15 Day AmaWaterways River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest 2026

Day 1 Amsterdam

Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Magnificent Europe cruise. (D)

Day 2 Amsterdam

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get to enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, set sail out of Amsterdam. (B,L,D)

Day 3 Cologne

Cologne is home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. Plus, taste the city’s famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne. As an alternative, explore the historic and modern architectural styles on display across Cologne on a guided tour, including a special visit inside the Cologne Cathedral, a 13th-century Gothic marvel and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral was the tallest building in the world at the time of its completion, and it withstood 14 hits from aerial bombs during World War II. Active adventurists will instead want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Rüdesheim

Cruise through the captivating UNESCO-designated Rhine Gorge, the most stunningly beautiful stretch of the river, before reaching Rüdesheim. There you may drink up the stunning views of the vineyards during a hiking tour. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you, or savor the coffee for which this town is renowned.

Day 5 Wertheim

Enjoy Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centers. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the ruins of Wertheim Castle, delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Würzburg

You have several choices of excursions. Join a walking tour of Würzburg nestled along the “Romantic Road,” or visit the town’s crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer to get more active, hike up to the Marienberg Fortress, the most prominent landmark on the left bank of the Main River in Würzburg. Alternatively, go to Rothenburg, the best-preserved medieval town in Germany. The town is so pretty that the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Eltmann

Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem to see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Nuremberg

Depart the ship for a guided tour of Kaiserburg, Nuremberg’s Imperial castle and one of the most important palaces of the Old Holy Roman Empire. While wandering through this historical fortress towering high above the city center, you will pass by an exhibition of military artifacts, from weapons to suits of armor, as well as architectural models that show the castle through the ages. Following your Kaiseburg tour, we will head to the former home of Albrecht Dürer, arguably Germany’s most famous artist and Nuremberg’s most famous resident. It is within these walls where he lived and worked for nearly 20 years in the early 16th century, and you will be able to view some of his and other artists’ works during your tour. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Nuremberg

You have three choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Enjoy a guided tour through this well-preserved medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. Or turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the coliseum. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, partake in a traditional Franconian specialties tasting of famous Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Later in the day, cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Regensburg

Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels. And for a more active adventure, bike to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Passau

Discover Passau in one of three ways. Enjoy a walking tour and marvel at Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Melk

Cruise to Melk where you can visit its magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s largest and most revered Baroque monasteries. For a more active adventure, you can join a hike to Melk Abbey or pedal along the Danube River on a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Vienna

The heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Vienna, remains as renowned today as it has throughout history. The entire city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site awash with Baroque treasures. Your city tour showcases its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude in Vienna’s historic city center and then visit the majestic St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which has stood watch over Vienna for 700 years and is one of the most important and beloved landmarks in Austria. Or, if you prefer to go on a more active adventure, then join a guided bike tour through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B,L,D)

Day 14 Budapest

Today you have the opportunity to visit both the Buda (hilly) and Pest (flat) sides of the Danube River. Start on the Buda side, following your guide through the city’s Castle District where you will marvel at the fairytale turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion, gaze upon the breathtaking panorama below and see Matthias Church, renowned for its striking tower and colorful mosaic roof. For a more active tour, hike to Budapest’s Castle Hill. In the afternoon, explore the treasures of Pest, admiring the colossal Hungarian Parliament Building, Heroes’ Square and the moving “Shoes on the Danube Bank” memorial. (B,L,D)

Day 15 Budapest

Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)