Begin your 14-day river cruise along the Danube, Rhine, and Main rivers aboard the Emerald Dawn, starting in Budapest with a traditional Hungarian folklore performance. Explore the imperial city of Vienna, cruise through Austria’s scenic Wachau Valley, and discover historic towns such as Durnstein, Melk, and Passau. Continue through the heart of Germany, visiting Wurzburg, Rudesheim, and Cologne, while passing through the dramatic Rhine Gorge. Your cruise concludes in Amsterdam, the Netherlands’ capital, known for its canals, museums, and vibrant culture. This itinerary blends guided city tours, UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscapes, and regional cultural experiences, offering a comprehensive exploration of Central Europe’s most iconic river destinations.
Highlights
Explore Budapest’s grand landmarks and vibrant cultural contrasts
Discover Bratislava’s Old Town and baroque palaces with a local guide
Tour Vienna’s imperial highlights and stroll the famous Ringstrasse
Visit Melk Abbey’s ancient library and panoramic hilltop monastery
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Welcome to Budapest, a vibrant cultural hub in Eastern Europe. Upon arrival, transfer to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your captain and crew will warmly welcome you aboard.
This evening, unwind with a traditional Hungarian folklore performance on board.
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show
Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.
Budapest is a city defined by contrast—Buda, with its grand landmarks, and Pest, rich in historical character, stand on opposite banks of the Danube, linked by the iconic Chain Bridge. This symbolic structure unites the city’s two distinct halves.
Today, join a guided tour to explore Budapest’s key sites and gain insight into its architectural beauty and complex history. From cultural influences to culinary traditions, the city reflects a dynamic blend of heritage and modern life. Alternatively, for a more active option, take a guided hike to Gellert Hill for panoramic views.
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, 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)
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 can 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)
This morning, you can 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.
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 center 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.
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.
This morning, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Bamberg awaits. Thousands of listed buildings can be found in the medieval town center, an area bursting with character, charm and one of the best-preserved old quarters in Europe.
Admire hundreds of ornamental facades 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.
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 can 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 can 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 colorful 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 you 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 facade.
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
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 can 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. Explore the city during a unique adventure that will take you hunting for some of the most typical Cologne treasures.
This evening, your crew will be delighted to welcome you to your farewell dinner.
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 center. 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)
Day 15: Amsterdam | Disembark
1 Breakfast
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 the terms and conditions for further information.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$12,1902-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
Single Stateroom (ES)
Single Occupancy Only. 117 sq ft. 2 single cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a deluxe single bed, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Stateroom (E)
162 sq ft. 9 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Stateroom (D)
162 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Panorama Balcony Suite (C)
180 sq ft. 19 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
180 sq ft. 18 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Panorama Balcony Suite (A)
180 sq ft. 23 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
Grand Balcony Suite (S)
210 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, in-suite mini-bar available at own expense, a complimentary Nespresso machine and bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes, and slippers
Owner's Suite (SA)
315 sq ft. 4 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin beds, an outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, a separate bathroom and lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe, an in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer, and soft drinks
Notes
Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
