European Jewels

Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship. (D)

Called the “Queen of the Danube,” in part because of the way the city hugs the banks of the river, Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Made up of two parts— Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands)—and divided by the Danube, Hungary's capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history. You'll have two enticing ways to experience the city—a panoramic guided tour aboard a motorcoach with a visit to the Parliament, or discover the Budapest that locals love on a special walking tour of the city's most important landmarks. (B/L/WD)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Budapest Walk with Local Treats OR Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Parliament Visit

Note: In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Today is your day to relax onboard, enjoying the luxuries of your river cruise ship while soaking in the spectacular scenery all around you as your ship heads for Vienna. Come up to the Sun Deck to admire the city's landmarks strung along the riverbanks. (B/L/D)

Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Begin your day at the Vienna Art History Museum, then embark on a tour of the city's imperial highlights. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Vienna - Imperial City Highlights OR “Morning with the Masters” at the Vienna Art History Museum

Awaken to the spectacular scenery of the Wachau Valley, one of the most beautiful stretches of river landscape in all of Europe. Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show you around and introduce you to some regional delicacies, including a wine tasting. Prefer to go for baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Later, you can stretch your legs with a vineyard hike. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Let's Go: Vineyard Hike OR Weissenkirchen Village Walk with Wine Tasting OR Melk Abbey with Library Visit

Just before reaching Passau, the ship will pass through the famous Schlögener Schlinge—a “gooseneck” or hairpin turn in the Danube. Located at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, Inn and Ilz— Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as you'll see on your walking tour. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Passau Walking Tour OR Let's Go: Bicycle Ride along the Inn River

Bavaria's first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, a fact recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you'll discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of “From Hops Field to Beer Stein” Farm Visit OR Regensburg Walking Tour

Arrive in the archetypal medieval German city of Nuremberg. Nuremberg is justifiably famous for its gingerbread and pocket watches, and it was also the site of some key moments in 20th-century history. You'll choose between two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city. You can join a tour of the pencil manufacturer Faber-Castell's factory and expansive headquarters, or you can accompany a local expert to the city's most important WWII sites, including the enormous Nazi Party Rally Grounds—the actual site of the Nazi Party rallies. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Faber-Castell Visit OR Nuremberg City Tour with WWII Rally Grounds and Documentation Center Visit

Note: Onboard: This morning, head up to the top deck or find a seat with a good view—you won't want to miss seeing the ship navigate its way through a marvel of modern engineering, the Main-Danube Canal. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European “continental divide.”

Your floating boutique hotel takes you to Bamberg today, a well-preserved town that offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval times. Explore the city on foot or opt to head deeper into the Franconian countryside to experience an authentic slice of rural life—including a tractor ride. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church tops each one. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Bamberg Walking Tour OR Village Day: Franconian Village

Note: You'll spend the rest of the day on the peaceful Main River, cruising past quiet Franconian hamlets and picturesque countryside. It's the perfect time to indulge in the many comforts of your luxury ship while watching some of Europe's loveliest scenery glide by.

Your ship will dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg, where you can visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence, one of the most opulent baroque palaces in Europe. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Würzburg Residence Visit with Court Gardens OR Fairytale Rothenburg

After today, you may never eat a pretzel again without thinking of the town of Wertheim. You'll meet one of Germany's best pretzel makers, as well as the owner of a historic wine estate. If you're more in the mood for a scenic bike ride, you are welcome to do that as well. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Let's Go: Wertheim Bicycle Tour OR Wertheim Walk with Local Treats

Frankfurt is known as the “Mainhattan” of Europe due to its profusion of bankers and soaring skyscrapers, which coexist with the city's traditional Old Town architecture. Choose a brief tour that gives you an overview of this major European financial and trade center. Alternatively, visit romantic Heidelberg and its Renaissance castle. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Frankfurt Walking Tour with Local Treats OR Heidelberg Castle Visit OR Heidelberg School Visit

Experience Germany's fabled Rheingau in one of two ways today. Take in spectacular views of the region's famous vineyards from the perspective of an aerial cable car, or venture within an atmospheric medieval monastery and taste the Rieslings made on site. The town is best known for its narrow avenue of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse. Experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine later in the afternoon as you cruise past the famous Middle Rhine Valley. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Abbey Eberbach Medieval Monastery Tour with Riesling Tasting OR Rüdesheim Wine Village and Panoramas of Niederwald Monument (mid-May through late October)

Enjoy a delightful tour of Cologne's Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its stunning Renaissance façade. Wander through the historical center and take in its charming atmosphere and narrow alleyways flanked by old houses. No matter how you choose to explore Old Town, you'll also have ample free time to explore the city on your own. (B/L/FD)

Featured Excursion: Cologne Walking Tour

Note: A special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.

Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol for your flight home. (B)