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Amsterdam to Bucharest – Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube

Starting in Amsterdam, 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.

Three rivers and eight countries offer a fascinating tour of the heart of Europe. Uncover layers of history and heritage from Roman times through the medieval 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.

4.75
Star Image
from 407 reviews
  • Cruise Line: Emerald Cruises
  • Ship: Star-Ship
  • Duration: 22 Nights
  • Departure: May 2024
£6,643pp
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Amsterdam to Bucharest – Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube Cruise Itinerary

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.

Day 1

Amsterdam

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.

Day 2

Amsterdam

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.

Day 3

Cologne

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.

Day 4

Rüdesheim

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.

Day 5

Miltenberg – Wertheim

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.

Day 6

Würzburg

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.

Day 7

Bamberg

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.

Day 8

Nuremberg

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.

Day 9

Regensburg

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.

Day 10

Passau

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.

Day 11

Melk – Dürnstein

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.

Day 12

Vienna

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.

Day 13

Bratislava

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.

Day 14

Budapest

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.

Day 15

Budapest

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.

Day 16

Kalocsa

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.

Day 17

Vukovar

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.

Day 18

Belgrade

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.

Day 19

Golubac – Donji Milanovac

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.

Day 20

Vidin

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.

Day 21

Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

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.

Day 22

Giurgiu – 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.

Day 23

Bucharest

Say goodbye to your fellow passengers and transfer to the airport in Bucharest, ready to begin your return journey to the UK.

Day 1

Bucharest

Transfer from the airport to your luxury Star-Ship moored in the heart of Bucharest.

Day 2

Giurgiu – 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.

Day 3

Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

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.

Day 4

Vidin

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.

Day 5

Golubac – Donji Milanovac

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.

Day 6

Belgrade

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.

Day 7

Vukovar

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.

Day 8

Kalocsa

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.

Day 9

Budapest

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.

Day 10

Budapest

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.

Day 11

Bratislava

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.

Day 12

Vienna

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.

Day 13

Melk – Dürnstein

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.

Day 14

Passau

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.

Day 15

Regensburg

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.

Day 16

Nuremberg

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.

Day 17

Bamberg

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.

Day 18

Würzburg

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.

Day 19

Miltenberg – Wertheim

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.

Day 20

Rüdesheim

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.

Day 21

Cologne

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.

Day 22

Amsterdam

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.

Day 23

Amsterdam

Say goodbye to your fellow passengers and transfer to the airport in Amsterdam, ready to begin your return journey to the UK.

Amsterdam to Bucharest – Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube Cruise Ships

Emerald Star

From the activities on the Sun Deck to the comfort and peace of a luxury suite or stateroom, no detail is overlooked on the Emerald Star. Enjoy a blend of home-from-home comfort, elegant interiors with modern amenities, and five-star service.

Wellness Suite
Outdoor Covered Terrace
Crew of 52

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Discover the Delights of the Rhine, Main, and Danube with Crui.se

22 Nights
May 2024

Amsterdam to Bucharest – Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube

  • Amsterdam
  • Cologne
  • Rüdesheim
  • Miltenberg – Wertheim
  • Würzburg
  • Bamberg
  • Nuremberg
  • Regensburg
  • Passau
  • Melk – Dürnstein
  • Vienna
  • Bratislava
  • Budapest
  • Kalocsa
  • Vukovar
  • Belgrade
  • Golubac – Donji Milanovac
  • Vidin
  • Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
  • Giurgiu – Bucharest
  • Bucharest
£6,643pp Est. Price per person
  • Star-Ship  

Amsterdam to Bucharest – Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube Cruise Review

“This was the longest cruise we have taken by far, but what a revelation it was to sail through the heart of Europe and visit so many countries. The Main was a discovery for us, too. Emerald’s shore excursions are excellent; there is so much choice at each port stop, and you can choose the pace, walk, bike, hike, or sightsee by coach; this is so different from other cruise companies we have sailed with. Plus, the Star-Ship vessels are amazing, so luxurious, and with some really unique features. This extra-long voyage is perfect for sightseeing and relaxing, the best of both worlds.”

Mike and Sally, Brightlingsea

Amsterdam to Bucharest – Discover the Rhine, Main & Danube FAQ

Find answers to some of the most common questions about river cruising here.

What is EmeraldACTIVE?

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.

Do ATOL and ABTA protect Emerald Cruises?

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.

Do Star-Ships provide mobility wheelchair access?

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.

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