Day 1: Amsterdam, Holland (Embarkation)

 Arrival in Amsterdam, Holland for embarkation. Your luxurious river cruise ship is moored near the city center. Start discovering the town before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. Following dinner enjoy piano music in the beautiful lounge, or head back into town to take in Amsterdam's fascinating nightlife. (D)

Day 2: Amsterdam

After a delectable breakfast, admire the wonderful architecture of the city from a guided CANAL BOAT tour. Sail in a glass-top boat past beautiful 17th-century homes, charming churches with bell towers and 16th-century merchant houses. Free time before departing the city around lunch. Enjoy an afternoon briefing as you cruise towards Cologne, Germany. Tonight you’ll be a guest at the Captain's Gala Welcome Dinner. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Cologne, Garmany

Morning arrival in Cologne where a guided morning walking tour through the old part of the city awaits you. Cologne is one of Germany's largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum next to the cathedral is a must-see for history buffs! Try a Kolsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of 4711, the original "eau de cologne". (B,L,D)

Day 4: Rhine Gorge-  Rüdesheim

Today sail through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, the most beautiful stretch of the river. Every mile along the river you'll admire a different, magnificent castle. Then see the legendary Lorelei Rock, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. Arrive in Rüdesheim, the perfect example of a Rhine Valley wine town. Here, the "Winzerexpress" mini-train takes you to fascinating SIEGFRIED'S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM for a guided tour. During dinner bid farewell to the Rhine and enter the Main River. Tonight's Crew Show will conclude a great day of river cruising. (B,L,D)

Day 5:  Miltenberg-Wertheim

Arrive in Miltenberg for a guided morning walking tour along narrow cobblestone streets to view gabled, half-timbered houses. Shop for souvenirs before a coach takes you to charming Wertheim to browse the market square; then board the ship for lunch. The rest of the day, cruise through the sunny valleys of the meandering Main. (B,L,D)

Day 6: Würzburg

Würzburg, "The Pearl of the Romantic Road," is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. During your morning tour, visit the major sights including the magnificent RESIDENTIAL PALACE. Your afternoon cruise takes you past charming Volkach, and through the Franconian wine region. After dinner join your fellow travelers in the lounge to listen to an enchanting medieval music performance. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Bamberg

Enter the Main-Danube Canal at enchanting Bamberg, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Disembark for a guided tour of this medieval gem. Marvel at the breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the river, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. Continue along the Main-Danube Canal towards ancient Nuremberg. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Nuremberg

Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses. Nuremberg's traditions include its famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner, we'l introduce youto some of Germany's FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)

Day 9: Regensburg

One of Germany's best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg's architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall and the Porta Pretoria–gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Passau-Linz, Austria

Ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilze, and Danube, Passau is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with more than 17,0000 pipes. An optional full day-excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Melk-Dürnstein-Vienna

Melk's magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY dominates the town from its cpmmanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. Dürnstein, known for the baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade, lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town you'll spot the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Vienna, known as the "City of Music" inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven and Strauss. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Vienna

A guided sightseeing tour includes the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring ST. STEPHEN'S CATHEDRAL. Free afternoon to stroll along Kärntnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (FB,L,D)

Day 13: Bratislava, Slovakia

After midnight, the ship slips away from Vienna and continues to nearby Slovakia. A guided morning tour of Bratislava reveals the city's major sights. From 13th-century Bratislava Castle you'll enjoy breathtaking views overlooking three countries–Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. Free afternoon to shop or explore on your own. This eventful day is followed by an evening filled with an enchanting music performance on board. Before midnight, depart for Hungary. (FB,L,D)

Day 14:  Budapest, Hungary

City sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, from where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year-old MATTHIAS CHURCH, St. Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fishermens Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. Your afternoon is free to explore on your own. Tonight gather on board for a Gala Farewell Dinner with Gypsy violins. (B,L,D)