AmaBella, Magnificent Europe 2019 ex Budapest to Amsterdam
14 Night Cruise sailing from Budapest to Amsterdam aboard AmaBella.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 Budapest
Embark your ship. After dinner, set off on a twilight cruise and be enchanted by the sparkling city lights.
Stay: 14 Nights: one of APT’s luxurious Concerto river ships
Day 2 Budapest, Gödöllő
ROYAL SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
After your Budapest city tour, follow in the footsteps of Elisabeth of Bavaria (Sisi) and embark on an imperial train journey. Enjoy a Welcome Reception at Budapest's Royal Waiting Room, then board your elegant steam train, which features carriages from the early 1900s. A traditional game lunch worthy of royalty is served, before disembarking for a guided tour of Gödöllő Palace, a favourite of Sisi. Operates on all departures between April and September.
Enjoy a guided tour of Budapest.
Day 3 Vienna
ROYAL SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Tonight, visit the family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna. Attend an exclusive Cocktail Reception and a private recital featuring a full orchestra performing classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss, as well as an operatic recital. You will also be entertained by members of the Mozart Boys' Choir.
Arrive in Vienna, home to an array of striking architecture as well as a rich classical music culture and vibrant cafes. Take in many of the city’s most important landmarks during a tour along the Ringstrasse, Vienna’s famous ring boulevard officially opened by Emperor Franz Joseph I in 1865. You’ll also enjoy a guided walk to St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Day 4 Vienna
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps tour Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the imperial family. Wander through its lush, manicured gardens and marvel at sculptures representing deities and virtues. Alternatively, join an excursion to Bratislava, the diverse capital of nearby Slovakia. Its mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist-era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. Another option is to enjoy a round of golf.
Make the most of Vienna with a choice of sightseeing.
Day 5 Dürnstein, Melk
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Ride a bike along the banks of the Danube River from Dürnstein to Melk to, or rejoin your ship and cruise to Melk instead. You may then choose to enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. Or join a local guide for a tour of the town.
On arrival in Dürnstein, roam the village's cobblestone lanes at your leisure and perhaps view the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned. Later, choose how to travel to Melk, then choose your sightseeing.
Day 6 Linz, Passau
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
Disembark in Linz and travel to Salzburg, where a city tour takes you to several sights from Rogers and Hammerstein’s classic film, The Sound of Music. Alternatively, embark on a full-day journey to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic, renowned for its World Heritage-listed status with a stunning 13th-century castle above the Vltava River, its old town square and quaint lanes teeming with ancient architecture. Both touring options will then conclude in Passau, where you will re-board your river ship. A third alternative is to cruise from Linz to Passau, then enjoy a walking tour.
Select from a diverse range of sightseeing options today.
Day 7 Regensburg
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
On a guided walking tour, see such sites as the iconic Old Town Hall and the World Heritage-listed city centre. Alternatively, learn how to polka during a fun Bavarian dance lesson at a local beer haus. Another option is a gourmet walking tour, where you will gain an insight into the art of haute cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant Storstad, where you will enjoy a presentation and the chance to sample a variety of delights. Or perhaps hear an informative talk on board from a student of the University of Regensburg.
Tailor your holiday with a selection of sightseeing choices today.
Day 8 Nuremberg
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
A historic tour takes you to a selection of World War II sites, such as the Reich Party Rally Grounds. Discover medieval architecture, including the ramparts that surround the city. Alternatively, walk in the footsteps of Swedish King Gustavus-Adolphus, with a hike through the Schwarzach Valley.
Choose your sightseeing in Nuremberg. Back on board, sample some delicious freshly baked gingerbread while cruising the Main-Danube Canal.
Day 9 Bamberg
This morning your ship will arrive in World Heritage-listed Bamberg, another of the few German cities that wasn’t destroyed during World War II. Here you will explore the Old Town with a guide to discover a range of historic churches and buildings, including the town hall on the River Regnitz. Following your tour, rejoin your ship to cruise onto the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas and is recognised as a feat of modern engineering.
Day 10 Würzburg
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
The immense architectural beauty of Würzburg is on show today as you walk to the Würzburg Residence, an 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Würzburg. Inside, marvel at intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by Tiepolo. If you prefer, take a journey along the Romantic Road to the marvellous medieval town of Rothenburg where you’ll stop for a tour. Otherwise, visit a family-owned farm, where you'll tour the property before sitting down to morning tea as you learn about local farming life.
Seize the day with your preferred sightseeing activity.
Day 11 Miltenberg
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™ - Sightseeing
Perhaps stroll along Miltenberg’s winding cobblestone lanes, explore quaint half-timbered shops, mingle with friendly residents and sample some delicious local fare along the way. Alternatively, acquaint yourself with the German language during an interactive lesson on board your ship. Otherwise be guided through a picturesque Franconian vineyard as you learn about the specialty wines of the region during a hike.
Witness the skilful art of glass-blowing on board as you cruise towards the pretty Franconian town of Miltenberg this morning.
Day 12 Rüdesheim, Andernach
ROYAL SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Cruise to Andernach for an exclusive visit to Namedy Castle. This 14th-century residence is home to Princess Heide von Hohenzollern who has opened the doors of her castle just for you. Enjoy some free time to wander about the castle’s rooms, hidden nooks and grounds, then savour dinner in the ballroom, accompanied by a classical piano recital.
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Dock in Rüdesheim and perhaps tour Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Alternatively, board a scenic gondola for exceptional views over the Rhine Valley, or perhaps sample wines from the region during an onboard tasting.
Choose your sightseeing in Rüdesheim. Afterwards, cruise to Andernach for your Royal Signature Experience.
Day 13 Bonn, Cologne
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
In Cologne, take a tour through the historic city centre and sample local beers and snacks. Alternatively, embark on a bike ride to see City Hall and the remains from Roman times and the Middle Ages.
Choose your sightseeing in Cologne.Cruise into Cologne, a city centred around the twin spires of its famous cathedral. Here, enjoy a choice of sightseeing.
Day 14 Amsterdam
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Perhaps admire Amsterdam's canals from a glass-top boat as you glide past 17th-century homes, churches and merchant houses. Or visit Zaanse Schans, a lovely village famous for its traditional Dutch houses, windmills and specialty produce. Otherwise, enjoy a relaxing morning sailing along the Rhine, while a local baker conducts a 'stroopwafel’ demonstration. Alternatively, on select spring departures, take the opportunity to visit the stunning Keukenhof Gardens.
Choose your sightseeing in Amsterdam. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner.
Day 15 Amsterdam
Disembark your ship for the final time.
| Cruise Itinerary | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Activity | Arrive | Depart |
| 13/04/19 | Budapest, Hungary | ||
| 14/04/19 | Budapest, Hungary | ||
| 15/04/19 | Vienna, Austria | ||
| 16/04/19 | Vienna, Austria | ||
| 17/04/19 | Durnstein, Austria | ||
| 17/04/19 | Melk , Austria | ||
| 18/04/19 | Linz, Austria | ||
| 18/04/19 | Passau, Germany | ||
| 19/04/19 | Regensburg, Germany | ||
| 20/04/19 | Nuremberg, Germany | ||
| 21/04/19 | Bamberg, Germany | ||
| 22/04/19 | Wurzburg, Germany | ||
| 23/04/19 | Miltenberg, Germany | ||
| 24/04/19 | Rudesheim, Germany | ||
| 24/04/19 | Andernach, Germany | ||
| 25/04/19 | Cologne, Germany | ||
| 26/04/19 | Amsterdam, Rivers | ||
| 27/04/19 | Amsterdam, Rivers | ||