In the Heart of the Continent
Central Europe
- 17 days
- 15 nights
- 40 meals
Departure: Oct 21, 2026
Price from $8,529
Central EuropeIn the Heart of the Continent (reversed)
Sail through the very heart of Europe on a luxurious river cruise. This dream itinerary takes you out on the Rhine, the Danube, and the Main—three great rivers with unforgettable attractions, including Schönbrunn Palace and Melk Abbey. All the classics are on the list, from Strasbourg to Vienna to Budapest. It’s the ideal way to go country-hopping. All you need to do is hop on board!
Port of departure:
Strasbourg
Cities on itinerary:
Budapest, Strasbourg, Vienna, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, Hilpoltstein, Nuremberg, Bamberg, Rothenburg, Würzburg, Wertheim, Miltenberg, Aschaffenburg, Frankfurt
- Moderate
- CAA-Quebec host
Highlights:
- Excursions included on the cruise
- Rhine, Main, and Danube in one single trip
- Free time to explore Strasbourg
- Tour of Vienna in lights at night
Itinerary
- Day 1: Montréal – Basel
Fly to Basel.
- Day 2: Basel – Strasbourg (135km)
Airport pickup for the drive to Strasbourg and transfer to the hotel. Best Western Plus Monopole Metropole 4* (May and September departures) / Novotel Strasbourg Centre Halles 4* (June departure)
- Day 3: Strasbourg
Free day to enjoy the city. Welcome dinner. (B-D)
- Day 4: Strasbourg – Mainz
Free day to explore the city. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the ship. Welcome cocktail. Overnight sailing to Mainz. (B-D)
- Day 5: Mainz – Frankfurt
Free time to explore Mainz, located at the confluence of the Rhine and Main rivers. Continuation to Frankfurt for a city tour, featuring an astonishing blend of ancient and modern. Overnight sailing to Miltenberg. (B-L-D)
- Day 6: Miltenberg – Wertheim
Early in the morning, arrival in Miltenberg, the “Pearl of the Main.” Guided tour of the town: the market square surrounded by half-timbered houses, the High Street, and the old town hall. Then, sailing on the Main to Wertheim. Arrival in the afternoon and free time to explore the city. (B-L-D)
- Day 7: Wertheim – Würzburg
Sailing in the morning. Arrival in Würzburg in early afternoon. Tour of this city on the right bank of the River Main, famous for the lavish Baroque residence of the prince-bishops. Evening entertainment on board. (B-L-D)
- Day 8 : Rothenburg – Bamberg
Go on a tour of Rothenburg, a fabulously authentic town on Germany’s Romantic Road surrounded by walls built in the 15th century. (B-L-D)
- Day 9 : Bamberg – Nuremberg – Hilpoltstein
Panoramic tour of Nuremberg in 1945: the courtroom, the Zeppelinfield Grandstand, the Documentation Center Nazi Party Rallying Grounds, and more. Afterward, walking tour of the castle district, with its narrow streets and lovely half-timbered houses. (B-L-D)
- Day 10 : Hilpoltstein – Regensburg
Sailing to Kelheim on the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. Arrival in early afternoon. Guided tour of Regensburg, a former imperial city where many Bavarian merchants built their mansions. (B-L-D)
- Day 11: Passau
Discovery of Passau, famous for its university, music and theatre. Baroque buildings and romantic cobblestone alleyways are sure to leave you with unforgettable memories. (B-L-D)
- Day 12: Melk – Dürnstein – Vienna
Arrival in Melk. Visit to Melk Abbey, quintessential landmark of Austrian Baroque art. Tour of Dürnstein, a picturesque village steeped in the legend of King Richard the Lionheart. Sailing to Vienna. In the evening, tour of Vienna in lights. (B-L-D)
- Day 13 : Vienna – Esztergom
Arrival in Vienna. Guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, summer residence of the imperial family, and sightseeing tour of Vienna. Gala evening on board. (B-L-D)
- Day 14: Esztergom – Budapest
In the morning, free time to discover Esztergom, Hungary’s first capital, whose splendour is enhanced by the neoclassical basilica and the former royal palace. Sailing to Budapest. In the evening, tour of illuminated Budapest to admire the spectacular facades of its monuments. (B-L-D)
- Day 15: Budapest
Sightseeing tour of Budapest, featuring numerous historic buildings on both sides of the river. In the afternoon, free time to explore the city. In the evening, folklore experience complete with traditional show. (B-L-D)
- Day 16: Budapest
Disembark in the morning. Free day to enjoy the city. Courtyard Budapest City Center 4* (B)
- Day 17: Budapest – Montréal
Transfer to the airport and flight back to Montréal. (B)
Inclusions
Montréal – Basel and Budapest – Montréal flights
Transportation by tour bus
Transfers
3 nights in 4* accomodations
12-night cruise in a main deck stateroom
Drinks with meals and at the bar (except champagne and wine list selections) during the cruise
Services of French-speaking host and local guides
Tours, excursions, and activities listed in the itinerary
Free internet access aboad the ship
Applicable taxes
Travel guidebook
Travel insurance
Tips and personal expenses
Anything not listed in the “Price includes” section
Get the right coverage with CAA-Quebec Travel Insurance
Take off with peace of mind thanks to protections tailored to your needs and budget. As a member, you enjoy up to 20% off your premium.
Host
Wim Bless
“I travel the world with great enthusiasm, still as fascinated as ever by the discovery of other peoples and cultures.”
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Other organized tours that may interest you
Our explore pledge: Travelling differently together
Our exclusive group tours are designed to ensure an enriching, friendly, and fuss-free experience:
- French-speaking tour host
- Generous inclusions and exclusive excursions
- Members earn CAA Dollars back
- 15% back in CAA Dollars at the Boutique
- Rewards for loyal travellers
Rates are per person, based on double occupancy, according to the stateroom category indicated. Other stateroom categories are available. The accommodation establishments listed may be changed without prior notice. A minimum number of guests is required to ensure the presence of a CAA-Quebec Travel host. Please note that group flight contracts do not allow for seat selection. We therefore recommend that you check in with the airlines 24 hours before departure. This offer may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Read the full terms and conditions.
If the scheduled flight is operated by Air France or KLM, only the Air France/KLM shuttle bus service will be available for passengers departing from Québec City.