Why choose between the quaint scenery of the Rhine and the awe-inspiring sights along the Danube when you can combine both for the ultimate journey down the two longest rivers in Central Europe?

Begin your journey in the picturesque city of Basel and end in imperial Vienna, two showstopping destinations to highlight your cruise. Along the way, you’ll cruise through 3 different rivers—the Rhine, Main and Danube—to visit Switzerland, France, Germany and Austria.

You’ll visit the resort town of Baden-Baden and climb to the treetops of Bamberg, wander the palatial residences of historic rulers and venture into the Bavarian forest. Taste Rheingau wines and German beers at the source. Wonder at the Wachau Valley’s riverscapes and the equally incredible agricultural products grown there. This adventure is full of memorable moments from first to last.

Your fly, stay and cruise package includes:

• Economy class flight to Basel, return from Vienna
• 2 nights accommodation in Basel including breakfast
• 14 night Grand Central Europe cruise onboard River Princess, Basel to Vienna
• All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
• Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee & tea, plus more
• 12 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
• A variety of onshore tours, including guided “Let's Go” and “Village Day” programs
• Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
• Transfers in Basel and Vienna

***Rate is based on twin share for travel 3 to 19 August 2023***

***Alternative dates available, a surcharge may apply***

Day 1: Basel (Embark)
Begin your luxury adventure.

Day 2: Strasbourg, Rastatt
Strasbourg is invariably described as quaint, with its cobbled lanes, half-timbered homes, giant stork nests and impossible-to-resist pastry shops. While we’re docked here today, make sure to get out and explore this charming town—but you won’t want to miss our day trip to the blissful spa town of Baden-Baden.

Day 3: Frankfurt
Frankfurt is known as the “Mainhattan” of Europe—“main” because the Main River flows through the city. A financial powerhouse with soaring skyscrapers as well as traditional Old Town architecture, Frankfurt is a city full of energy and culture.

Day 4: Miltenberg
The perfect German town calls for a day full of quintessential German experiences. Resting on the left bank of the Main, Miltenberg is classically quaint with its charming squares, farmland, biking and pedestrian paths, impressive castles and one of Germany’s oldest inns.

Day 5: Wurzburg
The opulent Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a true sense of the region’s history through the European Renaissance. It even contains the world’s largest ceiling fresco by Tiepolo. Visit the Residence and its carefully restored gardens or get outdoors and enjoy a scenic hike around Festung Marienberg, a prominent landmark that was previously home to a long line of prince-bishops.

Day 6: Volkach
Your day brings you to Volkach and the heart of the Franconian wine country. It’s a region full of overwhelming natural beauty, rooted communities, marvelous flavors and villages that have been making wine for countless generations. Explore the town and its surrounding countryside.

Day 7: Bamberg
Bamberg in its entirety is not only described as beautiful but has often been regarded as one of Germany’s most attractive settlements, with its picturesque architecture, intersecting canals and rivers, and charming stores and restaurants, all framed by rolling hills.

Day 8: Nuremberg
Other passengers are heading home today, but you are only halfway through your journey! Take this time to head out and explore Nuremberg on your own. Your Cruise Manager will be full of suggestions on how to make the most out of this marvelous city.

Day 9: Nuremberg
The archetypal medieval German city, Nuremberg was once the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire, housing many German kings in the Kaiserburg castle complex. Later, this city became the epicenter of the Nazi party. When the end of WWII left Nuremberg almost completely leveled, it was chosen to be the site of the war crimes tribunal—the Nuremberg Trials. Now, most of the city has been restored, including the old castle.

Day 10: Regensburg
The nearly 2,000-year-old history of Regensburg begins with a Roman fort in 90 AD, from which Regensburg grew into the large and prosperous trade center that it became in the last few centuries of the Medieval period. This long history has been excellently preserved through Regensburg’s iconic architecture—particularly its many Gothic and Romanesque churches and Patrician houses.

Day 11: Straubing, Deggendorf, Vilshofen
Nestled between Regensburg and Passau sits a town surrounded by the foothills of the Bavarian Forest, Deggendorf. Journey deep into the alluring Bavarian Forest National Park, Germany’s first national park, and discover outdoor leisure at its best.

Day 12: Vilshofen, Passau
A new day brings new experiences in the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau, where the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers join together, at one time bringing an influx of wealth and culture into the region.

Day 13: Weissenkirchen, Melk
Start your day in the heart of the Danube’s Wachau Valley, strolling through Weissenkirchen’s idyllic wine village while sampling mouth watering apricot treats. Named for its white church that dominates the landscape, the city is flanked by vineyard-lined hills, historic houses and beautiful courtyards. The Melk Abbey is a baroque monastery and sits atop a rocky formation overlooking the Danube.

Day 14: Vienna
On this day, explore the “City of Waltzes” and dive into its vast artistic legacy with your choice of tours. The city is known for its imperial palaces, famous residents and expansive art collections. See the State Opera House, or delve into the hidden secrets of Vienna in some of its most historical sites.

Day 15: Vienna (Disembark)
Disembark the ship. If your cruise package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Vienna International Airport for your flight home.