HIGHLIGHTS
- Cruise with a solo traveller group
- 14 nights on board River Duchess, luxury cabin with river views
- All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure, including welcome drinks and the Captain’s Dinner
- Five-star service from an English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides
- Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
- Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
- Services of the ship’s onboard cruise director and concierge
CRUISING WITH UNIWORLD
Surrounded by the ambiance of an elegant, destination-inspired ship and embraced by their passionate staff, you’ll notice the Uniworld difference immediately. This is what the absolute best in luxury river cruising feels like. Where every expectation is exceeded, every destination is uniquely experienced, and every instance of delight is quickly followed by another inspiring moment.
Inclusive Cruising; from free-flowing fine wines and liquors to delicious cuisine and daily included experiences.
A Boutique Hotel Experience on the Water; inspired by their destinations, each ship in the fleet has a uniquely beautiful design.
Curated Experiences; Uniworld goes the extra mile to craft immersive and memorable onshore excursions, with a variety of activities that speak to the diverse interests of our guests.
Culinary Excellence; fresh local ingredients and a masterful culinary team come together to create an incredible dining experience that brings the flavours of your destinations onboard.
River Heritage Club; travel with Uniworld once, and you are welcomed into our River Heritage Club loyalty program. Members receive exclusive perks and savings
FEATURES EXCURSIONS
Featured Excursions do not require booking.
Excursions that are listed as "Choose between..." must be booked onboard however there is no additional cost.
Please refer to the excursion details below to view purchasing options for The Masterpiece Collection excursions where applicable.
Note: The itinerary presented is subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.
DAY 1
Amsterdam (Embark)
Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. If your cruise package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
DAY 2
Cologne
Enjoy a delightful tour of Cologne’s Old Town, where three medieval gates remain standing, as does the old city hall with its stunning Renaissance façade. Wander through the historical center and take in its charming atmosphere and narrow alleyways flanked by old houses. No matter how you choose to explore Old Town, you’ll also have ample free time to explore the city on your own. In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
In the evening, a special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.
Optional Extras
Included option with your River Cruise:
Cologne Walking Tour
DAY 3
Rüdesheim
Experience the most spectacular scenery on the Rhine this morning as you cruise past the famous Middle Rhine Valley.
Later, experience Germany’s fabled Rheingau in one of two ways today. Take in spectacular views of the region from the Rüdesheim mini-train, or venture within an atmospheric medieval monastery and taste the Rieslings made on site. Like many cities along the Rhine, Rüdesheim has a lengthy history that stretches back to Roman times. These days, the town is best known for its narrow avenue of shops and wine bars called the Drosselgasse and its impressive Niederwald Monument.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
The Rüdesheim Mini-Train
OR
Abbey Eberbach Medieval Monastery Tour with Riesling Tasting
DAY 4 Frankfurt (Heidelberg)
Vibrant Frankfurt, often referred to as the “Mainhattan” of Europe, boasts world-class museums, soaring skyscrapers, cozy wine taverns and lovely parks. Choose a brief tour that gives you an overview of this major European financial and trade center. Alternatively, visit romantic Heidelberg and its Renaissance castle.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Heidelberg Castle Visit
OR
Frankfurt Walking Tour with Local Treats
DAY 5
Wertheim
After today, you may never eat a pretzel again without thinking of the town of Wertheim. You’ll meet one of Germany’s best pretzel makers, as well as the owner of a historic wine estate. If you’re more in the mood for a scenic bike ride, you are welcome to do that instead.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Wertheim Walk with Local Treats
OR
Let's Go: Wertheim Bicycle Tour
DAY 6
Würzburg
Your ship will dock in the charming Franconian town of Würzburg, where you can visit the extraordinary Würzburg Residence, one of the most opulent baroque palaces in Europe.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Würzburg Residence Visit with Court Gardens
OR
Würzburg Wine Cellar
DAY 7
Cruising the Main River, Kitzingen (Rothenburg)
Step into a fairytale version of the Middle Ages in Rothenburg and visit a medieval castle that’s been described as a miniature Versailles. Spend a relaxing day onboard as your ship wends its way along the Main River between Würzburg and Bamberg. It’s something of a truism to say that this route takes you from wine to beer, and you’ll see the transition as you sail past the vineyard-covered slopes around Würzburg toward Bavaria’s famous beer-brewing center, Bamberg. Along the way, you’ll pass delightful little villages and romantic castle ruins, drift under lovely old bridges, and have plenty of time to observe the fascinating variety of vessels plying the river, from heavily loaded barges to jaunty little pleasure craft.
Optional Extras
Included option with your River Cruise:
Fairytale Rothenburg
OR
Masterpiece Collection; Active Rothenburg Walk the Ramparts $50
DAY 8
Bamberg
Your floating boutique hotel takes you to Bamberg today, a well-preserved town that offers a fascinating glimpse of medieval times. Explore the city on foot or opt to head deeper into the Franconian countryside to experience an authentic slice of rural life—including a tractor ride. Like Rome, the city is built on seven hills—but in Bamberg, a church tops each one.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Bamberg Walking Tour
OR
Franconian Village Day
DAY 9
Nuremberg, Cruising the Main-Danube Canal
Head up to the top deck or find a seat with a good view—you won’t want to miss seeing the ship navigate its way through a marvel of modern engineering, the Main-Danube Canal. A formidable set of locks, 16 in all, lifts your ship to the crest of the European “continental divide.”
Arrive in the archetypal medieval German city of Nuremberg. Nuremberg is justifiably famous for its gingerbread and pocket watches, and it was also the site of some key moments in 20th-century history. You’ll choose between two memorable ways of exploring this exceptional city. You can join a tour of a secret Nazi art bunker hidden underground, or you can accompany a local expert to the city’s most important WWII sites, including the enormous Nazi Party Rally Grounds—the actual site of the Nazi Party rallies.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Nuremberg City Tour with WWII Rally Grounds and Documentation Center Visits
OR
Nuremberg City Walk & Art Bunker Visit
DAY 10
Regensburg
Bavaria’s first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, a fact recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you’ll discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Regensburg Walking Tour
OR
“From Hops Field to Beer Stein” Farm Visit
OR
Masterpiece Collection; Bavarian History & Beer $95
DAY 11
Passau
Located at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, Inn, and Ilz— Passau is well known for its ornate baroque cathedral. Today, the city is unusually well preserved, having been spared the brunt of Allied bombing during WWII, as you’ll see on your walking tour.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Passau Walking Tour
OR
Let's Go: Bicycle Ride along the Inn River
DAY 12
Weissenkirchen (Melk)
Named for its white church, Weissenkirchen may very well be the prettiest village in the Wachau Valley. A local expert will show you around and introduce you to some regional delicacies, including a wine tasting. Prefer to go for baroque? Visit the 900-year-old Melk Abbey and its extraordinarily opulent library. Later, you can stretch your legs with a vineyard hike.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Featured Excursions
Let’s Go: Vineyard Hike
AND
Nights Out: Private Johann Strauss Experience
Choose between:
Weissenkirchen Village Walk with Wine Tasting
OR
Melk Abbey with Library Visit
DAY 13
Vienna
Vienna is a cultural treasure trove revered for its art and music (and sinfully rich pastries). Embark on a tour of the city's imperial highlights and a visit to Hofburg Palace or a visit to an interactive multimedia experience featuring the work of Mozart.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you this evening.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Imperial City Highlights with Hofburg Palace Visit
OR
Mythos Mozart & Imperial City Highlights
Masterpiece Collection; Vienna Culinary Walking Tour $115 (@ 2025 prices. 2026 price t.b.a)
DAY 14
Budapest
Called the “Queen of the Danube,” in part because of the way the city hugs the banks of the river, Budapest is an enchanting city that vibrantly mixes East and West, medieval and modern. Made up of two parts— Buda (the hills) and Pest (the flatlands)—and divided by the Danube, Hungary’s capital presents an array of architectural styles that reveal its long and varied history. You’ll have two enticing ways to experience the city—a panoramic guided tour aboard a motorcoach with a visit to the Parliament, or discover the Budapest that locals love on a special walking tour of the city’s most important landmarks.
Optional Extras
Included options with your River Cruise:
Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Parliament Visit
OR
Budapest Walk with Local Treats
DAY 15
Budapest [Disemark]
Disembark the ship. Take the option to extend your stay in beautiful Budapest with our optional post-cruise 2 night tour extension including regional touring to Visegrad and Szentendre and a food walking tour in Budapest plus and hosted group dinner in Budapest
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Post-Cruise Extension: Budapest & the Danube Bend
Sunday 16 - Tuesday 18 August 2026 | 2 Nights | ‘Solos Only’
Make the most of your time in Hungary with our exclusive post-cruise extension, designed especially for our solo travellers. After your river cruise, settle in for two more unforgettable days of culture, history, and gourmet discoveries.
Explore the beautiful Danube Bend, uncovering medieval towns, charming riverside streets, and centuries-old traditions. Enjoy lunch together with drinks in Visegrád, wander the cobblestone lanes of Szentendre, and sample the flavours of Budapest on a guided food walk. Your last evening brings us together for a farewell dinner in the heart of the city.
Inclusions:
- Two nights superior 4-star group hotel in Budapest, solo occupancy
- Daily hotel breakfast (2)
- A fully guided day tour from Budapest to the Danube Bend, visiting Visegrád and Szentendre
- An excellent group lunch in Visegrad in an inspired setting with drinks included
- A guided food walking tour revealing Budapest’s best local flavours
- A three-course farewell group dinner with drinks
- Hotel porterage (1 piece)
- Encounter Travel group host
- Shared experiences with our private group of solo travellers
Itinerary Details
DAY 1 – SUNDAY 16 AUGUST 2026
Disembark & Discover the Danube Bend
Step off the ship and begin your discoveries with a full-day guided tour through the Danube Bend, one of Hungary’s most picturesque regions, where the river curves between rolling hills and charming historic towns. This scenic stretch has been a crossroads of culture for centuries, blending natural beauty with stories of kings, battles, and trade along the great river.
You’ll visit Visegrád, a medieval gem perched high above the Danube with a 13th-century citadel and sweeping river views, and Szentendre, an artists’ haven of cobblestone lanes, colourful baroque buildings, and riverside charm. Along the way, enjoy a memorable lunch in an atmospheric setting, with drinks and local flavours that reflect the region’s rich traditions.
Meals: Breakfast (on cruise boat), Lunch
Overnight: Hotel Continental Budapest
DAY 2 – MONDAY 17 AUGUST 2026
Flavours of Budapest
This morning, we set out on a guided food walking tour that brings Budapest’s culinary scene to life. Over four delicious hours, discover the city’s food heritage and meet the passionate locals keeping traditions alive. We’ll explore the Great Market Hall, a vibrant showcase of fresh produce, spices, and artisanal goods, along with a handpicked selection of independent, locally owned venues. At each stop, you’ll taste authentic specialities that tell the story of Hungary’s rich gastronomic culture.
The afternoon is yours to relax or explore Budapest at your own pace. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at our hotel for a three-course menu with drinks included. It’s the perfect opportunity to share final moments and reflect on the highlights of our time together.
Meals: Breakfast, Brunch, Farewell Dinner (with drinks)
SPECIAL NOTES:
Brunch is the food offered throughout the walking tour.
Overnight: Hotel Continental Budapest
DAY 3 – TUESDAY 18 AUGUST 2026
Farewell Budapest
After breakfast, our post-cruise discoveries come to an end. Depart for your onward travels or journey home.
Meals: Breakfast
Itineraries may be subject to change, due to circumstances outside of our control. If there is any itinerary change prior to departure of significance we aim to inform you prior to travel. Itinerary changes while on tour will be informed by your tour leader/guide while on tour.
