All-inclusive luxury Danube river & northern lights Arctic Circle voyage
Golden Danube spires, vineyard-cloaked hillsides, and shimmering Arctic skies – this dual voyage pairs Van Loon’s river elegance with Holland America Line’s ocean sophistication.
Step on board The Gentleman in Budapest, where illuminated bridges frame the Danube after dark. Days unfold gently as you drift past sunlit riverbanks and fairy-tale towns, pausing to explore Vienna’s imperial grandeur. An Amsterdam stay bridges the two journeys before you join Holland America Line’s Rotterdam and head for Norway’s dramatic coastline. Crossing into the Arctic Circle, marvel at the northern lights dancing overhead as you reach the wild beauty of the far north.
Your final days on board bring the gentle rhythms of Bergen and Scotland’s Shetland Islands before you sail back into Rotterdam. It’s a holiday of striking contrasts, uniting Central Europe’s storybook rivers with the raw drama of the Arctic.
22 September 2027 departure
- Inside from $10,999 per person twin share*
- Oceanview $12,999 per person twin share*
- Verandah from $15,499 per person twin share*
* Please note: prices are subject to availability at the time of booking and may change or be withdrawn at any time without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Fly overnight to Budapest
Your holiday begins as you fly overnight from Australia to your destination.
Day 2 – Budapest: Hotel stay
Arrive in Budapest and check in for an overnight stay, giving you a first taste of the city’s elegant streets and riverside lights before boarding tomorrow.
Day 3 – Budapest: Embark ship & overnight in port
Transfer to the river and embark The Gentleman, settling into your cabin as Budapest’s glittering skyline slips past.
Day 4 – Budapest
A full day to discover Budapest itself, with the option to join the Budapest Highlights Tour by Coach and see the city’s most iconic sights.
Day 5 – Bratislava – Hainburg
Sail into Slovakia’s compact capital, where a walking tour of Bratislava reveals the cobbled old town.
Day 6 – Vienna
Vienna’s sophistication takes centre stage as you join the Vienna Highlights Tour by Coach, passing grand avenues and stately architecture.
Day 7 – Dürnstein
The Wachau Valley narrows around you as you arrive in Durnstein, its pastel houses and ruined hilltop fortress rising above the vineyards.
Day 8 – Linz
Step ashore for the Linz Walking Tour, tracing the city’s riverside promenade and historic squares.
Day 9 – Passau: Overnight in port
Your river journey reaches its final port in Passau, where three rivers meet beneath a skyline of baroque spires.
Day 10 – Passau: Disembark ship & Amsterdam hotel stay
Disembark in Passau and fly via Munich to Amsterdam for a two-night hotel stay.
Day 11 – Amsterdam hotel stay
Wander the canal-side paths, browse boutique shops or simply relax at your hotel before joining your ocean cruise tomorrow.
Day 12 – Rotterdam: Embark ship
A transfer brings you to the ship for embarkation, exchanging river life for the open sea as Holland America Line’s Rotterdam carries you into the next chapter of your journey.
Day 13 – Relax at sea
Day 14 – Ålesund
Ålesund’s Art Nouveau streets rise from the water’s edge amid steep fjords, a graceful welcome to Norway.
Day 15 – Trondheim
Norway’s ancient capital welcomes you with its handsome wooden waterfront and cathedral spire.
Day 16 – Crossing the Arctic Circle
A quietly momentous morning as Rotterdam crosses into the Arctic Circle, the light and scenery shifting with every passing mile.
Day 17 – Tromsø: Overnight in port
Tromsø, gateway to the Arctic, offers a full day free to explore its harbourside streets, browse local galleries or simply watch the ever-changing northern light from the deck.
Day 18 – Tromsø
A second day in Tromsø brings more time to discover the city at your own pace, or perhaps venture further afield in search of the northern lights after dark.
Day 19 – Alta: Overnight in port
Alta welcomes you to a landscape shaped by ice and midnight sun, an excellent base for exploring at your own pace.
Day 20 – Alta
Alta offers a further day ashore, whether that means a quiet wander through town, a longer excursion into the surrounding wilderness, or simply relaxing on board.
Day 21 – Crossing the Arctic Circle
Rotterdam crosses back over the Arctic Circle as you begin the journey south, the northern light softening with each passing hour.
Day 22 – Åndalsnes
Sheer mountains plunge straight into the fjord at Åndalsnes, a dramatic backdrop for a day spent exploring the town on foot.
Day 23 – Bergen
Bergen’s colourful harbourfront and hillside setting make for a memorable final Norwegian port.
Day 24 – Lerwick
Lerwick, the UK’s northernmost outpost, brings rugged coastal scenery and a proud maritime heritage.
Day 25 – Relax at sea
Day 26 – Rotterdam: Disembark ship & fly home
Your holiday complete, today you’ll head to the airport for your flight home.
Day 27 – Arrive home
* Please note that cruise itineraries are subject to change at any time by the cruise company and are not guaranteed
Highlights
- All-inclusive river cruise includes unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty coffee throughout
- Two-night Amsterdam hotel stay bridges the river and ocean cruise segments
- Intimate 172-guest river ship followed by Holland America Line’s full-service ocean vessel
Golden Danube spires, vineyard-cloaked hillsides, and shimmering Arctic skies – this dual voyage pairs Van Loon’s river elegance with Holland America Line’s ocean sophistication.
Step on board The Gentleman in Budapest, where illuminated bridges frame the Danube after dark. Days unfold gently as you drift past sunlit riverbanks and fairy-tale towns, pausing to explore Vienna’s imperial grandeur. An Amsterdam stay bridges the two journeys before you join Holland America Line’s Rotterdam and head for Norway’s dramatic coastline. Crossing into the Arctic Circle, marvel at the northern lights dancing overhead as you reach the wild beauty of the far north.
Your final days on board bring the gentle rhythms of Bergen and Scotland’s Shetland Islands before you sail back into Rotterdam. It’s a holiday of striking contrasts, uniting Central Europe’s storybook rivers with the raw drama of the Arctic.
Inclusions
- Seven-night all-inclusive river cruise on The Gentleman with unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi and specialty coffee
- Fourteen-night full-board ocean cruise on Rotterdam
- Included shore excursions: Budapest Highlights, Walking tour of Bratislava, Linz walking tour and Pöstlingbergbahn, Vienna Highlights
- One night five-star hotel in Budapest at InterContinental Budapest with breakfast
- Two nights four-star hotel in Amsterdam at Hotel Jakarta Amsterdam with breakfast
- All flights, taxes and transfers
- Overnight in port in Budapest, Passau, Tromsø and Alta
Exclusions
- Travel insurance
FAQs
The Gentleman: Launched in 2024, this 135-metre vessel accommodates up to 172 guests across 86 elegantly appointed cabins. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a generous sun deck invite guests to fully appreciate Europe’s scenic waterways, while stylish interiors showcase Dutch craftsmanship. Onboard facilities include the Baroness Restaurant, Grandeur Bistro, Majesty Lounge, fitness space, massage centre and premium Wi-Fi.
Rotterdam: The impressively designed ship offers 12 decks, 1,340 staterooms and delicious gourmet dining experiences. This luxurious ship offers guests the ultimate in service and comfort, with indulgent spa treatments at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon, breathtaking entertainment including casino, theatre and live music venues, two pools, sports facilities and enrichment programs.
How long is the holiday?
The holiday is 26 nights, departing on 22 September 2027. It includes a Danube River cruise, hotel stays in Budapest and Amsterdam, and a 14-night Norwegian and Arctic Circle cruise.
Which ships will I be travelling on?
You will enjoy two cruise experiences. The first is aboard The Gentleman, a boutique river cruise vessel operated by Van Loon, followed by a 14-night ocean cruise aboard Holland America Line’s Rotterdam.
Where does the holiday begin?
Your journey begins with an overnight flight from Australia to Budapest, Hungary, where you will enjoy a one-night hotel stay before embarking on your Danube River cruise.
Provided by: Imagine CruisingFine Print
Holiday duration includes overnight flights when applicable and is subject to change. Prices shown include discount and savings are based on two passengers sharing an Inside cabin, booking directly with Imagine Cruising.
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