The ultimate river cruise featuring all of Europe’s jewels, plus our special hidden gems, aboard a luxury all-inclusive river ship. Includes immersive shore excisions, all meals, flights and transfers. Experience 5 countries as you effortlessly journey along three grand rivers – the Danube, Rhine and Main. The incredible concentration of remarkable experiences on our journey, from fairytale medieval castles to opulent classical culture, is unequalled anywhere. Enjoy incredible touring in Amsterdam (Holland), Vienna (Austria), Cologne (Germany), Budapest (Hungary), Bratislava (Slovakia), Nuremberg (Germany), Koblenz (Germany), Miltenberg (Germany), Wertheim (Germany), Wurzburg (Germany), Bamberg (Germany), Regensburg (Germany), Passau (Germany) and Melk (Austria). This truly is the ultimate grand European river cruise, onboard a premium contemporary ship, with everything included. Themes include: Europe, Europe Cruise, , Departs from Amsterdam, River Cruising, Returns from Budapest. + Show more

Package Includes

Return international flights (premium airline)
Premium European River cruising (aboard Monarch Empress, Duchess or Princess)
16 Day European River Cruise (Amsterdam to Budapest)
Stylish luxury contemporary outside cabins
13 Immersive guided shore excursions
41 Meals (14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners)
Premium wines and beer with meals
Cruise director & local guides
Meet and greet personalised return transfers (port and airport)
Amsterdam Canal cruise
All river port charges and fees

Highlights

16 Day European River Cruise Amsterdam (Netherlands) Budapest (Hungary) Vienna (Austria) Cologne (Germany) Bratislava (Slovakia) Nuremberg (Germany) Koblenz (Germany) Miltenberg (Germany) Wertheim (Germany) Wurzburg (Germany) Rothenburg (Germany) Regensburg (Germany) Passau (Germany) Melk (Austria)

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Descriptions

Amazing Experiences

• Gala Welcome & Farewell Dinners

• Magnificent panoramic views of Budapest from atop Fisherman's

Bastion

• Romantic Vienna tours with its legendary opulence and elegance

• In Melk, join a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey

• Marvel at the beautiful churches and ancient stone bridges in

Regensburg

• Cruise the Main-Danube Canal, considered a marvel of modern

engineering

• Walk in Bamberg's medieval center with its 11th century

Romanesque cathedral

• See the mighty Lorelei Rock named for the siren "Lorelei" rising

vertically from the waters

• Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, capital of the Rhineland

• In Amsterdam, cruise the winding canals on a special glass-top boat

• Plus more immersive excursions and experiences

DAY 1 Depart Australia for Amsterdam (Netherlands)

Today we depart for Amsterdam, Netherlands. Fly on a premium award-winning airline like Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qantas or British Airways (subject to availability). Enjoy the attentive cabin service, regular meals and onboard entertainment system.

DAY 2 Arrive in Amsterdam

You will be personally met at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to your luxury river cruise ship. You can relax and use the rest of the day to explore the vessel and its facilities, perhaps take a stroll around this beautiful city.

This evening meet your Cruise Director and enjoy a Gala Welcome Dinner to meet your fellow travellers and set the mood for your grand river cruise.

Meet and Greet personalised arrival transfer, welcome dinner, overnight Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess.

DAY 3 Discover Amsterdam

Today we get a panoramic tour of Holland's 700-year-old capital that is both sophisticated and modern. Visit the enchanting old town and trend-setting new parts. You’ll never know what you’ll find around the corner in this fascinating city built around magnificent canals and atmospheric narrow lanes – and with more push-bikes than people. View the Royal Palace on Amsterdam's Dam Square, the Queen's official home-away-from-home. On to the Dutch National Monument dedicated by Queen Juliana as a memorial to the victims of WWII and to the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other.

Board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding colourful canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers. You’ll discover that the story of Amsterdam is intimately connected with water and its 165 canals, that are now world heritage listed.

Continue exploring Amsterdam on your own this afternoon. Rejoin the ship for a gourmet dinner as we set sail this evening along the Rhine.

Breakfast, lunch, Amsterdam City tour, glass-top boat canal cruise, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 4 Amsterdam to Cologne (Germany)

Wake up this morning in Germany and Rhineland. Hear enthralling stories as you experience a walking tour of Cologne, a gothic architectural masterpiece, highlighted by the soaring twin-steeple cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns.

After dinner on board, time to explore Cologne's vibrant nightlife before setting sail.

Breakfast, lunch, Cologne City tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 5 Cologne to Koblenz (Rhine Valley)

The Rhine Valley is famous for its medieval castles perched high above the river and steep fields of wine-producing grapes.

Our ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers and at the convergence of three mountain ranges. Enjoy a walking tour this morning and plenty of free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. You’ll be fascinated by this beautiful German town where two famous wine regions meet.

Today you have the option to join a special tour to the dramatic Marksburg Castle, the only hill castle on the Rhine that's never been destroyed and has been continuously occupied for over 700 years. Make your choice while on the cruise ($80).

Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard as we cruise past the most concentrated stretch of castles in all of Europe, viewing expansive terraced vineyards, charming fairy tale towns and lofty cliffs. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters.

Breakfast, lunch, Koblenz tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 6 Koblenz to Miltenberg to Wertheim (Main River)

After a leisurely morning on board taking in the everchanging views, arrive in the picture-postcard Bavarian village of Miltenberg, considered the jewel on the banks of the Main River. Discover the Market Square with its Renaissance-era fountain, the Merchant Hall with its stunning Gothic architecture and the unique 14th and 15th century half-timbered houses.

Continue to Wertheim by coach, a medieval German town in a magnificent setting. The romantic place is famous for its artisans and glassworks and Franconian wine. Rejoin the ship just before dinner and set sail for Wurzburg.

Breakfast, lunch, Miltenberg & Wertheim tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 7 Miltenberg to Wurzburg

Today we discover Wurzburg, with its dramatic Marienberg fortress, 15th century bridge, the finest baroque buildings, cobbled streets and lush vineyards. Named the pearl of Germany’s famous Romantic Road it is renowned for its art, architecture and delicate wines. Our tour also includes the ornate Bishops' Residenz Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, named a World Heritage Site.

This afternoon relax on board as the ship cruises, or you have the option to join a special tour along Germany's "Romantic Road" to Rothenburg, with its turreted city wall and impressive Gothic architecture. Make your choice while on the cruise ($95).

Breakfast, lunch, Wurzburg tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 8 Wurzburg to Bamberg

Today we arrive in historic Bamberg, built by one of Germany's most powerful imperial dynasties. It’s a beautiful architectural masterpiece and, with the absence of modern influences, it’s a snapshot in time. The town is bisected by rivers and canals and was built on seven hills, earning it the name of Franconian Rome. We begin our enthralling walking tour in the medieval city centre with its impressive 11th century Romanesque cathedral and gorgeous Rose Garden. See the remarkable City Hall built on a tiny island in the middle of the Regnitz River and Little Venice, an area of colourful fishermen's houses.

This afternoon there is plenty of time to explore Bamberg, before setting sail this evening while you dine on board.

Breakfast, lunch, Bamberg tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 9 Bamberg to Nuremberg

Today explore Nuremberg, an energetic city with a visible history of almost one thousand years.

Our guided excursion visits the historic Palace of Justice where the War Crimes Tribunal met in 1946 and continues to the vibrant Market Square. Nuremberg has incredible architecture, painstakingly restored using original stone after the bombings of the Second World War. It’s the historic residence of Germany’s royalty and nowadays it’s famous for its art, architecture, cobbled lanes and ancient chapels, this is also home to some of Europe’s finest beer.

After lunch on board the ship, enjoy free time to further discover this wonderful city on your own. Stroll through the shops that fill the Old Town or walk along the fortified walls of Nuremberg Castle. In the late afternoon set sail for Regensburg.

Breakfast, lunch, Nuremberg tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 10 Nuremburg to Regensburg (Danube River)

This morning relax on board as the ship cruises the grand Danube River.

Arrive into Regensburg in the early afternoon, one of Germany's largest and best-preserved medieval cities, designated a World Heritage Site. Our fascinating guided walking tour takes you through two thousand years of history and highlights the city's incredible architecture as you view the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest stone bridges crossing the Danube.

Return to the boat or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg with free time. The maze of old streets is a joy to wander. Tonight, after dinner, the boat sets sail for Passau.

Breakfast, lunch, Regensburg tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 11 Regensburg to Passau (Salzburg option)

We arrive this morning the 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. It’s a remarkably picturesque town on the Austrian border and at the confluence of three rivers. We explore Passau on a guided walking tour in the morning. See the mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. The Altstadt old town remains as it was when the powerful prince-bishops built its tight lanes, tunnels and archways. This afternoon continue sailing during lunch and relax on the waters of the Danube as we enter Austria.

Alternatively, you have the option of a full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. This amazing walking tour includes some of Salzburg's most historic sites including the Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral, and St. Peter's Cemetery. After lunch at a local restaurant, there will be time to discover Salzburg on your own before returning to the ship. Make your choice while on the cruise ($165).

Breakfast, lunch, Passau tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 12 Passau to Melk to Vienna (Austria)

We arrive in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, set high above the Danube, considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe. View the Abbot's chambers, the Kaiser's walk and the lavish library.

Then, return to the ship and continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley on the way to Vienna, the Imperial city legendary for its opulence and elegance.

Few cities can show off such cultural and historical splendour and maintain a profile as an exciting, modern city, but Vienna does it well. Baroque streetscapes and imperial palaces set the stage for Vienna's artistic and musical masterpieces. Complimenting a musical past that includes luminaries like Mozart and Beethoven, Vienna has a buzzing modern culinary scene, rich coffee-house culture and bustling social scene.

Tonight, you have the option to attend a treasured evening of Viennese culture at a special concert performance of the classical masterpieces of Mozart and Strauss. It’s the perfect evening in the "City of Music" complete with a magnificent setting. Make your choice while on the cruise ($100).

Breakfast, lunch, Benedictine Abbey tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 13 Discover Vienna

The sparkling city on the Danube has captivated travellers for years with its elegant shops, world-class museums, and beautiful gardens.

Today enjoy a driving tour of Vienna, including driving along the famed Ringstrasse, Vienna's main boulevard lined with magnificent Baroque palaces, parks and monuments, the impressive Vienna Opera House and the Parliament building. Then experience a fascinating walking tour, including viewing the lavish Hofburg Palace, and finish at the majestic St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy the afternoon at a café sampling the famous Viennese Sacher Torte.

You have the option to join an afternoon tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace, once summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Visit the opulent baroque apartments and stroll through the world-famous manicured gardens. Make your choice while on the cruise ($80).

Set sail for Slovakia and its capital Bratislava this evening.

Breakfast, lunch, Vienna tour, dinner, overnight Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 14 Vienna to Bratislava (Slovakia) to Budapest (Hungary)

This morning marvel at the magnificent scenery as you cruise along some of the most beautiful waters of the Danube and sail into Slovakia. We arrive into the capital, Bratislava, at midday, a mix of modern and Baroque architecture with the famous Bratislava Castle, high on the hill.

Enjoy time to explore this colourful city on your own. Walk along the cobblestone lanes of the historic town centre; view St. Martin's Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. This capital city is among the youngest in Europe, yet retains a rich history dating back more than 2000 years. Dinner is served onboard the ship we set sail for Hungary and stunning Budapest.

Breakfast, lunch, Bratislava tour, dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 15 Discover Budapest

Arrive in Hungary and to its spectacular capital of Budapest – the grand city on the Danube. It has something for everyone – from dramatic history and flamboyant architecture to healing thermal waters and a vibrant cultural scene that is unrivaled in eastern Europe.

The towns of Buda and Pest on either side of the Danube became a single city in 1873 and is now one of Europe's most important cities. Architecturally, the city is a treasure trove, with baroque, neoclassical, Eclectic and art nouveau buildings in abundance. Testament to the city’s cool urban vibe are it’s unique ‘ruin bars’, where dilapidated buildings have been reinvented into quirky watering holes complete with reclaimed furniture mixed with modern local art. Budapest is blessed with an abundance of hot springs and ‘taking the waters’ has been popular here since the time of the Romans, in one of the many bathhouses.

This morning we have an incredible tour of this grand city, we visit the Buda side with its castle district, as well as the Pest side with the instantly recognisable Parliament, the City Park and the Heroes Square. This afternoon you have plenty of time to explore for yourself.

Tonight, back onboard we have a lavish Gala Farewell Dinner to celebrate our remarkable fairy-tale journey through Europe.

Breakfast, lunch, Budapest tour, farewell dinner, Monarch Empress/Duchess/Princess

DAY 16 Say Goodbye to Budapest

Time to say farewell to your fellow travellers and friendly cruise hosts as the ultimate European river cruise draws to an end – and you disembark your luxury floating home for the last two weeks.

You will be personally met at the port by your HolidayMax representative and transferred to Budapest airport for your flight home.

Breakfast, meet and greet personalized departure transfer

DAY 17 Arrive home

Enjoy the attentive service on your premium airline flight home.

Reverse Itinerary Dates (03 Jun & 19 Oct 2023)

The itinerary operates as described here for the 13 Apr, 04 May, 20 May & 14 Oct 2023 departure dates. The itinerary operates in reverse for 03 Jun & 19 Oct 2023. Chose the departure date to match your preference.

Monarch River Cruises in detail

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Three Ships

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Overview

Travel in style and luxury aboard either the Monarch Empress, Monarch Duchess or Monarch Princess. These premium river ships feature a contemporary sophisticated design throughout with an impressive array of modern features.

Catering for just 140 privileged guests, with everyone enjoying an outside cabin, some with sweeping French Balconies. Savour deliciously authentic local cuisine with a mouth-watering array of culinary experiences along with matching premium local wines and beers. Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the lounge-bar and aft lounge, take delight in the onboard entertainment and make use of the sundeck, putting green, fitness centre and included onboard Wi-Fi.

Immersive escorted tours – are included – and feature unparalleled sightseeing and enriching cultural experiences. HolidayMax is passionate about showing you the heart of the destination, enabling you to be truly touched by new experiences and unforgettable moments. Your knowledgeable cruise director and local guides will ensure you get the best personal experience on your journey. Tours feature all the must-see sights along with our little-known exclusive hidden gems and special touches in each destination, with plenty of time for you to take it all in for yourself. You’ll join like-minded fellow travellers from countries like United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for a rewarding cruise adventure.

The Gala Welcome Dinner and Gala Farewell Dinner are sure to be remembered fondly. You’ll love the friendly onboard atmosphere and impressive hospitality, where everything is thought of… from the early riser breakfast (in addition to buffet breakfast) right through to late night snacks. The comfortable wireless earphones ensure enhanced pleasure during shore excursions.

Live life to the full. We’ve taken care of the details; you just need to relax and embrace your sense of adventure. Discover more and enjoy exclusive extra touches with HolidayMax™. Where all surprises are great surprises.

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Videos & Images

VIDEO: Grand Europe Amsterdam to Budapest River Cr

Grand Europe Amsterdam to Budapest River Cruise

Wurzburg old main bridge, Bavaria, Germany

Schonbuehel Castle, Danube River, Austria

Beautiful street in Rothernburg with traditional German houses

Wachau Valley Durnstein on the Danube River, Austria

Salzach River in summer, Salzburg, Austria

Beautiful building of parliament, Budapest, Hungary

Salzburg skyline with Festung Hohensalzburg, Austria

Bridge over water in spring, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Nuremberg sunny autumn day in old town, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle at sunset, Bavaria, Germany

Last Few Cabins Remaining

Grand Europe Amsterdam to Budapest River Cruise

17 Day Cruise Package

Limited Availability at these prices. Deal ends soon. Questions? Call 1300 887 469 or Click to Ask Us

$ 12399 *

Typically $17482

* AUD starting holiday costs, per person, for 2 people sharing, on selected travel dates (off-peak). Travel on other dates attracts a surcharge. As prices vary based on travel dates, be flexible with dates to get the best deals! Itinerary and vehicle types subject to change without notice. Subject to limited availability at these prices, after which higher prices apply, book now. Some governments and service operators have Covid vaccination requirements. Your included flights advised via email with 24 hours to select alternative flights, routing or airline (alternatives may be at a higher price). Included flights may not be the most direct routing. Arrive earlier/stay longer for specified airports only. Stop-overs are not possible. Subject to Booking Conditions, see Important Information before booking. © DISCOVER AUSTRALIA Booking Code: mp450