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Ultimate European Journey

Ultimate European Journey

About This Cruise

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.

Who Is This Cruise For?

  • Adults only

    S.S. Marlene is an adults-only ship

  • Couples

    An adults-only atmosphere made for two

  • Over 50s

    A gentle pace with daily excursions and no sea days

  • Solo travellers

    Low or no single supplement on selected cabins

Type

River, Luxury

Ship

S.S. Marlene

Departure Date

7 October 2028

Cruise Line

UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises

Duration

23 Nights

Select Your Cabin Type
Select your cabin type
Call Us at 01 6874149

Itinerary

Netherlands

Amsterdam

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.

Germany

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.

Germany

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.

Germany

Frankfurt

Frankfurt is known as the “Mainhattan” of Europe due to its profusion of bankers and soaring skyscrapers, which coexist with the city’s traditional Old Town architecture. Explore the city today and visit romantic Heidelberg.

Germany

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.

Germany

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.

Germany

Kitzingen

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.

Germany

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.

Germany

Nuremberg

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.

Germany

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.

Germany

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.

Austria

Weissenkirchen

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.

Austria

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.

Hungary

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.

Hungary

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.

Hungary

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.

Croatia

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.

Serbia

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.

Romania

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.

Bulgaria

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.

Bulgaria

Ruse

Bulgaria’s foremost Danube port, Ruse is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings.

Romania

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.

Romania

Bucharest

Get to know the bustling heart of Romania's capital city with a full day to explore Bucharest on your own.

Romania

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.

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.

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Suite

Grand Suite

Luxurious riverview grand suite (412 sq ft - 38.25 sq m) with two French Balcony windows that can be opened to half-height

Grand suites include built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, a rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror and a secluded toilet area

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

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Suite

Suite

Luxurious riverview suite (286 sq ft - 26.5 sq m) with two French Balcony windows that can be opened to half-height

Built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Butler service, such as packing and unpacking assistance, shoe shining, complimentary laundry service, and in-room breakfast delivery

In-room treats: fresh fruits and treats from your pastry chef delivered daily, a complimentary menu of specialty snacks and cocktails, Nespresso coffees and fine teas, a fully stocked mini bar, and a bottle of wine upon arrival

Balcony

Deluxe French Balcony

Luxurious riverview stateroom (194 sq ft - 18 sq m) with a French balcony

Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Balcony

French Balcony A

Luxurious riverview stateroom (194 - 227 sq ft / 18 - 21 sq m) with a French balcony

Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Balcony

French Balcony B

Luxurious riverview stateroom (194 - 227 sq ft / 18 - 21 sq m) with a French balcony

Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Outside

Classic

Luxurious riverview stateroom (175 sq ft - 16.25 sq m)

Built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center

Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

classic

Gustav's Restaurant

Gustav's Restaurant can be located on the Athene Deck.

Exclusive

Private Dining

The Private Dining area can be loacted on the Danae Deck.

room

24-Hour Room Service

Craving a bite in between breakfast, lunch or dinner? Inquire about 24-hour room service and à la carte menus. 

Bar

Aft-Lounge

The Aft-Lounge can be located on the Adele Deck.

Reception

Reception

The Reception is located on the Athene Deck.

Lounge

Belvedere Lounge

The Belvedere Lounge can be located on the Adele Deck.

Spa

Serenity River Spa™

Relax at the Serenity River Spa™ with a soothing facial or massage treatment.

Exercise Class, Wellness, Yoga

Wellness on the Water™

Start your day with sunrise yoga on the top deck, a TRX® Suspension Training class, or work out at your own pace in the well-equipped fitness center.
Gym

Fitness Center

The Fitness Center can be located on the Adele Deck.

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The Generations Collection

Share the joys of river cruising with the entire family.

Find out more here.