Day 1 & 2 — Depart the U.S. / Arrive in Budapest, Hungary

Depart on an overnight flight to Budapest and transfer to the ship upon arrival. Early arrivals will make a visit to Budapest’s Margaret Island. Transfer to the ship and settle in. Your Smithsonian Journeys Travel Director will be available to assist with information and planning independent activities. This evening, gather for a welcome reception and dinner aboard ship. (R,D)

Day 3 — Budapest

Today, you’ll have your choice of one of the following shore excursions:

Highlights of Budapest: In Pest, see Heroes Square, the ornate Opera House, and the iconic neo-Gothic Parliament Building. Cross the river to Buda’s old Castle District to visit Matthias Church and take in views from Fisherman's Bastion.

Living Local: Venture into the Grand Market with a local guide and stop at a coffee house to learn how strudel is made and taste regional specialties.

Budapest’s Jewish Quarter: Stroll through the old Jewish Quarter to visit the Great Synagogue and the "Tree of Life." Visit the Holocaust Memorial Center and view the evocative Shoes Memorial.

Lunch will be served on board and the afternoon is free of planned activities so you can explore on your own.

After dinner, the ship will set sail from Budapest. You’ll glide past the impressive Parliament Building, Buda Castle, under the Chain Bridge and watch the city sparkle. The buildings and bridges along the river are illuminated at night for an unforgettable evening departure from this romantic city. (B,L,D)

Day 4 — Bratislava

After a leisurely morning of cruising, arrive in Bratislava. Hear from a local speaker about the Velvet Revolution, a pivotal event that led to the end of communism in Czechoslovakia and ultimately the country’s split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. You'll also learn about contemporaary Slovakia and its success as an independent nation. Then choose one of the following afternoon excursions.

Bratislava Old Town and Cafe: Tour the highlights of Bratislava’s enchanting Old Town and sample pastries and coffee in a memorable café.

Bratislava Old Town and Music: Trace the footsteps of Liszt, Bartok, and Beethoven on a music-focused tour of the Old Town and attend a classical performance.

Hidden Vines of Bratislava: Journey through the countryside to a local winery, passing castles and small towns on the way, and enjoy a tour and tasting. 

In the early evening, the ship departs Bratislava for Vienna, Austria. (B,L,D)

Day 5 — Vienna

Begin the day with a lecture on the history of Vienna, and set out to discover the city on the excursion of your choice.

Imperial Vienna: Tour the highlights of this World Heritage site, including the Imperial Apartments of the Hofburg Palace, the Staatsoper opera house, and more.

Vienna Woods: Travel into the forested hills outside the city for a guided walk with views of the Danube, and stop at a local café.

Schönbrunn Palace: Explore the World Heritage-listed summer residence of the Habsburgs, including the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the formal gardens.

After lunch on the ship, enjoy a after at leisure to experience Vienna as you wish. This evening, enjoy a waltz performance accompanied by a classical trio, and try out the steps yourself.  (B,L,D) 

Day 6 — Durnstein/Melk

Cruise through the stunning Wachau Valley—another World Heritage site—and go ashore at Durnstein on your choice of tours.

Durnstein Walking Tour: Delve into Durnstein’s intriguing history, learning about Richard the Lionheart’s imprisonment here and seeing the baroque Stiftskirche.

Bicycling the Danube: Embark on a two-hour "bike hike" along the Danube, pedaling among vineyards and visiting the charming town of Krems en route.

Wachau Valley Wines: Learn about Wachau Valley wines on a visit to a well-known winery, where you’ll enjoy a tour and tasting.

Take in the lovely scenery as you continue sailing the Wachau Valley to Melk. Visit Melk Abbey, a masterpiece of baroque architecture with a contemporary twist, and see the frescoes and marblework inside the Abbey Church. Gather in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner this evening for an informal discussion about your discoveries so far. (B,L,D)

Day 7 — Passau

After arrival in Passau, your walking tour begins in its delightful Old City. Visit the 15th-century St. Stephen's Cathedral located on the Residenzplatz among fine old patrician houses. Also see the Gothic Town Hall, the Old and New Residences of the Prince-Bishops, and the former Niedernburg Abbey with the Holy Cross Church. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to pursue your own interests. (B,L,D)

Day 8 — Regensburg

Following a lecture on contemporary Germany, take a guided walk through the World Heritage site of Regensburg, a beautifully preserved medieval city that was once the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. Discover sites dating back nearly 2,000 years, marvel at the engineering of the 12th-century Stone Bridge, and tour Thurn and Taxis Castle. Later, transit the Main-Danube Canal, begun by Charlemagne in 793 and finally completed in 1992.

Join fellow travelers in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner this evening for an informal discussion about the day’s discoveries. (B,L,D)

Day 9 — Nuremberg

Arrive in Nuremberg, the center of the German Renaissance, later known for hosting the trials of Nazi war criminals. Set off on an excursion of your choice.

Sights of Nuremberg: View the courthouse where the Nuremburg Trials were held after World War II and take a walking tour of the historic center and its hilltop castle.

Rural Life in Franconia: Travel through quaint villages of Franconia to a family farm for a taste of rural life. Learn about farming traditions from the family and enjoy lunch of local specialties.

This afternoon, a shuttle bus will be provided for those who would like to go back into Nuremberg for additional sightseeing. (B,L,D)

Day 10 — Bamberg

Follow the Main to the historic town of Bamberg, named a World Heritage site for its remarkable range of architecture and it history as an intellectual capital in the 18th century. Explore the town on your choice of tours.

Bamberg Walking Tour: Embark on a walking tour of this fairy-tale town, discovering grand baroque mansions, Gothic churches, and red-roofed fishermen’s houses.

Culinary Delights: Sample the flavors of Franconia, visiting a bakery, butcher, deli, and candy store, and try local specialties from licorice to smoked beer.

Join fellow travelers this evening for an informal discussion in the Smithsonian Journeys Travelers Corner. (B,L,D)

Day 11 — Wurzburg

Go ashore in the lively university town of Wurzburg, which was leveled during World War II and has been carefully restored. Choose from the following tours:

Wurzburg Residenz and City Walk: Tour the Wurzburg Residence, one of the finest baroque palaces in Europe, and take a guided walk through the historic city center and its bustling market.

The Romantic Road: Take a scenic drive along Germany’s Romantic Road, traveling through charming villages to the medieval gem of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.

(B,L,D)

Day 12 — Miltenberg

This morning, the ship sails along the Rhine bound for Miltenberg. The ship’s crew invites you to the Sun Deck at mid-morning for the age-old German tradition of Frühschoppen. You’ll partake in local beer with pretzels, sausage, served with a variety of mustards.

After in Miltenberg and embark on a walking tour of this picturesque town, filled with historic half-timbered houses—including the oldest inn in Germany. At St. Kilian’s Winery, taste local liqueur in 15th-century vaulted cellar. (B,L,D)

Day 13 — Koblenz

Today, the ship cruises through the remarkable Rhine Gorge. Gather on deck to marvel at hilltop castles and timeless riverside towns, and villages and view the Lorelei Rock made famous in a German fable. Dock in  Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers.you have a choice of shore excursions. 

City Walk: Follow a guide through the narrow streets of this 2,000-year-old town, founded by the Romans. View landmarks such as Schangel fountain.

Ehrenbreitstein Fortress: Ride a cable car to this vast hilltop fortress overlooking the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers, and learn local history at the onsite Landesmuseum Koblenz, which at showcases German history and archaeology. 

The balance of the day is free of planned activities. (B,L,D)

Day 14 — Cologne

This morning, join a walking tour of medieval Cologne, viewing its colorful Patrician Houses and exploring its narrow cobbled lanes. Visit the remarkable Kölner Dom, Cologne’s world-famous cathedral, a historic symbol of the city and a World Heritage site. It is one of the largest Gothic structures in the world and one of the few structures in Cologne that survived World War II. After lunch, the ship will depart for Amsterdam. This evening, join fellow travelers for a farewell reception and dinner. (B,L,R,D)

Day 15 — Amsterdam

Enjoy a briefing on current affairs in the Netherlands from a local expert before setting out on one of the following excursions:

The Rijksmuseum: Take an audio-guided tour of this world-class museum, viewing Dutch masterpieces including Rembrandt’s Night Watch and the works of Vermeer.

Waterland Bike Ride: Set off on a guided bike ride through the wetlands and historic villages of Waterland, just north of Amsterdam.

Canal District Walking Tour: Discover one of Amsterdam’s most beautiful canals, the Herengracht, and visit the interactive Museum of the Canals.

Following free time in the afternoon, meet for a private cruise through Amsterdam’s famous canals. Cruise through a portion of more than 60 miles of tree-lined canals and waterways, admiring some of the city's 1,500 bridges, dozens of islands, charming canal houses, and architectural gems. Return to the ship in time for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 16 — Amsterdam / Depart for Home

Disembark the ship and transfer to Amsterdam’s Schiphol International Airport for your flight home. (B)

Please note: The progression of this itinerary may change due to navigational and other operational considerations.