15 Day AmaWaterways River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest 2027

Day 1 Amsterdam

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Magnificent Europe cruise. (D)

Day 2 Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Düsseldorf — Cologne — Düsseldorf

Cologne is home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. You may also join an educational guided tour of the Cologne Cathedral or a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Rüdesheim

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. There you may drink up the stunning views of the vineyards during a gondola ride. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you, or savor the Rüdesheimer Coffee that the town is famous for. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Wertheim

Enjoy Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Würzburg

Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Eltmann

Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, pralines, and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Nuremberg

Depart the ship for a guided tour of Kaiserburg, Nuremberg’s Imperial castle and one of the most important palaces of the Old Holy Roman Empire. Following your Kaiseburg tour, we will head to the former home of Albrecht Dürer, arguably Germany’s most famous artist and Nuremberg’s most famous resident. Alternatively, enjoy a guided tour through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. For more active exploration, take a guided bike tour through the city. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Nuremberg

Turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the coliseum. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Regensburg

Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active adventure, bike to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Passau

For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, you can discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour to Wertheim, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Melk — Vienna

Cruise to Melk where you can hike to Melk Abbey or join a guided bike tour along the Danube River. Later in the day, arrive in Vienna and enjoy a free evening. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Vienna

The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures which you can enjoy on a guided bike tour through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)

Day 14 Budapest

Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)

Day 15 Budapest

Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)