Bucharest to Amsterdam - Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube

Welcome to Bucharest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, perfectly situated in the city, for your overnight stay.

Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, the centre of Bucharest encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city.

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at your leisure. After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace (B/D)

Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide. On your included tour, you’ll have the chance to traverse its cobbled streets and observe its impressive medieval fortifications.

Afterwards, you’ll be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges. Explore the past with your local guide, as your tour visits a number of traditional houses and ancient churches. If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes. Tonight, you’ll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner.

EmeraldPLUS Choir concert in Arbanasi

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

Included Excursion Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

DiscoverMORE Wine tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting session. Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country. If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress

Included Excursion Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress

DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe.

Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

EmeraldACTIVE Donji Milanovac by bike

DiscoverMORE Golubac Castle Visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. The coach will pass through the centre, where you’ll notice reminders of the country’s turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour. This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment.

EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore evening show on board

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Belgrade

Included Excursion Guided tour of Belgrade

DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets.

Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic Old Town, before a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch and to meet students from the local village. Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

EmeraldPLUS Meet the local students

EmeraldACTIVE Trek to Adica Park

Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense) (B/L/D)

In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.

Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.

EmeraldPLUS Puszta horse show

EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board (B/L/D)

Today is a full day at leisure in Budapest. Your Cruise Director will be on hand to assist on you how best to spend your day. Perhaps a visit to the city market, enjoy relaxing at the local thermal baths. This evening, relax on board as you watch an authentic Hungarian folklore show and indulge in a dinner of traditional cuisine.

A traditional Hungarian folklore show (B/D)

Budapest is a city of striking contrasts, separated by the mighty Danube. Cross the iconic Chain Bridge to explore Buda to the west and Pest to the east. Today, you will have the opportunity to discover the city’s history during a guided tour,covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. If you are feeling active, then you may instead choose to hike to Buda Hill, following a maze of cobblestone streets to the massive Baroque masterpiece towering overhead.

EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Buda Hill

Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest (B/L/D)

Bordering Austria and Hungary, the Slovakian capital is yours to discover today. Wander down cobblestone streets and witness the sheer majesty of ornate Baroque palaces as you explore with a local guide, passing the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Town Hall and the picturesque gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at leisure, perhaps perusing some of the quaint boutiques that line the streets.

This afternoon, you will be welcomed into the home of a local family to learn about their culture over traditional sweet treats and coffee.

EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava

DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense) (B/L/D)

A wave of culture paves the way for life in the Austrian capital, where some of history’s most prestigious composers once walked the streets and found their inspiration. Today, by coach and on foot, you will have the opportunity to pass the iconic imperial palaces and noteworthy buildings adorning the Ringstrasse, including the Vienna State Opera.

Alternatively, embark on a guided cycling tour past idyllic riverbanks, monuments and lush parks before passing by Prater.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna

Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna

DiscoverMORE Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, you will have the opportunity to hike to Dürnstein Castle, perhaps stopping to imagine how it would have looked when Richard the Lionheart was held captive following the Third Crusade. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk, passing noteworthy vineyards and settling down for lunch on the riverbanks.

After visiting Dürnstein Castle, relax on the Sun Deck as you sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Melk, nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Your local guide will take you on a tour of the spectacular 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, including its ancient monastic library and medieval manuscripts saved from fires by the monks in the 13th century.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube

Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey (B/L/D)

Sat on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is a postcard-worthy destination that has been shaped by the surrounding waterways. Maze-like romantic lanes weave through the city, opening up into large squares and magical promenades adorned with classical boutiques.

This afternoon, join your local guide for a tour of Passau and discover a peppering of delightful Baroque buildings, some of which date back to the 17th century. Stop to admire the silhouette of the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress and witness St. Stephen's Cathedral, home of the largest church organ in Europe. Later, return for an afternoon spent peacefully cruising through the heart of Europe.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, set out on an exploration of one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, where more than two millennia of history is yours to discover. Your local guide will lead you through the heart of Regensburg's UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, once home to the seat of parliament. Delightful historic patrician houses line the streets, a visible testament to the area's importance as a trading centre hundreds of years ago.

Later, return to your Star-Ship to sail through the picturesque surrounds of the Main-Danube Canal, passing Kelheim as you make your way to Nuremberg.

• EmeraldPLUS Bavarian band performance on board
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Regensburg
• DiscoverMORE Sausage-making workshop (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, the historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during an included sightseeing tour, touching on the architectural wonders that have acted as an inspiration for famous artists from around the world for generations.

After your guided tour, enjoy time to explore the city at leisure, passing idyllic houses that were lovingly reconstructed following the destruction of the war years.

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Nuremberg
• DiscoverMORE World War II tour (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Bamberg awaits. Thousands of listed buildings can be found in the medieval town centre, an area bursting with character, charm and one of the best-preserved old quarters in Europe.

Admire hundreds of ornamental façades as you explore the town with your local guide, passing the New Residence, a building that truly captures the opulence that was enjoyed by the prince bishops. Relax in the Rose Garden before witnessing the opulence of medieval Altenburg Castle overlooking the town.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Bamberg (B/L/D)

Set alongside the Main River, Würzburg offers a perfect introduction to the Romantic Road, one of Bavaria's most popular tourism routes that links stunning medieval locations throughout the country. Your own charming journey of discovery will touch on the sloping vineyard-laden hills of one of the biggest wine-producing areas in Germany.

Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence, perhaps stopping to admire the Viennese Baroque architecture and secular features from Italy. Your local guide will teach you about how the architects behind the Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different popular styles. After the tour, enjoy a guided walking tour of Würzburg, including the Gothic Marienkapelle and Town Hall.

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, as part of your EmeraldPLUS offering, you will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum. Then, travel by coach to the picturesque village of Miltenberg, a place that perfectly encapsulates traditional Bavarian life.

Enjoy a guided tour of the village, as your local guide leads you down an intricate network of cobblestone streets, each adorned with colourful houses. Centuries ago, this area benefited from trade that was brought by river traffic, and this past affluence can still be seen today.

Alternatively, embark on an active walk to Mildenburg Castle, where a wonderful collection of artworks can be found inside of the castle that was once little more than a set of ruins.

EmeraldPLUS Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation

EmeraldACTIVE Active walk to Mildenburg Castle

Included Excursion Guided tour of Miltenberg

DiscoverMORE Vineyard visit & Franconian wine (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Relax on your Star-Ship this morning until we reach Rüdesheim, a town with a rich history of viticulture. When you arrive, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum to see spectacular rare music boxes that have stood the test of time, showcased in a postcard-worthy building with a half-timbered façade.

Alternatively, enjoy an active walk through vineyards to see what makes this wine region so popular.

After lunch, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, perhaps standing on the Sun Deck and watching for the castles and fortresses that pepper the surrounding hilltops.

EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Niederwalddenkmal

Included Excursion Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum (B/L/D)

Cruise along the Rhine from Koblenz to Cologne this morning, where an illustrious 2,000-year-long history awaits. One of the oldest cities in the country, the Romans founded Cologne in 50 AD and you'll find a number of ancient ruins, monuments and medieval structures as reminders.

Enjoy a walking tour of the city today, as your local guide takes you through the Old Town, passing ancient bridges that survived the air raids of WWII, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral and its filigree twin towers, an iconic part of the city’s skyline.

This evening, your crew will be delighted to welcome you to your farewell dinner.

Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town (B/L/D)

This morning, board a glass-top canal boat for a cruise down the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system that weaves across Amsterdam, passing elegant merchant’s residences that reflect the prosperity of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when Amsterdam was an important trading centre. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

Alternatively, explore on two wheels, cycling from the comfortable surrounds of your Star-Ship to Waterland, passing a number of quintessentially Dutch villages and traditional windmills along the way.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland

Included Excursion Canal cruise (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and depart your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the postcard-worthy Rhine Gorge and idyllic Dutch countryside with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)