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Magnificent Europe- A Smithsonian Journey
AmaWaterways | 14 Nights | Budapest to Amsterdam
2026 Smithsonian Departures: May 30
Discover three of Europe’s grand rivers—the Rhine, the Main, and the Danube—on an unforgettable Europe’s Magnificent Waterways: Cruising the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers journey from the canals of Amsterdam to the majestic heart of Budapest. Along the way, encounter local cuisine, rich history and a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Over two unforgettable weeks, explore Amsterdam, Vienna and Budapest, and trace history in a string of enchanting German towns, including the UNESCO-designated Regensburg and Bamberg. Admire architectural gems from Cologne’s Gothic cathedral to the Baroque Residenz Palace of Würzburg, and take in the gorgeous castle-laden scenery of the Rhine Gorge and Austria’s Wachau Valley. Plus, enjoy specially curated tours that include meeting glass-blowing artisans in Wertheim, a guided tour of Amsterdam’s world-renowned Rijksmuseum and Vienna’s Kunsthistoriches Museum, and exploring the Ludwig Canal near Nuremberg. You will also have the unique opportunity to engage with and learn from two Smithsonian Journeys Experts throughout your journey whose specialized expertise will further immerse you in the history, art or culture of the region.
AAA Member Benefits and Special Offers:
- Member Benefits
- Up to $600 per stateroom savings
- Bottle of wine & box of chocolates
- AAA Vacations® Amenities
- Up to an additional $200 per stateroom savings
- Up to $3000 per stateroom onboard spending credit
- Available on select sailings & combinable with Member Benefits
Call to Book
1-800-529-3222
Included With Your Trip
AmaWaterways' New Alliance with Smithsonian Journeys
AmaWaterways is thrilled to announce a new alliance with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution and a leader in authentic and enriching small-group travel. Our new shared collection of European sailings provides opportunities to engage with a variety of Smithsonian Journeys Experts. Chosen for their charisma and expertise, these extremely knowledgeable individuals have dedicated entire careers to pursuing their passions and will offer incredible insights to ensure your journey is as captivating as it is meaningful.
Every Smithsonian Journeys Departure Includes:
- Gourmet Dining- Fine dining at every meal, plus a multi-course tasting at The Chef's Table
- Excursions-Up to 6 immersive guided tours daily, including exclusive Smithsonian Journeys experiences
- Personalized Service- Dedicated AmaWaterways Cruise Manager who takes care of you throughout your journey
- Cocktail Hour- Complimentary Daily Sip & Sail cocktail hour
- Seamless Travel- Airport transfers and portage service to and from the ship on cruise embarkation and disembarkation days*
- Smithsonian Journey Experts- Two dedicated Smithsonian Journey Experts who will provide enriching lectures on topics related to the destinations you visit
*For guests arriving/departing on embarkation and disembarkation days who are booked on cruise only. Terms apply; ask for details.
Additional Information
Day 1: Arrive in Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Board the ship in Amsterdam for your Magnificent Europe cruise.
Day 2: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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.
Day 3: Cologne, Germany
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. Active adventurists will instead want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine.
Day 4: Rhine Gorge - Rüdesheim, Germany
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 gondola ride. Alternatively, let Siegfried’s Mechanical Instrument Cabinet charm you, or savor the Rüdesheimer Coffee that the town is famous for.
Day 5: Wertheim, Germany
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 or delight in a scenic bicycle ride along the Main River Valley.
Day 6: Würzburg, Germany
Enjoy a city tour of Würzburg, bursting with Baroque splendor. Or visit Würzburg’s Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Or stretch your legs while hiking to Würzburg Castle. Alternately, go on a full-day excursion to Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road.
Day 7: Eltmann - Bamberg, Germany
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, pralines, and Hornla, a pastry. And for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.
Day 8: Nuremberg, Germany
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.
Day 9: Nuremberg, Germany
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.
Day 10: Regensburg, Germany
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.
Day 11: Passau, Germany
For those who love The Sound of Music, enjoy a full-day excursion to Salzburg and tour the historic center, Mirabell Gardens, Residenz Square and the Old Market. Alternatively, you can 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 to Wertheim, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress.
Day 12: Melk, Austria
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.
Day 13: Vienna, Austria
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.
Day 14: Budapest, Hungary
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.
Day 15: Disembarkatin - Depart Budapest
Bid adieu to Budapest and prepare for your flight home.
Price My Trip
Product Code: AAA-AmaWaterways_LF
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