Itinerary
- Intro
Introduction
- Day 1
Amsterdam
Amsterdam- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner on board)
Included Activities
- Dinner on board
- Day 2
Amsterdam
Amsterdam- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Timeless Dutch countryside excursion - walk through charming villages, see working windmills and meet locals keeping traditions alive
Optional Activities
- Hidden gems of Amsterdam (extra expense) - Explore the historic Jordaan area, visit a charming chocolate shop, tour Our Lord in the Attic (17th-century house with secret Catholic church in attic), enjoy local beer and traditional Dutch snacks at a cosy brewery. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours
- Day 3
Cologne
Cologne- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Quest for Cologne's treasures - Join local guide for walking tour, then hunt for treasures using a map with unique Cologne locations
Optional Activities
- German beer experience (extra expense) - Guided tour through Cologne's legendary brewhouses to experience Kölsch beer culture as a local. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours
Landmarks Cologne Cathedral 
- Day 4
Rüdesheim
Rüdesheim- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum - Take local mini train through narrow city streets to museum featuring over 350 automatic mechanical music instruments ranging from tiny music boxes to giant Concert-Piano-Orchestrion
Optional Activities
- Active Walk to Niederwalddenkmal (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Hike through verdant vineyards to 19th-century monument celebrating German unification with panoramic views over Rüdesheim's old town and Rhine
Landmarks Lorelai Rock Pfalzgrafenstein Castle Niederwalddenkmal Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum - Day 5
Miltenberg - Wertheim
Miltenberg - Wertheim- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Miltenberg - Stroll cobblestone streets with local guide, view Gothic Merchant Hall, see oldest inn in Germany (dating to 1411), visit Miltenberg Castle and unique red sandstone church and bridge
Optional Activities
- Visit to Bronnbach Abbey (Included in EmeraldPLUS) - Experience well-preserved Cistercian monastery in nearby Wertheim known for stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, peaceful cloisters, and impressive Baroque interiors
- Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Hike through forest to 12th-century Mildenburg Castle, iconic landmark housing wonderful collection of contemporary art and old masters
Landmarks Miltenberg Castle Gothic Merchant Hall Bronnbach Abbey Mildenburg Castle - Day 6
Würzburg
Würzburg- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Würzburg and visit to the Bishop's Residence - Guided tour of World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence showcasing Viennese Baroque, Italian secular features, and restoration from WWII damage
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense) - Explore best-preserved medieval town in Germany, walk medieval walls, climb Town Hall Tower for panoramic views, visit Gothic churches, museums, art exhibitions and historic restaurants with local sausage tasting. Please note this operates at the same time as included tour. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 6.5 hours
Landmarks Würzburg Residence Rothenburg ob der Tauber - Day 7
Bamberg
Bamberg- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Bamberg - Explore city with local guide, marvel at opulent New Residence (former prince bishops' home now housing old German and Baroque paintings from Bavarian State collection), enjoy tranquil stroll around Rose Garden
Landmarks Bamberg New Residence Bamberg Rose Garden - Day 8
Nuremberg
Nuremberg- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Nuremberg - Sightseeing tour of historic city including architectural wonders that inspired famous artists, effects of war years, and time to explore at leisure passing beautifully reconstructed half-timbered houses
Optional Activities
- World War II tour (extra expense) - Insightful tour highlighting main events of Germany's Nazi regime with visit to Nazi Rally grounds, panoramic drive through city, and tour of famous Courtroom 600 where War Crimes trials were held. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 4 hours
Landmarks Nuremberg Nazi Rally Grounds Courtroom 600 - Day 9
Regensburg
Regensburg- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Regensburg - Walking tour discovering highlights, wandering romantic narrow alleys of World Heritage-listed Old Town, visiting 13th-century Town Hall, experiencing 12th-century Stone Bridge crossing the Danube, with time to explore at leisure
- Bavarian band performance on board (Included in EmeraldPLUS) - Special performance from Bavarian band playing traditional music wearing authentic Lederhosen at Horizon Bar & Lounge
Optional Activities
- Sausage-making workshop (extra expense) - Learn to produce fresh white breakfast sausages (beloved Regensburg tradition) from expert at family butchery DEUTSCH, from recipe to weighing, cutting, and filling meat in natural casings. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours
Landmarks Stone Bridge Regensburg Town Hall - Day 10
Passau - Linz
Passau - Linz- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Return for lunch on board), Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Passau - Walking tour through streets lined by Baroque buildings from 17th century, viewing Gothic Town Hall, Bishop's Residence, and St. Stephen's Cathedral (wonderful example of Baroque architecture with largest church organ in Europe)
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense) - Full day exploring Mozart's birthplace and setting for 'The Sound of Music', surrounded by breathtaking Alps. Wander historic downtown district, explore Linzer Gasse shopping street, visit Mozart's home. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 10 hours
- Excursion to Český Krumlov (extra expense) - Explore World Heritage-listed medieval town in Czech South Bohemia with expert local guide through fairytale Old Town's cobblestone streets past old townhouses, hideaway bars, and centuries-old buildings. Activity level: Difficult/Active, Duration: 8.5 hours
Landmarks St. Stephen's Cathedral Passau Town Hall - Day 11
Melk - Dürnstein
Melk - Dürnstein- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Tour of Melk Abbey - Explore ancient abbey with guide through opulent rooms adorned with finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including ancient monastic library renowned for extensive collection of medieval manuscripts
Optional Activities
- Guided e-bike tour along the Danube (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Active guided e-bike ride from Melk to Dürnstein (30km/18.64 miles) passing famous vineyards and quaint towns, with picnic on riverbanks and refreshing drink break
- Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Challenging yet rewarding trail to castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from Crusades, with spectacular panoramic views of river and countryside from peak
Landmarks Melk Abbey Dürnstein Castle - Day 12
Vienna
Vienna- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Vienna - Explore Ringstrasse and Vienna's city centre by coach and on foot, or join guided e-bike tour. Marvel at Renaissance-style Opera House arches, Baroque Burgtheater, Flemish Gothic Parliament, with time to explore at leisure
Optional Activities
- Guided e-bike tour of Vienna (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - E-bike tour to Danube Island with guide sharing why Vienna is most liveable city, personal stories, and authentic Vienna experiences other travellers won't see
- Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense) - Former summer residence of Habsburg Empire, considered one of most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe and World Heritage site. Follow local expert to hear fascinating tales of former residents. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 5 hours
- Viennese evening concert (extra expense) - Exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna's most beautiful concert halls featuring Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert repertoire including 'Blue Danube Waltz' and Radetzky March, with complimentary sparkling wine on arrival. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours
Landmarks Vienna State Opera House Burgtheater Austrian Parliament Schönbrunn Palace - Day 13
Bratislava
Bratislava- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bratislava - Sightseeing tour including enchanting Old City with local guide through city heart, passing botanical gardens of Episcopal Summer Palace, Old Town Hall with Renaissance courtyard, Slovak National Theatre with composer busts, with free time to explore
- Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family (Included in EmeraldPLUS) - Be invited into local Slovakian family home to learn about culture, history, traditions and daily life over coffee and cake
Optional Activities
- Guided hike to Bratislava Castle (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Active excursion from port past Slovak National Theatre to riverside promenade, see 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) - Insightful tour in Skoda car learning about Communist era through personal stories from guide and local authentic refreshments from that time, bringing story of turbulent 20th century alive. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours
- Carpathian wine route (extra expense) - Explore viticultural towns of Small Carpathian Wine Route including vineyards of Vinosady and family-run winery in Senkvice, learn about winemaking heritage and sample local wines in historic wine cellar. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours 40 minutes
Landmarks Bratislava Castle St. Martin's Cathedral Slovak National Theatre St Michael's Gate - Day 14
Budapest
Budapest- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided coach tour of Budapest - Explore World Heritage-listed centre with local guide through architecture from Romanesque to Baroque and classical façades, see Liberty Statue, Heroes' Square, Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion on walking tour
- Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board (Included in EmeraldPLUS) - Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board
Optional Activities
- Hike to Gellert Hill (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Beautiful hike up World Heritage-listed site with stunning views of Danube River and city architecture, passing landmarks like Várkert Bazaar and beautifully landscaped gardens
- Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense) - Visit picturesque village with cobblestone streets evoking Mediterranean atmosphere, walking tour through pedestrian city centre admiring Baroque architecture, colourful houses and narrow cobbled streets, Main square Fő Tér and art galleries, museums, shops. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours
- Jewish heritage tour (extra expense) - Thoughtful tour with local guide introducing significant Jewish events shaping Budapest's culture, seeing buildings from flourishing Jewish trade before WWII, and 'Shoes on the Danube' memorial striking reminder of Jewish communities during wartime
Landmarks Chain Bridge Matthias Church Fisherman's Bastion Gellért Hill Heroes' Square Liberty Statue Shoes on the Danube Bank - Day 15
Budapest
Budapest- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Traditional Hungarian dinner with folklore show on board)
Included Activities
- Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board with traditional dinner (Included in EmeraldPLUS) - Hungarian folk dancing and music performance with traditional dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit to city market
- Local thermal baths
- Budapest nightlife exploration (ship remains docked until late evening)
- Day 16
Ordas
Ordas- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Puszta Equestrian Heritage (Included in EmeraldPLUS) - Travel to Puszta (Great Hungarian Plain) for traditional performance showcasing exceptional equestrian skills of Magyar cowboys, watching spectacular horse parade and exercise drills (most practised in preparation for wartime)
- Day 17
Novi Sad
Novi Sad- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Novi Sad - Easy walking tour with local guide seeing market, Orthodox Cathedral, City Hall, Catholic Cathedral, and Synagogue
Optional Activities
- Home-hosted lunch with a Serbian family (Included in EmeraldPLUS) - Visit local Serbian family home for traditional lunch with opportunity to ask questions and discuss Serbian traditions and daily life
- Guided e-bike tour in Novi Sad (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Discover Novi Sad on e-bikes riding along Danube promenade passing iconic landmarks, learning about city's history, culture and local life from guide at leisurely pace
Landmarks Petrovaradin Fortress Orthodox Cathedral Catholic Cathedral Synagogue - Day 18
Belgrade
Belgrade- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Highlights of Belgrade - Coach tour through city centre seeing Church of Saint Sava, Parliament Building, Republic Square, City Hall, wealthiest neighbourhoods and Tito's Mausoleum
- Serbian folklore evening show on board (Included in EmeraldPLUS) - Local musicians and dancers performing traditional dances from around Serbia in authentic, colourful costumes
Optional Activities
- Guided e-bike tour in Belgrade (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Cycle through Belgrade with local guide experiencing landmarks and natural beauty along Danube, learning about diversity of local area and history of city and former Yugoslavia, including Belgrade Waterfront, Staro Sajmiste (former concentration camp), and Ada Island
- Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense) - Learn story of Serbian-American inventor at intriguing museum dedicated to his life and work, seeing magnificent working models of Tesla's machines, personal items and visions of future. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours
Landmarks Church of Saint Sava Parliament Building Republic Square Tito's Mausoleum Belgrade Waterfront Staro Sajmiste Ada Island Nikola Tesla Museum 
- Day 19
Golubac - Donji Milanovac
Golubac - Donji Milanovac- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum - Paleolithic site of oldest urban settlement in Europe, learning about importance of archaeological site changing modern understandings of early Stone Age with history spanning over eight millennia
Optional Activities
- Golubac Castle visit (extra expense) - Walking tour of medieval Golubac Fortress built at entrance to Iron Gates at widest point of Danube before it runs into Carpathian gorge. Exceptional strategic point enabling control of all connecting East and West lands and waterways, with natural protection from steep inaccessible cliffs. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours
Landmarks Lepenski Vir Golubac Fortress Iron Gates Decebalus Rock Carving - Day 20
Vidin
Vidin- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit to local vineyard with wine tasting and visit to Baba Vida Fortress - Introduction to Vidin's viticulture strolling through local vineyard enjoying tasting session of local wines like gamza (region's signature pale red varietal), then visit medieval fortress Baba Vida (name translates to 'Granny Vida')
Optional Activities
- Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Transfer to Belogradchick Rock Fortress Park for guided hike to ancient mountaintop fortress, first built during Roman Empire, extended in 14th century and by Ottomans in 19th century through to Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885
- Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense) - Watch host prepare traditional Bulgarian banitsa pastry, then join demonstration learning to make your own. Banitsa popular Bulgarian dish of dough sheets with various fillings (most popular white cheese and eggs), served with famous Lactobacillus Bulgaricus yoghurt. Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
Landmarks Baba Vida Fortress Belogradchik Fortress - Day 21
Rousse
Rousse- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Rousse - Immerse in history wandering Bulgaria's 'Little Vienna', admiring Court House, City Hall, Opera Building, main shopping street Alexandrovska, St. Trinity Church, then enjoy coffee and cake at local restaurant
- Bulgarian Choir Performance (Included in EmeraldPLUS)
Optional Activities
- Guided hike to Ivanovo Church (Included in EmeraldACTIVE) - Transfer to River Lom Nature Park for active hike to World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo dating from 13th-14th centuries, remarkable structures lined with exquisite frescoes representing biblical scenes
- Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (extra expense) - Visit Veliko Tarnovo learning about rich history as former capital of Second Bulgarian Empire, medieval city built atop three hills with fortifications and cobbled streets. Nearby Arbanassi on high plateau overlooking Yantra with traditional houses and centuries-old churches. Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 8.5 hours
Landmarks Rousse Court House Rousse City Hall Rousse Opera Building St. Trinity Church Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo Veliko Tarnovo Arbanassi - Day 22
Giurgiu - Bucharest
Giurgiu - Bucharest- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided drive through Bucharest with visit to Spring Palace - Learn about Bucharest's vibrant history on guided coach tour passing Palace of Parliament, visit Spring Palace and private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, with free time to explore at leisure
Landmarks Palace of Parliament Spring Palace - Day 23
Bucharest
Bucharest- Meals
- Breakfast
