Splendours of Europe

14 Nights

14 night package Amsterdam to Budapest onboard Emerald Dawn - a classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, a region blessed with spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history.

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Cruise Line: Emerald Cruises
Ship: Emerald Dawn

Departure Dates:
14 Jul 2025

Port of Departure: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Port of Arrival: Budapest, Hungary

Destinations:

  • Europe
  • Eastern Europe

Cruise Map
Inclusions:

Return economy airfares from Australia* (surcharge may apply from select cities or during peak times). Please refer to small print under Pricing tab.

   

Airport transfers to and from your ship

   

14 nights cruise accommodation onboard Emerald Dawn

   

Included shore excursions as per itinerary with the option to join the included EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE programmes

   

The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director

   

Highlight: Canal cruise in Amsterdam

   

Highlight: Guided tours of Cologne's Old Town, Miltenberg, Würzburg, Bamberg, Vienna, Nuremberg, Regensburg, Passau, Bratislava, Budapest & more

   

Highlight: Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation

   

Highlight: Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

   

Onboard meals including 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 14 dinners

   

Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner

   

Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

   

All tipping and gratuities onboard

   

Port Charges & Government Taxes

   

Itinerary

Day 1 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-worthy destination of picturesque canals, cafés, and art galleries. Here, you 'll be met at the airport and transferred to the comfortable surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. After boarding, you can enjoy some time to explore the cobbled streets and gabled houses at leisure. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Day 2 - Amsterdam, The NetherlandsThis morning, explore the Dutch Golden Age, as you board a glass-top canal boat cruise to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system or enjoy a guided bike tour to Waterland. Both excellent ways to experience the city in all its authenticity, take to its charming waterways, passing iconic buildings and elegant merchant residences that reflect a time when Amsterdam was one of the most lucrative ports in the world. If you’re feeling more active, then explore on two wheels, cycling alongside a backdrop of historical villages and traditional windmills. On returning to your ship, your first day of sailing will take you through the tranquil Dutch countryside to the Rhine River.

Day 3 - Cologne, GermanyFounded by the Romans in 50 AD, the cathedral city of Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and the largest on the Rhine. The historic capital of the Rhineland, this illustrious city has been generously peppered with ancient architecture, from Roman ruins to medieval structures, despite much of the inner city being completely destroyed during WWII. Join your local guide and explore the city, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. Your tour will conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, explore the city centre where locals meet for shopping trips and to enjoy authentic German beer before returning to your ship.

Day 4 - Rüdesheim, GermanyToday’s cruise route meanders through the fairy tale-like surrounds of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Hilltop castles and fortresses will be yours to admire as we sail leisurely down the Rhine River. We will pass the infamous Lorelai Rock, where sailors are said to have been lured onto treacherous rocks by an enchanting siren, and the impressive Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a former stronghold. This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town with a vibrant wine-growing heritage. You will have the choice of either riding on the Winzerexpress and visiting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum or, if you're feeling active, taking an active hike to Niederwalddenkmal.

Day 5 - Miltenberg – Wertheim, GermanyWelcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River, boasting an inimitable feeling of medieval Bavaria with its 15th century half-timbered buildings. On your included walking tour, stroll down the cobblestone streets, lined with these colourful houses and view the Gothic Merchant Hall, an impressive symbol of past affluence. You could also enjoy an active walk through the forest to Mildenburg Castle. This iconic landmark now houses a wonderful collection of contemporary art and old masters.

Day 6 - Würzburg, Germany Known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’, Würzburg, is the centre for grape-growing, the product of the sloping vineyard-laden hills which surround the former capital of Franconia. The architects behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different styles, including Viennese Baroque and secular features from Italy, but it was heavily damaged during WWII. Enjoy learning about how this impressive building was restored to its former glory on a guided tour.

Day 7 - Bamberg, GermanyThis morning, relax on board and witness the beauty of Europe’s waterways from the plush surrounds of your cabin as we cruise to Bamberg. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town boasts one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, with around 2,400 listed buildings gracing its streets. Feel the magic of the past as you explore the city with your local guide, marvelling at the opulence of the New Residence, once resided in by the prince bishops and now home to a plethora of old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden to round your day off peacefully.

Day 8 - Nuremberg, Germany Embark on a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg, including the architectural wonders that have inspired famous artists for centuries and exploring the effects that the war years had. After your tour, enjoy time to explore Nuremberg at leisure, passing half-timbered houses that were beautifully reconstructed following the war.

Day 9 - Regensburg, Germany This morning, you’ll sail the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. As you continue sailing down the Danube, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities welcomes you with two millennia of history. For almost 150 years, the Old Town Hall was the seat of parliament. Dating back to the 13th century, it consists of the Town Hall Tower, the Imperial Chamber building, and the Town Hall. Wander the streets with your guide, as the romantic narrow alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town enable you to live through the city’s history. The main highlight of your tour will be the 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval structure crossing the Danube. Enjoy time to explore Regensburg at leisure after your guided tour or return to your ship for some peace and tranquility. Later today, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.

Day 10 - Passau, Germany Passau is a picturesque city that has been shaped by the surrounding rivers over the years, sitting right on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This memorable destination is dominated by large squares, magical promenades and romantic lanes. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture.

Day 11 - Melk – Dürnstein, AustriaSituated within Austria’s wine-growing region, Melk is home to a 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, which is yours to explore today during an included tour. Your guide will take you through a series of opulent rooms, each adorned with the finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library, renowned for its extensive collection of medieval manuscripts. Later, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the Wachau wine region, where you can choose to hike to Dürnstein Castle, the site where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the Crusades.

Day 12 - Vienna, AustriaAustria’s breathtaking capital is recognised for its cultural legacy. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represent a rich history, and the museum district boasts contemporary buildings, housing the work of some of the world’s most prolific artists. Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna’s city centre by coach and on foot or join a guided bike tour. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches that adorn the façades of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater and the Flemish Gothic Parliament before enjoying time to explore Vienna at leisure.

Day 13 - Bratislava, SlovakiaSet at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn cobblestone streets. In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the enchanting Old City or hike to Bratislava Castle.Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure. This afternoon, a local family will be happy to welcome you into their home for some great conversation over traditional sweet treats and coffee.

Day 14 - Budapest, HungaryBudapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Divided by the iconic Danube River, Buda and Pest on either side can be reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic structures. Enjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide this morning. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Gellert Hill. This evening, you will enjoy a Hungarian folklore show before your farewell dinner.

Day 15 - Budapest, Hungary After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the delightful Danube with you.

Choose Your Cabin

Emerald Stateroom (from)

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From: $8,999 per person Twin Share

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite (from)

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From: $11,399 per person Twin Share

Grand Balcony Suite (from)

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From: $12,799 per person Twin Share

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