating stair-step locks
Cross Europe’s Continental Divide
Absorb the gorgeous riverside scenery along the majestic Danube River
Cruise through the pretty Wachau Valley
Enjoy a range of entertaining evening performances on board

Finest Dining

Enjoy 14 Champagne Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 14 Dinners
Choose from three Dine Around Dinner options in Vienna, including dinner followed by a concert
All meals, as well as regional wine and beer with dinner and lunch, are included on board
Enjoy a choice of up to seven different dining experiences on board
Take part in the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner on your second night of cruising
Indulge in a delicious Farewell Dinner in Budapest
Take part in a range of wine tastings and traditional theme dinners

Other Touring Options

18 Day tour Paris to Budapest, refer to tour code EUMCPB18
18 Day tour Amsterdam to Prague, refer to tour code EUMCAP18
21 Day tour Paris to Prague, refer to tour code EUMCPP21
Reverse itineraries, refer to the tour codes EUMCR15, EUMCRPA18, EUMCRBP18 and EUMCRPP21
Contact Us for more details

Taxes and Tour Notes

Price includes port charges
Prices are for land content only per person
Please Contact Us for our great airfares to Europe

Trip Notes

Tour Code	EUMC15
Itinerary Valid	1 Mar. 2013 - 31 Dec. 2013
Trip Duration	15 days
Accommodation	Luxury Cruise Ship
Meals	41 meals included

This itinerary is currently not able to be booked online.

For more information please contact us.

APT on YouTube Watch DVD

Save Itinerary Print Itinerary Tell a friend

Day 1. Arrive Amsterdam

Be met on arrival at the airport and transferred to your ship. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception on board.

Stay: 14 Nights: one of APT’s luxurious Aria Class or Concerto Class river ships

Daily Meal Included: • Dinner

Day 2. Amsterdam, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today perhaps take a canal cruise or visit the Van Gogh Museum. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Gala Welcome Dinner.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 3. Düsseldorf, Freedom of Choice Touring, Cologne

From Düsseldorf, travel to Maastricht, or continue to Cologne for a tour that includes the Gothic cathedral.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 4. Rüdesheim, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today cruise through the beautiful Rhine Gorge and, on arrival in Rüdesheim, visit a local winery for a wine tasting, or explore Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 5. Freudenberg, Wertheim, Freedom of Choice Touring

On arrival in Freudenberg, travel to Wertheim and take a bicycle tour or a walking tour. Afterwards, take a private tour of Wertheim Castle and enjoy a glass of Sekt as you take in the views out over the Main and Tauber rivers.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 6. Würzburg, Freedom of Choice Touring, Kitzingen

Choose from a tour of Würzburg or a trip to Rothenburg. Then cruise to Kitzingen and tonight, enjoy an exclusive wine tasting event followed by a medieval themed dinner on board.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 7. Bamberg

Tour World Heritage-listed Bamberg today then visit a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus and enjoy a local brew compliments of APT. Later, return to your ship and cruise into the Main-Danube Canal.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 8. Nuremberg, Freedom of Choice Touring

In Nuremberg this morning, choose from a World War II tour or a medieval tour of the city.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 9. Regensburg, Freedom of Choice Touring

Today tour Regensburg, visit the Audi Museum and Factory or take a guided bicycle tour to the temple of Walhalla.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 10. Passau, Freedom of Choice Touring, Linz

Disembarking in Passau, travel to Salzburg for a ‘Sound of Music’ tour, take a day tour to Ceský Krumlov in the Czech Republic or tour Passau then cruise to Linz. After dinner tonight, perhaps enjoy a stroll through Linz.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 11. Melk, Freedom of Choice Touring, Dürnstein

After a tour of Melk Abbey, select from a guided bike tour along the Danube to Dürnstein or cruise to Dürnstein and disembark for a guided tour our. Tonight, sample delicious Wachau Valley wines.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 12. Vienna, Dine Around Dinner

Tour Vienna then enjoy a traditional ‘Sachetorte’ chocolate cake and coffee. Tonight, perhaps dine on board, followed by a Mozart and Strauss concert in town; enjoy schnitzel in an Austrian beer garden, or dine in a local Heuriger wine inn.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 13. Vienna, Freedom of Choice Touring

Tour Schönbrunn Palace, explore the Fine Arts Museum, visit the Spanish Riding School, see the Hofburg Crown Jewels at the Imperial Treasury or take an excursion to Bratislava.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 14. Budapest

Take a city tour of Budapest then, exclusive to APT, visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a private tour, a glass of sparkling wine and an opera recital. Tonight enjoy a Fare-well Dinner before a twilight cruise through the city.

Daily Meals Included: • Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner

Day 15. Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest

After breakfast, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport.

Daily Meal Included: • Breakfast

All prices are displayed in US Dollars (USD)

See what people have said about this tour

Save Itinerary Print Itinerary Tell a friend

Marvel at the majestic scenery along the Rhine River

Europe, Cruising, AmaWaterways, Amabella, ship on water with bridge

Virtual Tour

See APT Cruising Fleet web page

APT Platinum Series

Butler, free room service and champagne on arrival for guests in selected suite categories
Freedom of Choice Touring in Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Rüdesheim, Wertheim, Würzburg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk and Vienna
Dine Around Dinner in Vienna
Wine and beer included with lunch and dinner
Services of an APT Cruise Director
APT Exclusive! Included Signature Experiences - in select locations, enjoy exclusive or unique activities featured specifically for APT guests, including:
Take a private tour of Wertheim Castle and enjoy a glass of Sekt as you gaze out over the Main and Tauber rivers
Visit the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest for a private tour, a glass of champagne and a private music recital

Included Signature Experiences

Enjoy a private tour of Wertheim Castle and enjoy a glass of Sekt
Sample local wines in Kitzingen at one of Germany’s oldest wine cellars
Enjoy a Rauchbier (smoked beer) at a traditional Bamberg Beer Haus
Visit the Hungarian State Opera House in Budapest for a private tour

APT Guaranteed Inclusions

Airport transfers included
Tipping included
Enjoy excursions and entertainment at no extra cost
Enjoy the services of an APT Cruise Director

Freedom of Choice Touring

Enjoy Freedom of Choice Touring in a total of 10 destinations, including:
In Amsterdam, take a guided canal boat cruise or visit the Van Gogh Museum
In Rüdesheim, visit a Rhine Valley winery or tour Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
In Nuremberg, choose from a medieval city tour or take a close look at a selection of significant World War II sites
Vienna - explore Schönbrunn Palace, tour the Fine Arts Museum, see the Hofburg Crown Jewels, visit Spanish Riding School or take a trip to Bratislava

Outstanding Accommodation

Enjoy 14 nights cruising on a luxurious Aria or Concerto class river ship

Finest Dining

Enjoy 14 Champagne Breakfasts, 13 Lunches and 14 Dinners
Dine Around Dinner in Vienna
All meals, as well as wine and beer with lunch and dinner, are included on board

Taxes and Tour Notes

Price includes port charges
Disruptions to cruising and itinerary arrangements may occur
Prices are for land content only per person
Please Contact Us for our great airfares to Europe

Trip Notes

Top of Page