Amsterdam to Bucharest - Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube - Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

Start your day with a journey into the Dutch Golden Age. Board a glass-top canal boat to explore Amsterdam's UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system, or opt for a guided bike tour to Waterland. Both options offer an authentic experience of the city, taking you past iconic buildings and elegant merchant residences. After your exploration, return to your Star-Ship and set sail through the tranquil Dutch countryside towards the Rhine River.

Today, you'll explore Cologne, one of Germany's oldest cities and the largest on the Rhine. Join a local guide for a tour of the city, including the charming Old Town, historic monuments, and contemporary architecture. The tour concludes at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, a stunning structure that dominates the city's skyline. Enjoy some free time to explore the city center and sample authentic German beer before returning to your Star-Ship.

Today, you'll cruise through the fairy-tale landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Admire hilltop castles and fortresses as you sail down the Rhine River, passing the infamous Lorelai Rock and the impressive Pfalzgrafenstein Castle. In the afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town known for its vibrant wine-growing heritage. Choose between a ride on the Winzerexpress to visit Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum or an active hike to Niederwalddenkmal.

Today, you'll visit Würzburg, known as the 'Pearl of the Romantic Road'. This city is the center for grape-growing, surrounded by sloping vineyard-laden hills. Enjoy a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence, an impressive building that was heavily damaged during WWII and has since been restored to its former glory. You also have the option to explore Rothenburg, a well-preserved medieval town, at an additional expense.

Today, you'll sail to Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities. Wander the streets with your guide, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. The main highlight of your tour will be the 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval structure crossing the Danube. Enjoy time to explore Regensburg at leisure after your guided tour or return to your Star-Ship for some peace and tranquility. Later today, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.

Today, you'll visit Passau, a picturesque city located at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. On a guided walking tour, stroll through streets lined with Baroque buildings, visit the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop's Residence, and St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to the largest church organ in Europe. Return for lunch on board and spend the afternoon cruising along the Danube. You also have the option to explore Salzburg or Český Krumlov at an additional expense.

Today, you'll visit Melk, a town in Austria's wine-growing region, home to a 900-year-old Benedictine abbey. Enjoy a guided tour of the abbey, exploring its opulent rooms adorned with Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls. Later, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the Wachau wine region. Choose between a hike to Dürnstein Castle or a guided bike ride along the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein.

Welcome to Vienna, Austria's breathtaking capital known for its cultural legacy. Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna's city center by coach and on foot or join a guided bike tour. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater, and the Flemish Gothic Parliament. Enjoy free time to explore Vienna at your leisure. You also have the option to visit Schönbrunn Palace or attend a Viennese evening concert at an additional expense.

Today, you'll visit Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the enchanting Old City or hike to Bratislava Castle. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, passing by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall, and the Slovak National Theatre. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. In the afternoon, a local family will welcome you into their home for some great conversation over traditional sweet treats and coffee.

This morning, we'll reach Kalocsa, a city best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. You'll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Enjoy the spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills. Tonight, you'll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner and reception.

This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Today, you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, before embarking on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the center of the romantic old town. As part of your EmeraldPLUS program, you'll have the opportunity to share a typical meal with a Croatian family while getting to know the local culture and customs.

Today, you'll visit Donji Milanovac, a town in eastern Serbia. You'll have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site with a history spanning more than 8 millennia. Learn about the importance of this site and its illustrious history. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.

Today, you'll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin's viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session of their produce. Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name translates to 'Granny Vida'. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations.

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you'll have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. This medieval city was built atop three hills and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers. Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo.

This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu. Visit the Spring Palace, the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest's vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel, perhaps going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel.