Castles & Storybook Cities - Budapest to Amsterdam

Arrive in Budapest and board the ship. Settle into your stateroom and prepare for your Danube River journey.

Experience the dual personality of Budapest as you cross the historic Petofi Bridge over the Danube, from the bustling charm of Pest to the royal, scenic Buda. Admire Gellert Hill, named after Saint Gellert, and capture photos of the iconic Parliament building, whose 96-meter dome honors Hungary’s founding in 896 AD. Cross Margaret Bridge, visit St. Stephen’s Basilica with its treasured relic, the Holy Right Hand, and stroll past Gresham Palace along the lively Zrinyi Street. End at Kossuth Square and Heroes’ Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring the Millennium Monument and the Museum of Fine Arts.

Step ashore from the Century Star vessel in Vienna, where the Danube meets the heart of the city. Enjoy the stunning Baroque gardens of Belvedere Palace, with lavish fountains, sculptures, and scenic views of Vienna. Marvel at the Vienna State Opera House, which opened in 1869 with a staging of Mozart’s Don Giovanni. Travel through Baroque, Gothic, and modern design at the heart of Vienna and the famous Stephansplatz. Wander through Michaelerplatz, a landmark square located in front of the Hofburg Palace.

Perched above the Danube River, Melk is famous for its stunning Benedictine Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece that offers breathtaking views and a glimpse into centuries of Austrian history and culture.

Explore Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, by visiting the famous Dürnstein Abbey. A Baroque church complex renowned for its blue-and-white tower is one of the landmarks along the Danube. Walk the scenic paths, the Treppelweg, an old term for towing paths, once used by workers and animals to pull boats upstream before engines existed. Pause at Dürnstein’s charming City Hall, nestled in the village square amidst vivid streets and period buildings along the Danube.

Discover the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau, beautifully situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, where history, culture, and stunning river views come together.

In Aschach, explore medieval townhouses—Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance—bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors, each facade and courtyard brimming with charm and life.

Explore the medieval charm of Rothenburg on a guided tour beginning with a unique look at a parking garage that preserves part of the ancient Roman Wall. Continue with a walking tour along the magnificent cathedral, then discover the historic Haidplatz, the striking City Hall, the famous Goliath House, and the World Heritage Visitor’s Centre, all offering fascinating insights into this beautifully preserved Bavarian town.

Take a coach ride along the historic former Reichsparteitagsgelände (Nazi Party Rally Grounds), exploring this significant site that shaped 20th-century history. Continue along the well-preserved city walls before arriving in Nuremberg’s charming city centre, where medieval streets, bustling squares, and historic landmarks await your exploration.

Discover the historic city of Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture. Admire the stunning Bamberg Cathedral, where emperors were once crowned, and visit the city’s elegant concert hall, a cultural gem hosting classical performances that celebrate Bamberg’s rich artistic heritage. Stroll through the charming old town and soak in the city’s unique blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty.

Enjoy views of the impressive Marienberg Fortress majestically perched above Würzburg and overlooking the Main River. Dating back over 1,000 years, the fortress once served as the seat of the powerful Prince-Bishops of Würzburg, symbolizing the city’s importance as a major religious and political center in medieval Germany.

Enjoy a 90-minute guided walking tour of Miltenberg, a picturesque Bavarian town known for its beautifully preserved half-timbered houses and medieval charm. Stroll through the historic old town, discover the lively market square, and hear engaging stories about local traditions and centuries of history as you soak in the town’s fairytale atmosphere.

Koblenz sits at the spectacular Deutsches Eck, where the mighty Rhine and the winding Moselle rivers meet, creating one of Germany’s most breathtaking and historic riverfront settings. Visit Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, an imposing hilltop landmark overlooking the Rhine River, offering stunning panoramic views and a fascinating insight into the region’s rich history.

In the afternoon explore the charming riverside town of Boppard, then cruise past the legendary Loreley Rock, one of Germany’s most famous and romantic landmarks.

Discover the heart and soul of Cologne on the “Cologne is a Feeling” walking tour, where every cobblestone and story reveals why this Rhine city is so much more than its famous landmarks. One unforgettable tale you might hear is about the Heinzelmännchen, Cologne’s legendary little elves.

Stroll with your guide along the quaint streets of Amsterdam to the canal boat boarding point, then embark on a relaxing and picturesque cruise through the city’s iconic canals, while enjoying engaging and insightful commentary. After this charming journey, your guide accompanies you back to the ship, completing an unforgettable exploration of Amsterdam’s beauty and history.

Disembark the Century Star