Grand European Cruise - Eastbound
From $15,690 per person
25 days
1 countries
Ship: ms Esprit
25 days, 24 nights.
Journey summary
- Day 1 - Your journey begins in Bucharest
- Day 2 - Transylvania – or Sinaia – or Targoviste
- Day 3 - Explore more of Bucharest
- Day 4 - The Black Sea coast before boarding in Constanta
- Day 5 - Bulgarian art & architecture in Ruse or Ivanovo
- Day 6 - Danube cruising & Vidin, Bulgaria
- Day 7 - King Decebalus & the Iron Gate
- Day 8 - Belgrade sights & a private palace visit
- Day 9 - Understanding Croatia's history in Vukovar
- Day 10 - Antiquities and more in Hungary
- Day 11 - Exploring Buda in Budapest
- Day 12 - On the Pest side of the river
- Day 13 - Bratislava & a Grand Evening in Vienna
- Day 14 - A visit to Schönbrunn Palace or the Hofburg
- Day 15 - Dürnstein & Melk in the Wachau Valley
- Day 16 - A bit of Baroque in Passau... or Salzburg
- Day 17 - Old & new in Regensburg
- Day 18 - Main-Danube Canal and historic Nürnberg
- Day 19 - A walking tour in Bamberg
- Day 20 - Choice of Würzburg or Rothenburg
- Day 21 - Pleasures of a day cruising the Main...
- Day 22 - A little musical magic in Rüdesheim
- Day 23 - Köln, a.k.a. Cologne
- Day 24 - Great art, a canal cruise and more in Amsterdam
- Day 25 - Journey Home
Itinerary highlights
Travel like the royals of old on our grand eastern European river cruises combining Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat with Budapest to the Black Sea to create an unforgettable 25-day experience through the heart of Europe. This remarkable voyage virtually links the North Sea to the Black Sea via the Danube, Main and Rhine rivers, taking you through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Glide past grand cathedrals, medieval monasteries, and historic citadels – as well as through the Main-Danube Canal and the Iron Gate of the Danube. Tauck's private, inclusive shore excursions take in many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and in-depth exploration of cities including Amsterdam, Köln, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest. It's the ultimate European river cruise... with the Tauck Difference!
Your journey, ashore & afloat.
Fourteen days. Open any day for the full narrative and that day's highlights.
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Why Book With Us
Booking Direct or Booking by Small Ship Travel
The cruise fare is identical whether you book direct with Tauck or by Small Ship Travel. Cruise lines set their fares, and they do not discount them for direct bookings. Loyalty Program members earn 2% to 5% credit per booking, in addition to any rewards from the cruise line, and points carry across every cruise line we book.
| Book Direct | Book by Small Ship Travel | |
|---|---|---|
| The cruise fare | From $15,690 per person | From $15,690 per person. The fare is the fare. |
| Loyalty credit | The line's own program | 2–5% credit earned per booking for members, in addition to any rewards you receive from the cruise line* |
| Advice | Tauck's ships, known well | We compare across Viking, AmaWaterways, Silversea, and the rest, then put you on the right one |
| Cabin selection | Brochure categories | Which cabins to target on this ship, and which look equivalent on paper but run smaller in practice |
| If plans change | The line's call center | An advocate who knows you, your booking, and people at the line |
* Credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking. $250 credit for new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel. Loyalty Program details
or call 1-888-318-3110 before you finalize anything
Pick your departure. (per person*)
Cabin categories
* Per double occupancy. Some pricing may reflect single traveler rate.
** Double asterisk - for reverse direction indication
The ms Esprit.
Sail the world in unparalleled luxury aboard the ms Esprit, a masterpiece of design and comfort.
Experience an intimate, luxurious journey aboard the ms Esprit, designed for unforgettable river cruising along the Danube and Rhine. With its elegant style and focus on comfort, this 361-foot riverboat is a perfect blend of sophistication and relaxation. Hosting just 98 guests, the ms Esprit offers spacious accommodations, including Tauck Suites with plush bedding, walk-in closets, and private balconies showcasing breathtaking riverside views. Larger cabins measure up to 300 square feet, while cozy yet stylish options are also available. Most rooms feature floor-to-ceiling French balconies, inviting you to enjoy fresh air and scenery at any moment. Delight your palate at Compass Rose, the ship’s main dining room, or savor casual bites at Arthur’s. Whether mingling with fellow travelers in the lounge or marveling at fairy-tale castles from the Sun Deck, every moment aboard promises serenity and charm. The ms Esprit redefines river cruising with sophistication and warmth.
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