Luxury Escapes Exclusive All-Inclusive European River Cruise 2023: 15-Night Uniworld Luxury from Amsterdam to Budapest

Cruise with confidence: Our trusted cruise partner has prepared a COVID safe plan. Please see Fine Print for further details.

The Experiences – Discover Europe’s fascinating culture, sublime scenery and striking architecture as you cruise the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers

For centuries, mainland Europe’s waterways have connected and divided the cities, towns and villages found along its shores, protecting their distinct cultures throughout the ages. On this exclusive Luxury Escapes 16-day all-inclusive European river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, travel on calm waters to captivating destinations along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers.

Amsterdam’s clusters of historic houses, iconic bridges and intricate network of impressive 17th-century canals are yours to explore. Approaching Cologne, head to the Sun Deck to watch the twin spires of its famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, appear on the horizon. En route to Frankfurt, admire the steep hillsides dotted with ancient castles and crumbling ruins, echoed in the works of the poets and artists of the 18th and 19th centuries.

Travel from wine country to beer region: dock in Rüdesheim — famed for its delicious Rhine Valley wine — visit the world’s largest wine barrel, meet a Franconian winemaker, then sail toward Bavaria’s famous beer-brewing centre, Bamberg.

On the Main River, Wertheim will reveal itself as you explore its ancient alleyways and medieval monasteries. Traversing the distinctly Bavarian countryside in Germany, be dazzled by Würzburg, uncover the troubled history of Nuremberg before making your way through the city centre of Regensburg, one of Germany’s largest and best-preserved medieval cities.

Finally, delve into Budapest — maybe the most striking city of them all. Bathe in a symphony of colour at Matthias Church, visit Fisherman’s Bastion for panoramic city and Danube river views, and learn of the turbulent history of Buda Castle — the birthplace of Hungarian kings.

The River Duchess — Award-winning opulence exclusive to Luxury Escapes members

Epitomising a new level of grandeur in everything from the destination-inspired interior décor and five-star culinary excellence to the personally selected original artwork (from the likes of Picasso and Jane Wells Loudon) and outstanding health standards and protocols — the ultra-luxurious River Duchess is the most immersive way to explore the inland waterways of Europe.

Designed to mirror the indulgent comforts of a five-star boutique hotel, its compact size and capacity (max. 130 guests) guarantee a genuinely warm atmosphere. A dedicated Uniworld Cruise Manager is always on hand to ensure your experience is unforgettable from start to finish.

Unwind amid the changing landscapes on the ship’s Sun Deck, gaze out over the course ahead from the Blue Danube Lounge, savour the finest flavours of Europe at Palace Restaurant, or awaken your senses with a class in the fitness centre. Forge new friendships at La Motte Sky Lounge, relax with a massage at Serenity River Spa, take a dip in the heated pool or kick back with a book in the Captain’s Lounge and Library. The choice is yours.

The best part? You’ll only need to unpack once, leaving you free to join the cultural, culinary and historical experiences, designed exclusively for you.

Your Stateroom – Spacious, luxuriously appointed staterooms to rival a luxury hotel

Wake to the ever-changing, breathtaking river scenery each morning from the comfort of your luxurious onboard stateroom. Ultra-spacious and sumptuously appointed, with all the facilities you’d expect from a lavish boutique hotel, staterooms are uniquely decorated and feature carefully selected amenities. Enjoy handcrafted Savoir of England beds draped in 100% Egyptian cotton linens, elegant furnishings, and a marble ensuite bathroom complete with complimentary luxury toiletries by Asprey and heated mirrors. Hotel-grade facilities include a flat-screen TV with infotainment centre and satellite, complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, 24-hour room service and a full turndown service.

Deluxe Stateroom Upgrade: Located on the Danube deck, with fixed picture windows and a marble bathroom, these cabins offer a truly luxurious cruising experience.

French Balcony Upgrade: The exceptionally appointed French Balcony boasts more natural light and a striking marble bathroom with a luxurious rain shower. Chic furnishings and soft hues of blue and green are complemented by floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to create your French balcony, promising river views at all times.

Suite Upgrade: At an incredible 20sqm, these beguiling suites tick all the boxes. Floor-to-ceiling doors open to create a breezy, open-air haven with views of Europe’s riverside scenery. Features include a fully stocked minibar, crystal carafe refilled daily, and complimentary in-suite butler service — educated under the tutelage of Zita Langenstein at England’s Ivor Spencer Butler School (the same standards of excellence required by Buckingham Palace). This truly is the epitome of river cruise luxury.

All-Inclusive Drinks & Dining — From sumptuous buffet breakfasts to superb lunches, à la carte multi-course dinners and free-flow drinks

In a continent renowned for its epicurean delicacies, prepare to be treated to a gourmet journey to rival Europe’s finest restaurants. When dining on the River Duchess, you can expect world-class, farm-to-table cuisine, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and created onboard by renowned master chefs.

Every morning, savour freshly baked pastries before heading to the Main Deck for a buffet breakfast featuring the finest hot and cold options and an on-demand egg station. Return for a scrumptious lunch buffet, followed by afternoon tea.

Dinner is an unmissable affair and a daily culinary highlight. Dine on courses reflecting the handpicked produce of the season, locally sourced from the destinations you visit, all in the setting of an elegant restaurant. Tantalise your tastebuds with anything from Viennese veal escalope with cranberry jam, and apple strudel with rum and warm chocolate sauce to celebrity chef Bea Tollman’s signature chicken soup.

You may also choose to enjoy your meals in the comfort of your stateroom or suite, with complimentary 24-hour room service.

Drinks are included throughout the journey. Enjoy free-flowing premium wines, premium spirits, beer and a range of soft drinks, speciality coffees, teas and juices at any time of day.

Your experience begins on 17 June 2023 at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) and ends on 02 July 2023 at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).

Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately.

Please book your flight to arrive in Amsterdam by 5pm on Day 1. Your room will be available from 3pm onwards.

On the day of disembarkation, please book your flight to depart before 5pm. You will be required to vacate your stateroom by 8am.

Airport transfers are included in your tour on the first and last day only. See Fine Print for more information.

You MUST complete your booking form within 72 hours of booking. Following its completion, our Tours Concierge will be in touch to assist with any additional arrangements – including flights.

Important: Please allow for travelling time. Flights are not included in your package and must be purchased separately. It is your responsibility to make your own travel arrangements and ensure that you arrive in Amsterdam on time.

A visa may be required for the destination you are visiting. It is each traveller’s responsibility to ensure they are holding a current visa. Please take the time to visit our preferred vendor website Visas Direct to assist you with any visa application requirements and processes. If you require any supporting documentation when applying for your visa please let us know and we would be more than happy to assist.

Need flights? Our dedicated flights concierge can assist with all your flight requirements. Contact sales@luxuryescapes.com.

Day 1: Embark in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Welcome to Amsterdam! On arrival at the airport (AMS), you will be met by a Uniworld representative, transferred to your luxury cruise and welcomed in true style. Onboard, take time to settle into your luxuriously appointed cabin before meeting new friends over a drink at the bar, followed by dinner in the evening. Tonight, you will remain docked in Amsterdam. Be sure to use your free time to explore the city’s treasure-packed museums, vintage-filled shops and vibrant dining scene.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Rise early this morning to be treated to a crowd-free viewing experience at the renowned Van Gogh Museum. A curator will provide expert commentary before allowing you to admire this extraordinary collection at your leisure. You will also have a chance to explore new exhibits, investigate the details of Van Gogh’s paintings using a microscope, engage with a dramatic shadow play and learn about the artist’s life story at the all-encompassing 3D ‘Meet Vincent Van Gogh Experience’.

Lunch will be served onboard, before an afternoon city tour. Choose to explore on foot or on a canal ride with a local expert. Learn about the canals that crisscross the heart of the old city and discover how and why Amsterdam become Europe’s first planned city. On both tours, you will pass centuries-old stately merchants’ houses and watch houseboats bob along the banks.

Following your tour, choose to explore at your own leisure. Take in a late afternoon tea back onboard or simply people-watch in the city centre, before enjoying a spectacular Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner onboard as we continue our journey along the Rhine to Cologne.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Amsterdam, Netherlands — Cologne, Germany

The first morning on a river cruise is always a thrill as you awake to the gentle lapping of the water and the colourful valley slopes slipping effortlessly past your cabin window — there really is no other holiday experience quite like it.

Today we sail into the enchanting city of Cologne. Upon arrival, venture out for a tour of the Old Town. With your local English-speaking guide, meander through the narrow, cobbled lanes lined with beautiful traditional houses before reaching the Domplatte, home to the towering Cologne Cathedral. Head inside this gothic building to see the Shrine of Magi or ask your guide for tips on where to wander next.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Cologne, Germany — Rüdesheim, Germany

Today, experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine as you traverse the famous Middle Rhine Valley en route to Rüdesheim. Best known for its thriving gastronomic scene and the impressive Niederwald Monument, Germany’s fabled Rheingau (Rhine District) is yours to explore in one of two exciting ways.

The first option: take in spectacular views from an aerial cable car and ascend to Niederwald Heights, all while enjoying the views of the wine-growing region and Rhine valley spreading into the distance. After heading back to the River Duchess, enjoy time at leisure. Alternatively, venture into an atmospheric medieval monastery for a guided tour, followed by a tasting of the Rieslings made onsite. Afterwards, return to the vessel for dinner onboard.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Rüdesheim, Germany — Frankfurt (Heidelberg), Germany

Another morning, another city to explore and today, it’s Frankfurt’s turn. Often referred to as ‘Mainhattan’, Frankfurt boasts world-class museums, soaring skyscrapers, authentic taverns and lush parks everywhere you look. Choose to join a city tour or visit romantic Heidelberg and its Renaissance castle for a guided tour of the courtyard and the Heidelberg Tun — the world’s largest wine barrel.

Later, enjoy lunch on your own and explore the culinary treasures and charming shops in town before boarding the coach back to your ship.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch* and Dinner

*Please Note: Lunch will not be included on the Heidelberg excursion.

Day 6: Frankfurt (Heidelberg), Germany — Wertheim, Germany

After another delicious breakfast this morning, dock in Wertheim, where a tour will lead us through this fairytale town of half-timbered homes and quirky cobblestone lanes, nestled amidst beautiful mountain scenery. You will also get the chance to meet one of Germany’s best pretzel-makers and sample their craft. If you’d rather, you could take one of the complimentary onboard bicycles out for a scenic ride. With 189 cycle routes around Wertheim, there are plenty of options for outdoor enthusiasts.

Afterwards, you may choose to spend some leisure time in the village or head straight to the nearby Kreuzwertheim wine-growing area for a hike through the vineyards. Don’t worry, your efforts will be rewarded with a glass of sparkling wine and beautiful vistas of the Main River valley.

The next stop is a historic Franconian winery. Again, the choice is yours: dine on soft pretzels handmade by a fifth-generation baker before meeting the winemaker for a special tasting or choose to get out and about on one of Germany’s most popular cycling routes along the Main. Pedal your way along flat stretches of the riverside path, passing red sandstone quarries, farms, verdant meadows and charming villages, before returning back to Wertheim.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Wertheim, Germany — Würzburg, Germany

This morning, we dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg. Here, you have the option of visiting the extraordinary Würzburg Residence, one of the most opulent baroque palaces in Europe. Inside this incredibly lavish 300-room, 18th-century palace, admire jaw-dropping baroque art, a magnificent grand staircase and the world’s largest ceiling fresco, painted by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

Portions of the building were damaged by allied bombing in 1945 but, fortunately, most of the historic furnishings had been stored offsite and key rooms were unharmed, so you can see the original — and matchless — artwork, gilding and statuary. Even the gardens have been restored, right down to the topiary fruit trees in the kitchen garden, which are recreations of the trees grown there in the 18th century.

Be sure to see the Hall of Mirrors and imposing Imperial Hall, which boasts a large oval dome and 20 half-columns, before returning to your vessel for some time at leisure.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Würzburg, Germany — Cruise the Main River — Kitzingen (Rothenburg), Germany

Spend a relaxing day onboard as your ship winds its way along the Main River between Würzburg and Bamberg. It’s something of a truism to say that this route takes you from wine to beer, and you’ll see the transition as you sail past the vineyard-covered slopes around Würzburg toward Bavaria’s famous beer-brewing centre, Bamberg. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of time to observe the fascinating little villages and romantic castle ruins as you drift under charming old bridges.

Upon arrival in Rothenburg, we disembark to explore this fairytale version of the Middle Ages, with great stone walls surrounding the medieval core, linking towers, bastions and parapets. Narrow cobblestone lanes lead you past the town’s old monastery, Germany’s oldest half-timbered houses and splendid fountains before winding their way to the medieval Market Square. Savour a taste of the beloved bratwurst, explore the town on foot or choose to dine in and people-watch over lunch at your leisure.

This afternoon, you’ll have another chance to explore (or shop) on your own before returning to the vessel for a dinner with paired wines from the region.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Masterpiece Collection (Optional Activity):

• Walking Rothenburg’s ramparts tour (from EUR36 per person): At the heart of the Romantische Straße tourist route in Germany, Rothenburg is a beautifully preserved, picture-perfect medieval town, with a charming old town still surrounded by its defensive wall. Appreciate the ramparts from within as you follow the sentry walk around the town.

Day 9: Kitzingen (Rothenburg), Germany — Bamberg, Germany

Your floating boutique hotel takes you to Bamberg today, a well-preserved town that offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval times. Here, explore the city on foot on a guided walking tour with an expert English-speaking guide.

The centre of the economic and political life of Central Europe in the Middle Ages, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is now a thriving city with a lively student population and a world-famous symphony orchestra. On a walking tour, cross cobblestone footbridges, ramble along narrow lanes lined with picturesque half-timbered houses, gasp at the splendid late-Romanesque Imperial Cathedral and stand in the shadows of the magnificent Old Palace.

Alternatively, head deeper into the Franconian countryside to experience an authentic slice of rural life. Meet with a local farmer and learn about the landscape and local farming techniques in the beautiful Steigerwald region. Join him for an introduction to his village before a tractor ride over the rolling hills to a small-scale vintner, where you can sample wine made strictly for home consumption.

You’ll spend the rest of the day on the Main River, cruising past quiet Franconian hamlets and picturesque countryside vistas.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Bamberg, Germany — Nuremberg, Germany — Cruise the Main-Danube Canal

Today, head to the top deck or grab a seat with a good view as the vessel navigates its way through a marvel of modern engineering — the Main-Danube Canal. Look on as a formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European ‘continental divide’, before arriving in the archetypal medieval German city of Nuremberg.

Two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city are available to you today. Join a panoramic tour of the city, or accompany a local expert to the city’s most important WWII sites, including the unfinished four-square-mile Zeppelin Fields and enormous Nazi Party Rally Grounds — the actual site of the Nazi Party rallies.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Cruise the Main-Danube Canal — Regensburg, Germany

Today we call at Regensburg, a friendly town with quaint cobblestone streets, historic Roman ruins and a medieval city centre.

A highlight for any car enthusiast is a visit to the BMW factory, for an opportunity to see German engineering, famous the world over, in operation on a guided tour. You’ll see various stages of the process, from rolls of sheet metal being stamped out into body parts to watching elements of the car being robotically assembled. After, follow an already assembled car into the finishing department to see it painted, polished and have the final touch applied—the famed BMW roundel.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

*Please Note: The BMW factory is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Tours that fall on those days will visit the Museum of Historical Maybach Vehicles instead.

Masterpiece Collection (Optional Activity):

• Bavarian sausage-making workshop (from EUR76 per person): Relish the opportunity to learn about German cuisine and be taught how to make a Bavarian sausage. With a local expert, learn the recipes, the weighing and cutting process, and how to fill the sausages meat into the natural skins. Once either boiled or grilled (depending on what you make), enjoy your creation with some sweet mustard.

Day 12: Regensburg, Germany — Passau, Germany

Another day dawns as our journey brings us to Passau, our last stop in Germany, situated where the Inn and Ilz Rivers join the Danube. After a leisurely breakfast, take the opportunity to explore the unusually well-preserved city on your walking tour. En route, your guide will introduce you to some of the town’s baroque and rococo-style architectural highlights — the stairways of the New Residence, the imposing cathedral and the splendid Town Hall. We will also gain an up-close view of the picturesque point where the three rivers, each a different colour, meet to form one river.

Alternatively, enjoy a guided cycling tour along the picturesque Inn River, which originates in the Alps and flows through three nations (Switzerland, Austria and Germany) on its way to Passau, where it joins the Danube. Your guide will make sure you know the local traffic and safety rules before your group sets out along the largely flat and paved path. Travelling on both sides of the river, cross between Germany and Austria before returning to the ship for an evening at leisure.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 13: Passau, Germany — Weissenkirchen (Melk), Austria

This morning, we explore the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley, Weissenkirchen. With a local English-speaking guide, take in its centuries-old wine estates, houses with colourful flower boxes, lovely gardens, and apricot orchards, before being introduced to regional delicacies and local Wachau wines at a local winery, where your guide will provide an insight on what makes these extraordinary wines so unique.

Prefer something baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Originally a castle, this building was subsequently bequeathed to the Benedictine order during the 11th century and has been a monastery ever since. Reconstructed in full Baroque style during the 18th century, the abbey has many fine rooms and a stupendous library with 100,000 priceless volumes, including some intricate illuminated manuscripts.

As you walk through the abbey’s Marble Hall, be sure to look up at the ceiling fresco painted by Paul Troger. Those classical gods and goddesses represent Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI allegorically bringing his people from darkness to light and demonstrating the link he claimed to the original Roman Empire.

Afterwards, join in on a group hike through vineyards planted with Riesling and grüner veltliner grapes. Enjoy expansive views over the river valley as you approach your resting point, before being given the option for an easy walk, return hike, or comfortable stroll back to the village.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Masterpiece Collection (Optional Activity):

• Private Mozart and Strauss concert (from EUR96 per person): Enjoy an evening of stunning Viennese classical music during a private and intimate performance. Revel in renowned works from Mozart and Strauss in a musical performance complete with opera singers, ballet dancers, piano concertos and much more.

Day 14: Weissenkirchen (Melk), Austria — Vienna, Austria

A cultural treasure trove revered for its ornate architecture, resplendent cafés, aristocratic palaces and imposing cathedrals, Vienna is an elegant imperial city in the heart of Central Europe. Experience the ‘City of Waltzes’ today with your choice of excursions.

Begin your day with a ‘Morning with the Masters’ experience at the Vienna Art History Museum. The doors open early for you, as you join an art historian for a tour of the Habsburgs astonishing collection of artistic treasures over the centuries. Then, move onto the Kunstkammer galleries and hear their remarkable story before your tour ends in the Cupola Hall, perhaps the architectural highlight of the splendid building.

This afternoon you have the option of two different guided tours. Pass some of Vienna’s most opulent landmarks — Ring Street, Parliament, City Hall and the Vienna State Opera — on your way to the older section of the city and celebrated Kärntner Street on an Imperial City Highlights Tour. Or, learn more about the Habsburgs on the Imperial Crypt of the Habsburgs Walking Tour.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Masterpiece Collection (Optional Activity):

• After-hours visit to Schönbrunn Palace (from EUR79 per person): Enjoy an after hours tour of the staterooms of Vienna’s Schönbrunn Palace, the main summer residence of the Habsburg rulers. Discover the private apartments of the imperial couple Franz Joseph & Sisi, the sumptuous rooms from the time of Maria Theresa and beautifully manicured gardens at your own pace, intimately.

Day 15: Vienna, Austria — Budapest, Hungary

Known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’, Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Made up of two parts — Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands) — and divided by the Danube, Hungary’s capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history.

Today, you’ll have two enticing ways to experience the city — a panoramic guided tour aboard a motorcoach with a visit to the Parliament or a special walking tour of the city’s most loved and important landmarks.

The panoramic guided tour will carry you from Heroes’ Square, past some of the city’s most striking architectural sights — Dohány Street Synagogue, the Hungarian National Museum, the state opera house and St. Stephen’s Basilica — and on to your next destination: the Parliament Building, which you can explore inside and out. You will also ascend Gellért Hill for views of Budapest and the Danube below.

This evening, a special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Accommodation: River Duchess

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Masterpiece Collection (Optional Activities):

• Design Tour (from EUR36 per person): Named by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a ‘City of Design’ in 2015, Budapest is bursting at the seams with young, talented designers. On a Design Tour, discover the best Hungarian talents, hidden gems and souvenirs others will never find. Visit the best shops, hear all the secrets and meet with some of the locals, all while supporting Budapestian artists and businesses.
• Jewish Heritage Tour (from EUR72 per person): Discover the most beautiful monuments of Budapest’s Jewish district on this fascinating tour. Learn of the Hungarian Jewish history and heritage as you visit the Dohány Street Synagogue, the Jewish Museum, the Martyrs’ Cemetery, the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park with the Tree of Life and the Heroes’ Temple.

Day 16: Budapest, Hungary (Disembark)

Today your journey comes to an end. Enjoy a lavish breakfast this morning before you are transferred to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast