Treasures, 14 Night Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat – Southbound ex Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Budapest, Hungary

Cruise along the River Danube from Budapest to Amsterdam on an amazing journey past grand cathedrals, medieval monasteries, castles and vineyards…
Pass through five countries including the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, and explore legendary cities such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Köln, Nürnberg, Bratislava and Budapest. Tauck’s all-included private shore excursions take you to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic districts of Budapest, Vienna, and Bamberg, and the Wachau and Rhine valleys. In Vienna, take your choice of visits to Schönbrunn Palace or the Sisi Museum at the Hofburg, and attend a grand Imperial Evening in a traditional palace. In Amsterdam, tour the famed Rijksmuseum. Visit Köln Cathedral, Melk Abbey, medieval towns like Regensburg, Budapest’s Heroes’ Square and much more!

Day 1
Tour begins: 5:00 PM, Amsterdam. A transfer is included from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport or Central Station directly to your riverboat. Enjoy a welcome briefing and a leisurely dinner as you settle into your floating hotel for a memorable two-week-cruise on the Main, Rhine and Danube Rivers.

Day 2
Enjoy a tour of Amsterdam this morning that includes a guided visit to the amazing Rijksmuseum where artwork by the Old Dutch Masters includes Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, along with masterpieces by Vermeer and more. Hop aboard a canal boat for a luncheon cruise along its 17th century grachten (canals ), gliding beneath curved bridges and past stately merchant homes. Enjoy free time to explore the sights on your own before driving to Nijmegen where your riverboat awaits. Dine at leisure onboard.

Day 3
After a morning of cruising and lunch aboard the riverboat, your explorations continue in Köln (Cologne), the oldest city in Germany. A choice of a lesiurely or active guided walking tour of city sights includes a visit to twin-spired Kölner Dom (Cologne Cathedral), boasting one of the world’s largest church façades; it is one of Europe’s most beloved Gothic cathedrals. You’ll have some free time to wander through Cathedral Square and the Hohe Strasse pedestrian area in the afternoon. Join us tonight for a reception and dinner followed by an onboard performance by local musicians.

Day 4
The perfect Rhine cruise… glide along the river until early afternoon, and relax as your Tauck Director shares a tale or two during the cruise through the scenic – and literally legendary – Lorelei Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arrive in Rüdesheim, where you have a choice of two excursions; on one, an entertaining lunch in a local German restaurant with an old-world ambiance precedes a visit to Siegfrieds Mechanisches Musikkabinett, an eclectic collection of mechanical musical instruments housed in a 15th-century castle in Rüdesheim. On the other, take a bike ride along the banks of the river Rhine. Each choice is followed by free time to enjoy as you wish. Walk back to the ship or ride the mini train. Back aboard the riverboat this evening, enjoy dinner while cruising the Rhine.

Day 5
Enjoy the views as your Rhine cruise continues into the Main River, for a full day of cruising through scenic valleys studded with castles, cathedrals, and fortified towns. Enjoy a Bavarian-themed dinner aboard the riverboat tonight.

Day 6
Spend the morning cruising and have brunch aboard the riverboat before arriving in Würzburg, where your arrival is greeted with a wine testing of local wines accompanied by light bits. This afternoon, you’ll have a choice of two options for sightseeing. On one, explore Würzburg’s Old Town with a local guide; tour the Residenz (it was built and decorated by an international team of architects, painters, and sculptors); see the ornate Alte Mainbrücke (a bridge over the River Main); and spend some time on your own. Alternatively, depart on an excursion to the nearby town of Rothenburg; nestled on Germany’s “Romantic Road,” it lives up to its reputation as Europe’s “most perfect fairy-tale town.” View its Gothic cathedral, towered walls and gabled houses on a walking tour, and enjoy some time at leisure. Both groups will return to the riverboat for dinner aboard ship.

Day 7
Your riverboat cruises along the Main to the Bavarian town of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site situated atop seven hills. You have a choice between discovering the town’s lovely gardens, medieval architecture and 13th-century Gothic cathedral with its four imposing towers on a guided walking tour of Old Town (with time afterwards to explore this charming town on your own); or embarking on a bicycling excursion (due to the terrain, this activity is recommended for fit and experienced cyclists only). An Oompah band performance precedes dinner aboard the riverboat this evening.

Day 8
From the center of the German Renaissance in the 15th and 16th centuries to the site of National Socialist Germans Workers’ Party conventions leading into World War II, Nuremberg has had a storied history since it was first documented in 1050. Today, the city is a hub for tourism and continues to be important industrial center. Your exploration of this historic city today offers two options; one brings you on a visit Nuremberg’s Old Town, including an introductory walking tour through the Medieval fortification walls via Castle terrace to Old Town, passing by Albrecht Dürer House (guests may visit independently after the walking tour), continuing to St. Sebald Church (inside visit if available) and passing by the old City Hall before finishing at the Hauptmarkt; the other, offers a look into Nuremberg, both past and present, viewing sites such as the train terminal, the City Wall, the Opera House, The German National Museum, Courtroom 600, St. Johns Cemetary and the Imperial Castle, each option will finish with a walk through the main market square. Following your time in Nuremberg, your riverboat negotiates the Main-Danube Canal, which ultimately links the North Sea with the Black Sea – and which you’ll learn all about from a local expert during your transit. The idea goes back as far as Charlemagne, but wasn’t realized until this canal was completed in the 1990s; pass through 16 locks as the waterway traverses the mountains. Have dinner aboard the riverboat this evening.

Day 9
With its roots as a Roman encampment on the Danube, the quintessential Bavarian town of Regensburg is home to more than 1,400 original historic buildings. Walking here is a delight and is the only way to view the sights up-close. A local guide will lead the way as you see the town’s 12th-century Steinerne Brücke (Germany’s oldest surviving stone bridge), the 15th-century Altes Rathaus (Town Hall), the towering Dom St. Peter, and the remains of the Roman wall. This afternoon, choose among free time in Regensburg or visit the princely house of Thurn und Taxis for a guided tour. A musical performance by a vocal quartet dazzles you before dinner tonight.

Day 10
The riverboat docks in the port city of Passau, dating way back to Roman times. Today, you have the choice of a walking tour revealing the Baroque treasures of this lovely riverside town, known for its stained glass and its many churches – including St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the largest pipe organ outside of the U.S., and the biggest cathedral organ in the world (inside cathedral visit may not be available on all departures); a cycling excursion around Passau, suitable for more experienced riders; or a full-day excursion to the lovely Austrian city of Salzburg, birthplace of W.A. Mozart (and setting of The Sound of Music). Back aboard the riverboat this afternoon and evening, listen to commentary from your Tauck Director as you continue your cruise, bound for Melk, Austria. Tonight, enjoy a musical performance by a classical trio.

Day 11
Your next destination is the town of Melk, Austria, where you’ll step back in time on a guided tour of its 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop above the river. Inside this Baroque masterpiece are fine frescoes, early manuscripts, and a high altar. Back aboard the riverboat, enjoy views of castles, vineyards, small towns, monasteries and medieval ruins while cruising through the Wachau Valley toward the magnificent Austrian capital city of Vienna. Tonight, a Tauck Exclusive – a private, gala evening in the beautiful Baroque Palais Pallavicini in the heart of the city, featuring a sumptuous dinner and live entertainment – just might sweep you off your feet! Please Note: To preserve your sightseeing experience in Vienna and maximize our time there, we may rotate our evening activities on Days 11 and 12 on some departures.

Day 12
Get an overview of Vienna, Austria’s capital and one of Europe’s greatest cities, with a morning sightseeing tour of this historic former capital of the Habsburg Empire. Take your choice of a tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ vast “summer residence” built to rival Versailles, or a guided visit to the Sisi Museum and the amazing Imperial Apartments inside the Hofburg, the Habsburg family’s former royal palace that today is the official residence of Austria’s president. Explore the city as you wish this afternoon, or return to the riverboat; dinner is aboard ship tonight. Please Note: To preserve your sightseeing experience in Vienna and maximize our time there, we may rotate our evening activities on Days 11 and 12 on some departures.

Day 13
Depart Vienna after breakfast, and spend the morning cruising to Slovakia. Arrive early afternoon in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia, where 17 centuries of history are chronicled on a walking tour led by a local guide. Highlights include Baroque palaces from the Habsburg era, St. Martin’s Cathedral and more, and a visit to Old Town Hall. This evening, enjoy dinner aboard the riverboat followed by onboard Slovakian entertainment by local performers in the lounge; set off for Budapest tonight.

Day 14
Tauck’s memorable Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise arrives at your final destination – Budapest, Hungary’s remarkable capital. Standing on opposite banks of the Danube, Budapest’s two distinct sections – Buda and Pest – were once independent cities. Discover both on a day of sightseeing that includes views of patriotic Heroes’ Square in Pest, dominated by statues of great leaders from Hungarian history; the Gothic-Revival Parliament building, an iconic feature of the Budapest skyline along the Danube; and Fisherman’s Bastion, standing watch like a sentinel over the river. Spend the afternoon exploring on your own. Join us for our farewell reception and dinner tonight onboard ship.

Day 15
Tour ends: Budapest. Disembark in Budapest; a transfer is included from the riverboat to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Budapest Keleti Railway Station. Allow 3 hours for departure flight check-in.

Cruising Europe’s inland waterways exclusively for Tauck, the sister ships ms Swiss Emerald, ms Swiss Sapphire, ms Swiss Jewel and new-for-2011 ms Treasures represent the epitome of luxurious river cruising. In addition to their spacious, well-appointed cabins, all four ships offer 14 beautiful 300-square-foot suites – equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows, marble baths, flat-screen televisions and walk-in closets – as well as 7 junior suites, adding up to four times more suites than most other European riverboats. The cabins, which range from 150 to 183 sq. ft., provide plush accommodations with plasma TV, terry bathrobes, fine L’Occitane toiletries, large windows and much more; 85% of the cabins have floor-to-ceiling windows with French balconies. A crew of 29 attentively serves just 118 guests. The Restaurant offers both an elegant dining venue and a fine dining experience, while the spacious Panorama Lounge in the bow, with its bar, dance floor and entertainment, is a delightful gathering spot in the evenings. The gracious Lido Bar in the stern has a 180° glass wall that opens for an indoor / outdoor cocktail hour, and offers alternative bistro dining featuring lighter fare – a first on Europe’s rivers. Tauck’s riverboat fleet is definitely “top-of-the-line”!

Inspirational cruising… and the promise of fun. Cruise travel at its best.

What makes Tauck’s Small Ship Cruising and River Cruising unique is our focus on the destination – in scenic ports of call that connect you with people and places… moving, compelling and heart-warming experiences onboard and ashore… inspiration through Tauck’s cruise travel. We cast anchor in pristine bays, off island beaches and at docks accustomed to personal yachts… in small towns and villages along the great rivers of Europe… and in some of the world’s favorite cities. Our time ashore is enriched by in-depth cultural exploration and insider access that ensures up-close-and-personal connections with the locals and daily life. Our cruise travel adventures include guided sightseeing with local experts such as naturalists, historians, and accomplished lecturers. You’ll dine on regional cuisine on land at aboard ship that showcases specialties of the destination. And after a day of extraordinary sightseeing, we welcome you back onboard our hand-picked vessels for warm camaraderie and lively conversation that’s inherent on every Tauck cruise travel experience. The stories are endless, the memories are timeless and the connections priceless.

Select the Deck to view detail.

Treasures - Emerald Deck

Treasures - Ruby Deck

Treasures - Diamond Deck

Select the Cabin to view detail.

Category 2 Cabin

One spacious, elegantly appointed Category 2 cabin is located forward on the Emerald deck, measuring 183 square feet.

Category 7 Suite

Category 3 Cabin

Two 150-square-foot Category 3 cabins, located on the Ruby Deck, feature one floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door.

Category 4 Cabin

Two 183-square-foot Category 4 cabins, both located forward on the Ruby Deck, feature one floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door for superior views.

Category 5 Cabin

Set forward on the Diamond Deck, two spacious, well-appointed Category 5 cabins measure 183 square feet and sport one floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door.

Category 6 Cabin

Twenty 225-square-foot Category 6 cabins, each featuring a floor-to-ceiling French balcony with one sliding door, are situated on the Ruby Deck.

Category 1 Cabin

Situated on the Emerald deck, eight 150-square-foot Category 1 cabins feature Molton Brown toiletries, a Tauck Exclusive.