Enjoy a distinctive experience immersing yourself in either the arts or deeply rooted heritage of Budapest during your second day in this phenomenal city. Celebrate the joy of music when visiting the beautiful Hungarian State Opera House, known for its neo-Renaissance and baroque décor. Discover where Hungarian classical music culture came to life as you walk through the backstage and on to the main stage, followed by a reception and small performance. You will then visit the Liszt House and museum, previously home to one of Hungary’s greatest composers and virtuoso pianists. Immerse yourself into the history of music as you will see a collection of pianos, portraits and personal objects of an influential pianist of the 19th century. Alternatively, enjoy a walking and panoramic tour into Budapest's historic Jewish Quarter with its Great Synagogue, the largest in Europe and the second largest in the world, at its heart. Other prominent attractions include the Holocaust Memorial, a weeping willow tree with the names of Hungary's Jewish Holocaust victims inscribed on each leaf; and the Shoes on the Danube, a poignant memorial to the Budapest Jewish community.

Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings,” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or join a special “Tastes of Slovakia” tour. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city.

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and on your city tour, you’ll see many of them, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour in Vienna’s historic city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then afterwards, visit the grand St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, discover Vienna on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, journey to Bratislava to tour this “Coronation City of Kings.” During the afternoon, spend leisure time exploring the iconic city of Vienna even more.

After reaching the Wachau Valley in the morning, you’ll have a choice of three excursions in Dürnstein. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the luminous blue façade of the Baroque Stiftskirche, with its famed church tower, before enjoying a wine tasting in a local cellar. Visit a local boutique, where you’ll be treated to the region’s finest apricot products. Alternatively, for a beautiful view of the Wachau Valley, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. After your morning excursions, you have the choice to cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk or join a bike tour along the Danube. Upon reaching Melk, take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey.

Enjoy a scenic cruise to Passau before a walking tour along the city’s cobblestone streets, admiring the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, take an all-day excursion from Linz to the charming mountain town of Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, adding another country to the journey before rejoining the ship in Passau. Guests can also visit Salzburg, famous for its religious history, Baroque architecture and as the birthplace of Mozart.

Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Alternatively, sample some Bavarian specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels, and for those who wish to be more active, join a bike tour to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens.

Turn back the pages of a darker history with a guided tour of the city’s most important WWII sites, including the enormous Documentation Centre Nazi Party Rally Grounds. You’ll also visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam, and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. En route to Regensburg, you’ll cruise through the man-made marvel, the Main-Danube Canal.

You have two choices of excursions while in Nuremberg. Explore medieval Nuremberg and savour traditional Franconian specialties by sampling famously delicious Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rot bier (red beer) and lebkuchen (gingerbread). Enjoy a guided tour through Nuremberg’s beautiful medieval city, showcasing the Imperial Castle, famous town wall, Albrecht Durer house and the legendary fountain of the Market Square.

Explore enchanting Bamberg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in one of three ways. Join a guided walking tour of this medieval gem where you’ll see its cathedral, Old Town Hall and elegant old mansions. Or taste your way through the city sampling smoked beer, licorice root and Hornla pastry, a local favourite dating back to 1427. And for those wishing to explore the town more actively, hop on a bike for a guided bike tour along the Main River from Bamberg to Eltmann. Later in the day, attend a special wine festival in Volkach held exclusively for AmaWaterways guests.

There are several choices of excursions, depending on your interests. You can go to Würzburg, a beautiful city bursting with Baroque splendour. While here, visit its crown jewel, the Baroque Residenz Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that features an opulent interior, including a grand fresco by Tiepolo. Alternatively, you can take a trip through a thousand years of history while in Rothenburg, Germany’s best-preserved walled town located on the Romantic Road. Interestingly, the imagery of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio was very much influenced by sketches of Rothenburg. For those looking for a more active excursion, may choose to venture high above the town for a hike to Marienberg Fortress, which dominates the city. First settled in the late Bronze Age, Marienberg was the ruling seat of the Würzburg prince-bishops from the mid-13th through the early 18th centuries.

Enjoy the town of Wertheim, considered to have one of Germany’s most beautiful city centres with precious half-timbered houses. While here, join a walking tour, hike to the impressive stone ruins of Wertheim Castle or go to a pretzel bakery for a delicious tasting. Rejoin the ship in Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main River.” While on your walking tour, you’ll discover why this medieval town seems to leap from the pages of a fairytale with its 14th- and 15th-century half-timbered, gabled houses; the famed Crooked House; and the venerable Royal Inn, which has been a working hotel since the 17th century. For those who would like a more active adventure, hike to the Miltenberg Castle, offering majestic views of the town and river; or go on a guided bike ride along the Main River. Or you can taste local specialties on a “Flavours of Miltenberg” tour.

Make your way to Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Join a walking tour of Mainz, home to many historic treasures, including one of Germany’s most important churches, the Romanesque cathedral and the Chagall stained-glass windows depicting scriptural scenes in stunning blue, which you will get to see. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz to Rüdesheim. Rejoin the ship in Rüdesheim for lunch, and try a taste of one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy, coffee and whipped cream. In the evening, enjoy the flavours of celebrated Schloss Johannisberg wines in an exclusive wine tasting experience.

Sail from Rüdesheim to Ludwigshafen, where you will have a choice of three different excursions. Visit Heidelberg, the perfectly preserved medieval city nestled in the Neckar River Valley along Germany’s Castle Road. Discover the iconic red sandstone Heidelberg Castle and Great Vat, an 18th-century 49,000-gallon wine cask. Alternatively, tour the Mannheim Baroque Palace—one of the largest palaces in Europe, which is furnished with over 800 exhibits, recreating its bygone grandeur. You may also choose to tour the gardens of Schwetzingen Palace, famous for their beauty and harmony, with ample time to explore the sculptures and landscapes that make this a cultural heritage site of European significance.

Strasbourg, the capital city of Alsace, offers flavours of both France and Germany because of its borderline location. Enjoy a panoramic tour past the stunning Parc de l’Orangerie, the European Parliament and the Place de la République. Then walk through its iconic UNESCO World Heritage “La Petite France” district, which appears to have been lifted straight from the pages of a fairytale. Wander through these charming streets and past the Cathédrale de Nôtre Dame with its famous astronomical clock. For the active adventurer, you can take a guided bike ride through this captivating city and Parc de l’Orangerie. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic cruise on your way to Basel.

Enjoy getting to know Basel, Switzerland’s third largest city. Long an important university, banking and trade centre, Basel’s glorious past is still evident in its medieval town hall, richly decorated market square and exquisite 18th-century patrician homes. Tour the city by foot or on a guided bike tour that takes you through three countries: Switzerland, France and Germany, with the afternoon at your leisure. Alternatively, go on a full-day excursion to Lucerne, with the opportunity to see its Lion Monument – the figure of a dying lion carved into a hillside in memory of the Swiss Guards massacred during the French Revolution in 1792 – which Mark Twain described as “the most mournful and moving pieces of stone in the world.” You’ll also see Lucerne’s spectacular medieval walls and towers, dating back to the 13th century.

Breisach is your gateway to several different excursions, depending on your interests. Step back in time with a visit to the enchanting Alsatian town of Riquewihr, which looks almost the same as it did in the 16th century. On your walking tour, admire historic architecture as well as famous sights, such as the Dolder Gate. Alternatively, you may wish to go to Freiburg, founded in 1120 and home to the Freiburg’s Münster, a Gothic cathedral said to have “the most beautiful spire on earth.” You also have the choice to go on a hike in the Black Forest, a magical land full of cultural traditions, or cycle through the scenic countryside.

Say bonjour again to Strasbourg as you revisit the Alsace region for two opportunities to fully immerse yourself in the French history and culture. Visit the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg for a truly medieval experience into this nearly authentic fortress with its collections of medieval weapons and fully furnished living quarters. Then make your way to explore charming Ribeauville, one of the oldest medieval towns in the Alsace region, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills. For a more active adventure, pedal through Strasbourg, one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Europe, on an awe-inspiring bike tour.

Ludwigshafen is your gateway to a choice of three excursions. Visit the Mannheim Baroque Palace—one of the largest palaces in Europe, which is furnished with over 800 exhibits, recreating its bygone grandeur. Alternatively, join a walking tour of one of Germany’s oldest cities, Speyer, known for the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; its crypt contains the tomb of eight German emperors and kings. Speyer is also home to the medieval Altpörtel, Old Gate. If you prefer to stretch your legs on a bike tour, join us as we pedal to the glorious Schwetzingen Palace and Gardens.

Cruise along the Rhine River and take in some of the dozens of castles that line its path before reaching Rüdesheim. Drink up the stunning views by soaring high above the vineyards with a gondola ride to the Niederwalddenkmal Statue, and afterwards, be treated to a wine tasting. For a more active adventure, hike through the town’s beautiful vineyards. Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein where your ship will dock as you venture to the 2,000-year-old town of Koblenz for a walking tour. Located near three parts of the Berlin Wall, Koblenz is also famous for its whimsical Schängel Fountain.

History comes to life in Cochem with its half-timbered houses and Reichsburg Castle. Join a guided tour through the castle, and then walk through its Old Town. For those wishing to have a more active exploration of the area, you can go on a guided hike to the castle, or you can bike through Cochem and along the beautiful Moselle River banks.

Trier, Germany’s oldest city, has often been referred to as the second Rome. Be guided to the Roman Imperial Baths, the Porta Nigra and Emperor Constantine’s Throne Room. Or hike to Petrisberg Hill, where you’ll take in a spectacular view of the city and its glorious spires. You can also cycle along the Moselle River past Trier’s Imperial Baths, Porta Nigra city gate and other historic sites.

Arrive in one of Europe’s last independent duchies and the heart of the country that bears its name. Enjoy a guided walking tour of Luxembourg City and its picturesque gabled houses. Follow your tour with an exclusive wine tasting, where you may sample locally produced wine such as Rivaner, crafted with a special cross between Riesling and Sylvander grapes.

Walk through Bernkastel’s colourful Old Town centre and past many medieval and Renaissance buildings on a guided tour that also includes a winery visit and tasting. Hikers can opt to trek up to the ruins of Landshut Castle, which dates all the way back to the 9th century and cycling enthusiasts can choose to join a bike tour along the Moselle.

In the morning, explore the incredible Eltz Castle. Destroyed in the Croatian War of Independence, the castle was rebuilt to its former glory. Explore its collection of artifacts, paintings and clothing and see first-hand the history of the local area. For a more active excursion, guests can join a guided bike tour along the Rhine River to Koblenz, where they will rejoin the ship.

Be treated to a second morning passage through the fascinating Rhine Gorge past its many well-preserved castles as you make your way to Mainz, located at the confluence of the Main and Rhine rivers. Enjoy a walking tour of Mainz’s Old Town with a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, where you will learn more about the German visionary’s inventions and have an opportunity to admire two of his original mid-15th century Gutenberg Bibles. Alternatively, join another walking tour through Mainz, where you’ll pass through the Old Town with its narrow streets, Baroque churches, gleaming Old University, grand Staatstheater and half-timbered houses. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Collegiate Church of St. Stephan, best known for the glowing blue stained glass windows designed by world-renowned artist Stephen Chagall. For a more active adventure, go on a guided bike tour through Mainz. Later in the day, sail to Rüdesheim for the evening, where you will have a unique excursion – taste one of the town’s special delights, Rüdesheimer Coffee, ceremoniously made with brandy.

In the morning, prepare your eyes and ears for a visit to Siegfried’s whimsical Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum. His museum is the first museum collection of automated musical instruments in Germany and houses one of the greatest collections of robotic and self-playing musical instruments from centuries past, such as Bernhard Dufner’s band of 27 automatic dolls, the largest doll automation calliope ever built. Later in the day, cruise to Lahnstein, where you will enjoy a unique evening visit at Lahneck Castle.

Enjoy cruising to Cologne, home to one of Germany’s most revered Gothic masterpieces, the Cologne Cathedral. Join a guided tour through the Old Town and explore the UNESCO-designated cathedral. Continue to the Cologne Rathaus, Germany’s oldest town hall, the Old Market and the Heumarkt. For a different view of the city, visit a local tavern to taste its famous Kölsch beer, only made in Cologne, and reibekuchen, potato pancakes typically served with applesauce. Active adventurists will want to join a guided bike ride along the Rhine.

Delve deeply into the cultural heritage of Amsterdam during your extended stay in port. Choose a walking tour during which we’ll introduce you to historical sites related to Amsterdam’s Jewish Heritage, from the 17th-century Portuguese Synagogue to the Jewish Historical Museum. Explore Amsterdam’s Jewish District to dive into the history of Jewish society in Amsterdam. Alternatively, art connoisseurs can discover the world’s largest collection of Dutch and Flemish art at the Rijksmuseum showcasing renowned works by Rembrandt and Vermeer, including “The Night Watch” and “The Milkmaid.”

During your second day in Amsterdam, enjoy a completely different experience with your choice between two immersive excursions brimming with unique history. Visit Haarlem, the capital of North Holland and one of the most photogenic cities in the Netherlands. Enjoy a canal cruise through Haarlem, which boasts spectacular historic architecture, gabled houses, cobblestone streets, several museums and winding waterways. Then enjoy a panoramic tour of the Hague, taking in the Gothic Binnenhof complex and 16th-century Noordeinde Palace. Visit the Mauritshuis Museum known for its Dutch Golden Age paintings, including the 'Girl With the Pearl Earring' by Johannes Vermeer.

There are 165 canals in Amsterdam, and you’ll get enjoy some of them on your canal cruise. Later in the day, enjoy a scenic cruise through the IJsselmeer to Utrecht, the religious centre of the Netherlands since the 8th century and a far-reaching city boasting a medieval old town, canals and a beautiful Gothic cathedral, some of which you may see on your walking tour, which includes a visit to the whimsical collection of automatically playing musical instruments at Museum Speelklok. Alternatively, marvel at the largest castle in Holland, De Haar on a walking or biking tour. Straight out of your fairytale dreams, this castle inspires awe with its turrets, moats and suspension bridges as well as its luxurious interior.

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise through the delta before arriving in Veere, the Netherlands’ medieval harbour town. This former fishing village turned yachting town is known for its town square, where some houses boast gorgeous gardens – although the highlight is the town hall, with its 48-bell carillon! During your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to savour the taste of the famous Zeeuwse Oysters at a local restaurant. Or journey instead to the Flood Museum, where you’ll learn about the devastating floods of 1953, followed by a visit to a landmark recognizing the Roosevelt family’s relationship with the Dutch royal family. For those who prefer an active adventure, pedal from Veere, with its cobblestone streets and charming harbour, to the historic town of Middelberg and back.

There are several choices of excursions in Ghent, depending on your interests. Stroll through the Capital of East Flanders, learning about its unique history on your walking tour, or pedal through the spellbinding town on a guided bike tour. Alternatively, visit Bruges, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe, on a full-day excursion that includes the renowned Church of Our Lady, home to the beautiful Carrara marble Madonna and Child sculpture by Michelangelo. If you prefer a shorter excursion in Bruges, visit the town later in the day or spend your afternoon at Ghent’s moated Castle of the Counts, which boasts an eye-catching design as well as a ghoulishly interesting collection of medieval torture devices.

Explore Belgium’s captivating capital on your guided walking tour or pedal through Brussels on a guided bike ride. If you are a history enthusiast, spend your day traveling back in time to sites related to World War II’s historic Battle of the Bulge, which was the last major German offensive on the Western Front and toast fallen soldiers with a tasting of Trappist beer brewed by monks. For those not joining this full-day tour, choose from afternoon excursions that include a visit to Gaasbeek Castle, one of the oldest and authentic moated castles in Flanders, or delight your palate with a Belgian chocolate tasting

Explore Belgium’s trendy “City of Diamonds” on a walking tour where you’ll see Antwerp’s Steen Castle, Grote Market and Brabo Fountain, along with the UNESCO-designated Cathedral of Our Lady. Active travellers may prefer instead to bike through Antwerp. Later in the day, beer enthusiasts will appreciate a tasting of the local brew while foodies may prefer our excursion to sample some of Belgium’s culinary delights such as its fresh and fluffy waffles. An afternoon bike tour is also available for those who prefer to get their heart beating later in the day, and it includes an opportunity to visit the Red Star Line Museum, highlighting the historic shipping line responsible for transporting three million immigrants to America.

Established in 1220, Holland’s oldest city was virtually destroyed by a devastating flood in the 15th century that essentially created the city’s wetlands. Learn more about Dordrecht’s fascinating history on your walking tour, or visit Rotterdam, the “Gateway to Europe,” as well as Delfshaven, where, on August 1, 1620, the Pilgrim fathers departed on their epic journey aboard the Speedwell. Stopping in Southampton, many then boarded the Mayflower and concluded their journey at Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. If you prefer to venture off the beaten path, head to the smaller town of Gorinchem with its picturesque Old Town or go on an architectural bike tour through Rotterdam. In the afternoon, venture to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk, a lovely village renowned for having the country’s greatest concentration of windmills, all dating from the 18th century. You may also pedal past the windmills from the seat of a bike.

Disembark the AmaMora and bid farewell to Amsterdam as you prepare for your return flight home.