European Rivers — A Sample Luxury Journey

Castles over the Rhine, vineyard-lined bends of the Wachau, and glittering Danube capitals—an elegant pace with private guides and curated tastings along the way.

Rhine Gorge castlesWachau valley wines UNESCO old townsCurated shore excursions Chef’s table on board

Plan Your River Journey

Day-by-Day Outline (8 Days)

Amsterdam canals and gabled houses at golden hour

Day 1 · Amsterdam — Embarkation & Canal Charm

Suggested vessel: Riverside / Uniworld / AMA

VIP arrival and embarkation. Optional private canal boat at sunset; chef’s tasting menu on board.

Cologne Cathedral above the Rhine riverfront

Day 2 · Cologne — Gothic Icons

Guided visit of the Dom and Old Town lanes; Kölsch tasting in a heritage brewery.

Rhine Gorge with hilltop castles and vineyards

Day 3 · Middle Rhine — Castles & Vineyards

Scenic sailing through UNESCO gorge; Rüdesheim wine tasting or Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Museum.

Strasbourg Petite France timbered houses along canals

Day 4 · Strasbourg — Franco-German Flourish

Cathedral, Petite France district, and Alsatian tarte flambée lunch; optional EU quarter tour.

Wachau Valley vineyards and Danube bends near Dürnstein

Day 5 · Wachau — Vineyards & Abbeys

Leisurely sailing past terraced vines; choice of cycling, Dürnstein stroll, or Melk Abbey tour with library.

Vienna Ringstrasse architecture at evening light

Day 6 · Vienna — Imperial Grandeur

Private museum touring and coffeehouse classics; optional opera or waltz evening.

Bratislava Castle overlooking the Danube

Day 7 · Bratislava — Old Town Views

Castle panoramas and Old Town lanes; tasting of local wines and pastries.

Budapest Parliament glowing on the Danube at night

Day 8 · Budapest — Grand Finale

Sunrise sail-in past Parliament; thermal bath option or Buda Castle walk. Disembarkation with private transfer.

Customize This Journey

Practical Notes

Inclusions (sample)

Private airport transfers
Luxury river vessel; all onboard meals
Small-group or private shore experiences
Concierge reservations & onboard amenities

Variations

Swap Amsterdam for Basel (Rhine) or focus the week on the Douro or Seine with châteaux and markets.