River cruise · Rhine, Main & Danube
Classic European River Cruise
Sail from the canals of Amsterdam to the grand boulevards of Budapest on a 14-night river cruise through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, with return flights from Australia included.
From$12,398per person
- Duration17 days · 14 nights on board
- RouteAmsterdam to Budapest
- FlightsReturn from Perth, Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne
- DeparturesApril – October 2026/2027
- Meals41 meals included
Overview
From Amsterdam’s canals to the Danube at Budapest.
Three rivers and one remarkable canal carry you across the heart of Europe. Follow the Rhine past castles and terraced vineyards, wind along the Main through half-timbered Bavarian towns, cross the Main-Danube Canal and drift down the Danube to Vienna and Budapest.
Guided tours in every major city, entrance fees, 41 meals and a cruise director on board are all part of the package, so you can unpack once and simply enjoy the view.
- Rhine
- Amsterdam
- Cologne
- Koblenz
- Main
- Miltenberg
- Würzburg
- Bamberg
- Main-Danube Canal
- Nuremberg
- Danube
- Regensburg
- Passau
- Melk
- Vienna
- Bratislava
- Budapest
Trip highlights
- 01
See magnificent panoramic views of Budapest from atop Fisherman’s Bastion
- 02
Tour romantic Vienna with its legendary opulence and elegance
- 03
In Melk, join a guided tour of the historic Benedictine Abbey
- 04
Marvel at the beautiful churches and ancient stone bridges in Regensburg
- 05
Cruise the Main-Danube Canal, considered a marvel of modern engineering
- 06
Walk in Bamberg’s medieval centre with its 11th-century Romanesque cathedral
- 07
View the mighty Lorelei Rock, named for the siren “Lorelei”, rising vertically from the waters
- 08
Sail on the legendary Rhine to Cologne, capital of the Rhineland
- 09
In Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals
Itinerary
Day by day.
17 days from your departure in Australia to your arrival home. Every day can be tailored, and we can add stays before or after the cruise.
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Day01 Depart AustraliaAustralia
Depart from Perth, Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne on your flight to Amsterdam.
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Day02 Arrive AmsterdamAmsterdam
Welcome to Amsterdam, Holland’s sophisticated and modern capital. Transfer to the port. After arrival formalities, rest and relax on board, or begin your discovery of the many cultural sites this city has to offer. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and enjoy dinner as it sets the mood for your delightful river cruise.
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Day03 Amsterdam City TourAmsterdam
Today’s panoramic tour of 700-year-old Amsterdam introduces you to both the old and the new sections of this city. View the Royal Palace on Dam Square, the Dutch National Monument and the unusual Skinny Bridge, once so narrow that pedestrians could not pass each other. Then board a glass-top boat and cruise the winding canals for an up-close view of stately historic homes, 16th-century warehouses and charming churches with striking bell towers.
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Day04 Cologne City TourCologne
Join a walking tour of Cologne, highlighted by the soaring twin-steeple Gothic cathedral that is the geographical and spiritual heart of the city. Known for its vibrant art scene, Cologne abounds with cafes, galleries, shops and taverns. After dinner on board, there is time to explore Cologne’s nightlife before setting sail.
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Day05 Morning in Koblenz & Afternoon CruisingKoblenz · Rhine Gorge
The ship docks this morning in Koblenz, at the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers. Join an orientation walk and enjoy free time to explore the Romanesque architecture and imposing defensive towers of this 2000-year-old city. During lunch, set sail for a relaxing afternoon taking in castles perched on lofty cliffs, terraced vineyards and tiny villages, passing the mighty Lorelei Rock that rises vertically from the waters.
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Day06 Miltenberg Walking TourMiltenberg
After a leisurely morning on board, arrive in the picturesque Bavarian village of Miltenberg, a jewel on the banks of the Main River. Discover the Market Square with its Renaissance-era fountain, the Gothic Merchant Hall and unique 14th and 15th-century half-timbered houses. Rejoin the ship before dinner and set sail for Würzburg.
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Day07 Würzburg City TourWürzburg
Discover Würzburg, the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”, with its dramatic Marienberg fortress, 15th-century bridge and lush vineyards. Your tour takes you to the ornate Bishops’ Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the largest ceiling fresco ever painted. This afternoon, explore the town on your own or relax on board.
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Day08 Bamberg City TourBamberg
Dock in historic Bamberg, former residence of one of Germany’s most powerful imperial dynasties and today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk the medieval centre with its 11th-century Romanesque cathedral and Rose Garden, then view the City Hall built on a tiny island in the Regnitz River and the colourful fishermen’s houses of Little Venice. Set sail this evening while you dine on board.
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Day09 Nuremberg City TourNuremberg
Explore Nuremberg, an energetic city with a visible history of almost one thousand years. The guided excursion visits the historic Palace of Justice and continues to the vibrant Market Square. After lunch on board, the afternoon is free to stroll the shops of the Old Town or walk the fortified walls of Nuremberg Castle. In late afternoon, set sail for Regensburg.
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Day10 Regensburg City TourRegensburg
Relax on board this morning as the ship cruises the Danube. Arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany’s largest and best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A guided walk highlights the Old Town Hall, Dom St. Peter and the Porta Praetoria, gateway to a Roman fort built in 179 AD, along with one of the oldest stone bridges across the Danube. Tonight, set sail for Passau.
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Day11 Morning in PassauPassau
Dock in 2500-year-old Passau, known for its pastel patrician houses, cafes, cobblestone lanes and riverfront promenade. Explore on a guided walking tour, or join the optional full-day tour to Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and setting for The Sound of Music, including Mirabell Palace, the Abbey, Salzburg Cathedral and St. Peter’s Cemetery. All passengers rejoin the ship in the early evening to sail for Melk.
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Day12 Melk Abbey & DürnsteinMelk · Wachau Valley
Disembark in Melk for a guided tour of the Benedictine Abbey, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in Europe, including the Abbot’s chambers, the Kaiser’s walk and the lavish library. Continue cruising through the scenic Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, one of the prettiest towns on the Danube, with free time to stroll its medieval cobblestone streets, 16th-century town houses and wine taverns.
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Day13 Vienna City TourVienna
Your morning tour introduces Imperial Vienna and its legendary opulence. Drive along the Ringstrasse past palaces, parks, the Opera House and the Austrian Parliament, then walk through the Hofburg Palace to St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Spend the afternoon at leisure or visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace, summer residence of the Habsburgs. Tonight, perhaps attend a recital of Mozart and Strauss in the “City of Music”.
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Day14 Bratislava City TourBratislava
Enjoy the tranquil scenery as you sail along the Danube, arriving at noon in Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. Walk the cobblestone lanes of the historic centre to see St. Martin’s Cathedral, coronation site of the kings of Hungary, the 13th-century Old Town Hall and the Franciscan church. Return to the ship for dinner as you sail for Budapest.
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Day15 Budapest City TourBudapest
Your morning tour begins on the Pest side of the city, viewing the Parliament, City Park and Heroes’ Square, then crosses to Buda for views of the Royal Palace, Matthias Church and its graceful medieval architecture. Explore the city’s shops and cafes this afternoon on your own. Tonight, enjoy a lavish farewell dinner on board.
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Day16 Depart BudapestBudapest
Disembark this morning (by 9:30 am) and transfer to the airport for your flight home to Perth, Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne. Please let us know if you would like to delay your return.
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Day17 Arrive AustraliaAustralia
Arrive home in Perth, Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne.
What’s included
Everything in the price.
Package includes
- Flights Australia–Amsterdam, Budapest–Australia or vice versa
- Airline taxes and fuel surcharges
- 14 nights in an outside cabin aboard the Deluxe Monarch Queen or the Superior First Class Monarch Baroness
- Port charges of $380.00 per person
- Cruise porterage
- All transfers on package arrival and departure dates †
- 41 meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners
- Cruise director and activities host throughout the cruise
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for touring during excursions
On board
- Welcome dinner and farewell dinner
- Wine and beer with dinners
- Locally inspired recipes
- Early riser breakfast in addition to buffet breakfast
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas
- Self-serve coffee and tea station
- Lounge serving premium spirits
- Fitness centre
- Non-smoking ship interior
- Shore excursions in English with licensed guides
† Transfers are included only with an airfare purchased on the package arrival and departure dates.
Your ship
Monarch Queen
or the Superior First Class Monarch Baroness on some departures
The MS Monarch Queen is a deluxe river cruise vessel operated by Gate 1 Travel. Every cabin faces the water, is fully air-conditioned with individual climate control and has a private bathroom.
- 2016Built
- 174Guests at most
- 90Outside cabins
- 65French balconies
Ship amenities
- Bar-lounge
- Restaurant
- Aft lounge
- Sundeck
- Putting green
- Elevator
- Fitness centre
- Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- 24/7 coffee and tea station
Every cabin has
- Flat-screen TV
- Direct-dial telephone
- Built-in safe
- Individual climate control
- Hairdryer
Make it yours
Ready to sail from Amsterdam to Budapest?
Tell us your preferred month and who’s travelling. We’ll confirm availability, tailor the details and send your itinerary.
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