Cruise the Heart of Europe: Journey along the Rhine, Main and Danube
This fourteen-night River Cruise is an extensive journey through the centre of the continent, following the legendary paths of the Rhine, Main, and Danube. Starting in Cologne and concluding in the Hungarian capital of Budapest, this trip is designed for travellers who want to see the best of Central Europe without the stress of constant packing and unpacking. You will stay on board the five-star MS Geoffrey Chaucer, a well-appointed ship that provides full-board dining and comfortable cabin accommodation.
As you embark on this Cruise Heart of Europe, your first days are spent on the Rhine, visiting historic locations like Koblenz and the charming village of Boppard. One of the most famous stretches of water you will navigate is the Rhine Gorge. Here, the river narrows between steep valley sides topped with castle ruins, offering some of the most recognisable landscapes in Germany. You will then transition onto the Main River, which takes you through the heart of Franconia. Stops include the Roman city of Mainz and the medieval streets of Miltenberg.
The itinerary continues to the Main-Danube Canal, an engineering marvel that connects these major river systems. You will visit Würzburg, home to the impressive Baroque Residenz palace, and the town of Bamberg, famous for its canals and unique town hall built in the middle of the river. In Nuremberg, you have the choice to explore the city’s imperial history or learn more about its role in the events of the twentieth century.
Moving onto the Danube, the cruise enters Austria and Slovakia. You will visit the Benedictine Abbey at Melk, a massive complex overlooking the river, and sail through the picturesque Wachau Valley. In Vienna, the city of Strauss, you can enjoy the ornate architecture and a special live classical quartet recital on board the ship. Before reaching Hungary, the ship stops in Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, which has a beautifully restored old town and a castle with panoramic views.
The final destination is Budapest, often called the ‘Paris of the East.’ Here, you can tour the castle district, see the iconic Parliament building, and explore the Central Market Hall. Throughout the journey, all your meals and twenty specific excursions are included in the price, along with return flights from Dublin and airport transfers. This holiday is an ideal way to see multiple European capitals and historic sites in a single, well-organised trip that offers excellent value for money.
Are meals included on the ship?
Will the sun deck always be open?
Do we have a choice of tours in Nuremberg?
What's Included+
- Booking advice from your Travel Escapes travel advisor
- Return flights from Dublin
- 20kg check-in bag per person
- Return airport transfers
- 14 nights onboard the 5* Riviera River Cruise MS Geoffrey Chaucer based on two sharing
- Full board dining
- Complimentary drinks
- Complimentary onboard WIFI
- 20 included experiences
- All Airport taxes, charges, and transfers
Itinerary
1Boarding in Cologne+
Your journey begins in Cologne, where you will be welcomed on board by the English-speaking crew. After settling into your cabin, you can familiarise yourself with the ship's facilities before the first dinner is served.
2Exploring Koblenz and Boppard+
Wake up to river views as we arrive in Koblenz. Enjoy a guided walk through the old town's squares. Later, we sail to Boppard, known as the 'Pearl of the Rhine', for free time and a live Rhenish folk music performance.
3Sailing the Scenic Rhine Gorge+
Experience the famous Rhine Gorge, where the river narrows between steep valley sides and castle ruins. We later call at Rüdesheim for a guided tour of its historic cobbled streets and wine taverns.
4Roman History in Mainz+
A morning walking tour of Mainz highlights its Roman past and the Saint Martin’s Cathedral. We then join the Main River, spending a relaxing afternoon in the lounge as the landscape changes.
5Medieval Charms of Miltenberg+
Discover Miltenberg, one of Germany’s best-preserved villages, on a guided tour. In the afternoon, enjoy a glassblowing demonstration before exploring Wertheim or hiking to its hilltop castle ruins.
6The Grand Residenz of Würzburg+
Arrive in Würzburg, the start of the Romantic Road. We tour the Residenz, a magnificent Baroque palace. The afternoon is spent sailing towards Bamberg while enjoying afternoon tea on board.
7Canals and History in Bamberg+
Explore the UNESCO-listed town of Bamberg, seeing its unique island town hall and 'Little Venice' canals. Before dinner, enjoy a tasting of local Bavarian beers as we enter the Main-Danube Canal.
8Nuremberg’s Imperial Heritage+
In Nuremberg, choose between a tour focused on the Holy Roman Empire at Nuremberg Castle or a visit to the sites associated with the city's twentieth-century history. Sail towards Regensburg in the afternoon.
9Cruise Heart of Europe to Regensburg+
Enjoy a quiet morning on the canal before arriving in Regensburg. This well-preserved Bavarian city features a stone bridge and a Gothic cathedral. Our guided tour reveals why it is considered a medieval miracle.
10The Three Rivers City of Passau+
Passau sits where three rivers meet. Explore the town's Baroque architecture and Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, or take an active hike to the Veste Oberhaus fortress for views across the border into Austria.
11Melk Abbey and the Wachau Valley+
Visit the enormous Benedictine Abbey at Melk, perched on a rocky bluff. We then cruise through the scenic Wachau Valley, enjoying a signature Chef’s Dinner and a classical quartet recital on board.
12Imperial Splendour in Vienna+
Discover Vienna on a guided tour, seeing the Ringstrasse, Hofburg Palace, and Saint Stephen’s Cathedral. Use the afternoon to visit a traditional café or explore the museums of this musical capital.
13Bratislava’s Restored Old Town+
Slovakia’s capital offers a blend of Baroque palaces and a medieval castle. After a guided tour of the old town, enjoy a scenic cruise through the dramatic Danube Bend as we head for Hungary.
14The Grand Sights of Budapest+
Arrive in Budapest for a full day of exploration. Choose a coach tour of the Parliament and Opera House or a walking tour of the Castle District. Spend your final afternoon at the Central Market Hall.
15Final Disembarkation+
After a final breakfast on board, you will disembark the MS Geoffrey Chaucer and transfer to the airport for your return flight to Dublin.
| Date | Acc. | Price | Booking | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 Jun 2026Lower Deck | 29 Jun 2026 | Lower Deck | €3,999 | Enquire Now |
| 30 Sep 2026Lower Deck | 30 Sep 2026 | Lower Deck | €3,899 | Enquire Now |
| 02 May 2027Lower Deck | 02 May 2027 | Lower Deck | €4,599 | Enquire Now |
| 18 May 2027Lower Deck | 18 May 2027 | Lower Deck | €4,749 | Enquire Now |
- Booking deposit: enquire at time of booking
- Prices are per person based on two sharing.
- Single Supplement applies.
- A non-refundable / non-transferable deposit is required at the time of booking.
- Balance due 16 weeks before departure.
- Optional insurance available (terms & conditions apply).
- Taxes, prices & itinerary subject to change.
- Booking terms & conditions apply.
- Travel Insurance is not included.
Ref: RI
