River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   DAY 1, Tuesday - Depart for the Netherlands

   Tue, May 06, 2025

   Depart for the Netherlands
2. Day 2
   DAY 2, Wednesday - Arrive in Amsterdam

   Wed, May 07, 2025

   Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland's sophisticated and modern capital; transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your local host at the hotel at approximately 6 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
   Overnight: Amsterdam
3. Day 3
   DAY 3, Thursday - Amsterdam City Tour

   Thu, May 08, 2025

   Today's panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View Amsterdam's port, one of the main harbors of Dutch East India Company during the Golden Age. Continue to the former Jewish quarter with its 17th century Portuguese Synagogue, and National Holocaust Names Memorial. Pass by the 19th century neighborhood with its classic architecture, museums, and lively squares. Then, board a glass-top boat, and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of the stately historic homes, 16th century warehouses, and charming churches with striking bell towers. The rest of the day is on your own
   Overnight: Amsterdam
   Meals: Breakfast
4. Day 4
   DAY 4, Friday - Rijksmuseum Tour & Cruise Embarkation

   Fri, May 09, 2025

   This morning visit the world famous Rijksmuseum. On your guided tour you will explore the vast collection of works from some of the world's greatest artists including the Dutch masters Vermeer and Rembrandt. This afternoon transfer to the port for embarkation. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
5. Day 5
   DAY 5, Saturday - Leisure Morning in Amsterdam, Afternoon Cruising

   Sat, May 10, 2025

   Morning at leisure on board or pick up some last minute Dutch souvenirs. This afternoon, the ship sails south for Germany
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   DAY 6, Sunday - Cologne City Tour

   Sun, May 11, 2025

   Today join a walking tour of Cologne, highlighted by the soaring twin-steeple Gothic 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
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   DAY 7, Monday - Morning in Koblenz & Afternoon Cruising

   Mon, May 12, 2025

   The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers. Join an orientation walk this morning and free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year old city. Or, join the optional 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. During lunch, set sail and spend a relaxing afternoon on board, taking in the spectacular vistas as the ship cruises past castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages. Pass the mighty Lorelei Rock on the eastern bank of the Rhine rising vertically from the waters, named for the siren "Lorelei" who bewitched sailors passing by
   Optional: Marksburg Castle Tour (AM)
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   DAY 8, Tuesday - Miltenberg Walking Tour

   Tue, May 13, 2025

   After a leisurely morning on board, arrive in the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg, a 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. Rejoin the ship just before dinner and set sail for Wurzburg
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   DAY 9, Wednesday - Wurzburg City Tour

   Wed, May 14, 2025

   Discover Wurzburg, named the "Pearl of the Romantic Road," with its dramatic Marienberg fortress, 15th century bridge and lush vineyards. Your tour takes you to the ornate Bishops' Residenz Palace, a stunning example of Baroque architecture, home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This afternoon, explore the town on your own or relax on board
   Overnight: River Cruise
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    DAY 10, Thursday - Bamberg City Tour

    Thu, May 15, 2025

    Today, dock in historic Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany's most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Begin your walk in the medieval city center with its impressive 11th century Romanesque cathedral and gorgeous Rose Garden. After, view the very unusual City Hall built on a tiny island in the middle of the Regnitz River and Little Venice, an area of colorful fishermen's houses. This afternoon is free to explore Bamberg independently, before setting sail this evening while you dine on board
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
11. Day 11
    DAY 11, Friday - Nuremberg City Tour

    Fri, May 16, 2025

    Today explore Nuremberg, an energetic city with a visible history of almost one thousand years. The guided excursion visits the historic Palace of Justice where the War Crimes Tribunal met in 1946 and continues to the vibrant Market Square. After lunch on board the ship, the afternoon is free 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 late afternoon set sail for Regensburg
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    DAY 12, Saturday - Regensburg City Tour

    Sat, May 17, 2025

    This morning relax on board as the ship cruises the Danube River. Arrive to Regensburg in early afternoon, one of Germany's largest and best preserved medieval cities, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The guided walking tour highlights the city's stunning 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 ship or spend the afternoon at leisure discovering the delights of Regensburg on your own. Tonight, after dinner, set sail for Passau
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    DAY 13, Sunday - Morning in Passau

    Sun, May 18, 2025

    Dock this morning in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Passau is a Bavarian town with a mix of Roman, Italian Baroque and Gothic architecture. Explore Passau on a guided walking tour in the morning, or join the optional full day tour to picturesque Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for the Sound of Music. The walking tour will include some of Salzburg's most historic sites including 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. If you choose to remain onboard the ship, continue sailing during lunch and relax this afternoon. In early evening, all passengers will rejoin the ship and continue sailing for Melk
    Optional: Tour of Salzburg (PM)
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    DAY 14, Monday - Melk Abbey

    Mon, May 19, 2025

    Disembark in Melk this morning for a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey, 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. This afternoon, arrive in the village of Durnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube. Free time to stroll this quintessential village in the heart of the Wachau wine district. Walk along medieval cobblestone streets revealing 16th century town houses and wine taverns
    Overnight: River Cruise
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    DAY 20, Sunday - Depart Hungary

    Tue, May 20, 2025

    Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
    Meals: Breakfast

Inclusions

Price does not include airfare, departure or arrival transfers, airline taxes and fuel surcharges.

River Cruise Package Includes

Special Features

River Cruise Features & Amenities

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Not Included:
Optional shore excursions and gratuities.

Additional Information:
Land/Cruise only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

Due to physical constraints and space limitations, wheelchairs and walkers are not allowed on motor coaches and/or river cruises. There are no elevators or chair lifts on board. Kindly refer to our Terms for additional information.

While sailing with Monarch Cruises, passengers are subject to the cruise's Terms & Conditions which can be viewed at:

Know Before You Book - High & Low Water

European river cruising has gained in popularity for very good reason. It's a relaxing and convenient way to experience Europe while enjoying the comfort of a deluxe ship. However, before making the decision to reserve your vacation, please be aware of potential conditions which may impact your cruise. While most of the time river cruises operate exactly as planned, weather conditions may result in high or low water levels which impact a ship's itinerary and, on occasion, render a ship unable to sail at all. On very rare occasions, other events such as heavy fog, a damaged lock, or an incapacitated vessel blocking the river, may impact a sailing. These events typically occur with little or no notice. In the event that a cruise is partially or completely impacted, the itinerary will be operated by deluxe motor coach, accompanied by a Tour Manager, with overnights in hotels. When the option exists, the operator will "swap ships" with another vessel sailing in the opposite direction, retaining the sailing experience. Crew, ship and cabin configuration may differ. The itinerary will include as many of the originally scheduled sightseeing features as possible, considering the travel time and distances required, as well as meals. While it is not possible to recreate the more leisurely comforts of sailings, we will endeavor to provide a comparable itinerary. These alternative services will be provided at no additional charge.

Please note that the following inclusions may contain items that are only applicable when you purchase Land & Air. The brochure prices below are for Land Only - call us for our best deal.

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers