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Starting in Amsterdam, you’ll discover the iconic cities of Cologne, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest, as well as picturesque Bavarian towns and villages and the legendary scenery of the Rhine Gorge on this Main River Cruise.
Three rivers and eight countries offer a fascinating Emerald River Cruise into the heart of Europe. Uncover layers of history and heritage from Roman times through the mediaeval period to the fascinating impact of the 20th century in a visit to Nuremberg.
Enjoy daily walking or bike excursions, with extra tours providing a choice of activities to suit your interests. Time on board is time well spent with a legendary Emerald Star-Ship offering luxury accommodation and award-winning cuisine.
Discover the stunning landscapes and rich heritage of three of Europe’s most significant rivers, plus a host of capital cities, charming towns, and picturesque villages on this epic 22-night voyage. Savour the authentic flavour of different nationalities with Emerald’s famous hand-picked excursions, plus enjoy time on board, relaxing on one of our legendary fleet of Star-Ships. Choose from a range of luxury suites and staterooms with award-winning international and regional cuisine to perfectly complement your voyage.
Transfer from the airport to your luxury Star-Ship moored in the heart of Amsterdam. Take time to explore this cosmopolitan capital before enjoying dinner on board in the evening.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Amsterdam’s canal system on a glass-topped canal boat tour or take a guided bike tour to Waterland, with its pretty landscape of historic villages and iconic windmills.
Discover Cologne, the largest city on the Rhine, with Roman ruins and medieval architecture that survived the destruction of WWII. Tour the Old Town with a local guide, a mix of the old and new with a visit to the iconic twin-towered cathedral.
Today’s highlight is sailing the Rhine Gorge, a spectacular landscape with ruined castles and breathtaking river scenery. Later, arrive in Rüdesheim, where guests can choose a ride on the Winzerexpress or enjoy a hike to Niederwalddenkmal.
Now sailing the Main River, your first stop is Miltenberg, a picturesque Bavarian village. Take a walking tour or hike through the forest to the Castle. Later, arrive in Wertheim, where there is an exclusive glassblowing presentation at a local museum.
Würzburg is the centre of grape-growing in this area called Franconia. Visit the spectacular Würzburg Residence on a walking tour, a hotch-potch of different architectural styles, and learn about its restoration after WWII.
Bamberg has one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, with over two thousand historic buildings. Stroll around the New Residence, home to a vast collection of German and Baroque paintings, and savour the peaceful vistas of the Rose Garden.
Discover Nuremberg with a fascinating past, including the more recent history of the 20th century and the reconstruction of its half-timbered houses after the war. There is a guided tour of the city and an optional tour focusing specifically on World War II.
Sail the unique Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, with a walking tour revealing the city’s delights. Enjoy a performance from a traditional Bavarian band on board ship in the evening.
Passau is a beautiful and romantic city of three rivers with a magnificent cathedral, Baroque buildings, and elegant cobbled streets. Guests can also opt for a guided tour of Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, or an excursion to Cesky Krumlov.
Melk is home to a 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey at the heart of Austria’s wine-growing region. Enjoy a tour of its medieval treasures before sailing through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, an enchanting fairytale village, or take a bike tour.
Vienna needs little introduction, and guests can explore the city centre by coach or on foot or join a guided bike tour around all the iconic landmarks. For an additional cost, take a visit to Schönbrunn Palace or attend a Viennese concert in the evening.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, or enjoy a guided hike to the castle with picturesque views. Guests can also opt for afternoon tea in the home of a local Slovakian family, a chance to explore local culture.
Take a walking tour of Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city or a guided hike to the famous Gellert Hill with spectacular views of the city and the Danube. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian folk performance on board ship after dinner.
Enjoy a day of leisure to spend as you wish in Budapest with information from expert guides to help you choose where to visit. In the evening, there is a traditional Hungarian meal on board ship, followed by an authentic folklore show.
Famous for its vibrant paprika festivals, Kalocsa sits just east of the Danube and has a rich political and economic heritage. Guests also enjoy a visit to the Puszta or Great Hungarian Plain for an epic equestrian performance from the Magyar riders.
Take a morning drive to Osijek, a historic university town with a magnificent fortress nestling in the heat of the Old Town, and enjoy a guided walking tour. An EmeraldPLUS excursion allows guests to share a meal in a Croatian family home.
The capital of Serbia, explore the history and culture of Belgrade by coach or on a guided bike tour of the city. After dinner, relax on board ship in the Horizon lounge and enjoy a traditional and spectacular Serbian folklore show.
The town of Donji Milanovac is in eastern Serbia, and guests enjoy an excursion to the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir. Plus, there is an optional tour of Golubac Castle. The day ends with a sailing through the picturesque gorge called the Iron Gates.
Vidin is a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, and guests explore on a tour of Vidin’s viticulture as this area is renowned for its wine-making. There is also a visit to the magnificent Baba Vida Fortress and an optional hike to Belogradchik Fortress.
Veliko Tarnovo is the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, a beautiful medieval city built on three hills with plenty to delight history lovers. Guests also visit Arbanasi and there is an optional guided hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo.
The Romanian city of Giurgiu is set amongst the mud flats of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace on a guided driving tour, the private residence of the legendary dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, before exploring Budapest and settling into a city hotel.
Say goodbye to your fellow passengers and transfer to the airport in Bucharest, ready to begin your return journey to the UK.
Transfer from the airport to your luxury Star-Ship moored in the heart of Bucharest.
The Romanian city of Giurgiu is set amongst the mud flats of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace on a guided driving tour, the private residence of the legendary dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, before exploring Budapest and settling into a city hotel.
Veliko Tarnovo is the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, a beautiful medieval city built on three hills with plenty to delight history lovers. Guests also visit Arbanasi and there is an optional guided hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo.
Vidin is a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, and guests explore on a tour of Vidin’s viticulture as this area is renowned for its wine-making. There is also a visit to the magnificent Baba Vida Fortress and an optional hike to Belogradchik Fortress.
The town of Donji Milanovac is in eastern Serbia, and guests enjoy an excursion to the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir. Plus, there is an optional tour of Golubac Castle. The day ends with a sailing through the picturesque gorge called the Iron Gates.
The capital of Serbia, explore the history and culture of Belgrade by coach or on a guided bike tour of the city. After dinner, relax on board ship in the Horizon lounge and enjoy a traditional and spectacular Serbian folklore show.
Take a morning drive to Osijek, a historic university town with a magnificent fortress nestling in the heat of the Old Town, and enjoy a guided walking tour. An EmeraldPLUS excursion allows guests to share a meal in a Croatian family home.
Famous for its vibrant paprika festivals, Kalocsa sits just east of the Danube and has a rich political and economic heritage. Guests also enjoy a visit to the Puszta or Great Hungarian Plain for an epic equestrian performance from the Magyar riders.
Enjoy a day of leisure to spend as you wish in Budapest with information from expert guides to help you choose where to visit. In the evening, there is a traditional Hungarian meal on board ship, followed by an authentic folklore show.
Take a walking tour of Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city or a guided hike to the famous Gellert Hill with spectacular views of the city and the Danube. Enjoy a traditional Hungarian folk performance on board ship after dinner.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the heart of Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, or enjoy a guided hike to the castle with picturesque views. Guests can also opt for afternoon tea in the home of a local Slovakian family, a chance to explore local culture.
Vienna needs little introduction, and guests can explore the city centre by coach or on foot or join a guided bike tour around all the iconic landmarks. For an additional cost, take a visit to Schönbrunn Palace or attend a Viennese concert in the evening.
Melk is home to a 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey at the heart of Austria’s wine-growing region. Enjoy a tour of its medieval treasures before sailing through the Wachau Valley to Dürnstein, an enchanting fairytale village, or take a bike tour.
Passau is a beautiful and romantic city of three rivers with a magnificent cathedral, Baroque buildings, and elegant cobbled streets. Guests can also opt for a guided tour of Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, or an excursion to Cesky Krumlov.
Sail the unique Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, with a walking tour revealing the city’s delights. Enjoy a performance from a traditional Bavarian band on board ship in the evening.
Discover Nuremberg with a fascinating past, including the more recent history of the 20th century and the reconstruction of its half-timbered houses after the war. There is a guided tour of the city and an optional tour focusing specifically on World War II.
Bamberg has one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, with over two thousand historic buildings. Stroll around the New Residence, home to a vast collection of German and Baroque paintings, and savour the peaceful vistas of the Rose Garden.
Würzburg is the centre of grape-growing in this area called Franconia. Visit the spectacular Würzburg Residence on a walking tour, a hotch-potch of different architectural styles, and learn about its restoration after WWII.
Now sailing the Main River, your first stop is Miltenberg, a picturesque Bavarian village. Take a walking tour or hike through the forest to the Castle. Later, arrive in Wertheim, where there is an exclusive glassblowing presentation at a local museum.
Today’s highlight is sailing the Rhine Gorge, a spectacular landscape with ruined castles and breathtaking river scenery. Later, arrive in Rüdesheim, where guests can choose a ride on the Winzerexpress or enjoy a hike to Niederwalddenkmal.
Discover Cologne, the largest city on the Rhine, with Roman ruins and medieval architecture that survived the destruction of WWII. Tour the Old Town with a local guide, a mix of the old and new with a visit to the iconic twin-towered cathedral.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site that is Amsterdam’s canal system on a glass-topped canal boat tour or take a guided bike tour to Waterland, with its pretty landscape of historic villages and iconic windmills.
Say goodbye to your fellow passengers and transfer to the airport in Amsterdam, ready to begin your return journey to the UK.
Discover the Delights of the Rhine, Main, and Danube
Discover the Delights of the Rhine, Main, and Danube with Crui.se
EmeraldACTIVE is a selection of optional shore excursions involving a guided bike ride or hike, allowing you to explore further afield and visit a wider area or specific landmarks or points of interest. EmeraldACTIVE also includes staying active on board ship with access to a wellness and fitness centre on your luxury river cruiser plus, on selected sailings, there are guided fitness classes. EmeraldACTIVE is included in your cruise price, so there are no extra charges.
Emerald Cruises is a member of both ATOL (Number 9294) and ABTA (Number Y6328), so you can enjoy complete peace of mind during your cruise.
Emerald Cruises prides itself on being an inclusive cruise company and always strives to accommodate any guest with limitations or restrictions. However, some ships are less easy to navigate than others due to the ship’s design; for instance, some of the fleet of Star-Ships do not have elevators to all decks. Shore excursions may require you to be able to board coaches, which involves climbing up and down steps, and some locations, due to their age, may have cobblestones or uneven footing. Talk to one of our friendly booking agents about your specific needs.