Join us on onboard our custom-built deluxe Emerald 'Star Ship' and experience the romance of Europe's waterways.
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/813003
Day 1: Arrive Amsterdam (D) Welcome to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, world class museums, theatres and café's. You will be met and transferred^ from the airport to board your luxury Emerald Waterways Star Ship. Day 2: Amsterdam – Cruising (FB,L,D) This morning the choice is yours; board a glass top canal boat and explore Amsterdam's maze of canals with an orientation tour, or join EmeraldACTIVE for a guided bike tour of the city. Day 3: Cologne (FB,L,D) Enjoy free time on board your ship before arriving into Cologne. Join your guide and explore the city including the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Discover More: Drachenburg Castle. Day 4: Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim (FB,L,D) Today's cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Arrive in Rüdesheim, one of Germany's most popular towns. Visit Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or join EmeraldACTIVE for a hike to a local winery. Day 5: Miltenberg (FB,L,D) Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River, which creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in medieval times, due to the Old Town being lined with well-preserved half-timbered buildings. Take a guided tour of Miltenberg or join EmeraldACTIVE for a guided hike to Wertheim Castle. Day 6: Würzburg (FB,L,D) Join our guide for a walking tour of Würzburg, known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road" Discover More: Rothenburg Tour. Day 7: Bamberg (FB,L,D) Relax on board this morning as we cruise through the Main-Danube Canal, to Bamberg. Boasting one of Europe's largest intact medieval town centres, Bamberg is bursting with character and charm. Day 8: Nuremberg (FB,L,D) Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace. The city tour leads you to the major sights, from the early beginnings to the present. Pass by the Nazi party rally grounds and take a self-guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre. Discover More: Gingerbread cooking class. Day 9: Kelheim – Regensburg (FB,L,D) This morning takes you through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Kelheim. Cruise along the Danube River to Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. You're Invited: Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian Band on board. Discover More: Excursion to a local Bavarian brewery. Day 10: Passau (FB,L,D) Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you to the beautiful city of Passau. Visit St. Stephen's Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Discover More: Full day excursion to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov. Day 11: Melk – Dürnstein (FB,L,D) Situated within Austria's wine-growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900-year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria's finest Italian baroque architecture. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided biking tour along the Danube River or a guided hike to Dürnstein Castle. Day 12: Vienna (FB,L,D) Welcome to Vienna, the "City of Waltz". Today we explore Austria's capital. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour of the city. Discover More: Exclusive Viennese Evening concert or Schönbrunn Palace. Day 13: Bratislava (FB,L,HD) Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Bratislava, the dynamic capital of Slovakia. You're Invited: Home hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family. This evening, the Captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Captain's Gala Dinner. Day 14: Budapest (FB,L,HD) Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including: the Hungarian Parliament Building, Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or join EmeraldACTIVE for a guided hike to Buda Hill. This evening the ship will take you for a night-time cruise along the Danube, passing under the city's numerous bridges, whilst enjoying a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner. Day 15: Disembark Budapest – Zagreb (FB,D) After breakfast this morning, it's time to disembark the ship and travel south through gentle countryside towards central Europe's largest lake – Balaton. Take in the spectacular views of the lake before we continue our journey through Croatia, arriving in Zagreb. Two Night Stay: The Westin Hotel, Zagreb or similar. Day 16: Zagreb (FB) This morning we will take in the sights of the city. Enjoy the architecture of the Archbishop's Palace, Opera House, Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark's Church. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore this lively capital. Day 17: Zagreb – Dubrovnik (FB,D) Our journey this morning takes us to the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic on the north Dalmatian coastline. We hug the coastline with the sparkling sea on our right and majestic mountains on our left as we head to Dubrovnik – commonly known as the Pearl of the Adriatic. Three Night Stay: Valamar Lacroma Resort, Dubrovnik or similar. Day 18: Dubrovnik (FB,HD) The walled old town of Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage site, largely unchanged since the middle ages. Enjoy a walk around the medieval ramparts. We will also see Onofrio's Fountain, the Rector's Palace and the Fransiscan and Dominican monasteries. You're Invited: Join a Croatian family for dinner in a typical farmhouse. Day 19: Dubrovnik at leisure (FB) Today is at leisure to explore the lively market, enjoy lunch in a seaside restaurant or simply relax. Your Tour Director will be happy to advise how best to use your free time. Discover More: 26 Day Dalmatian Coast and Splendours of Europe River Cruise 96 Santa Maria Delle Salute, Venice, Italy