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. 

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

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.

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. 

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

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Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

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Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

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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. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Vienna

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Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)

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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. 

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. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau

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Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

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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.  

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Regensburg

EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian band performance on board

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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. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Nuremberg

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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.

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. 

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

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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.

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. 

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. 

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

Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town

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. 

Included Excursion
Canal cruise

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland

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Private hidden Gems Tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)

Today you have a full day in Amsterdam where you can discover some of the hidden gems of the Dutch capital before your European journey continues on the Rhine river.

This morning, discover the charms of Alkmaar, a picturesque Dutch town a short distance from Amsterdam. Explore Alkmaar’s historic centre, brimming with scenic canals and medieval buildings. Alkmaar is famous for its centuries-old cheese market, where traditional cheesemakers showcase their craft and engage in lively auctions. Immerse yourself in the local culture in this typically charming town. Alternatively, embark on a bike tour through the outlying Dutch countryside.

In the afternoon, sit back and relax as you cruise along the  Rhine River, perhaps enjoying a drink on the Sun Deck and watching the wondrous scenery passing by. Later, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board.

Included Excursion
Excursion to Alkmaar

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland

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Dutch Delights (extra expense)

Today, join a walking tour of Düsseldorf, a vibrant city renowned for its stylish boutiques and charming Old Town. Stroll along the picturesque Rhine River, admire the stunning architecture, and discover hidden gems off-the-beaten path. Later today, you’ll arrive in Cologne, one of Germany’s oldest cities,  famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Gothic Cathedral.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Duesseldorf

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Cologne beer experience (extra expense)

Immerse yourself in fairytale-like surroundings as we sail onwards to Koblenz, a town revealing a postcard-worthy backdrop of vineyards and mountain ranges. Your included walking tour of this Roman-era town will take in the twin-towered façade of the Church of Our Lady, the point at which two of Europe’s greatest rivers converge at the German Corner.

This afternoon, relish sailing through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Here, marvel at romantic castles dramatically resting atop tree-covered canyons and half-timbered medieval villages that appear almost suspended in time.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Koblenz

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Moselle Valley & Cochem Castle visit (extra expense)

This morning, discover Heidelberg, a delightful UNESCO City of Literature that has inspired the likes of American writer, Mark Twain and British artist, William Turner. A guided tour of the town will unveil its rich history, starting at the Renaissance ruins of Heidelberg Castle, among the most important Renaissance structures north of the Alps. Here, carefully curated gardens are home to serene water features, sculptures and colourful flowerbeds.  If you’re feeling more active, you can also join a hike that will reveal panoramic views across Heidelberg. Tonight, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, you’re invited to join an enchanting private concert at a historical venue.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Heidelberg 

EmeraldACTIVE
Active hike from Mount Königstuhl to Heidelberg

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Private Evening Concert along the Rhine

This morning, you'll arrive in Kehl and then be transferred by coach to the picturesque town of Strasbourg, where an enchanting medieval past awaits among quaint, cobblestone squares framed by well-preserved, half-timbered houses.

During your included excursion, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover the heart of Alsace in Strasbourg and embark on a mouthwatering journey, discovering the traditional flavours of this region. Alternatively, join a guided hike in the heart of the Alsace region.

Included Excursion
Flavours of Alsace

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in Alsace

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Baden Baden Spa Experience (extra expense)

Today, as part of your marvellous EmeraldPLUS experience, you’ll visit the charming city of Freiburg. Considered the 'Capital of the Black Forest,’ Freiburg offers lovely sights that will amaze you. As part of your visit, you’ll also have the opportunity to sample authentic Black Forest delicacies. If you're feeling more active, choose to pedal your way through Breisach on a guided bike tour.

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Guided tour of Freiburg with tasting 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Breisach 

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Guided tour of Colmar (extra expense)

Enjoy your last breakfast on the Rhine before you get transferred to your new experience on the Rhône and Saône rivers exploring the picturesque south of France.

Chalon-sur-Saône is known for its art and history. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the area’s architectural heritage and peaceful surrounds as you travel to the quaint village of Beaune and visit the Hospices de Beaune. Originally a hospital for the poor, the Hospices de Beaune is now home to one of Burgundy’s most popular wine auctions. 

Included Excursion
Visit to the Hospices de Beaune

EmeraldPLUS
Cheese and olive tasting on board

France’s third-largest city, Lyon is a former Roman capital, steeped in history and considered to be the gastronomic heartbeat of the country. Home to traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, you'll enjoy an array of exemplary culinary delights. 

Today, a guided city tour awaits you, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, part of the inscribed historic site of Lyon. Wander through the city and soak in its vividly illustrated history, as buildings from all time periods can be seen adorning narrow cobblestone streets. Alternatively, explore the highlights of the city on two wheels as part of a guided bike tour of Lyon.  

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Lyon

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Lyon

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Excursion to Pérouges (extra expense)

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Private Culinary Charms of Lyon (extra expense)

The picturesque village of Tournon borders the gently meandering Rhône, dominated by a 16th century castle that overlooks the village and a number of iconic landmarks, including a set of ancient watchtowers. 

Your guided tour of the village will showcase its intangible cultural heritage, granting every opportunity for you to immerse yourself in your surroundings. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike through the local vineyards and marvel at the rows upon rows of grapes used to make some of the finest wines in Europe. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Tournon

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike through the vineyards

Arrive in Viviers, a town with much Middle Age flair and home to one of France’s oldest cathedrals. Your included walking tour will highlight many of the city’s numerous spectacular monuments, along with their ornate windows and lavish façades. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Viviers

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Visit to Chauvet Pont D’Arc (extra expense)

Avignon has a rich history, from Celtic beginnings to being the residence of seven successive Popes between 1309 and 1377. The city also played a major part central to the French Revolution. 

Your included walking tour will take you past the ornate beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palais des Papes, as well as Pont d’Avignon, an ancient stone bridge crossing the Rhône. This evening you are invited to join the unique experience of a classical concert in Avignon. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Avignon

EmeraldACTIVE
Canoeing excursion in Avignon

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Guided tour of the Pont du Gard (extra expense)

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Private hidden Gems tour of Avignon (extra expense)

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Visit to Chateauneuf du Pape with wine tasting (extra expense)

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Classical concert in Avignon

The past is yours to uncover in Arles, a once-important Phoenician trading port that was captured by the Romans, who peppered the city with iconic monuments. Today, your included tour of the city will showcase some of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed Roman and Romanesque monuments, illustrating how the city has evolved over the centuries. 

Visit the 2,000-year-old Arles Amphitheatre and follow in the footsteps of world-renowned artist, Vincent van Gogh. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure, where a stop at a local and quintessential café is a must before returning to relax on board your Star-Ship. This evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Provençal dining experience on board, expertly prepared by France's Top Chef finalist, Fabien Morreale. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Arles with arena visit

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Excursion to Les Baux de Provence (extra expense)

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Visit to L’Occitane Factory (extra expense)

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Provençal dinner hosted by local chef Fabien Morreale

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the idyllic French countryside and delightful cuisine with you. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Nice after 01:00 PM.

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.