Magnificent Europe 2026
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Overview
Relish exclusive experiences at Vienna’s City Palace and a ‘Sound of Music’ Show. Throughout your European river cruise, be stimulated by rare sights, tastes and sounds. Go beyond the expected and discover Europe in a whole new way with APT.
Please note images of APT Solara and APT Ostara are artist impressions only
Explore Europe waterways in unparalleled luxury onboard APT Solara and APT Ostara in 2026 – APT's brand-new river ships that redefine European river cruising. Offering six world-class dining venues and one of the highest guest to staff ratios on Europe's rivers. Whether enjoying a cocktail up on the sun deck or retreating to a spacious, light-filled suite, there is so much to discover on board!
This is our most popular river cruise, and for good reason. Explore the rivers of Europe aboard a luxury river ship, enjoying all-inclusive cruising, personalised service and world-class dining experiences along the way. From the beautiful cities of Amsterdam, Vienna and Budapest to quaint riverside towns, you’ll discover the icons and hidden gems of this spectacular region.
Inclusions
14 nights on a luxury river ship
Experiences in 14 destinations
In-suite dining and beverage service in all suites
All-inclusive sightseeing experiences
Transfers and port charges included
All tips, charges and local taxes included
A total of 41 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
The services of an expert Cruise Director
Advertised price based on March 2026 departure
Itinerary
DAY 1 - Arrive Amsterdam, Embark Ship
Welcome to Amsterdam. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your ship. Settle into your suite before getting to know your fellow travellers and APT Cruise Director at a Welcome Reception. After your first dinner on board, you may like to explore the city at your own pace.
Stay: 14 Nights, APT Solara or APT Ostara
Daily: Dinner
DAY 2 - Amsterdam
Spend today on your preferred activity. Rejoin the ship in Utrecht and cruise towards Germany in the afternoon. Tonight, enjoy a gala welcome dinner.
Freedom of Choice – Glass-Top Boat Canal Cruise
A peaceful way to see the best of Amsterdam, board a glass-top boat and admire the city’s unique architecture as you cruise the maze of World Heritage-listed canals for which the city is famous.
Freedom of Choice – Old Amsterdam Cheese Store Visit
Visit the Old Amsterdam Cheese Store for a cheese tasting matched with wine.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride
Join a guided bike ride through the countryside to the village of Durgerdam before visiting the Street Art Museum.
Freedom of Choice – Keukenhof Gardens in spring
Guests travelling on select spring departures visit Keukenhof Gardens. Explore more than 70 acres of world-renowned gardens and admire the spectacular display of more than seven million flowering bulbs in bloom, including colourful tulips.
Gala Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a multi-course meal with an enhanced menu.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 - Andernach
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
On a visit to Namedy Castle, wander about the rooms and grounds, then enjoy a cocktail party where a pianist sets the mood.
This morning will be spent cruising through Germany. Disembark in Andernach and enjoy a Signature Experience here.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 - Rudesheim
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Today you’ll approach what is known as the most beautiful stretch of the Rhine River. Glide past crumbling ruins that cling to rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides marked with perfectly planted vineyards. Dock in Rudesheim, one of Germany’s most revered cultural and historic cities. Here, you’ll set out on your chosen activity.
Freedom of Choice – Gondola Ride
Glide over the emerald vineyards of the Rhine Valley in a gondola, enjoying stunning vistas. At the top, arrive at the Niederwald Monument, commemorating the unification of Germany in the late 1880s.
Freedom of Choice – Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum
Take a tour of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, an eccentric and unique museum which is home to a beautiful collection of fascinating automated musical instruments from all stages of history.
Freedom of Choice – Visit a Historic Wine Cellar
Visit a historic wine cellar for a tasting of Rhine Valley wines. Discover why this location is one of Germany’s most well-known wine regions.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Miltenberg
This morning, enjoy a relaxing sail along the Main River. Spared from the destruction of World War II, the town of Miltenberg is much like a time capsule, revealing what old-world village life was like in Germany before the war. Featuring remarkably preserved buildings and lively town squares, this is a beautiful example of Germany’s history. Set out on a guided exploration of the town before time at leisure to explore.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 - Wurzburg
our day unfolds on your terms thanks to a choice of activities today.
Freedom of Choice – Visit the Wurzburg Residence
The immense architectural beauty of Wurzburg is on display today as you stroll through this fascinating city to the Wurzburg Residence. An 18th-century palace that once belonged to the Prince-Bishops of Wurzburg, this regal building is home to a number of historic wonders. Inside, you’ll marvel at the intricate tapestries, gilded stucco work and ceiling frescoes by famed Tiepolo.
Freedom of Choice – Explore Rothenburg
Travel to the walled town of Rothenburg and immerse yourself in medieval life. Wander the narrow cobblestoned streets and admire the pretty coloured-fronted houses as you stroll. During free time, you may wish to visit Kathe Wolfhart’s ‘Christmas Village’, where you’ll find the largest selection of Germany Christmas decorations in the world.
Freedom of Choice – Hike to Marienberg Fortress
Enjoy a hike to Wurzburg’s most visible landmark, Marienberg Forstress, an imposing castle overlooking the city which boasts a fascinating history dating back many centuries.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 - Bamberg
Sail to Bamberg, where you'll join a guided exploration with a local expert.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8 - Nuremberg
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
This morning gives you the chance to choose your sightseeing activity. This afternoon, continue cruising on the Main-Danube Canal. Having taken 32 years to construct, the canal links the North and Black seas.
Freedom of Choice – Discover Nuremberg’s World War II Sites
Journey through Nuremberg’s World War II sites, including the Reich Party Rally Grounds, the site of Hitler’s now infamous annual rallies that were held from 1927 to 1938.
Freedom of Choice – Medieval History of Nuremberg Tour
Join a tour focused on Nuremberg’s medieval history. Discover medieval architecture, including the 900-year-old ramparts that surround the city, the Imperial Castle, the main market square and its 14th-century Gothic church.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 - Regensburg
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
In Regensburg, explore its atmospheric World Heritage-listed city centre. With a history dating back to the Roman times, this incredible city was the first capital of Bavaria. Or you might prefer to get active and take a guided bike ride to the Walhalla memorial. This neo-classical building sits above the Danube River and houses a hall of fame that honours notable politicians, artists, sovereigns and scientists from Germany’s past.
Discover Regensburg on your choice of activities today.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10 - Passau, Salzburg, Linz
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Be welcomed by a Jagdhornblaser – a hunting horn blower – into a rustic, traditional restaurant on the Gaisberg mountain overlooking Salzburg. Enjoy a welcome drink as you soak in the scenery before savouring a delicious lunch, followed by a ‘Sound of Music’ show.
Take a guided tour of Salzburg before a Signature Experience.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11 - Melk, Durnstein
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Visit the statuary-adorned Melk Abbey, one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. Then, it’s up to you how you get to the next port of call. In Durnstein, perhaps view the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, the King of England, was imprisoned in 1192.
Freedom of Choice – Cruise Through the Wachau Valley
Cruise through the Wachau Valley to Durnstein, where you’ll roam its cobblestoned lanes at your leisure.
Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride from Melk to Durnstein
Take a guided bike ride along the Danube River from Melk to Durnstein and take in the beautiful scenery of Wachau Valley along the way.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 12 - Vienna
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
Arrive in Vienna and set out on a city tour. Take in the city’s many landmarks along the Ringstrasse, as well as St Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore. This evening is set aside for your magical Signature Experience.
Signature Experience – Cocktail Party and Private Performance at Vienna’s City Palace
After dinner, head to the princely family of Liechtenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna, where we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. A full orchestra will perform classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss. You will also be enchanted by an operatic recital.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 - Vienna
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Head out on your choice of tours, then set sail for Hungary. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s farewell dinner.
Freedom of Choice – Schönbrunn Palace Visit
Tour inside Schönbrunn Palace, the summer palace of the Habsburgs. Discover the apartments of former emperors and take some time to wander the immaculate grounds.
Freedom of Choice – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia
Tick another country off your list and journey to Slovakia’s Bratislava, where a mixture of 18th-century rococo design and communist era architecture make this a city of alluring contrasts. See some of the architectural landmarks that were built during the city’s time under Communist rule. These include the UFO bridge, Slovak Radio building and Hotel Kyjev.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 14 - Budapest
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Choose your sightseeing option in Budapest today. The afternoon is yours at leisure to further explore.
Freedom of Choice – City Tour
Enjoy a city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral before a visit to the Great Market Hall for some tastings of local produce.
Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride
Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion.
Freedom of Choice – Thermal Baths Visit
You may wish to relax in the thermal water pools.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15 - Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
Sadly, the time has come to say goodbye and be transferred to the airport.
Daily: Breakfast
