Join us on onboard our custom-built deluxe Emerald 'Star Ship' and experience the romance of Europe's waterways.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/488581
52 52 15/21 Day Christmas Markets of Europe Paris to Prague & Splendours of Europe River Cruise Christmas Markets, Germany Day 1 Arrive Paris Welcome to Paris. You will be met at Charles de Gaulle International Airport and transferred^ to your centrally located hotel. This evening meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink and reception at your hotel. Three Night Stay: Crowne Plaza, Paris or similar Day 2 Paris HD (FB,HD) A sightseeing tour with a local guide takes you to see Notre Dame Cathedral famous for the tale of Quasimodo, the hunchback of Notre Dame. See the Obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the elegant Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Complete your tour with a highlight cruise along the River Siene fi nishing at the Eiffel Tower. Our day is completed with a Parisian dinner. Day 3 Paris (FB) Sightseeing is an endless pleasure in Paris, and your Tour Director is on hand to help you plan your day to explore the romance capital of the world. View the Mona Lisa at The Louvre or stroll the Champs Elysees. Discover More: Palace of Versailles and/ or Lido Parisian cabaret (see pages 134-137) Day 4 Paris – Amsterdam Embarkation (FB,D) Travel by coach from Paris to Amsterdam, a fascinating 700 year old city of picturesque canals, art museums, theatres and cafés. A warm welcome awaits you from your Captain and crew as you board your luxury Evergreen Tours river cruise ship. Visit the Leidseplein area for the Amsterdam Christmas Markets. This evening join your fellow travellers for a cocktail reception followed by a welcome dinner. Cruise Only guests or Amsterdam to Prague guests join today. Day 5 Amsterdam – Cruising (FB,L,D) This morning your choice is to join a glass top canal boat cruise and explore Amsterdam's maze of canals cruising past 16th century merchant houses and charming churches or Emerald Active: A walking tour of Amsterdam including Dam Square and the famous fl ower market. Day 6 Cologne (FB,L,D) Founded by the Romans, Cologne is Germany's oldest city and is famous for its magnifi cent World- Heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Join your guide this morning and explore the city including the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historic monuments. Visit the Maritime Market by the Rhine River then enjoy free time. Discover More: Excursion to Bruhl (see pages 134-137) Day 7 Rhine Gorge – Rüdesheim (FB,L,D) Today's cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. We'll pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured onto treacherous rocks by enchanted temptresses. In the afternoon we arrive at Rüdesheim, one of Germany's most popular towns. Take a cable car up to the impressive Germania monument overlooking the Rhine Valley. Day 8 Miltenberg (FB,L,D) A picturesque village on the Main River, Miltenberg creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in medieval times and the Old Town is lined with well- preserved half-timbered buildings. The highlight today is a walk through the medieval old town before returning to your ship or Emerald Active: Hike to Wertheim Castle Day 9 Würzburg (FB,L,D) Known as the "Pearl of the Romantic Road", Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. After breakfast, we join our guide for a walking tour of Würzburg followed by a visit to the Bishops' Residenz, one of Germany's largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover More: Rothenburg, a perfectly preserved fortifi ed town (see pages 134-137) Day 10 Bamberg (FB,L,D) Relax onboard as we cruise through the Main- Danube Canal, arriving in Bamberg. Feel the magic of the past as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide today and enjoy the local Christmas Markets. Day 11 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, or journey to the Nazi party rally grounds and take a self-guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre. 400 years of history surround the Christkindlmarkt which showcases Franconian and German traditional arts and handicrafts. You're Invited: This evening enjoy an EU lecture Day 12 Kelheim – Regensburg (FB,L,D) This morning takes you through the fi nal stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to Kelheim. Continue cruising along the Danube River to Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved towns. You're Invited: Tonight enjoy a Bavarian Band on board. Discover More: Danube Gorge and Weltenburg Abbey (see pages 134-137) Day 13 Passau (FB,L,D) On this morning's walking tour, stroll through the old town's narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress. Discover More: Tour to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov (see pages 134-137) Day 14 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 fi nest Italian baroque architecture. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley and onto Dürnstein. Emerald Active: Guided bike tour Day 15 Vienna (FB,L,D) Vienna, the "City of Waltzes". Today we explore Austria's capital with a drive along the Ringstrasse where we see the Opera House, Burg Theatre, Town Hall, Hofburg Palace, Spanish Riding School & St Stephen's Cathedral. Visit the wonderful Magic of Advent Market in the foreground of the City Hall. Enjoy free time in the afternoon to visit one of Vienna's famous coffee houses. Discover More: Schonbrunn Palace and/or Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (see pages 134-137)