Your ship
River Duchess
The 130-passenger River Duchess is decorated in soft hues of blue and green complemented by soothing earth tones, providing a tranquil and elegant onboard ambiance. Enjoy spectacular and ever-changing views of Europe's most enchanting waterways in the ship's stylish Blue Danube Lounge, Palace Restaurant, or the La Motte Sky Lounge.
Deck plan
Cruise route
Overview
Prepare for the cruise of a lifetime as you travel the length of Europe through eight nations, exploring wonders of the Old World and the New, the East and the West.
Sail the romantic Rhine, the serene Main and the captivating Danube, witnessing dazzling natural beauty and incomparable architectural feats. Visit no fewer than five capital cities (Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest) and a dozen towns and villages, with time to explore each. Enjoy numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the castle-dotted Upper Middle Rhine Valley and the magnificent Cologne Cathedral.
From Amsterdam to Bucharest, you’ll visit the best of Europe with its spectacular architecture and stunning history on this truly remarkable journey.
Ultimate European Journey is a combination of Highlights of Eastern Europe and European Jewels.
Day by day
Amsterdam (Embark)
Arrive at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
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.
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.
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.
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 hike, you are welcome to do that as well.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weissenkirchen (Melk), Tulln
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.
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.
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.
Budapest
Other passengers are heading home today, but you are only halfway through your marvelous holiday. Enjoy a day of leisure exploring beautiful and historic Budapest.
Budapest
Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Explore this dynamic and multifaceted city with your choice of excursions - you can see it from a local's perspective on our walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Vibrant Budapest, Hungary's capital, offers an enchanting combination of East and West.
Batina (Osijek), Vukovar
Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as simple, delicious local rustic food.
Belgrade
Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, is one of Europe's oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, juxtaposed with the city's vibrant modern-day present.
Golubac, Cruising the Iron Gates
Head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site and an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval fortress. All along the way, history lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan's Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars, and Turks.
Vidin
Vidin is a port town on the Danube that once played an important role in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It's your base for an unusual excursion today - a visit to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Or you can indulge in a tasting at a local winery.
Ruse
Bulgaria's foremost Danube port, Ruse is sometimes called "Little Vienna" for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings.
Giurgiu (Disembark), Transfer to Bucharest
This morning, you'll disembark the ship in Giurgiu and drive through the countryside to Bucharest, where you'll enjoy a panoramic city tour and a visit to People's Palace. Tonight, you'll relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, Romania's capital and its cultural and economic center.
Bucharest
Get to know the bustling heart of Romania's capital city with a full day to explore Bucharest on your own.
Bucharest
Check out of your hotel this morning. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport for your flight home.
Included in your fare
Sailing dates & staterooms
Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 14, 2026
On request
Unavailable
On request
Unavailable
CAD 19,199
Available
On request
Unavailable
Aug 2, 2026 - Aug 25, 2026
On request
Unavailable
On request
Unavailable
CAD 19,299
Available
CAD 16,999
Available
Jul 10, 2026 - Aug 2, 2026
On request
Unavailable
On request
Unavailable
On request
Available
On request
Unavailable
Aug 21, 2026 - Sep 13, 2026
On request
Unavailable
CAD 22,299
Available
CAD 19,299
Available
On request
Unavailable
Aug 28, 2026 - Sep 20, 2026
On request
Unavailable
On request
Unavailable
On request
Unavailable
CAD 26,599
Available
CAD 24,299
Available
CAD 19,599
Available