Splendours of Europe with Emerald Cruises

Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, cafés, and art galleries. Here, you ‘ll be met at the airport and transferred to the comfortable surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, you can enjoy some time to explore the cobbled streets and gabled houses at leisure. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
Meals Included: Dinner

This morning, explore the Dutch Golden Age, as you board a glass-top canal boat cruise to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system or enjoy a guided bike tour to Waterland. Both excellent ways to experience the city in all its authenticity, take to its charming waterways, passing iconic buildings and elegant merchant residences that reflect a time when Amsterdam was one of the most lucrative ports in the world. If you’re feeling more active, then explore on two wheels, cycling alongside a backdrop of historical villages and traditional windmills. On returning to your Star-Ship, your first day of sailing will take you through the tranquil Dutch countryside to the Rhine River.

Included Excursion: Canal cruise
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour to Waterland

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, the cathedral city of Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and the largest on the Rhine. The historic capital of the Rhineland, this illustrious city has been generously peppered with ancient architecture, from Roman ruins to medieval structures, despite much of the inner city being completely destroyed during WWII.Join your local guide and explore the city, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. Your tour will conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, explore the city centre where locals meet for shopping trips and to enjoy authentic German beer before returning to your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion: Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we meander through the fairy tale-like surrounds of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Hilltop castles and fortresses will be yours to admire as we sail. We will pass the infamous Lorelai Rock, where sailors are said to have been lured onto treacherous rocks by an enchanting siren, and the impressive Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a former stronghold.This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town with a vibrant wine-growing heritage. You will have the choice of either riding on the Winzerexpress and visiting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum or, if you’re feeling active, taking an active hike to Niederwalddenkmal.

Included Excursion: Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Niederwalddenkmal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River, boasting an inimitable feeling of medieval Bavaria with its 15th century half-timbered buildings. On your included walking tour, stroll down the cobblestone streets, lined with these colourful houses and view the Gothic Merchant Hall, an impressive symbol of past affluence. You could also enjoy an active walk through the forest to Mildenburg Castle. This iconic landmark now houses a wonderful collection of contemporary art and old masters. Later, we’ll venture to the charming town of Wertheim where, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll have an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum.

Included Excursion: Guided tour of Miltenberg

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

EmeraldACTIVE: Active walk to Mildenburg Castle

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’, Würzburg, is the centre for grape-growing, the product of the sloping vineyard-laden hills which surround the former capital of Franconia. The architects behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different styles, including Viennese Baroque and secular features from Italy, but it was heavily damaged during WWII. Enjoy learning about how this impressive building was restored to its former glory on a guided tour.

Included Excursion: Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, relax on board and witness the beauty of Europe’s waterways from the plush surrounds of your cabin as we cruise to Bamberg. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town boasts one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, with around 2,400 listed buildings gracing its streets.Feel the magic of the past as you explore the city with your local guide, marvelling at the opulence of the New Residence, once resided in by the prince bishops and now home to a plethora of old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden to round your day off peacefully.

Included Excursion: Guided tour of Bamberg

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Embark on a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg, including the architectural wonders that have inspired famous artists for centuries and exploring the effects that the war years had. After your tour, enjoy time to explore Nuremberg at leisure, passing half-timbered houses that were beautifully reconstructed following the war.

Included Excursion: Guided tour of Nuremberg

DiscoverMORE: World War II tour (extra expense)|
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, you’ll sail the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. As you continue sailing down the Danube, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities welcomes you with two millennia of history. For almost 150 years, the Old Town Hall was the seat of parliament. Dating back to the 13th century, it consists of the Town Hall Tower, the Imperial Chamber building, and the Town Hall. Wander the streets with your guide, as the romantic narrow alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town enable you to live through the city’s history.

The main highlight of your tour will be the 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval structure crossing the Danube. Enjoy time to explore Regensburg at leisure after your guided tour or return to your Star-Ship for some peace and tranquillity. Later today, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.

Included Excursion: Guided tour of Regensburg

EmeraldPLUS: Bavarian band performance on board

DiscoverMORE: Sausage-making workshop (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Passau is a picturesque city that has been shaped by the surrounding rivers over the years, sitting right on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This memorable destination is dominated by large squares, magical promenades and romantic lanes. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.

Return for lunch on board and an afternoon peacefully cruising along the Danube.

Included Excursion: Guided tour of Passau

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Situated within Austria’s wine-growing region, Melk is home to a 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, which is yours to explore today during an included tour. Your guide will take you through a series of opulent rooms, each adorned with the finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library, renowned for its extensive collection of medieval manuscripts.

Later, the Star-Ship sails through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the Wachau wine region, where you can choose to hike to Dürnstein Castle, the site where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the Crusades.

Alternatively, enjoy an EmeraldACTIVE guided bike ride along the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein, passing famous vineyards and quaint towns.

Included Excursion: Tour of Melk Abbey

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour along the Danube

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Austria’s breathtaking capital is recognised for its cultural legacy. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represent a rich history, and the museum district boasts contemporary buildings, housing the work of some of the world’s most prolific artists.

Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna’s city centre by coach and on foot or join a guided bike tour. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches that adorn the façades of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater and the Flemish Gothic Parliament before enjoying time to explore Vienna at leisure.

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)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn cobblestone streets. In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the enchanting Old City or hike to Bratislava Castle.

Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

This afternoon, a local family will be happy to welcome you into their home for some great conversation over traditional sweet treats and coffee.

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)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Divided by the iconic Danube River, Buda and Pest on either side can be reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic structures.

Enjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide this morning. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Gellert Hill. This evening, you will enjoy a Hungarian folklore show before your farewell dinner.

Included Excursion: Guided coach tour of Budapest

EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Gellert Hill

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE: Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the delightful Danube 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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.
Meals Included: Breakfast

On board, attention to detail has been considered throughout every feature and flourish, providing unrivalled comfort, and the most luxurious and enjoyable of journeys for all of our guests. Whether you prefer to while away peaceful hours in your lovingly appointed suite or stateroom, or mingle with new found friends in the spacious and welcoming communal areas, every inch of our Star-Ships has been designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind.

The stylish, contemporary décor of the fleet provides a wonderful setting for watching the beautiful river views pass by. From the illuminated atrium, to the crisp, clean linens in each of our suites and staterooms, to the centre point of our dining experience – Reflections Restaurant, it’s easy to see why our Star-Ships are award-winning.

Our Star-Ships sailing the Danube, Rhine and Rhône are home to an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and a retractable roof. In the evenings the pool innovatively transforms into a cosy cinema.

During warmer months, the panoramic Sun Deck is the perfect spot to watch the world go by with your favourite drink in hand. On the Sun Deck of our Emerald Radiance sailing Portugal’s Douro River you will find a spa-style serenity pool and on Emerald Harmony the open-air pool is ideal for Asia’s exotic climate.

At Emerald Cruises, we are dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your stay on board our Star-Ships goes above and beyond your expectations. The wealth of amenities on board are complemented by our highly-trained, skilled and attentive crew, dedicated to ensuring your Emerald Cruises holiday is unforgettable.

• Al fresco dining and BBQ area
• Complimentary tea and coffee
• Dedicated Cruise Director
• Evening cinema*
• Fitness & Wellness Area
• Hairdresser
• Innovative indoor heated pool with retractable roof*
• Spa-style Serenity Pool on the Emerald Radiance
• Stylish staterooms and suites
• Sun Deck with seating area, walking track, games area & putting green

With Emerald Cruises the journey is just as important as the destination. It’s about enjoying every moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime. That’s why we believe that entertainment is an integral part of your cruise experience.

To ensure there’s never a dull moment on board, our Cruise Directors oversee a fantastic range of entertainment activities for you to enjoy. From our ever-popular crew show and bar quizzes to local performances in a traditional style, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Our crew members will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about our entertainment schedule and point you in the direction of the latest activities taking place on board. With so much to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

The Horizon Bar & Lounge is the social heartbeat of our Star-Ships. Surprisingly spacious and exceedingly modern, this contemporary and comfortable haven is one of the most popular areas of our vessels day or night.

There’s a fully stocked bar with attentive bartenders, help-yourself to a selection of coffees from out high-tech coffee-machine, or try one of our speciality teas, and take a seat in our plush and spacious sofas and chairs. In the day it’s a place to catch up with new friends and unwind.

Each evening before dinner, your Cruise Director welcomes you to the Horizon Bar and Lounge for an informal yet fascinating talk on your forthcoming ports of call. With tips on what you’ll see and things to look out for, this is an ideal opportunity to plan for the day ahead. When the evening arrives, we have a medley of entertainment planned especially for you.

After another delicious dinner in our Reflections Restaurant, head up to the Horizon Bar and Lounge, where, on select nights we have local entertainment come on-board. Relax with your favourite cocktail and catch up with your new found friends.

On select evenings guests are invited to watch local performances in the traditional style. From a Bavarian band to Hungarian dancing, there’s no finer way to celebrate the native culture than in the comfort of familiar surroundings.

The Horizon Bar & Lounge also plays host to challenging quizzes and our popular crew show. This jovial event happens at the end of every cruise after the Farewell Dinner.

Unlike any other on Europe’s waters, our ships boast a heated pool* complete with retractable roof and bar which cleverly transforms into a cinema in the evening. *please note the Emerald Radiance does not have an indoor pool/cinema.

Make your way to the back of the ship where our indoor heated pool is situated. When the evening arrives this oasis of calm is transformed into a hub of entertainment.

Watch in awe as the floor rises through the pool’s surface and a screen is lowered from above. In a matter of minutes the area is converted from a swimming pool into a cosy cinema where a selection of classic and contemporary films are shown throughout your cruise.
On selected evenings the cinema will play host to a variety of iconic concerts performed by some of the world’s most significant musicians. Popular music, classical and jazz are just some of the genres you can expect to see on the big screen.

Our live music showcase is just another was to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable river cruise. We’re always looking for exciting and unexpected ways to entertain our guests and we’re sure that you will love our collection of fun and inspirational performances.

As the host on-board, our Cruise Directors strive to ensure there’s never a dull moment during an Emerald Waterways river cruise. With this in mind, a fantastic range of entertaining activities are available for you to enjoy.

Thanks to the unique design of our Star-Ships, we are able to host a unique event program throughout your cruise. In the Horizon Bar & Lounge, immerse yourself in ancient folklores, passed from one generation to another for hundreds of years, during an authentic show. Or, let the music of a nation sweep you off your feet as a local band takes to the floor in their traditional attire. Alternatively, catch that film you never got round to seeing during movie nights in the cinema.

The top deck of our Star-Ships boasts the Sun Deck*. A panoramic rooftop space, home to a walking track, putting green and games area, as well as deck chairs and sun-loungers, perfect for warmer climates.

Why not challenge your new-found companions to a spot of putting or noughts and crosses, accompanied by the sensational backdrop of each magnificent river bank village, town or city?

Feel the breeze as you navigate your way through the heart of Europe’s most spectacular towns and cities. Raise a toast with new friends and watch as areas of outstanding natural beauty pass by.

Those travelling on Emerald Radiance through Portugal’s Douro region, can look forward to doing so from the outdoor heated Serenity Pool, a truly indulgent way to experience some of the country’s highlights.