Splendours of Europe

Pricing based on departure date: 20 February 2027

Amsterdam to Budapest departures

20 February 2027

8 March 2027

Budapest to Amsterdam departure

22 February 2027

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.

An iconic glass-top canal boat cruise in Amsterdam marks the beginning of this wonderful itinerary through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Promising natural beauty, medieval towns and hikes to hilltop fortresses, four capital cities offer a unique insight into the region’s past, present and future.

The Emerald Cruises Difference

Experience an unforgettable voyage of discovery with shore excursions, EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences, and the EmeraldACTIVE program all included.

• 14 nights on board an Emerald Star-Ship
• Airport transfers to and from your Emerald Star-Ship
• The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
• Port taxes and charges
• All tipping and gratuities
• Timeless Dutch Countryside
• Quest for Cologne’s treasures
• Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
• Guided tour of Miltenberg
• Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishop’s Residence
• Guided tour of Bamberg
• Guided tour of Nuremberg
• Guided tour of Regensburg
• Guided tour of Passau
• Tour of Melk Abbey
• Guided tour of Vienna
• Walking tour of Bratislava
• Guided coach tour of Budapest
• Visit to Bronnbach Abbey
• Traditional Bavarian band performance on board
• Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
• Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
• 41 delectable meals including 14 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D)
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS

Amsterdam
The capital and cultural centre of the Netherlands is dually considered a gracious, formal cultural centre and the most offbeat metropolis in the world. Some of the best art in the world, including that by Van Gogh, is showcased in over 40 fine museums. Its attractive canals and gabled houses are a popular subject for local burgeoning painters.

Cologne
Cologne is the capital of the Rhineland and one of Germany's largest cities. The soaring twin steeples of Cologne's magnificent Gothic cathedral?which took more than 600 years to build?dominate the river skyline. The Germano- Roman Museum, located next to the cathedral, is a must for history buffs! The Old Town abounds with taverns, cafés, and shops. The favorite local beer here is Kölsch. 

Rudesheim
A romantic wine village located along Germany's Rhein River.

Miltenberg
Miltenberg is a town in the Regierungsbezirk of Lower Franconia in Bavaria, Germany. It is the seat of the like-named district.

Wurzburg
Set on the vine-clad banks of the Main River and embellished with beautiful baroque masterpieces and delightful Franconian wineries, this lively university city of Wurzburg serves as a suitably picturesque starting point for Bavaria's Romantic Road.

Bamberg
Bamberg is a town in northern Bavaria, Germany. Its old town preserves structures from the 11th to 19th centuries including the muraled Altes Rathaus, which occupies an island in the Regnitz reached by arched bridges. The Romanesque Bamberg Cathedral, begun in the 11th century, features 4 towers and numerous stone carvings.

Nuremberg
With half a million people, Nuremberg is Bavaria's second largest city. While its history dates to the 11th century, Nuremberg is most often linked to the 20th century (specifically World War II). It first served as the site of many pre-war Nazi rallies, then was nearly leveled by Allied bombing, then was the site of the famous post-war Nuremberg Trials. The city has much to offer today's visitors, including the rebuilt Nuremberg Castle and the world-famous gingerbread at Hauptmarkt. Hansel and Gretel would have loved this place.

Regensburg
The city hails back to Roman times. See the mighty Porta Praetoria and the magnificent merchants' houses dating back to the Middle Ages. Visit Steinerne Brucke (Stone Bridge) which connects the main part of the ceith with the settlement on the Danube's other bank. Tour the Petersdom cathedral's sumptuous baroque interior and two Gothic towers. Try Bavarian cooking at the Alte Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen).

Passau
Passau, a German city on the Austrian border, lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Known as the Three Rivers City, it's overlooked by the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress housing a city museum and observation tower. The old town below is known for its baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, featuring distinctive onion-domed towers and an organ with 17,974 pipes.

Melk
Melk is an Austrian town on the River Danube, west of Vienna. It's known for the 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery built high above the town. Gold statuary adorns its domed Abbey Church, and the huge library houses medieval manuscripts. The Marmorsaal is a baroque hall with a ceiling fresco and red marble walls. South of Melk, gardens surround Renaissance Schallaburg Castle, which hosts cultural exhibitions.

Vienna
Austria's capital has always attracted artistic genius. Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Kafka and Freud were either born or moved here. Strauss waltzes and apple strudel are what come to mind to most visitors, but its most striking features are its Schwarzenegger-sized Alps and monumental Baroque edifices.

Bratislava
Slovakia's capital since the country's independence in 1993, Bratislava is a mosaic of illustrious history: a medieval and Gothic old town, baroque palaces commissioned by Hungarian nobles, and the crowning castle, rebuilt to Renaissance finery. Slicing through the city are stark-angled, communist-era blocks and a futurist bridge.

Budapest
When overlooking Budapest from the Royal Palace wall or the Fisherman's Bastion of "Castle Hill," it's easy to see why Budapest is called " The Pearl of the Danube." Its grand buildings and beautiful bridges are architectural marvels, especially when the flood lights illuminate them at night. Hungary's capital has broad avenues, leafy parks and elaborate bathhouses and thermal spas. The River Danube serves as a good orientation landmark with Buda on the hilly left side and flat Pest on the right. The sights in Buda include "Castle Hill", Gellért-hegy and its prominent Liberty Statue, and the Citadella. Pest is the commercial center or downtown "Belváros" with highlights such as Vaci Street known for window shopping, fine restaurants and casual cafes.

Your Ship: Emerald Star

On board Emerald Cruises’ Star-Ships in Europe, you will enjoy contemporary comfort, innovative spaces, and unforgettable experiences.

With a fleet of 10 Emerald Star-Ships cruising Europe’s iconic rivers, you can look forward to spacious suites & staterooms, elegant social areas, and thoughtfully designed spaces that elevate every journey. Enjoy panoramic lounges, an innovative pool area, and regionally inspired dining, all complemented by attentive service that ensures your river cruise is both luxurious and wonderfully relaxed.

These chic suites are perfect for viewing the scenery pass by. Our innovative all-weather balcony system allows the floor-to-ceiling window to drop down electronically and an indoor decked area allows you to enjoy the sights in all their glory. 

Amsterdam (overnight), Scenic Cruising Cologne, Rudesheim, Miltenberg, Wurzburg, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest (overnight)

All fares are displayed in AUD, and pricing is per person based on twin share occupancy unless stated otherwise. Although all due care is taken to keep information as up-to-date as possible, pricing and availability are subject to change without notice: due to varying timing schedules of supplier automated update processes; currency fluctuations; fuel surcharges or government tax & fee changes and may not be guaranteed until paid in full. Gratuities may be an additional onboard charge depending on particular cruise line selected. Please ask your cruise consultant for any clarification of Terms & Conditions.