An iconic glass-top canal boat cruise in Amsterdam marks the beginning of this wonderful itinerary through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Promising natural beauty, medieval towns and hikes to hilltop fortresses, four capital cities offer a unique insight into the region’s past, present and future.
Inclusions
- Airfare to Amsterdam and return from Budapest (or in reverse)
- 14 night river cruise aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
- 41 delectable meals including 14 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D)
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
- The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
- Excursions and guided tours
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- Complimentary Bicycles on board (when available)
- All tipping and gratuities on board the ship
- Airport transfers to and from the ship
- Port taxes and charges
- Book by Dec 31: FREE Airfare* and save up to $2000 per cabin! (price reflects discount)
| Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Regina, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Halifax | Sep 20 – Oct 26, 2025 | Nov 7, 2025 |
| Riverview | from |
from |
| Panorama Balcony Suite | from |
from |
| Taxes & Fees | $976 | $976 |
Full payment is due at booking
*Maximum ticket cost, including taxes, not to exceed $1,800pp
| New bookings only. Space and price are limited and subject to availability when booking. The prices listed are per person based on double occupancy. It is for lead-in categories, but upgrades are available. Promotional offers may be withdrawn at any time. Depending on the promotion, the deposit may be non-refundable Ready to set sail? Call us now to inquire for more information or other sailing dates. We're here to help you plan your dream cruise. |
Dining Highlights:
- 41 superb meals including 14 Breakfasts (B), 13 Lunches (L), 14 Dinners (D)
- Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
Included Excursions
- Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
- Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
- Active Walk to Niederwalddenkmal
- Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
- Guided tour of Miltenberg
- Guided bike tour along the Danube River
- Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence
- Guided tour of Bamberg
- Guided tour of Nuremberg
- Guided tour of Regensburg
- Guided tour of Passau
- Guided tour of Vienna
- Guided coach tour of Budapest
- Canal cruise in Amsterdam
- Guided bike tour to Waterland
- Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
- Guided Active Walk to Mildenburg Castle
- Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
- Guided bike tour in Vienna
- Guided hike to Bratislava castle
- Tour of Melk Abbey
- Walking tour of Bratislava
Amsterdam to Budapest (or in reverse)
Day 1 Amsterdam (D)
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 (B,L,D)
This 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.
Upon returning to your ship, your first day of sailing will take you through the Dutch countryside to the Rhine River.
Included Excursion
Canal cruise
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland
Day 3 Cologne (B,L,D)
Founded 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, shop for souvenirs or explore further before returning to your Star-Ship.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Day 4 Rüdesheim (B,L,D)
Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we meander 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. 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.
Included Excursion
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
EmeraldACTIVE
Active Walk to Niederwalddenkmal
Day 5 Miltenberg – Wertheim (B,L,D)
Welcome 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.
Later, we’ll venture to the charming town of Wertheim where, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll have an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum.
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
Day 6 Würzburg (B,L,D)
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.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense)
Day 7 Bamberg (B,L,D)
This 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.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bamberg
Day 8 Nuremberg (B,L,D)
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.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Nuremberg
DiscoverMORE
World War II tour (extra expense)
Day 9 Regensburg (B,L,D)
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 Star-Ship for some peace and tranquillity. Later today, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Regensburg
EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian band performance on board
DiscoverMORE
Sausage-making workshop (extra expense)
Day 10 Passau (B,L,D)
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. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. 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 and home to the largest church organ in Europe.
Return for lunch on board and an afternoon peacefully cruising along the Danube.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau
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Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)
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Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)
Day 11 Melk – Dürnstein (B,L,D)
Situated 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, the Star-Ship sails 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.
Alternatively, enjoy an EmeraldACTIVE guided bike ride along the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein, passing famous vineyards and quaint towns.
Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
Day 12 Vienna (B,L,D)
Austria’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.
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)
Day 13 Bratislava (B,L,D)
Set 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.
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)
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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)
Day 14 Budapest (B,L,D)
Budapest 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.
Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)
Day 15 Budapest (B)
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the delightful Danube 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.
Flexible Booking Plan
| River Cruising | Yacht Cruising |
| $125 | $200 |
- Should you choose to defer or cancel your booking, the total monies paid to us (less third-party fees) will be applied as a Future Travel Credit which is valid for 24 months for you to use on an alternate tour/cruise.
- If you do not re-book within 24 months, your FTC it will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable. Non commissionable.
- Excludes Russia cruising.
- Not available to guests using COVID Future Travel Credits
Platinum Protection Plan
The Platinum Protection Plan (“PPP”) is available for new river and ocean cruising bookings for travel after 1 January 2022 for Scenic and Emerald Cruises (“Eligible Booking”). By adding this plan, you are covered if you unable to travel due to health reasons, or your travel plans are impacted by COVID-19, up to 31 days prior to departure with a 100% refund (less airline cancellation fees and PPP cost), or a 70% refund between 15 and 30 days prior to departure (less PPP cost). The PPP must be purchased together with the Eligible Booking at time such booking is made and may not be added at a later date. The PPP is provided at a cost of $395 per person per river cruise, $495 per person per cruise on Emerald Cruises yacht cruising and $595 per person per cruise on Scenic Eclipse voyages (“PPP Fee”).
Visa Requirements
Australian, New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders may require an ETIAS visa waiver from late 2023 when traveling to the E.U.
United Kingdom passport holders do not require visas (excluding tours that feature Russia and Turkey, where guests are required to obtain a Visa).
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, Scenic recommends that you contact the relevant Consulates for the latest information regarding visa requirements.
