Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theaters and cafés. You will be met and transferred from the airport to your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. After boarding, enjoy some time at leisure to explore Amsterdam. This evening join your fellow travelers for dinner onboard. Meal: D This morning, choose to enjoy a glass-top boat tour through Amsterdam’s canals or a guided bike tour. Return to the ship for your first day sailing through the Dutch countryside passing windmills and sailing through locks towards the Rhine River. Tonight the Captain will be delighted to host a gala dinner. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Bike Tour

Founded by the Romans, and one of Germany’s oldest cities, Cologne is famous for its magnificent World–Heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Join your guide and explore the city and its Old Town. During your free time shop for handicrafts or visit a local market before returning to the ship. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Tour to Drachenburg Castle

 

 

Today’s cruising may be a highlight as you cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge and past the infamous Lorelei Rock. Keep your camera ready to capture the stunning vistas of castles perched atop steep vine-covered slopes. This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, one of Germany’s most popular towns. Choose to visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or a guided hike. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike through vineyards

Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque medieval village on the Main River. During an included tour, see the Merchant Hall and the old town, lined with well-preserved half-timbered buildings. Journey by coach to Wertheim, a stunning medieval town known for its glass-blowing. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Walk around Miltenberg

Set amongst sloping, vineyard-covered hills, Würzburg is known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road.” Visit the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See the palace’s unique staircase, elaborate 18th-century frescoes and the amazing 3D stucco-work. Or, choose an optional excursion to Rothenburg that will be available from Würzburg (operates at the same time as the visit of Würzburg). Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Rothenburg

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 On a city tour by coach, see the 900-year-old ramparts and the Palace of Justice where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. You will also pass by the Nazi party rally grounds, where rallies were held from 1933 until 1938. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: WWII Documentation Center

Journey to Kelheim as you 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, the Old Town Hall, and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Enjoy entertainment by a traditional Bavarian Band onboard. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Kuchlbauer Brewery

Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in Passau. On an included walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ.

Note: only one tour can be done today: Passau, Ceský Krumlov or Salzburg. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg

Situated within Austria’s wine–growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900–year old Benedictine Abbey featuring Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture. This afternoon, the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley to Dürnstein. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour from Melk to Dürnstein

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

Discover Austria’s capital with an overview of the city. See the magnificent Ringstrasse, Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Enjoy the excursion by coach and walking tour. See the magnificent Ringstrasse, Opera House, Burgtheatre and the Parliament before enjoying time to explore at your leisure. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Viennese concert and/or visit to Schönbrunn Palace

Welcome to Slovakia! Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. As a special treat, meet the ‘locals’ during a home-hosted visit. This evening, the Captain will be delighted to welcome you to his Gala Dinner. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted coffee and cake with Slovakians

Enjoy a guided tour of this capital city and see the highlights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge. This evening, experience the beauty of the city by night as the ship makes an illumination cruise along the Danube. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner, complete with folk dancing and music on your final evening onboard. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Buda Hill

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Szentendre (additional expense)

EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard

DiscoverMORE: Jewish Heritage Tour (additional expense)

After breakfast, it is time to disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. Meal: B