Exclusive offers are available for new bookings only. Non-transferable, cannot be redeemed for cash. Exclusive offers are combinable with current offers including past passenger and referral offers. Offer is not combinable with future travel credits. All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please call your Professional Travel Advisor. Offers applicable for legal residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. Additional restrictions may apply.
Available for new group agreements made between July 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024. Book a new group and receive group savings of $200 per person on Emerald Cruises river cruise departures. Group savings are available for the life of the agreement based on availability and standard review dates. Combinable with current offers, Scenic Select, Emerald Exclusive, loyalty savings, and future travel credits. Excludes Flash Sale offers. Group policies and benefits are subject to change at any time. Refer to Emerald Cruises Guide to Group Benefits for amenity selections. All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, canceled, or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any fares and promotions at any time. Offer applicable for residents of the 50 United States of America, Washington D.C., and Latin America.
US military personnel, veterans, and their families take an additional $300 off per cabin on Emerald Cruises River with proof of current or past military status. This offer is combinable with 2 for 1 savings, pay in full offers, key account exclusives, Flash sales, Scenic Select, and Emerald Cruises. Combinable with groups. Not combinable with any other offers. Taxes & port charges are included in the price. Offer available to residents of the 50 United States only. Offer ends December, 31, 2024. Offers may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Visit scenicusa.com for complete terms and conditions.
Welcome to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic. On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay. This evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a welcome drink.
Today you will have a coach transfer from your hotel to the Prague Castle area and start of the walking tour at Prague Castle. After passing through three castle courtyards, you will visit St. Vitus Cathedral, then continue down the Castle steps with a wonderful view over the city of Prague and we continue to Charles Bridge which we cross to reach the Old Town of Prague. The tour finishes in front of the famous Astronomical Clock at Old Town Square.
EmeraldPLUS
Highlight dinner at local restaurant
Included Excursion
Guided Tour of Prague
Your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your day. The baroque quarter of Mala Strana is a must see, as is Josefov, the Jewish quarter.
DiscoverMORE
Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)
On leaving Prague, drive along the Elbe Valley to Dresden, known as Florence on the Elbe. Here we will see the Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony and the Green Vault with its collection of Meissen porcelain. Included is a two-night stay in Berlin.
Take a short drive to Potsdam to see the palace of Frederick the Great and visit the Cecilienhof – where the Potsdam Treaty was signed. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, the city transformed into the impressive and exciting metropolis that it is today. See the new Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House and Alexander Platz. We see the former Checkpoint Charlie as well as other sites associated with the era of the Iron Curtain.
Included Excursion
Orientation tour of Berlin & Visit to Cecilienhof
This morning you will be transferred to the capital of Poland, Warsaw. This vibrant capital has a lot to offer, and we are sure there is a lot discover. Included is a two-night stay.
Our guided sightseeing tour reveals the historic centre where much of the Old Town was rebuilt after the war. Memories of Polanski’s film ‘The Pianist’ come to mind as we visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide. See a monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture, the Chopin Memorial andtake an excursion to the Royal Castle.
Included Excursion
Guided Tour of Warsaw & Entrance to Royal Castle
EmeraldPLUS
Warsaw unveiling discovery tour
This morning, visit the Concentration Camp at Auschwitz for a guided tour and experience the chilling reminders of the atrocities of World War II. Later, arrive in the former royal capital of Kraków for a two-night stay, dating back to the 7th century.
Included Excursion
Visit to the Concentration Camp at Auschwitz
Sightseeing of this imposing medieval city includes the cathedral and castle on Wawel Hill and on a walking tour of the old town we visit St. Mary’s Church and the Cloth Hall. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Included Excursion
Orientation Tour of Kraków
DiscoverMORE
Jewish Ghetto Tour & Schindler's Factory Visit (extra expense)
Today, we journey past the Castle of Oravsky Hrad and over the Tatra Mountains, through Slovakia and into Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Tonight, we invite you to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show in Budapest for a truly immersive local experience.
EmeraldPLUS
Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest
Today, you will begin an exciting itinerary that will cruise the majestic rivers of European waterways. After, checking out from your hotel, you will be transferred to the comfortable surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you.
This evening, relax on board as you enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show.
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show performance
Budapest is a place of striking contrasts, with Buda on one side housing a generous scattering of the city’s elegant landmarks, and Pest on the other encapsulating its fascinating past. Separated by the mighty Danube, you can explore them both by crossing the Chain Bridge, one of the most symbolic structures in the capital.
Today, you will have the opportunity to discover the city’s history during a guided tour, covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine, and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. If you are feeling active, then you may instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill.
Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
Bordering Austria and Hungary, the Slovakian capital is yours to discover today. Wander down cobblestone streets and witness the sheer majesty of ornate Baroque palaces as you explore with a local guide, passing the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Town Hall and the picturesque gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at leisure, perhaps perusing some of the quaint boutiques that line the streets.
This afternoon, you will be welcomed into the home of a local family to learn about their culture over traditional sweet treats and coffee.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
DiscoverMORE
Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Carpathian wine route (extra expense)
A wave of culture paves the way for life in the Austrian capital, where some of history’s most prestigious composers once walked the streets and found their inspiration. Today, by coach and on foot, you will have the opportunity to pass the iconic imperial palaces and noteworthy buildings adorning the Ringstrasse, including the Vienna State Opera.
Alternatively, embark on a guided cycling tour past idyllic riverbanks, monuments and lush parks before passing by Prater.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Vienna
DiscoverMORE
Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
This morning, you will have the opportunity to hike to Dürnstein Castle, perhaps stopping to imagine how it would have looked when Richard the Lionheart was held captive following the Third Crusade.
Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk, passing noteworthy vineyards and beautiful landscapes.
After visiting Dürnstein Castle, relax on the Sun Deck as you sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Melk, nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Your local guide will take you on a tour of the spectacular 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, including its ancient monastic library and medieval manuscripts saved from fires by the monks in the 13th century.
Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube
Sat on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is a postcard-worthy destination that has been shaped by the surrounding waterways. Maze-like romantic lanes weave through the city, opening up into large squares and magical promenades adorned with classical boutiques.
This afternoon, join your local guide for a tour of Passau and discover a peppering of delightful Baroque buildings, some of which date back to the 17th century. Stop to admire the silhouette of the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress and witness St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home of the largest church organ in Europe.
Later, return for an afternoon spent peacefully cruising through the heart of Europe.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)
After breakfast, set out on an exploration of one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, where more than two millennia of history is yours to discover. Your local guide will lead you through the heart of Regensburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, once home to the seat of parliament. Delightful historic patrician houses line the streets, a visible testament to the area’s importance as a trading centre hundreds of years ago.
Later, return to your Star-Ship to sail through the picturesque surrounds of the Main-Danube Canal, passing Kelheim as you make your way to Nuremberg.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Regensburg
EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian band performance on board
DiscoverMORE
Sausage-making workshop (extra expense)
Today, the historic city of Nuremberg is yours to explore during an included sightseeing tour, touching on the architectural wonders that have acted as an inspiration for famous artists from around the world for generations.
After your guided tour, enjoy time to explore the city at leisure, passing idyllic houses that were lovingly reconstructed following the destruction of the war years.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Nuremberg
DiscoverMORE
World War II tour (extra expense)
This morning, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Bamberg awaits. Thousands of listed buildings can be found in the medieval town centre, an area bursting with character, charm and one of the best-preserved old quarters in Europe.
Admire hundreds of ornamental façades as you explore the town with your local guide, passing the New Residence, a building that truly captures the opulence that was enjoyed by the prince bishops. Relax in the Rose Garden before witnessing the opulence of medieval Altenburg Castle overlooking the town.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bamberg
Set alongside the Main River, Würzburg offers a perfect introduction to the Romantic Road, one of Bavaria’s most popular tourism routes that links stunning medieval locations throughout the country. Your own charming journey of discovery will touch on the sloping vineyard-laden hills of one of the biggest wine-producing areas in Germany.
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence, perhaps stopping to admire the Viennese Baroque architecture and secular features from Italy. Your local guide will teach you about how the architects behind the Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different popular styles. After the tour, enjoy a guided walking tour of Würzburg, including the Gothic Marienkapelle and Town Hall.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense)
This morning, as part of your EmeraldPLUS offering, you will have the opportunity to attend an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum. Then, travel by coach to the picturesque village of Miltenberg, a place that perfectly encapsulates traditional Bavarian life.
Enjoy a guided tour of the village, as your local guide leads you down an intricate network of cobblestone streets, each adorned with colourful houses. Centuries ago, this area benefited from trade that was brought by river traffic, and this past affluence can still be seen today.
Alternatively, embark on an active walk to Mildenburg Castle, where a wonderful collection of artworks can be found inside of the castle that was once little more than a set of ruins.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Miltenberg
EmeraldPLUS
Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle
Relax on your Star-Ship this morning until we reach Rüdesheim, a town with a rich history of viticulture. When you arrive, ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum to see spectacular rare music boxes that have stood the test of time, showcased in a postcard-worthy building with a half-timbered façade.
Alternatively, enjoy an active walk through vineyards to see what makes this wine region so popular.
After lunch, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge, perhaps standing on the Sun Deck and watching for the castles and fortresses that pepper the surrounding hilltops.
Included Excursion
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
EmeraldACTIVE
Active Walk to Niederwalddenkmal
Cruise along the Rhine from Koblenz to Cologne this morning, where an illustrious 2,000-year-long history awaits. One of the oldest cities in the country, the Romans founded Cologne in 50 AD and you'll find a number of ancient ruins, monuments and medieval structures as reminders.
Enjoy a walking tour of the city today, as your local guide takes you through the Old Town, passing ancient bridges that survived the air raids of WWII, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral and its filigree twin towers, an iconic part of the city’s skyline.
This evening, your crew will be delighted to welcome you to your farewell dinner.
Included Excursion
Guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town
This morning, board a glass-top canal boat for a cruise down the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system that weaves across Amsterdam, passing elegant merchant’s residences that reflect the prosperity of the Dutch Golden Age, a time when Amsterdam was an important trading centre. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
Alternatively, explore on two wheels, cycling from the comfortable surrounds of your Star-Ship to Waterland, passing a number of quintessentially Dutch villages and traditional windmills along the way.
Included Excursion
Canal cruise
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland
DiscoverMORE
Private hidden Gems Tour of Amsterdam (extra expense)
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and depart your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the postcard-worthy Rhine Gorge and idyllic Dutch countryside with you.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.
Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia
Great river cruise, the operator Emerald Waterways did not disappoint. On board service was exceptional and the tours were very good. Only thought would be that having a little more free time during site visits would have made the excursions good to great.
Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com
Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!
Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!
Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!
Knowing you got a great deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!
Generally this was a very pleasant Emerald cruise. Just seemed a little off to what we've experienced on previous cruises with the same company.