European Gems
River Cruise
with Travelmarvel
- 14 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship
- The services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides
- 41 meals – 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
- Save up to $5600 per couple^
Enjoy the best of Europe on a 14-night premium river cruise. Begin in Amsterdam before floating through some of Germany’s most beautiful towns along the Rhine River. Take in Vienna’s elegance and end in Budapest, Hungary’s grand capital.
Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest on Travelmarvel’s most popular journey. Discover some of Europe’s most historic cities and timeless villages on a 14-night European Gems cruise aboard a Travelmarvel river ship. Enjoy a festive Bavarian evening onboard, visit World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle, be welcomed into a German family home, and more.
Highlights
- Explore up to 15 towns, villages and cities
- Step back in time during a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle
- Enjoy a festive Bavarian evening on your ship with traditional food and entertainment
- Get a glimpse into local life as you are warmly welcomed into the home of a friendly Miltenberg family
- Criss-cross Amsterdam’s canals aboard a glass-top boat
- Cruise the magnificent Rhine Gorge and Wachau Valley
- Explore the historic towns of Rüdesheim, Würzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg
- Join a local guide for a walking tour of Regensburg
- Take a guided tour through the magnificent Melk Abbey
Inclusions
- 14 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship
- Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides
- 41 meals – 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
- Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
- Transfers, port charges and tipping
Please note, this river cruise is available in Amsterdam to Budapest and Budapest to Amsterdam direction.
Day 1: Arrive Amsterdam, Embark Ship
Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river ship. Perhaps grab a map to explore this carefree, cosmopolitan city and its magnificent network of canals. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and fellow passengers at a Welcome Reception.
Stay: 14 Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Amsterdam, Utrecht
Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some free time to explore this lively city. Later, travel by coach to Utrecht, via Rembrandt’s Windmill. From here, your ship will set off along the Rhine as you prepare for tonight’s special Gala Welcome Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Cologne, Brühl
Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE - Augustusburg Palace in Germany
Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. The palace and the lodge are some of the finest examples of rococo architecture from 18th century Germany.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Rhine Gorge, Rüdesheim
Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known to be the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of the most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in all of Germany.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Miltenberg
Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE - Miltenberg Culinary Tour
Gain a glimpse into local life in Miltenberg as you embark on a culinary walking tour. Sample regional specialties at a local butcher and baker before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Würzburg
Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Admire the baroque palace and walk through the beautiful Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairy-tale town.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Rothenburg Excursion
Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to medieval Rothenburg, a beautiful walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Bamberg
Spend a leisurely morning cruising along the last stretch of the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll gaze upon such sights as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship will reach the Main-Danube Canal.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Nuremberg
Explore Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander the cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores. Finish your day cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide thanks to the canal’s 16 stair-step locks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Regensburg
Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits. Spend the day in this charming city, docked right in the heart of town, and join a guided walking tour to see its major sights. Later, perhaps take an optional tour to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg. Take a guided tour of the family-owned brewery and see The Kuchlbauer Tower, designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
INSIDER EXPERIENCE - Bavarian Evening on Board
This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY– Kuchlbauer's World of Beer Brewery Visit
Tour Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg and see the Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Passau, Linz
As you enjoy your breakfast, arrive in the ‘Three Rivers City’ of Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Perhaps join an optional tour to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’. Alternatively, stay on board and enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Linz.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY - Český Krumlov Visit
Enjoy a fascinating day excursion to the city of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historical buildings.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – ‘The Sound of Music’ Tour
Depart from Passau to Salzburg and enjoy a tour of the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’, including the famous Wedding Church.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Melk, Dürnstein
After cruising into Austria, dock in Melk for a tour of Melk Abbey with a local guide. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop, offering commanding views of the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where legendary King Richard the Lionheart was kept as a prisoner in the 12th century. You have the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, town houses and taverns of the town. Perhaps join an optional tour to taste some of the region’s wine.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY - Wine Tasting
Visit Dürnstein Abbey, where you’ll savour a glass of the local Grüner Veltliner or Riesling produced in the region, as well as delicious brandy.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Vienna
In Vienna, join a walking tour of St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Afterwards, you may enjoy visiting the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music’.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Mozart and Strauss Concert
Enjoy a Mozart and Strauss Concert in one of Vienna’s palaces or concert venues, followed by an evening drive around the Ringstrasse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Vienna
Today is yours to explore Vienna. Perhaps visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury. Otherwise, enjoy an optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava. Later, set sail for Hungary. Tonight, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Schönbrunn Palace
Delve into royal history as you wander the lavishly furnished rooms and beautiful gardens of the famous Schönbrunn Palace.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Bratislava City Tour
Travel from Vienna into Slovakia and on to its capital, Bratislava. There, explore the charming Old Town on a guided tour.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Budapest
Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship drifts right into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, a local guide will lead you through Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum.
ENHANCE YOUR JOURNEY – Hospital in the Rock Tour
Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle. This first-aid shelter was constructed in 1941 to withstand the blasts of bombing.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Multiple departures in 2025 & 2026
Stateroom | Per person twin share |
---|---|
Cat. LDE (Window Stateroom) | From $4995 |
Cat. MD (French Balcony Suite) | From $7390 |
Cat. UD (French Balcony Suite) | From $7690 |
*Prices are based on 10 November 2025 departure, include savings amount and are subject to availability and change. Other dates available at seasonal surcharge. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for available departure dates and current pricing.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Price based on EUTC15: 10 November 2025 (Cat. LDE). Book by 31 March 2025 unless sold out prior. Prices are per person (pp), AUD, twin share.
^Save up to $6800 per couple: Valid until 31 March 2025 or sold out or withdrawn from sale. Save up to $5600 per couple ($2800 per person) when booking select itineraries departing in 2025. Credit is not transferrable or redeemable for cash. A $1000 per person non-refundable deposit must be paid within seven days of booking. Discount is combinable with Travel with Friends Discount where applicable. General Terms & Conditions: Offers are available for travellers departing from Australia. All pricing and save amounts are in Australian Dollars. Information correct as at 16 December 2024 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency. A strictly limited number of offers are available on selected itineraries and departure dates in selected suites/staterooms/cabins/room categories. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time. Your booking contract is with Travelmarvel, and incorporates all of the following terms and conditions. Travelmarvel recommends that you read and understand your contract, and ask Travelmarvel or your travel agent if you require any clarification.
Other Travelmarvel terms and conditions apply, for full terms and conditions please check with your RAC travel consultant. A further deposit of $165 per person applies. General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.