Amsterdam & Beyond: A Danube River Cruise

Welcome to Amsterdam! Upon arrival at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you can meet up with your Tour Director.

This evening, we come together for a special welcome dinner – the perfect chance to meet our fellow travellers and share our excitement for the journey ahead.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our day with a deeply moving visit to the Anne Frank House, where you’ll gain insight into her extraordinary life and the history of Amsterdam during World War II. We’ll then step aboard for a classic canal cruise, gliding through the city’s UNESCO-listed waterways and admiring the charming 17th-century architecture from the water – a perfect way to see Amsterdam from a unique perspective.

Following our cruise, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, offering a taste of Dutch cuisine. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, and other Dutch Golden Age painters, where you can marvel at both the art and the building itself.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for you to explore Amsterdam at your own pace. You might wander through the bustling Bloemenmarkt, the city’s famous floating flower market, browse boutique shops, or simply relax with a coffee in a picturesque canal-side café.

We’ll reconvene in the evening for a group dinner, sharing stories from the day and enjoying each other’s company in one of Amsterdam’s inviting restaurants.

After breakfast, we’ll say farewell to Amsterdam and board our first-class train for a scenic journey through the heart of Germany to Passau, often called the “City of Three Rivers.” Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ever-changing landscapes along the way as your guide travels with you throughout the day.

On arrival in Passau, we’ll transfer to the cruise docking station, where it’s time to check in and step aboard your river cruise ship — your floating home for the next stage of your adventure.

Our first full day on the Danube brings us through one of Europe’s most picturesque river landscapes, the Wachau Valley, a highlight of our journey. Our morning is filled with the gentle sound of the Danube flowing past, the soft sunlight glinting off the water, and the fresh river air carrying the scent of vineyards in bloom. We are in for a real treat for the senses as we take in the famous Danube valley between Melk and Krems from the sun deck of our A-ROSA FLORA. The rolling vineyards, verdant hills, and historic castle ruins make it easy to see why the Wachau Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

By late morning, we arrive in Tulln, affectionately known as the “City of Flowers.” Nestled between rolling hills and vast fields, Tulln is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. We can stroll along its charming cobbled streets, admire the well-preserved historic buildings, or simply enjoy the peaceful riverside atmosphere.

After a day of exploration, we set sail again in the late evening, continuing our unforgettable Danube adventure.

Bratislava, home to approximately 450,000 inhabitants and located on the left bank of the Danube is the youngest capital city in Europe. Just a short sail down the Danube from Vienna, in the old town, you’ll see traces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire wherever you go.

This leisurely city of baroque and rococo, palaces and palisades, and art and coffee houses is a perfect place to wander around, marvel at impressive sights, relax and unwind before we continue the journey back to Austria.

Today we arrive in Budapest, a city of grandeur and history, beautifully divided by the Danube into the neighborhoods of Buda and Pest. Did you know Budapest has seven bridges? Each one spans the river in its own striking way, with the Széchenyi Chain Bridge perhaps being the most iconic.

We’ll enjoy a cruise along the Danube, taking in these impressive structures and the city’s stunning skyline. From the sun deck of our A-ROSA ship, we have an unobstructed view of Budapest’s famous Parliament building, a truly magnificent sight. It’s a perfect way to soak in the city’s beauty and get a sense of its rich history before we explore further.

Today allows time to explore Budapest at leisure - why not cross the exquisite Chain Bridge up to the Palace, see the colourful St Steven's Church or perhaps visit one of the many famous spas, such as that at the Gellert Hotel?

With lunch back on board, we set sail this afternoon back for Slovenia and Austria. 

This morning, we arrive in Esztergom, once the capital of Hungary, perched gracefully on the bank of the Danube. From the river, we can admire its imposing castle tower and the mighty basilica, which rise dramatically from the steep riverbank.

It’s a view you’ll definitely want to photograph and savor, and the sun deck of our A-ROSA ship provides the perfect vantage point to take it all in. As we glide past, we can soak in the rich history and architectural grandeur of this remarkable city – a true highlight of our Danube journey.

Today we arrive in Vienna, the capital of Austria and one of the true highlights of our Danube cruise. The city has an extra-special charm – locals sound as though they are singing when they speak, and it’s customary for shopkeepers and business owners to address their regular customers with their full title. That’s just the way things are done here, adding to Vienna’s unique character.

We’ll have the opportunity to explore the city’s wealth of museums, galleries, palaces, and castles, and perhaps take in the grandeur of the state opera or one of the many theatres. Vienna enjoys a lively cultural scene all year round, and its residents are justly proud of their city – and so are we as we wander its elegant streets and soak up the atmosphere.

Today we continue to explore the many delights of Vienna. From the Ringstrasse and the iconic St. Stephen’s Cathedral to the Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater, the city is full of fascinating sights and experiences.

We can take a moment to visit a cosy Viennese coffee house, sipping coffee the traditional way and soaking up the unique atmosphere that defines the city’s coffee culture. Another must-see is Schönbrunn Palace, a stunning baroque complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, history comes alive through an elaborate virtual reality film, allowing us to relive the palace’s rich past while marveling at its architecture and gardens.

Whether strolling the streets, admiring the grand buildings, or enjoying a quiet moment in a café, today is all about soaking up the charm and elegance of Vienna at our own pace.

Today, our Danube cruise brings us to Linz, a vibrant Austrian city that perfectly blends history, culture, and modern creativity. We’ll discover a city full of artistic treasures, from contemporary design to fascinating cultural attractions, all reflecting Linz’s unique character.

No visit would be complete without a stop at one of the city’s charming cafés, where we can sample local specialties, including the world-famous Linzer Torte. Take time to wander the streets, admire the architecture, and soak in the cosmopolitan atmosphere, enjoying the creative spirit that makes Linz stand out.

After an exciting and unforgettable Danube cruise, we enjoy one last breakfast on board before it’s time to disembark. Our transfer will collect us from the dock and take us on a scenic drive to Munich, where our next adventure awaits.

Upon arrival, we’ll stop for a relaxed lunch in the heart of the city before setting out to explore the charming Altstadt (Old Town) — a delightful mix of grand architecture, lively squares, and Bavarian charm. Take in the sights, wander the cobbled streets, or simply enjoy a coffee and watch the world go by before checking in to our hotel for a little time to unwind.

In the evening, we come together for a special farewell dinner at an authentic German restaurant — complete with schnitzel, local flavours, and, of course, a toast with Bavarian beer. As we share stories and memories from our journey, it’s the perfect way to round off our remarkable European adventure.

It’s time to say goodbye to Munich and the wonderful memories from our European adventure. After breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport in plenty of time to catch your departure flights and continue your onward journey.

Safe travels, and we hope the sights, experiences, and moments from this trip stay with you long after you leave!