Splendors of Europe River Cruise

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700-year-old city of picturesque canals, world-class museums and cafés. You’ll be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at leisure to explore Amsterdam. This evening join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard. Meal: D

This morning, choose to enjoy a glass-top boat tour through Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage canal network, OR take a guided bike tour to Waterland. Then return to the ship for your first day sailing through the Dutch countryside passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Waterland (instead of canal cruise)

Founded by the Romans, and one of Germany’s oldest cities, Cologne is famous for its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Gothic cathedral. Join your guide on a walking tour to discover the city and its Old Town. During your free time shop for local specialty items or continue to explore before returning to the ship. Meals: B, L, D

Today’s cruising is certainly a highlight as you cruise through the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge and pass the infamous Lorelei Rock. Keep your camera ready to capture the stunning vistas of castles perched atop steep vine-covered slopes. Later, in the afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, one of Germany’s most popular towns. Choose to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum OR take an active hike to Niederwalddenkmal. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Niederwalddenkmal (instead of included excursion to the Music Cabinet Museum)

Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque medieval village on the Main River. During an included walking tour, see the Merchant Hall and the old town, lined with well-preserved half-timbered buildings. Alternatively, join a guided hike through the forest to Mildenburg Castle. Later, venture to the charming town of Wertheim for an exclusive glass-blowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided walk to Mildenburg Castle
DiscoverMORE: Vineyard visit and Franconian wine (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Glass-blowing presentation

Set amongst sloping, vineyard-covered hills, Würzburg is known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’. The included excursion includes a tour of the town, and a visit to the Würzburg Residenz. As one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the palace’s unique staircase, elaborate 18th-century frescoes and the amazing 3D stuccowork, OR, choose an optional excursion to Rothenburg, available from Würzburg. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Rothenburg (additional expense) (instead of included tour of Würzburg)

Relax onboard this morning, cruising to Bamberg. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide, discover one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centers and admire hundreds of building façades richly decorated in fascinating detail and spectacular ornamentation. Marvel at the opulence of the New Residence, former home of the prince bishops, and enjoy a stroll through the rose garden. Meals: B, L, D

Embark on a sightseeing tour of the historic city. See its architectural wonders, and gain insight into the events of WWII and the mark left on the walled city. Afterwards, enjoy free time to stroll through the medieval city center. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: World War II Tour (additional expense) instead of included tour of Nuremberg

This morning, cruise through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal. Continue cruising along the Danube River to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. On a guided walking tour, see the city’s architectural highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. After the excursion, enjoy free time in this medieval city. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Sausage-making workshop (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Bavarian Band onboard

Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in Passau. On an included walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest pipe organ. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Ceský Krumlov (additional expense)

Note: all excursions overlap; only one can be selected: Passau, Salzburg or Ceský Krumlov

Situated within Austria’s wine-growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is visited on the included excursion. This afternoon, the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley to the enchanting village of Dürnstein. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE*: Guided bike tour from Melk to Dürnstein
EmeraldACTIVE*: Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

* the ACTIVE events operate simultaneously; only one can be selected

Discover Austria’s capital with a panoramic overview of the city followed by a walking tour. See the magnificent Ringstrasse, Opera House, Burgtheatre and the Parliament before enjoying time to explore at your leisure. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour of Vienna (instead of included city tour)
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert (additional expense)

As the capital, Bratislava is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn cobblestone streets. Enjoy a walking tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Episcopal Summer Palace and Slovak National Theater.This afternoon, a highlight will be a cultural visit with a local family. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Bratislava Castle (instead of included tour)
EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted coffee and cake with Slovakians
DiscoverMORE: Skoda Tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (additional expense)

Enjoy a guided tour of this capital city and see the highlights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle, and the Chain Bridge. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to continue discovering this beautiful city. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner and a folklore show on your final evening onboard. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Buda Hill (instead of included tour)
DiscoverMORE*: Excursion to Szentendre (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE*: Jewish Heritage Tour (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard

* DiscoverMORE’s operate simultaneously; only one can be selected

After breakfast, it is time to disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking with you memories of your adventures from this cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Meal: B