Scenic River Cruises

Daily Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Nuremberg

   Germany

   

   Nuremberg commands the imagination on two levels: as the glittering medieval city where Holy Roman Emperors held court, Albrecht Dürer was born, and craftsmen produced the first pocket watch — and as the site of the 20th century's darkest chapter, where Nazi rallies and subsequent war crimes trials left permanent marks on European history and conscience. The Kaiserburg castle crowning the hill above the perfectly preserved old town offers sweeping views of a cityscape that, despite wartime bombing, remains one of Germany's most beautiful. The Documentation Centre on the former Nazi Rally Grounds is essential, sobering history; the Christmas Market on the Hauptmarkt, held since 1628, is among Europe's finest. Visit May through October or December.

2. Day 1

   Regensburg

   Germany

   

   Regensburg, Bavaria's medieval masterpiece on the Danube, is one of Central Europe's most intact ancient cities — its Roman origins visible in the Porta Praetoria stone gate, its medieval prosperity celebrated in the soaring twin towers of St. Peter's Cathedral and the twelfth-century Stone Bridge. UNESCO World Heritage status acknowledges a skyline dotted with patrician towers, while the famous Historische Wurstküchl, Germany's oldest operating sausage kitchen, has been serving spit-grilled bratwurst since the 1140s. The surrounding hills produce excellent Bavarian whites. May through September offers the most convivial riverbank atmosphere.

3. Day 2

   Regensburg

   Germany

   

   Regensburg, Bavaria's medieval masterpiece on the Danube, is one of Central Europe's most intact ancient cities — its Roman origins visible in the Porta Praetoria stone gate, its medieval prosperity celebrated in the soaring twin towers of St. Peter's Cathedral and the twelfth-century Stone Bridge. UNESCO World Heritage status acknowledges a skyline dotted with patrician towers, while the famous Historische Wurstküchl, Germany's oldest operating sausage kitchen, has been serving spit-grilled bratwurst since the 1140s. The surrounding hills produce excellent Bavarian whites. May through September offers the most convivial riverbank atmosphere.

4. Day 3

   Passau

   Germany

   

   Passau occupies one of Central Europe's most dramatic natural stages — a narrow peninsula at the confluence of three rivers, the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, where the old town's baroque spires and shuttered merchants' houses crowd the very tip of the land between the waters. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ, a 17,974-pipe instrument whose daily concerts fill the nave with a sound that seems architectural in its density. The Veste Oberhaus fortress above the city commands panoramic views across three countries on clear days. Passau is a classic Danube river cruise departure point; spring and early autumn, when the river runs high and the light turns golden, are the finest seasons.

5. Day 3

   Passau

   Germany

   

   Passau occupies one of Central Europe's most dramatic natural stages — a narrow peninsula at the confluence of three rivers, the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, where the old town's baroque spires and shuttered merchants' houses crowd the very tip of the land between the waters. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ, a 17,974-pipe instrument whose daily concerts fill the nave with a sound that seems architectural in its density. The Veste Oberhaus fortress above the city commands panoramic views across three countries on clear days. Passau is a classic Danube river cruise departure point; spring and early autumn, when the river runs high and the light turns golden, are the finest seasons.

6. Day 4

   At Sea

   

7. Day 4

   Durnstein

   Austria

   

   Dürnstein is the jewel of the Wachau — that UNESCO-protected stretch of the Danube where medieval villages, baroque spires, and precipitous terraced vineyards create the most picturesque river landscape in Central Europe. The blue-and-white tower of the Augustinian monastery and the dramatic ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192 define a skyline of romantic perfection. The surrounding vineyards produce some of Austria's greatest Grüner Veltliners and Rieslings; tasting rooms open directly onto the river path. May through October offers the finest conditions, with harvest season in September an especially memorable time to visit.

8. Day 5

   Vienna

   Austria

   

   The port of Vienna is a cultural gem along the Danube River, famous for its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culinary scene. Must-do experiences include sampling authentic Wiener Schnitzel and visiting the picturesque village of Dürnstein. The best season to visit is spring or early fall, when the city's gardens bloom and outdoor activities abound.

9. Day 6

   Bratislava

   Slovakia

   

   Bratislava, the only national capital bordering two sovereign states, sits sixty kilometres downstream from Vienna on the Danube — close enough for a day trip to the Austrian capital, yet possessed of its own entirely distinct character: a pastel-hued medieval old town of hidden courtyards, playful bronze statues, and hilltop castle views, where wine bars pour outstanding Slovak Riesling at prices that make the Viennese feel extravagant. The city's dramatic reinvention since 1989 has produced a dynamic, youthful culture that fills the old quarter's restaurants and concert halls with genuine warmth. Pair with Vienna or Budapest for the classic Danube river trilogy; all three cities are within two hours of each other.

10. Day 7

    Budapest

    Hungary

    

    Budapest, divided by the Danube into the hilly Buda of thermal baths and medieval castle lanes on one bank and the grand Pest of coffee-house culture and Art Nouveau splendor on the other, delivers the most theatrical first impression of any European capital — whether approached by river as the neo-Gothic Parliament materializes from the water or by night from the Citadella's sweep of illuminated panorama below. The city's celebrated thermal bath culture, rooted in Ottoman-era hammams and perfected in palatial Secession-era pools like the Széchenyi, is an experience entirely unlike anything else in Europe. Visit spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; Vienna is two and a half hours west by train.

11. Day 8

    Budapest

    Hungary

    

    Budapest, divided by the Danube into the hilly Buda of thermal baths and medieval castle lanes on one bank and the grand Pest of coffee-house culture and Art Nouveau splendor on the other, delivers the most theatrical first impression of any European capital — whether approached by river as the neo-Gothic Parliament materializes from the water or by night from the Citadella's sweep of illuminated panorama below. The city's celebrated thermal bath culture, rooted in Ottoman-era hammams and perfected in palatial Secession-era pools like the Széchenyi, is an experience entirely unlike anything else in Europe. Visit spring and autumn for comfortable temperatures; Vienna is two and a half hours west by train.

Cabin Categories

Balcony Suite

Suite

205 sq ftMax 2A

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+3

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Balcony Suite

Suite

205 sq ftMax 2C

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+3

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Balcony Suite

Suite

205 sq ftMax 2P

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+3

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Single Balcony Suite

Suite

160 sq ftMax 2BS

Single Balcony Suite

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerRoom Service AvailableTVSafeHair Dryer+2

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Standard Stateroom

Suite

160 sq ftMax 2E

Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-FiSafe+2

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Balcony Suite

Suite

205 sq ftMax 2B

Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks they feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+3

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Junior Balcony Suite

Suite

250 sq ftMax 2BJ

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+3

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Junior Balcony Suite

Suite

250 sq ftMax 2RJ

These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableTVFree Wi-Fi+3

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Royal Balcony Suite

Suite

315 sq ftMax 2RA

These suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+5

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Royal Balcony Suite

Suite

315 sq ftMax 2R

These suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+5

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Royal Owner's Suite

Suite

315 sq ftMax 2RO

These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area and an oversized bathroom.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerBathToiletries ProvidedRoom Service Available+6

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Royal Panorama Suite

Suite

325 sq ftMax 2RS

At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.

Queen or Twin ConfigurationLounge AreaShowerToiletries ProvidedRoom Service AvailableSuite Benefits+4

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