Belgian Delights & Splendours of Europe

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Brussels

   Brussels Show on map

   

2. Day 2

   Brussels

   Brussels Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Walking tour of Brussels including Grand Place, Manneken Pis, Royal Palace, and St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

   Optional Activities

   • Tastes of Belgium walking tour (extra expense) - 1.5 hours, Easy activity level

   Landmarks
   Grand Place
   Manneken Pis
   Royal Palace of Brussels
   St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral

3. Day 3

   Brussels

   Brussels Show on map

   Optional Activities

   • Belgium's Comic Heritage tour (extra expense) - 4 hours, Easy activity level, includes visit to Comic Art Museum and master caricature workshop with Belgian caricature artist Jan Op de Beeck

   Landmarks
   Comic Art Museum
   Parc du Cinquantenaire

4. Day 4

   Brussels to Amsterdam

   Brussels to Amsterdam Show on map

   Meals

   Breakfast

5. Day 5

   Amsterdam

   Amsterdam Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Timeless Dutch countryside guided excursion - explore charming villages, see working windmills, and meet locals keeping age-old traditions alive

   Optional Activities

   • Hidden gems of Amsterdam tour (extra expense) - 2.5 hours, Moderate activity level, includes Jordaan area, chocolate shop, Our Lord in the Attic (17th-century house with secret Catholic church), local brewery with beer and traditional Dutch snacks

   Landmarks
   Alkmaar
   Waterland
   Our Lord in the Attic

6. Day 6

   Cologne

   Cologne Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Quest for Cologne's treasures - guided walking tour followed by a treasure hunt for unique landmarks and items specific to the city

   Optional Activities

   • German beer experience (extra expense) - 2 hours, Moderate activity level, discover Cologne's beer culture and legendary brewhouses, taste Kölsch beer unique to the region

   Landmarks
   Cologne Cathedral

7. Day 7

   Rüdesheim

   Rüdesheim Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum - ride the local mini train through narrow city streets to discover over 350 automatic mechanical music instruments

   Optional Activities

   • Active Walk to Niederwalddenkmal (EmeraldACTIVE) - hike through verdant vineyards to the 19th-century monument celebrating German unification, enjoy panoramic views over Rüdesheim and the Rhine

   Landmarks
   Rhine Gorge
   Lorelai Rock
   Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
   Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
   Niederwalddenkmal

8. Day 8

   Miltenberg - Wertheim

   Miltenberg - Wertheim Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Guided tour of Miltenberg - walk cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, view the Gothic Merchant Hall, see the oldest inn in Germany (dating to 1411), Miltenberg Castle, and the unique red sandstone church and bridge

   Optional Activities

   • Visit to Bronnbach Abbey (EmeraldPLUS) - experience the well-preserved Cistercian monastery in nearby Wertheim with stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, peaceful cloisters, and impressive Baroque interiors
   • Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle (EmeraldACTIVE) - hike through forest to the 12th-century castle, now housing a collection of contemporary art and old masters

   Landmarks
   Miltenberg Castle
   Bronnbach Abbey
   Mildenburg Castle

9. Day 9

   Würzburg

   Würzburg Show on map

   Included Activities

   • Walking tour of Würzburg and visit to the Bishop's Residence - explore this World Heritage-listed building, learn about its architectural inspiration from Viennese Baroque and Italian styles, and discover how it was restored after World War II damage

   Optional Activities

   • Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense) - 6.5 hours, Moderate activity level, explore Germany's best-preserved medieval town, walk medieval walls, climb Town Hall Tower for panoramic views, visit Gothic churches and museums, enjoy special tasting of local sausages at historic restaurants. Note: operates at same time as included tour.

   Landmarks
   Würzburg Residence
   Rothenburg

10. Day 10

    Bamberg

    Bamberg Show on map

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Bamberg - explore the city with your local guide, marvel at the opulence of the New Residence (once inhabited by prince bishops, now home to old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection), enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden

    Landmarks
    Bamberg New Residence
    Bamberg Rose Garden

11. Day 11

    Nuremberg

    Nuremberg Show on map

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Nuremberg - sightseeing tour of the historic city including architectural wonders that inspired famous artists, see effects of the war years, explore beautifully reconstructed half-timbered houses

    Optional Activities

    • World War II tour (extra expense) - 4 hours, Easy activity level, insights into World War II events with visit to Nazi Rally grounds, panoramic drive through city, and tour of Courtroom 600 where War Crimes trials were held
12. Day 12

    Regensburg

    Regensburg Show on map

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Regensburg - explore the World Heritage-listed Old Town, wander romantic narrow alleys and 13th-century Town Hall, visit the highlight 12th-century Stone Bridge crossing the Danube, enjoy leisure time to explore

    Optional Activities

    • Bavarian band performance on board (EmeraldPLUS) - special performance in Horizon Bar & Lounge from a Bavarian band in authentic Lederhosen playing traditional music
    • Sausage-making workshop (extra expense) - 2 hours, Easy activity level, learn to produce fresh Regensburg white breakfast sausages with expert from family butchery DEUTSCH, includes recipe, weighing, cutting, and filling meat in natural casings

    Landmarks
    Regensburg Stone Bridge

13. Day 13

    Passau - Linz

    Passau - Linz Show on map

    Meals

    Lunch (Lunch on board)

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Passau - walking tour through streets lined with 17th-century Baroque buildings, view the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop's Residence, and St. Stephen's Cathedral (a wonderful example of Baroque architecture home to Europe's largest church organ)

    Optional Activities

    • Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense) - 10 hours, Easy activity level, visit Mozart's birthplace surrounded by breathtaking Alps, explore historic downtown district, walk Linzer Gasse shopping street, visit Mozart's home
    • Excursion to Český Krumlov (extra expense) - 8.5 hours, Difficult/Active activity level, explore World Heritage-listed medieval town in Czech South Bohemia with Renaissance and Baroque architecture, walk cobblestone streets of fairytale-like Old Town past historic buildings

    Landmarks
    St. Stephen's Cathedral, Passau

    

14. Day 14

    Melk - Dürnstein

    Melk - Dürnstein Show on map

    Included Activities

    • Tour of Melk Abbey - explore the ancient abbey through opulent rooms adorned with finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, visit the ancient monastic library renowned for its extensive medieval manuscript collection

    Optional Activities

    • Guided e-bike tour along the Danube (EmeraldACTIVE) - guided e-bike ride from Melk to Dürnstein passing famous vineyards and quaint towns, 30km (18.64 miles) route with refreshing drink break and picnic on riverbanks
    • Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle (EmeraldACTIVE) - challenging yet rewarding trail to the site where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the Crusades, spectacular panoramic views of river and countryside from peak

    Landmarks
    Melk Abbey
    Wachau Valley
    Dürnstein Castle

15. Day 15

    Vienna

    Vienna Show on map

    Included Activities

    • Guided tour of Vienna - explore famous Ringstrasse sights and city centre by coach and on foot, marvel at Renaissance-style Opera House, Baroque Burgtheater, and Flemish Gothic Parliament, enjoy leisure time to explore Vienna

    Optional Activities

    • Guided e-bike tour of Vienna (EmeraldACTIVE) - tour to Danube Island with guide sharing why Vienna is world's most liveable city, personal stories, and authentic Vienna experiences off the beaten path
    • Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense) - 5 hours, Easy activity level, former summer residence of Habsburg Empire, recognized World Heritage site for historic importance, unique grounds, and splendid furnishings, guided tour with local expert
    • Viennese evening concert (extra expense) - 2.5 hours, Easy activity level, exclusive concert at one of Vienna's most beautiful concert halls featuring Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss, and Schubert favorites including 'Blue Danube Waltz' and Radetzky March, complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival

    Landmarks
    Ringstrasse
    Vienna State Opera House
    Burgtheater
    Parliament of Austria
    Schönbrunn Palace

    

16. Day 16

    Bratislava

    Bratislava Show on map

    Included Activities

    • Walking tour of Bratislava - sightseeing tour including enchanting Old City, pass botanical gardens of Episcopal Summer Palace, Old Town Hall with delightful Renaissance courtyard, Slovak National Theatre, leisure time to explore at own pace
    • Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family (EmeraldPLUS) - be invited into a local family's home to learn about their culture, history, and traditions over coffee and cake, insight into daily life

    Optional Activities

    • Guided hike to Bratislava Castle (EmeraldACTIVE) - begins at port passing Slovak National Theatre and riverside promenade, admire Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, climb hill to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views, see St Michael's Gate and walk through main square
    • Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense) - 2 hours, Easy activity level, tour in Skoda car learning about Communist era through personal stories from guide, local authentic refreshments from that time
    • Carpathian wine route (extra expense) - 4 hours 40 minutes, Moderate activity level, explore viticultural towns of Small Carpathian Wine Route including Vinosady vineyards and family-run winery in Senkvice, learn about winemaking heritage, sample local wines in historic wine cellar

    Landmarks
    Bratislava Old Town Hall
    Slovak National Theatre
    St. Martin's Cathedral
    Bratislava Castle
    St Michael's Gate

    

17. Day 17

    Budapest

    Budapest Show on map

    Included Activities

    • Guided coach tour of Budapest - explore World Heritage-listed centre with your local guide, travel through architectural chapters from Romanesque to Baroque and classical façades, see Liberty Statue and Heroes' Square, explore Buda Castle district, walking tour showcases Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion
    • Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board (EmeraldPLUS) - Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board

    Optional Activities

    • Hike to Gellert Hill (EmeraldACTIVE) - beautiful hike to World Heritage-listed site with stunning views of Danube River and city architecture, pass landmarks like Varkert Bazaar and beautifully landscaped gardens
    • Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense) - 4 hours, Moderate activity level, visit picturesque village with Mediterranean atmosphere inspiring many artists, walking tour through pedestrian city centre admiring Baroque architecture, colorful houses, Fő Tér main square with art galleries, museums, and shops
    • Jewish heritage tour (extra expense) - thoughtful tour with local guide introducing significant Jewish events shaping Budapest's culture, see buildings important to pre-World War II flourishing Jewish trade, view 'Shoes on the Danube' memorial striking reminder of World War II Jewish communities

    Landmarks
    Liberty Statue
    Heroes' Square
    Buda Castle
    Matthias Church
    Fisherman's Bastion
    Chain Bridge
    Gellért Hill
    Shoes on the Danube Bank
    Szentendre

18. Day 18

    Budapest

    Budapest Show on map

    Meals

    Breakfast