Budapest to Basel

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.

Begin your journey on the iconic Danube river with a traditional Hungarian folklore performance. Over the next fourteen days, sail through the stunning Wachau Valley and the Rhine Gorge, making your way to the canal city of Amsterdam. Along the way explore stunning cities and towns like Vienna and Cologne.

Start with a two-night stay in Amsterdam. Explore a landscape of sun-drenched vineyards, magnificent castles, and quaint villages along the Rhine & Moselle rivers. Begin in the Netherlands with a tour of the quintessentially Dutch cities of Amsterdam and Utrecht before a visit to the traditional Kinderdijk windmills. You will then continue to Germany, traversing the wonderful countryside, stopping in Koblenz, where the Rhine and Moselle meet. After exploring the picture-perfect Moselle, travel south to the Alsatian capital of Strasbourg, followed by the serenity of Switzerland in Basel.

Your Fly, Stay & Cruise Package Includes:

• $3,500 flight credit per person
• 1 night 4-star accommodation in Budapest with breakfast
• 14 night Splendours of Europe river cruise onboard Emerald Dawn, Budapest to Amsterdam
• 12 night Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards river cruise onboard Emerald Sky, Amsterdam to Basel
• Includes meals, select beverages, guided tours, airport transfers, tipping and gratuities plus more
• Select private transfers

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 28 June – 25 July 2025

Splendours of Europe Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1 - Budapest

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.

Day 2 - Budapest

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.

Day 3 - Bratislava

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.

Day 4 - Vienna

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.

Day 5 - Dürnstein - Melk

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.

Day 6 - Passau

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.

Day 7 - Regensburg

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.

Day 8 - Nuremberg

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.

Day 9 - Bamberg

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.

Day 10 - Würzburg

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.

Day 11 - Wertheim - Miltenberg

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.

Day 12 - Rüdesheim – Koblenz

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.

Day 13 - Cologne

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.

Day 14 - Amsterdam

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.

Day 15 - Amsterdam

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and depart your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the postcard-worthy Rhine Gorge and idyllic Dutch countryside with you.

Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards Cruise Itinerary:

Day 1 Amsterdam

Welcome to Amsterdam, the capital of The Netherlands famous for world-class museums, artistic heritage and elaborate canal system. You will be met at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

Day 2 Amsterdam

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

Inclusions: Breakfast

Day 3 Amsterdam

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Waterways Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner on board.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 Utrecht

As part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you will start the day by exploring a canal cruise through the Oudegracht or Old Canal, which is not only the oldest in Utrecht, but it is also older than the canals in Amsterdam. For centuries, along the water, the wealthiest have built mansions with the peculiarity of having warehouses and service entrances just above water level. Undoubtedly, the castle of Oudaen stands out among all the rest: an urban castle well preserved despite being more than eight centuries old.

EmeraldPLUS

Canal cruise and cheese tasting

EmeraldACTIVE

Guided bike tour near Utrecht

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Nijmegen

Relax in the comfortable surrounds of your Star-Ship this morning as you sail along the Dutch waterways, passing quaint, time-honoured villages. Visit the Paleis Het Loo, which once served as the summer residence of the Dutch royal family. Today, the palace stands as a magnificent museum. The palace’s decorations and its gardens are bound to stun. 

Included Excursion

Visit to Paleis Het Loo

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Koblenz

Wonderfully maintained inside and out, Marksburg Castle boasts a selection of typical interiors, including the castle kitchen, the knight’s hall, the armoury and an inviting wine cellar. The attractive light-stoned walls of the castle are protected by an outer fortress, with a single tower peering over the turrets and castle walls, it resembles something you would find in a Brothers Grimm tale.

Included Excursion

Visit to Marksburg Castle

EmeraldACTIVE

Hike to Marksburg Castle

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Bernkastel

Dating back to 3000 BC, Bernkastel is situated along the banks of the Moselle River. Home to well-preserved buildings dating back to 1416. Enjoy a guided walking tour, where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the medieval marketplace with its gabled timber-framed houses, castle ruins and town gate. Or, take part in an active hike to the Landshut Castle Ruins overlooking the Moselle. 

EmeraldACTIVE

Active hike to Landshut Castle Ruins

Included Excursion

Walking tour of Bernkastel

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Cochem

Today, you will enjoy the enchanting town of Cochem during a guided tour of its well-preserved sites. You’ll see the remains of the historic town wall with its old fortifications, alongside the town hall and its many other gems.

Included Excursion

Guided tour of Cochem & Visit to Reichsburg Castle

EmeraldACTIVE

Cycling along the Moselle

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Rudesheim

Today as part of your incredible EmeraldPLUS programme, you will visit the grand Schloss Johannisberg Winery. Set in the breathtaking Rheingau region, the legendary Schloss Johannisberg is steeped in history, cultivating exquisite wine for over 1000 years. The first Riesling winery in the world, at Schloss Johannisberg, discover a unique wine culture and fabled history during this exclusive tour. Set over 50 hectares in front of the Taunus mountains, the onsite 300-acre forest grows native oak to make the wooden barrels used for producing this exemplary wine. These extra- special barrels are then kept in the 900-year-old abbey cellar, known as ‘Bibliotheca Subterranea’, where over 25,000 precious wines are stored. Alternatively, participate in an active hike through vineyards to the historical Niederwalddenkmal Monument.

EmeraldPLUS

Wine Visit and tasting at Schloss Johannisberg

EmeraldACTIVE

Active Hike to Niederwalddenkmal Monument

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Mainz

Your day will start with a guided tour of Mainz and a visit to the impressive sandstone cathedral of the tremendous Old Town with medieval market squares and half-timbered houses. The town is famous as the birthplace of Johannes Gutenberg who invented the first printing press and manufactured his first books in the 15th century, including the Gutenberg Bible. 

Included Excursion

Guided Tour of Mainz

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 Kehl - Strasbourg

This morning, we’ll dock in Kehl and take a coach transfer to the medieval capital of France’s Alsace Region, Strasbourg. The best way to discover Strasbourg’s charm is via its quaint waterways. 

Relax as you pass through petite France, full of storybook canals, half-timbered houses and narrow lanes. Witness the covered bridges and the Vauban Dam before reaching the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Neustadt imperial quarter, where many of Strasbourg’s administrative buildings are based. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. 

Included Excursion

Canal boat tour in Strasbourg

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 Breisach - Colmar

Commence your magical morning with a tour of Colmar. As you walk down the cobblestone lanes, it’s easy to imagine the characters from the Grimm’s Fairy Tales here, with half-timbered façades adorned with window boxes full of colourful blooms. Alternatively, embark on a canoeing adventure on the banks of the Rhine. 

Included Excursion

Guided tour of Colmar

EmeraldACTIVE

Canoeing on the banks of the Rhine

Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13 Basel

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport and take with you memories of all the beautiful destinations you have visited.

Please book your flight to depart out of Basel after 10:00 AM.

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.

Inclusions: Breakfast

Prices listed are per person in AUD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 08-11-2024 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.