European Gems with Mediterranean Treasures

Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river ship. Later this evening, join your Cruise Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some time at leisure. Afterwards, drive to Utrecht to rejoin your vessel for tonight’s special Gala Dinner.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore the centre of Cologne at your leisure.

Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace

Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they are among the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, considered the most scenic stretch of the Rhine. Your ship docks in Rüdesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini train takes you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of Germany’s finest collections of automated musical instruments.

Enjoy free time in Miltenberg exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Würzburg. Visit the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a Baroque palace renowned for its opulent interior, and stroll through the beautiful Court Gardens. Later, you may choose to enjoy an optional visit to Rothenburg.

Enhance Your Journey – Rothenburg Excursion

Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising the final stretch of the Main River before arriving in Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll see highlights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore. Later this evening, your ship reaches the Main–Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander its cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan shops. Later, cruise the Main–Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide via its remarkable series of 16 locks.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, arrive in Regensburg. Docked in the heart of town, spend the day exploring this charming city on a guided walking tour of its main sights. Later, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in nearby Abensberg, a family-owned brewery featuring the distinctive Kuchlbauer Tower designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.

Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board

This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey – Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer Brewery Visit

Visit Kuchlbauer’s World of Beer in Abensberg, tour the brewery and see the colourful Kuchlbauer Tower. Available on cruises from Amsterdam to Budapest only.

As you enjoy breakfast, arrive in Passau, otherwise known as the 'City of Three Rivers', where the Ilz and Inn rivers meet the Danube. You may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg. Alternatively, remain on board and enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Linz.

Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov Visit

Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.

Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights

Journey through Austria’s scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.

After crossing into Austria, dock in Melk and join a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Since 1089, this Benedictine monastery has stood atop a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, a town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the cobbled streets, townhouses and taverns, or perhaps join an optional regional wine tasting.

Enhance Your Journey – Wine Tasting

Visit Dürnstein Abbey to sample local Wachau wines, including Grüner Veltliner or Riesling, accompanied by a tasting of regional brandy.

In Vienna, join a guided walking tour taking in St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg and the Albertina museum. Afterwards, you may wish to visit the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to The Sound of Music.

Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert

Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city’s famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.

Enhance Your Journey – Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience

Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa. Explore the elegant palace apartments adorned with fine textiles and chandeliers, then stroll through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, visit the stables for a private introduction to the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Learn about their breeding, care and training before witnessing a special demonstration of their grace and discipline.

Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia

Visit Bratislava, Slovakia’s charming capital, where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city’s fascinating past.

Today, enjoy views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting riverside cities as your ship glides into the heart of Hungary’s capital. After breakfast, join a local guide for a tour of Budapest. Later, you may wish to join an optional visit to the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum.

Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Performance

Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.

Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

Explore this fascinating museum, once a World War II hospital, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle. Built in 1941 as a first-aid shelter, it was designed to withstand the impact of aerial bombing.

After breakfast, disembark your cruise ship and transfer to the airport for your included flight to Athens. On arrival in the Greek capital, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception.

Today, discover the highlights of Athens on a guided city tour, taking in some of the world’s most iconic ancient landmarks, including the Acropolis and Parthenon. Wander through the heart of this historic city and uncover the stories behind its remarkable past. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a special dinner at a traditional local taverna, where you can savour authentic Greek cuisine.

Today, spend time at leisure exploring more of Athens. Perhaps revisit a landmark you discovered yesterday, or immerse yourself in the city's vibrant neighbourhoods, wandering through Athens' charming laneways where hidden courtyards, local boutiques and bustling squares reveal the city's everyday character. Relax with a drink at one of the many cafes scattered throughout the historic centre. Alternatively, seek out a traditional taverna and linger over a long Greek lunch.

This morning, enjoy time at leisure in Athens before transferring to your Holland America Line ship, Nieuw Amsterdam. Settle into your stateroom and explore the ship's facilities before heading to a warm Welcome Reception this evening. Meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers as you begin your journey together.

Spend today relaxing on board as you sail towards your next destination. Take advantage of the ship's many amenities, savour a variety of flavours across the onboard dining venues, browse the library for a good book, or enjoy the diverse entertainment and leisure facilities available throughout the day.

Cruise into Montenegro’s spectacular Bay of Kotor, one of the Mediterranean’s most dramatic natural harbours. Set out on a scenic boat cruise to Perast and soak up the stunning views of this small baroque town. Join a guided walking tour through Perast’s pedestrian-only streets, admiring St Nicholas Church at the heart of town. Other sites include the Parish Church and the 12th-century Sveti Djordje Church. After a refreshment stop, board a boat to Gospa od Skrpjela, a baroque-style church built in 1632 on one of the Bay of Kotor’s islets. Be captivated by 68 intricate paintings by Tripo Kokolja at Our Lady of the Rocks Church, celebrating 17th-century baroque artistry. After the tour, cruise back to Kotor for an in-depth guided city tour through the UNESCO-listed Old Town. Spend time at leisure in Kotor before returning to the ship.

Explore the captivating island of Corfu, a melting pot of influences shaped by its Venetian, French and British heritage. Discover elegant architecture and vibrant culture as you wander through the charming streets of Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination. Colourful buildings, historic squares and bustling cafes create an unmistakably Mediterranean atmosphere. Stroll along the elegant Liston Promenade, browse local boutiques and admire landmarks such as the Old Fortress overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea. Enjoy time at leisure to experience the island at your own pace, or choose from a range of optional sightseeing tours (additional expense).

Spend the day exploring Messina at your leisure. Explore the gateway to the wonders of eastern Sicily including the city’s historic centre, impressive cathedral and local shops. Perhaps you'll choose to simply immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of your surroundings. Alternatively, choose from a range of optional excursions (additional expense).

Optional excursions include an expedition to Mount Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano, or a visit to the hilltop town of Taormina, renowned for its ancient Greek theatre, elegant boutiques and sweeping coastal views. The surrounding region is also famous for its rich winemaking traditions, colourful Sicilian ceramics and handcrafted volcanic stone and glass creations, offering plenty of opportunities to discover the unique character and culture of Sicily.

Today, cruise to Naples, one of Italy's most vibrant and historic locations. Admire incredible views of this city, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. Then, embark on a special Insider Experience at the ancient site of Pompeii. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Naples at leisure. Discover the city's lively atmosphere after the crowds have dispersed as the ship docks here overnight. Peruse the historic streets, indulge in an authentic Neapolitan pizza, or savour regional cuisine accompanied by a glass of Campanian wine in an authentic local tavern.

Insider Experience – Pompeii Guided Tour

Take a memorable visit to Pompeii, the remarkable UNESCO World Heritage-listed city marked by the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. On a guided tour, explore its ancient streets, well-preserved villas, temples, bathhouses and public squares. Learn about daily life in ancient Rome through carefully restored archaeological remains.

Today, enjoy time to explore Naples at leisure. Learn more about local life as you stroll through the historic heart of one of southern Italy's most captivating cities. Discover the Mediterranean charm of lively piazzas and elegant shopping streets, or soak up views of the Bay of Naples while enjoying a cappuccino at a local cafe. Taste authentic Neapolitan cuisine, browse local markets and be captivated by the city's bustling atmosphere and rich heritage. Alternatively, choose from a range of optional excursions (additional expense).

After breakfast, your cruise comes to an end. Disembark your Holland America Line ship in Rome and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.