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Tar Heel Travel

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From: travel@unc.edu
To:
Cruise the Heart of Europe
May 4 - 19, 2026

Additional trip details and brochure.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary and Map
  • Pricing Details
  • Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Resources

Cruise through Central Europe along the storied Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, legendary waterways with fascinating histories. Unpack once aboard an exclusively chartered, first–class riverboat and embark on a 14–night cruise, enjoying an intimate look at five distinct countries: the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Awaken each day to medieval villages and vibrant capitals, enchanting vistas and lauded UNESCO World Heritage sites. Centuries of heritage unfold in Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, cities steeped in the legacies of great empires.

Behold idyllic landscapes, fairytale villages and the beautiful Middle Rhine and Wachau valleys as they glide by, and delight in an Amsterdam canal cruise. Along the way, join local experts for enriching discussions and participate in immersive cultural experiences, including a traditional German Frühschoppen . Our thoughtfully planned shore excursions allow you to customize your journey, from walking tours to cycling adventures and wine tastings. This program features experienced guides and lecturers and includes all meals, with wine and beer for lunch and dinner. No single supplement for solo travelers.

Day 1 - Depart U.S.Cruise the Heart Map
Day 2 - Amsterdam, Netherlands
Day 3 - Amsterdam

Day 4 - Cologne, Germany
Day 5 - Koblenz

Day 6 - Miltenberg
Day 7 - Würzburg
Day 8 - Bamberg
Day 9 - Nuremburg
Day 10 - Regensburg
Day 11 - Passau
Day 12 - Melk, Austria | Dürnstein
Day 13 - Vienna, Austria
Day 14 - Bratislava, Slovakia
Day 15 - Budapest, Hungary
Day 16 - Depart for home city

Base Price: From $6,295*, per person, based on double occupancy for a category E cabin

    • Airfare additional

Discounts available:

    • Save $250 per person with Special Savings*, through Sept. 23, 2025
    • Save $500 person with Full Payment Discount*, through Jan. 4, 2026
      • *Must pay in full at the time of booking to receive discount

Inclusions:

    • 14 nights onboard the exclusively chartered MS Amadeus Amara.
    • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners, including Welcome and Farewell Dinners; tea or coffee with all meals, plus wine, beer or soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
    • See cobranded web page for details and brochure.

  • Tar Heel Travel is a member exclusive perk.
  • There must be one Carolina Alumni member in a room.  Membership is open to anyone.  Learn more.
  • By reserving on this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions specific to this tour which are set by the tour operator. This information can be found in the tour brochure.
  • The Carolina Alumni Travel Office and tour operator reserve the right to to decline or accept a reservation should a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.  Refunds will be made in accordance with the cancellation policy listed in the tour brochure.
  • Please contact us if you have questions about this trip or group travel. We're happy to help in any way we can.
  • Phone: 877.962.3980 (If we are unable to answer your call, please leave a detailed message with your name, phone number and email.)
  • Email: travel@unc.edu
  • All inquiries and room requests are answered in the order in which they are received. 
  • If you are ready to request a reservation, please submit your reservation request form.
  • If you wish us to hold a room for 2 business days, please send us the passenger's names, address, phone number and email.  This information must be provided in order to hold a room.