Cruise the Heart of Europe Aboard Amadeus Star

Begin your day with an onboard discussion of contemporary Holland. Then choose between 1) an audio-guided tour of the Rijksmuseum, home to masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer and other renowned artists, 2) an active, guided bicycle ride in the scenic Waterland region, or 3) an active walking tour of Amsterdam’s canal district with a visit to the Museum of the Canals. Later, gather for a festive Welcome Reception and Dinner, a gracious opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and toast the beginning of your river journey—a delightful prelude to the experiences that await.

Today, visit Koblenz, situated at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. Choose between (1) a walking tour of Koblenz, passing by the onion-domed Liebfrauenkirche, the Alte Burg and the iconic German Corner, or (2) a scenic cable car ride up to visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, perched on a rocky outcrop with spectacular views of the Rhine Valley. Relish afternoon cruising along a particularly scenic stretch of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, passing by the legendary Loreley Rock.

Head to the sun deck for a mid-morning Frühschoppen, the German tradition of drinking local beers accompanied by traditional pretzels, sausages and mustards! Arrive in medieval Miltenberg for a guided walk through its romantic market square, passing half-timbered houses, the 16th-century octagonal red sandstone fountain, the old Town Hall and Germany’s oldest working inn. Cap off your tour with a visit to the St. Kilian Kellerei wine shop for a tasting of Franconian brandies in its 15th-century vaulted cellar.

Be inspired by this romantic corner of Bavaria! Choose from (1) a tour inside the opulent, 18th-century Würzburg Residenz, one of Europe’s finest secular baroque palaces, plus a guided walk of the Old Town to admire St. Kilian’s Cathedral, the Neumünster Church and more, or 2) a journey along the storied Romantic Road through the foothills of the German Alps and Franconia’s wine country. Stop to visit the storybook town of Rothenburg to stroll through the Altstadt, surrounded by 15th-century medieval walls.

The village of Bamberg has many treasures to share! Choose from (1) a walking tour of the old town, including the famous, 17th-century Neptune statue and fountain, the Obere Brücke’s grand rococo archway and the town’s panoramic views, or (2) an outdoor culinary stroll with brief stops at a local bakery, butcher shop, deli and candy store to sample and learn about Bavarian specialties along the way. The ship begins cruising through the Rhine, Main and Danube canals this evening.

In historic Nuremberg, choose from (1) a city tour to see the World War II trials courthouse, Hauptmarkt square, iconic 14th-century fountain and Nuremberg’s architectural treasures, (2) a visit to the Interim Exhibition at the Documentation Center to gain insight into the profound history of the Nazi Party Rallies and expansive Rally Grounds, or (3) a drive through picturesque Franconian Switzerland with a visit the Franconian Switzerland Museum and Gössweinstein Abbey; a distillery visit, schnapps tasting and lunch at a traditional inn.

Regensburg is one of Germany’s oldest cities, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and cultural heritage. On a guided walk in the old town, see the 12th-century Stone Bridge and the Old Town Hall. Admire the stunning stained-glass windows, impressive twin spire towers and Gothic architecture of the 13th-century St. Peter’s Cathedral. Visit the Thurn und Taxis Palace to be awed by its aristocratic elegance, including the opulent throne room. Later, learn about the creation and history of the Main-Danube Canal.

Soak up the highlights of romantic Passau, situated at the confluence of three rivers, on a guided stroll through the charming Altstadt and along the elegant and beautiful Residenzplatz square. Admire the Renaissance-style Rathaus Town Hall, the stunning Viennese baroque New Bishop’s Palace, the 14th-century Old Bishop’s Palace and the Niedernburg Monastery. Then visit the 15th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral to be awed by the world’s largest cathedral organ with nearly 18,000 pipes. Enjoy an afternoon of cruising while passing through the Danube Loop.

Begin today in Melk with a visit to Austria’s extraordinary Benedictine Melk Abbey, a baroque architectural jewel dating to 1736. Then, cruise to the village of Dürnstein and choose from (1) a walking tour of the enchanting old town with a stop inside the iconic blue and white Stift Dürnstein, or (2) an active bicycle ride through stunning landscapes along the Danube Bicycle Trail, with a refreshment stop, or (3) a visit to a local Wachau Valley winery with tastings from its cellar.

After a discussion on elegant Vienna, choose from (1) a visit to the sumptuous Imperial Apartments of Hofburg Palace and a city tour to see highlights, including the Ringstrasse, Houses of Parliament and Opera House, or (2) a visit to Klosterneuburg Monastery to admire the gilded copper Verdun Altar and savor a wine tasting in its cellars, or (3) a tour of the stunning, baroque Schönbrunn Palace and landscaped gardens. This evening, delight in a captivating Viennese waltz performance and lesson!

Learn about the pivotal Velvet Revolution and then choose from (1) a guided walk of old town highlights, including St. Michael’s Gate and the Primate’s Palace, with a special café stop, or (2) a walking exploration of musical venues associated with Mozart and Beethoven, plus a private violin performance, or (3) a scenic drive outside the city to see quaint Slovak villages, forested hills and vineyards, plus a winery visit and tasting of Slovak wines. Enjoy tonight’s special Farewell Reception and Dinner.

Discover imperial Budapest by choosing from (1) a tour of city highlights, including the iconic Andrássy Avenue and Heroes’ Square, plus Matthias Church in the Buda Castle Quarter, or (2) a cultural immersion at the bustling, three-story, 19th-century Great Market Hall, plus a strudel and Hungarian pálinka schnapps tasting, or (3) a tour of Budapest’s historic Jewish Quarter with visits to the Great Synagogue and Holocaust Memorial Center. This evening, delight in an illuminated Budapest during a memorable farewell cruise!