Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Welcome to the Netherlands! You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, enjoy some leisure time to begin exploring. This evening, join your fellow travelers for dinner on board. Meal: D
This morning step beyond the city and discover the authentic rhythm of Dutch countryside life. Wander through the charming villages, see working windmills, and meet locals keeping age-old traditions alive. Watch the daily life go by as you experience the simple pleasures of life surrounded by Holland’s heritage, hospitality and heart. Return to the ship to sail through the Dutch countryside towards the Rhine River. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour of Waterland
Founded by the Romans, and one of Germany’s oldest cities, Cologne is famous for its magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Gothic cathedral. Join your guide on a tour to discover the city. During your free time shop for local specialty items or continue to explore before returning to the ship. Meals: B, L, D
Today’s cruising is certainly a highlight as you cruise through the spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge and pass the infamous Lorelei Rock. Keep your camera ready to capture the stunning vistas of castles perched atop steep vine-covered slopes. Later, in the afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, one of Germany’s most popular towns. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Active Walk through the Vineyards
Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque medieval village on the Main River. During an included walking tour, see the Merchant Hall and the old town, lined with well-preserved half-timbered buildings. Alternatively, join a guided hike through the forest to Mildenburg Castle. Later, venture to the charming town of Wertheim for an exclusive glass-blowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle
EmeraldPLUS: Bronnbach Abbey
Set amongst sloping, vineyard-covered hills, Würzburg is known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’. The included excursion includes a tour of the town, and a visit to the Würzburg Residenz. As one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the palace’s unique staircase, elaborate 18th-century frescoes and the amazing 3D stuccowork. This evening, enjoy local entertainment onboard. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense)
Relax onboard this morning, cruising to Bamberg. As you explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide, discover one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centers and admire hundreds of building façades richly decorated in fascinating detail and spectacular ornamentation. Meals: B, L, D
Embark on a sightseeing tour of the historic city. See its architectural wonders, and gain insight into the events of WWII and the mark left on the walled city. Afterwards, enjoy free time to stroll through the medieval city center. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: World War II Tour (extra expense)
This morning, cruise through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal. Continue cruising along the Danube River to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. On a guided walking tour, see the city’s architectural highlights, including the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. After the excursion, enjoy free time in this medieval city. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Sausage Making Workshop (extra expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Brass Band onboard
Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in Passau. On an included walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest pipe organ. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Český Krumlov (extra expense)
Situated within Austria’s wine-growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is visited on the included excursion. This afternoon, the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley to the enchanting village of Dürnstein. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike tour along the Danube
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Hike to Durnstein Castle
Discover Austria’s capital with a panoramic overview of the city followed by a walking tour. See the magnificent Ringstrasse, Opera House, Burgtheatre and the Parliament before enjoying time to explore at your leisure. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour of Vienna
DiscoverMORE: A Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Viennese Evening Concert (extra expense)
As the capital, Bratislava is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn cobblestone streets. Enjoy a walking tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Episcopal Summer Palace and Slovak National Theater. This afternoon, a highlight will be a cultural visit with a local family. Meals: B, L, D
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Hike to Bratislava Castle
DiscoverMORE: Skoda Tour of Post Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Home Hosted Coffee and Cake
DiscoverMORE: Carpathian Wine Route (extra expense)
Enjoy a guided tour of this capital city and see the highlights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Andrassy Avenue and the amazing architecture of the city. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure for you to continue discovering this beautiful city. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner and a folklore show on your final evening onboard. Meals: B, L, D
DiscoverMORE: Jewish Heritage Tour (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show
After breakfast, it is time to disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking with you memories of your adventures from this cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Meal: B
