1. Ticking off your bucket list
2. Enthralling daily encounters
3. Capital gains along the Danube
4. Authentic European immersions
5. Get active in wondrous places
6. Life aboard your luxury Star-Ship

If you’ve always dreamed of exploring Europe, this unparalleled, 15-day river cruise should be ticked off your bucket list. On the ‘Splendours of Europe’ cruise itinerary, your luxury Emerald Cruise Star-Ship will take you through the heartlands of this incredible continent, navigating some of Europe’s classic rivers – the Rhine, Main and Danube. You’ll cruise through five European countries, all magnificent in their own unique ways; from the Netherlands, sailing south into Germany, over to Austria and down into Slovakia, before concluding in Hungary – this itinerary is also available in the opposite direction.      

During your 15-day cruise through Central Europe, you’ll be treated to a non-stop succession of breathtaking destinations, with magnificent waterways unfurling a myriad of bewitching treasures and fairy-tale landscapes. Get set for medieval towns, legendary castles and Roman-era monuments, as well as quintessential European scenery extending to sweeping pastoral valleys and rolling vineyards. During your voyage, you’ll also encounter numerous UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, underlining the historical or cultural significance, or exceptional natural beauty, of your ports of call. 

Even if you’ve toured Europe by other means, river cruising is an entirely different way to experience the continent. Every morning, you’ll awake to a new destination – and often, a new country – and while discovering Europe all in one go, you’ll only need to unpack the once.    

Start your spectacular European voyage in Amsterdam, a city boasting more canals than anywhere else in the world (including Venice), which today, are preserved under UNESCO World Heritage-listed status. As you set sail on board your Star-Ship, you’ll be transported to some of Germany’s most charming towns along the Rhine River. Your first port of call, Cologne, was founded by the Romans in 50 A.D. 

Among the ancient ruins and medieval structures, the world’s tallest cathedral stands out, a Heritage-listed site and Gothic architectural masterpiece. You’ll then meander through the Rhine Gorge, a spellbinding stretch of river, that captivates with its enchanting scenery of centuries-old fortresses and castles around every river bend. Next, the delightful town of Rüdesheim, celebrated not only for its wine-growing heritage and Germany’s finest Riesling, but also for one of the world’s largest collections of antique music boxes.   

Your journey along the Main River brings you to Miltenberg, a picturesque village that evokes medieval Bavaria with its half-timbered, 15th century buildings lining cobblestone streets. Amid Germanys biggest wine-producing areas, Würzburg, known as Bavaria’s ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road,’ charms with one of Europe’s finest Baroque palaces, resplendent with the longest ceiling fresco in the world.   

After enjoying picturesque waterways, you’ll sail into Bamberg, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers:  the entire Old Town is a designated World Heritage Site, with around 2,400 listed buildings gracing its atmospheric streets. You’ll stop at historic Nuremberg, famed for its dazzling Christmas markets, before continuing along the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg, formerly a strategic Roman camp and another beautifully preserved medieval city. 

Cruising the mighty Danube, Europe’s second-longest river, your final German stop is Passau, home to 17th century Baroque buildings and a cathedral that houses the world’s largest organ. You’ll then sail into Austria, meandering through World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. First stop, Melk, a small riverside town famous for its Benedictine Abbey dating back near-on a millennia ago and containing rare, medieval manuscripts, then Dürnstein, one of this wine-growing region’s loveliest villages.  

On the last leg of your cruise, three magnificent capital cities along the Danube await, bursting with storied heritage, cultural treasures and a vibrant lifestyle. Austria’s wonderful capital, Vienna, comes drenched in architectural treasures located in its historic center. Acknowledged as Europe’s musical epicenter, Vienna is the former residence of prestigious composers, including Mozart and Beethoven. 

Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, further delights with its splendid Old City and ornate Baroque palaces. Your final port of call is Budapest, a lively and cosmopolitan Eastern European city, home to a millennium of history. Several parts of the Hungarian capital, including the Banks of the Danube, are also World Heritage-listed.    

Ensuring you get the very best from these marvelous destinations, Emerald Cruises’ offers an included excursion most days – intimate group tours led by knowledgeable local guides.  Immerse yourself in the streets and heritage of the region with a guided city tour, extending to walking tours of Old Towns within Cologne or Bratislava, or an excursion that unearths a destination highlight, such as a glass-top boat cruise along Amsterdam’s iconic canals. 

Specially selected EmeraldPLUS experiences delve a little bit deeper into the local culture, with memorable authentic encounters; in Bratislava, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a Slovakian family for coffee and cake.   

If you prefer a more energetic pace, Emerald Cruises’ exclusive EmeraldACTIVE program brings a whole new perspective to your European destinations. 

Guided cycling tours on the ship’s complimentary bicycles through off-the-road landscapes enables you to experience unforgettable sights you might not normally get to see. For a more traditional slice of Dutch life, join a popular local cycling route from Amsterdam’s outskirts to Waterland, a leisurely-paced ride with time to soak up quaint villages and iconic windmills. Or cycling from Melk to Dürnstein beside the Danube River, passing through Austria’s striking Wachau Valley and its scenic vineyards, before enjoying a picnic lunch on the riverbanks.   

EmeraldACTIVE’s guided hikes and walking tours lead you through some of the continent’s most picturesque spots. A highlight is the route from Rüdesheim to Niederwalddenkmal monument, revealing panoramic views of the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge and its illustrious vineyards. You can even hike to dreamy castles: Dürnstein, the ruins of a medieval rock castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after the Crusades, and 10th-century-era Bratislava Castle, perched high above the Old City amid exquisite Baroque gardens. 

You’ll appreciate the wonderful balance of exploring breathtaking destinations and rivers with ample downtime on board – indulging in world-class facilities, stellar service, and a wealth of comforts. With up to 180 guests on board, you’ll find plenty of space to unwind.  

And you’ll never miss out, as your Star-Ship comes masterfully designed to take full advantage of the river views and ever-changing scenery from all quarters. While all the luxurious suites provide an innovative, all-weather balcony system, the rooftop Sun Deck is the ultimate place for panoramic views and spotting ancient castles that pepper the hilltops.   

As you begin your day with included morning exercises on deck, such as a guided yoga class or gentle stretching, you’ll be greeted with a stunning new backdrop – a snapshot of Europe’s diverse culture and landscapes. Mesmerizing sights gliding by – from Alpine farmlands to picture-postcard port towns – can also be admired from the heated indoor pool, or al fresco from the Terrace or Sun Deck, while savoring a coffee or glass of wine. Central Europe’s rich tapestry of culture even comes to you, as part of exclusive included on-board performances. Enjoy a rousing Bavarian ‘Oompah’ band, or an authentic Hungarian folklore show from the comfort of the Horizon Bar & Lounge on your Star-Ship.

Learn more about the 15-Day Splendours of Europe voyage, or find your next unforgettable European River Cruise. Discover our latest offers here. 

 

Explore our itineraries below and discover the remarkable destinations that await you.