Sail from Amsterdam to Budapest on this epic 15-day river cruise all the while exploring iconic ports of call in the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Take in the vibrant capital of Amsterdam and sail through the Dutch countryside. In Germany, experience the timeless charm of medieval towns and the natural beauty of the Rhine River. Sail on the legendary blue Danube River via the Main-Rhine Canal and cross into the picturesque country of Austria. Pass through the inspiring landscape of the Wachau Valley and visit the capital city of Vienna. Guided tours in Bratislava and Budapest offer unique insight into the region’s past, present and future. Enjoy it all on this voyage with Mayflower Cruises & Tours.
Day
1 Depart the USA
Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
Day
2 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
Day
3 Amsterdam / Cruising
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
Day
4 Cologne
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
Day
5 Rüdesheim
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
Day
6 Miltenberg / Wertheim
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
Day
7 Würzburg
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
Day
8 Bamberg
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
Day
9 Nuremberg
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
Day
10 Kelheim / Regensburg
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
Day
11 Passau / Linz
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
Day
12 Melk / Dürnstein
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
Day
13 Vienna
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
Day
14 Bratislava
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
Day
15 Budapest
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)
Day
16 Return to USA
After breakfast, it is time to disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.
Meal: B