Splendours of Europe & Belgium Delights

Welcome to Budapest, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Eastern Europe. Here, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to the comfortable surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you.

This evening, relax on board as you enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show. (D)

• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show

Budapest is a place of striking contrasts, with Buda on one side housing a generous scattering of the city’s elegant landmarks, and Pest on the other encapsulating its fascinating past. Separated by the mighty Danube, you can explore them both by crossing the Chain Bridge, one of the most symbolic structures in the capital.

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 Gellert Hill. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
• EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
• DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna
• DiscoverMORE Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

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 beautiful landscapes.

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

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

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Nuremberg
• DiscoverMORE World War II tour (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Bamberg

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. (B/L/D)

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

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Miltenberg
• EmeraldPLUS Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
• EmeraldACTIVE Active Walk to Niederwalddenkmal

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. Explore the city during a unique adventure that will take you hunting for some of the most typical Cologne treasures.

This evening, your crew will be delighted to welcome you to your farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Quest for Cologne’s treasures

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Canal cruise
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland
• DiscoverMORE Private hidden Gems Tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)

Disembark your luxury cruise ship in Amsterdam, then transfer by coach together with your tour director to join your new adventure in the heart of Belgium – Brussels, where you will be staying for the next 3 nights. This delightful Belgian capital is renowned for its world-class chocolate and other culinary treats, artistic heritage and architectural splendour. (B)

Today, embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Brussels on a guided city tour, exploring its iconic landmarks and vibrant culture. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the capital's central square and take in the quirky charm of Manneken Pis, one of Belgium's best-known symbols. Admire the grandeur of the Royal Palace and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. Stroll through the capital’s quaint streets, discovering hidden gems and learning fascinating insights from your knowledgeable guide. Be sure to also experience the futuristic Atomium, a striking symbol of Brussels' innovative spirit. (B)

• Included Excursion Guided city tour of Brussels

The day is yours to explore vibrant Brussels at your own pace. Try some of the local delicacies, such as the world-famous Belgian fries, and pair these with a delicious craft beer - the capital is renowned for its brewing heritage. Or simply relax and wander through the Parc du Cinquantenaire, a collection of French-style gardens combined with a historical site that is home to museums, monuments and sculptures. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Belgium Comic Heritage (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Belgian Craft Beer (extra expense)

This morning after breakfast, it's time to bid a fond farewell to your fellow guests and depart the captivating heart of Brussels for your transfer to the airport and onward flight.

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)