The Best Amsterdam to Budapest Cruise & Itinerary

If you’re tossing up where to go for your next big Europe trip, let us make it easy for you: Amsterdam to Budapest, by river. It’s got everything from old-world charm, jaw-dropping views, to culture, castles, schnitzel, and strudel.

This route is the holy grail of European river cruising. You’ll wind your way through three iconic rivers (the Rhine, Main and Danube) and stop in at some of the most beautiful cities on the continent. From Amsterdam’s buzzing canals to Budapest’s fairytale skyline, this is a front-row seat to Europe’s rich history and culture.

Amsterdam to Budapest Itinerary

This route feels like a slow, scenic glide through the heart of Europe. Over 19 days, you’ll follow the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, hopping from big, exciting cities to charming little towns, crossing engineering marvels and wine-soaked valleys along the way. Here’s how it all flows:

Day 1 – Amsterdam
Jump aboard and settle in. If you’ve got time before departure, stretch your legs along the canals or squeeze in a stroopwafel or two.

Day 2 – Still in Amsterdam
A full day to soak up the Dutch vibes. Museums, bicycles, tulips, and that sweet canal life. Optional cheese coma included.

Day 3 – Nijmegen & Krefeld
Start the day in Nijmegen, the Netherlands’ oldest city and enjoy its Roman ruins and riverside charm. Then cross into Germany and dock at Krefeld, a quiet little intro to what’s ahead.

Day 4 – Cologne
First proper disembarkation city hit in Germany, and it doesn’t disappoint. You’ll get to see the city’s massive Gothic cathedral in person, and bonus points if you try the local Kölsch beer.

Day 5 – Rüdesheim
Welcome to wine country! This place is a fairytale village of half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and mechanical music museums.

Day 6 – Rüdesheim to Mannheim
Cruise the Rhine Gorge before rolling into Mannheim. From here, you can visit Heidelberg, one of Germany’s prettiest university towns.

Day 7 – Strasbourg
Strasbourg mixes French flair with German roots. Don’t miss the timber-framed houses in La Petite France or the stunning cathedral that somehow survived everything.

Day 8 – Mainz & Frankfurt
Start in Mainz, home of the Gutenberg Bible and a surprisingly cool printing museum, and then head to Frankfurt, where glass towers meet old-world charm.

Day 9 – Miltenberg & Wertheim
Two postcard-perfect towns with medieval vibes, river views and quiet backstreets made for lazy afternoon wandering.

Day 10 – Würzburg
Baroque beauty at its best. The Residenz palace is wonderful, and if you’re into wine, the Franconian varieties here are top-notch.

Day 11 – Schweinfurt, Rothenburg & Bamberg
Rothenburg looks like it was built for a Disney film, and Bamberg, with its quirky town hall on a bridge and smoky beer, is the cherry on top.

Day 12 – Bamberg to Nuremberg to Mühlhausen
Cruise through the Rhine–Main–Danube Canal, an engineering marvel that links the North Sea to the Black Sea. Stop in at Nuremberg for a dose of history and bratwurst.

Day 13 – Kelheim & Regensburg
Regensburg is all medieval charm and Roman bones. Grab a sausage from the historic wurst kitchen and walk it off on the Stone Bridge.

Day 14 – Passau & Melk
Three rivers meet in Passau, and the baroque architecture is strong. Later, you’ll float into Austria and stop at Melk Abbey, a stunner perched above the Danube.

Day 15 – Melk, Dürnstein & Vienna
This stretch takes you through Austria’s Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s all vineyards, apricot trees and hilltop ruins. Dürnstein’s got charm for days and then it’s off to Vienna.

Day 16 – Vienna
Classical music, coffee houses, and palaces galore. Spend the day feeling a bit fancy and maybe catch a Mozart concert, if that’s your thing.

Day 17 – Esztergom & Budapest
Pop into Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital with a massive basilica, before cruising into Budapest in time for sunset. It’s a city that knows how to make an entrance.

Day 18 – Budapest
Thermal baths, ruin bars, and a castle with killer views. Whether you’re into history or just want to chill in a giant hot tub, Budapest delivers.

Day 19 – Disembark
Time to say goodbye (or extend your stay, we wouldn’t blame you). Either way, you’ll leave with a camera roll full of river views and a suitcase full of memories.

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Best Amsterdam to Budapest Europe River Cruise

There’s no shortage of river cruises between Amsterdam and Budapest, but if you want the cream of the crop, these four are the ones people rave about, for good reason.

1. Viking’s Grand European Tour

If you’ve ever seen a Viking ad with sweeping drone shots and thought, “Yeah, that looks alright,” this is that trip. It’s a 15-day cruise that ticks off all the big names: Amsterdam, Cologne, Vienna, and Budapest, with plenty of charming little towns in between. The ships are all slick Scandinavian design, there’s beer and wine with meals, and the daily excursions are all about culture without the overload. It’s a classic for a reason.

2. AmaWaterways’ Magnificent Europe

This beautiful 14-night cruise with AmaWaterways visits countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Cologne’s Gothic Cathedral, the Würzburg Residenz Palace, the charming Old Towns of Bamberg and Regensburg, and the Melk Abbey—to name a few. Wine connoisseurs will get to try the crisp German and Austrian Rieslings and active adventurers will get to hike and bike through breathtaking scenery.

3. APT’s Magnificent Europe

Come aboard the new APT Solara or APT Ostara to discover the beautiful cities of Budapest, Vienna, and Amsterdam. Coupled with the quaint villages and riverside towns along the Rhine, Main, and Danube, this itinerary includes a range of shore excursions like a Funicular Ride in Budapest, a culinary tour in Vienna, and much more.

4. Avalon Waterways’ Magnificent Europe

Avalon does things a bit differently, mainly with their fancy Panorama Suites that let you turn your whole room into an open-air balcony. The 15-day itinerary is similar to Viking’s, but the vibe is a bit more relaxed and a bit more flexible. You can go full tourist or pick the “Active” route with hikes and cycling trips if you’re feeling energetic.

5. Tauck’s Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat

Join Tauck along the Danube from Budapest to Amsterdam on a journey past cathedrals, medieval monasteries, castles and vineyards. Travel through five countries – the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary – and explore legendary cities such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Köln, Nürnberg, Bratislava and Budapest.

3. Uniworld’s European Jewels

Want the luxury hotel experience on water? Uniworld’s got you. Their ships look like floating boutique hotels with their chandeliers, art collections, fine dining, and a staff that knows your coffee order by day two. The 15-day itinerary is packed with handpicked stops, and everything’s included: cocktails, excursions, even gratuities. It’s a bit extra in the best possible way.

4. Scenic’s Jewels of Europe

Another one for the all-inclusive lovers, but Scenic adds something on top. Their ships are called “Space-Ships”, and they live up to the name with roomy suites and butler service. You get everything included here: fine dining, drinks, excursions, even e-bikes for guided cycling tours. Highlights include a private classical concert in a Viennese palace, which is about as luxurious as river cruising gets.

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Onboard Activities

Whether you’re soaking up the scenery on the sun deck or diving into a hands-on cooking class, life onboard a river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest is as easygoing or action-packed as you want it to be.

Start with the good stuff: live music and local dance performances in the lounge, casual history lectures and wine tastings that teach you something, beyond just how to pronounce Grüner Veltliner. 

Cooking classes are often themed to wherever you’re sailing through, and if you need a break, head to the spa or sneak in a quick dip in the pool. Or better yet, grab a spot on the sun deck, order a drink, and watch medieval castles glide by while wrapped in a fluffy robe.

Shore Excursions to Explore

In Amsterdam, stroll along those famous canals, explore the old town, and tick off must-sees like the Anne Frank House and Dam Square. Later down the line, Vienna’s Christmas markets (if you’re cruising in winter) turn the city into a glowing festive fairytale, with mulled wine, twinkling lights, and all.

By the time you reach Budapest, you’re in for a proper finale. The Parliament Building is jaw-dropping up close, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral is just as grand inside as it is outside. Add a few ruin bars and thermal baths, and you’ve officially earned that second dessert.

Walking Tour Experience

The best way to really get to know these cities is on foot, and these cruises deliver. Every stop includes guided walking tours that show off more than just the postcards. In Vienna, you’ll explore the historic centre and visit Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens. In Budapest, walk along the Danube’s edge for those picture-perfect views, and if you’re lucky, time it for sunset. 

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Best Time to Cruise

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to timing this cruise. The route from Amsterdam to Budapest runs from March to December, and each part of the year has its beauty. 

Spring is great if you’re chasing tulips, cooler temps, and smaller crowds. Autumn’s got that golden glow, the vineyards are full, and things start to quiet down a bit. Even winter has its charm, especially if you’re into Christmas magic markets and hot mulled wine. Summer is lively, warm, and full of energy, but expect crowds and steeper prices. 

Whatever season you land on, just make sure you pack comfy walking shoes. Every stop includes a bit of wandering, and cobblestones don’t mess around. Dress for the weather, chuck a camera in your bag (you’ll want it), and don’t be shy about diving into the local culinary delights and drinks. Schnitzel in Vienna, chimney cake in Budapest, wine in the Wachau Valley, it’s all part of the trip. And when you’re not exploring, make the most of the ship. Spa, pool, wine tasting, sun deck: lean into the slow travel life. You’ll miss all the new destinations altogether when you’re back at your desk.

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Budget and Cost

River cruises aren’t cheap, but the Amsterdam to Budapest route is a full-blown experience, and once you see what’s included, it stacks up pretty well. Most of these cruises are all-inclusive (meals, drinks, tours, activities, etc), so once you’re onboard, it’s smooth sailing.

Now, in terms of actual prices for 2025, here’s what you’re looking at:

• Viking’s Grand European Tour starts at around $6999 per person for a standard room.
• APT’s Magnificent Europe voyage starts from a very reasonable $8,995 per person.
• AmaWaterways’ Magnificent Europe cruise starts from around $7494.
• Avalon’s Magnificent Europe kicks off at about $7949, with suites heading north of $10,000.
• Tauck’s Budapest to Amsterdam by Riverboat starts from $12,690 per person.
• Uniworld’s European Jewels starts at roughly $6656, though you’re paying more for their boutique luxury vibe.
• Scenic’s Jewels of Europe sits on the higher end, from around $8420, but it’s as all-inclusive as it gets.

Prices are per person and usually based on twin share, so if you’re cruising solo, just watch out for single supplements. There’s also a good range of cabins to pick from. Whether you go for a junior suite with a Juliet balcony or splurge on a full luxury suite with a walk-in wardrobe and actual living room, there’s something for most budgets.

If you’re trying to keep costs down, book early. That’s when you’ll score early bird deals, free flights, or extra perks like onboard credit. Some cruise lines also run specials throughout the year, so it’s worth signing up for their newsletters or having a travel agent who knows the game.

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