Jewels of Europe

Amsterdam to Budapest

Travel through picture postcard villages between Amsterdam and Budapest on Scenic’s most popular river cruise itinerary, Jewels of Europe, over 15 glorious days.

Tour Highlights

The Rhine, Main and Danube rivers meander through forested hillsides, idyllic vineyards and romantic river towns and villages.

Restored castles stand as sentinels atop dramatic hilltops as they did in the Middle Ages; these days evoking fairytales rather than feuds.

Cruising these fabled rivers creates lifelong memories as you watch history and unparalleled beauty literally pass you by.

It’s no wonder this trip sits on many a bucket list.

JEWELS OF EUROPE – FULL ITINERARY

Day 1 – Welcome to Amsterdam

Your journey into wonder begins here. Relax and raise your glass to the days ahead at this evening’s welcome reception.

Meals included: Dinner

Day 2 – Amsterdam

Explore wonderful Amsterdam – with its wealth of canals, museums and bicycles.

Freechoice
Experience an iconic canal cruise or enjoy a slice of quintessential Holland at Zaanse Schans.

In the evening, join the Captain for the official welcome dinner.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Cologne > Marksburg

Freechoice
Explore the Neanderthal Museum or take a stroll through Cologne and get up close to the filigree twin towers of the famous cathedral. Alternatively enjoy a cooking demonstration on board your Scenic Space-Ship.

Enrich
Delight in the medieval ambience at Marksburg Castle, which has remained virtually unchanged since the Middle Ages. You’ll get the opportunity to partake in a magnificent medieval feast, with an abundance of fine fare and quantities of free flowing local red wine.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Rhine Gorge > Rüdesheim

Enjoy the unrivalled views and fresh air of the spectacular World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Then alight in Rüdesheim and board the Winzerexpress mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum before enjoying a cable car ride to the Niederwald Monument, for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the river.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Freudenberg > Tastes of ‘Oktoberfest’

Enrich
In Freudenberg you’ll get the chance to celebrate the Scenic version of ‘Oktoberfest’, Germany’s famously fun festival. It’s also a great opportunity to meet the locals, see some regional arts and crafts, and indulge in a Bavarian lunch with large servings of good humour and revelry.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 – Würzburg

Freechoice
Visit the Bishop’s Residenz Palace and sample some exquisite local wine, or explore the famous Romantic Road – such an important trade route during the Middle Ages. Then take in the beautiful walled town of Rothenburg, a medieval gem that overlooks the Tauber River.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 – Bamberg

Immerse yourself in the World Heritage-listed old town of Bamberg, alive with history. With your knowledgeable local guide, walk the same cobbled streets as medieval traders did.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Nuremberg

Welcome to this fascinating and ancient Bavarian city, dating back to the 11th century.

Freechoice
Visit moving WWII sites or choose something a little lighter – the Tastes of Nuremberg’– a tour of culinary delights that will let you indulge your passion for local bratwurst, beer and gingerbread.  Alternatively learn new techniques at a cooking class. We won’t tell anyone if you loosen your belt a little.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 – Regensburg

Freechoice
Enjoy a walking tour of Regensburg or hop on board a local ferry and sail the Danube Gorge to Weltenburg Abbey.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 – Passau > Salzburg

Enrich
Let the ‘Best of The Sound of Music and Salzburg Show’ transport you to another time and place. Based on the timeless movie of the same name, this exclusive production is performed in the rolling hills of Salzburg and will wow you with its stage sets.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 – Melk > Dürnstein

Freechoice
Experience Melk’s magnificent 18th century Benedictine Abbey on a guided tour. Alternatively, for the more active embark on an enjoyable guided bike ride along the river from Melk to Dürnstein.

Sundowners
As the day ends, indulge in a delicious beverage as you take in a fine view of the breathtakingly beautiful Wachau Valley.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 – Vienna

Acquaint yourself with this opulent city by taking an enjoyable guided tour of its most famous sights, including the Ringstrasse.

Enrich
Breathe in the opulence and luxury of Palais Liechtenstein while enjoying a glass of fine Austrian Sekt. Then be enthralled by an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the timeless music of Strauss and Mozart.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 – Vienna

Freechoice
Take a guided tour of Bratislava or Schönbrunn Palace, and witness the sheer opulence of the Habsburg Empire. Alternatively, visit the world-renowned Spanish Riding School for either a tour of the stables or to see the famous Lipizzaner Stallions perfecting their skills during their morning exercise program. Or why not taste your way around the local market on our Shop with a Chef tour with your on board chef.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14 – Budapest

Freechoice
Make the most of a guided tour of this city including a piano concert, or relax and unwind at the Thermal Baths and Spa. Or you can choose to experience the labyrinths of the Hospital in the Rock.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15 – Budapest

Depart after breakfast. Budapest is the end of your cruise, but it will be the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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