Striking fortresses, noble palaces and towns frozen in the Middle Ages. Europe’s iconic waterways are peppered with a legion of historic wonders that transport you back in time. Gothic castles tell tales of transformation and rebirth on the Rhine, medieval masterpieces on the Main are portals to a bygone era, and centuries-old melodies weave spells on the banks of the Danube. Travel along these fabled waterways from Amsterdam to Budapest on our most popular tour, the 15-day Magnificent Europe luxury river cruise. This unforgettable odyssey takes you on a journey through history, placing you in the heart of quaint towns, former fortifications and regal residences.  

Gliding along one of the most scenic stretches of Germany’s Middle Rhine, you arrive at one of the first stops on your voyage: Namedy Castle in the 2000-year-old town of Andernach, where every wall whispers tales of centuries past. Built as a late Gothic moated castle in the 14th century by the Husmanns, a patrician family from Andernach, this medieval defensive stronghold enabled control of key Rhine trade routes. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, Namedy underwent extensive transformations. Rebuilt and extended numerous times, the defensive structures were softened and the castle eventually evolved into a princely estate with baroque influences and landscaped gardens. In 1908, Prince Carl Anton of Hohenzollern and his wife Princess Joséphine of Belgium purchased the castle as their residence, and Namedy remains in the Hohenzollern family today — but its continued custody within the family was not always assured.  

Following Prince Carl Anton’s death in 1919, stewardship of the castle passed to his son, Prince Albrecht. He redesigned the facade, but work was halted with the outbreak of World War II. In 1988, his son Prince Godehard and daughter-in-law Princess Heide inherited the castle, which was in dire need of restoration. Trees had forced their way through smashed windows, water had damaged the ceilings, and the grand Hall of Mirrors had become a storeroom for rotting junk. Selling Namedy felt like the only avenue available, but the pair were driven by a shared dream to transform the castle into a flourishing cultural hub. And so they did.  

Three months of cleaning revealed the elegant lines and exceptional acoustics of the Hall of Mirrors. Cultural events were held attracting visitors from near and far. The chamber music festival ‘Andernach Music Days at Namedy Castle’ was born, enjoying the patronage of Yehudi Menuhin, one of the great violinists of the 20th century. Yet tragedy struck in 2001 when Prince Godehard died suddenly of a heart attack, leaving Princess Heide to shoulder the responsibilities on her own, while two-thirds of the castle still required repair. Through determination, the Princess was able to uphold the legacy of Namedy Castle, which continues to be a beacon for the arts today.  

On arrival at Namedy Castle, Princess Heide warmly welcomes APT guests into her royal escape. Marvel at the opportunity to meander through the storied castle and its manicured gardens before attending an exclusive cocktail party, where a pianist creates an enchanting atmosphere.  

Your next stop is the romantic town of Rüdesheim in the Rhine Valley. Renowned among wine enthusiasts, this picturesque region on the Rhine River carries a long-standing tradition of viticulture. Vines were first planted on the sun-drenched slopes along the Rhine by the Romans around the first century, capitalising on the valley’s ideal climate and mineral-rich slate soils. By the Middle Ages, Rüdesheim prospered as a wine-trading hub, thanks to its location at a narrow bend of the river. Celebrated as the birthplace of Riesling, the Rhine Valley gained international fame in the 19th century for its cultivation of this world-renowned drop, and today continues to attract visitors from around the world.  

Uncover the Rhine Valley’s rich winemaking heritage with a visit to Bassenheimer Hof. Situated just steps away from the iconic Drosselgasse — Rüdesheim’s famed cobblestone street — this storied wine cellar was constructed in the 16th century. Enjoy the opportunity to taste three different wines while gaining an insight into the history of winemaking in the region and the production process.  

Step back in time as you discover World Heritage-listed Bamberg, a picture-perfect Bavarian town dating back to the Middle Ages, famous for its local speciality of Rauchbier — smoked beer. Often dubbed the ‘Rome of Germany’, Bamberg was established as a seat of a bishopric by Emperor Henry II in 1007, transforming the city into an important spiritual and political hub for the Holy Roman Empire. During the late 18th century, the town flourished as the centre of the Enlightenment in southern Germany, home to prominent philosophers and writers such as Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel and E.T.A. Hoffmann. And unlike neighbouring cities such as Nuremberg, Bamberg escaped major destruction in World War II, preserving its medieval and baroque architecture.  

Meander through the Old Town with a guide, discovering narrow lanes flanked by charming half-timbered houses and historic churches. Bamberg’s Old Town Hall (Altes Rathaus) is sure to leave a lasting impression, a striking architectural masterpiece that seemingly floats on the waters of the Regnitz River. According to legend, the bishop of Bamberg refused to grant any land for a town hall in the 14th century, so the citizens constructed an artificial island in the middle of the river, on which they built the Altes Rathaus. Modifications were made to the building over time, culminating in a fascinating blend of Gothic, Renaissance and baroque architectural styles. Painted by Johann Anwander in 1755 and reconstructed by Anton Greiner in the 1960s, the hall’s facade is adorned with intricate frescoes. Using trompe l’oeil techniques, the paintings depict historical scenes and architectural details to create an incredible three-dimensional effect.   

On the peaceful banks of the Tauber River — just a short distance from the Main — lies a town where every cobblestone echoes a story of the past. A gateway to the Middle Ages, Rothenburg is arguably Germany’s best-preserved walled town, offering a fascinating glimpse into Bavaria’s history. Once the second-largest city in Germany, the town originated around a fortress before becoming a free imperial city in 1274. With its storybook pastel half-timbered houses and winding cobbled lanes, Rothenburg immediately transports you into a fairy tale from the moment you walk through its gates.  

In December, the town transforms into a winter dreamscape with snow-dusted pines, inviting taverns, and the waft of spicy cinnamon from freshly mulled wine. It’s home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, the magical Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt, which upholds over five centuries of lived tradition. And no matter which season you’re visiting in, Christmas can be celebrated year-round at Käthe Wohlfahrt’s iconic Weihnachtsdorf (Christmas Village) — renowned for having the largest collection of German Christmas decorations in the world.  

Showcasing the epitome of Viennese aristocratic grandeur, the City Palace was constructed over three centuries ago by one of the oldest noble families in Europe, the Princely Family of Liechtenstein. Reflecting the spirit of past epochs, the palace is considered among the earliest and finest examples of Vienna’s High Baroque style. From its lavish staircases and ornate baroque stucco ceilings to the exquisite neo-Rococo interiors and Michael Thonet’s distinctive parquet flooring, every corner drips in opulence.  

In this unforgettable setting, we have arranged an exclusive cocktail party and private recital, just for you. Once you set foot inside the Ballroom of Vienna’s City Palace, you’ll discover a new meaning of the word grand. The central chandelier commands your attention, composed of countless crystal drops and a gilded bronze frame. Dazzling light illuminates the richly ornamented ceilings. An air of magic permeates the air. You’ll be left spellbound as a full orchestra performs classical masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss.  

Your final night aboard your cruise presents a captivating evening of Hungarian folk music, accompanied by a smorgasbord of local brandy, artisan meats and exquisite cheeses. Deeply grounded in rural life and spanning the full spectrum of human emotion — from tales of joy and love to pain and sadness — these songs offer a portal to the past, showcasing musical traditions passed down through generations.  

With roots tracing back to the early Middle Ages, the genre’s origins lie with the Magyar tribes who conquered and settled the Carpathian Basin around the ninth century. Drawing on Slavic, Romani and Turkic traditions, along with German and Spanish hymns, the music evolved into a distinctive sound.   

Hungarian folk music is a mosaic of many traditional instruments, from the reedy tones of the tarogato to the shimmering sounds of the cimbalom and the rhythmic harmonies of the viola. The genre’s entrancing melodies and rhythms lay the soundtrack for various traditional Hungarian folk dances, from the quintessential csárdás — the country’s national dance — to the lively verbunk. As you listen to these enchanting melodies, gain a glimpse into Hungary’s oral tradition and the cultural influences that have shaped the nation’s heritage.  

Trace the footsteps of European history on our popular Magnificent Europe luxury river cruise, sailing from Amsterdam to Budapest or the reverse. Our newest river ships, APT Solara and APT Ostara, represent a new generation of luxury river cruising. With seven world-class onboard culinary experiences — including Grüner Bar & Dining, a world-first concept that elevates dining to new heights — these vessels offer the most dining options among European river ships. Enjoy exceptional service with a high crew-to-guest ratio, and luxuriously appointed suites and interiors designed by the award-winning Australian team at Hecker Guthrie. Experience river cruising like never before as you voyage through Europe’s grand past.  

Words by Jemma Glucina-Henderson