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Splendours of Europe & Amsterdam

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 Cruise Length
17 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Amsterdam
17 Day Splendours of Europe & Amsterdam Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, Holland
Ship
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
EMAC-1

Overview

Begin your 17 day Splendours of Europe river cruise in Budapest, before navigating the waters through Germany, Austria and Hungary. End in beautiful Amsterdam.

Itinerary

Welcome to Budapest, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Eastern Europe. You will 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 watch an authentic Hungarian folklore show and indulge in a dinner of traditional cuisine. EmeraldPLUS A traditional Hungarian folklore show (D)

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 Budapest’s fascinating past. The two are separated by the mighty Danube, and 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, including the Castle District, where sights of Buda Castle perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the city are certain to delight. 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. Included Excursion A guided tour of Budapest EmeraldACTIVE A hike to Buda Hill (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 A guided hike to Bratislava Castle Included Excursion A walking tour of Bratislava (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, before taking to the opulent surrounds of the Vienna State Opera. Today, you will have the opportunity to pass iconic imperial palaces and a number of noteworthy buildings adorning the Ringstrasse, both by coach and on foot. Alternatively, embark on a guided cycling tour past idyllic riverbanks, monuments and lush parks before passing by Prater. EmeraldACTIVE A guided bike tour Included Excursion A guided tour of Vienna DiscoverMORE A visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense) DiscoverMORE An exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (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 it held Richard the Lionheart 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 by the monks from fires in the 13th century. EmeraldACTIVE A guided hike to Dürnstein Castle EmeraldACTIVE A guided bike tour along the Danube Included Excursion A 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 A guided tour of Passau DiscoverMORE A tour of Salzburg (extra expense) DiscoverMORE A tour of 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 A Bavarian band performance on board Included Excursion A guided tour of Regensburg DiscoverMORE Visit to a local brewery (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 Nuremberg at leisure, passing idyllic houses that were lovingly reconstructed following the destruction of the war years. Included Excursion A guided tour of Nuremberg DiscoverMORE A World War II tour with Court room visit (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 the medieval Altenburg Castle, overlooking the town. Included Excursion A 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 & Visit to the Bishop Residenz DiscoverMORE A tour of Rothenburg (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, you will have the opportunity to explore the medieval glass-blowing town of Wertheim independently, perhaps stopping to admire the traditional craft that has put Wertheim on the map in a local 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 that 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 a castle that was once little more than a set of ruins. EmeraldACTIVE An active walk to Mildenburg Castle Included Excursion A guided tour of Miltenberg (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 displays, including rare music boxes that have stood the test of time 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 An active walk through the vineyards Included Excursion A visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Instrument Museum (B/L/D)

Cruise along the Rhine from Koblenz to Cologne this morning, where an illustrious 2,000-year-old history awaits. The Romans founded Cologne in 50 AD, and it is one of the oldest cities in the country. This status has granted it a number of ancient monuments, including Roman ruins and medieval structures. 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, a recognisable aspect o the city’s skyline. This evening, your crew will be delighted to welcome you to your Farewell dinner. Included Excursion A guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town (B/L/D)

This morning, board a glass top canal boat cruise to venture 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 A guided bike tour to Waterland Included Excursion A canal cruise DiscoverMORE Guided tour of Haarlem (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Floriade Expo Visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Amsterdam for a delightful two-night stay in the city. Enjoy the afternoon on own by strolling along the famous canals or visiting a local market. Amsterdam is full of surprises awaiting to be discovered around every corner. (B)

This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Amsterdam, introducing you to a place of fascinating stories, spellbinding art and remarkable architecture. Amsterdam is considered one of the greatest small capitals in the world where your destination is never too far away. Your carefully planned walking tour will take you to one of world's greatest museums, the Rijksmuseum, hosting a collecting of over 8000 works including those of Dutch masters Rembrandt, Vermeer and Rubens. Included Excursion Walking tour of Amsterdam with Rijksmuseum visit (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your accommodation for your transfer to the airport, taking memories from a fascinating journey on the Rhine. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Luna

Emerald Luna
Emerald Luna

Relax and unwind in complete comfort aboard Emerald Luna as you explore Europe's great rivers. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Cultural Shows & Entertainment
Cultural Shows & Entertainment

From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more

Sun Deck Life
Sun Deck Life

Deck games, a walking track and a place to relax and take in the views awaits on the sun deck. Read more

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Splendours of Europe & Amsterdam' Reviews

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AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
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The Majestic Rhine - Zurich to Frankfurt   1 , VIC, Australia, Jun 2023
The booking went very smoothly. The trip was fabulous and I was lucky that there was continuous sunshine. The view from the luxurious ship (Emerald Luna) was best on the last part of the trip. The highlights were Lucerne, Colmar and Strasbourg. The photograph is of Cochen Castle on the Moselle River, a short and beautiful drive from Koblenz. I ...read more enjoyed the sights, history and the wonderful food and wine.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Emerald Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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