Rhine, Main & Danube | Amsterdam to Bucharest: 22-Nights

$12990 $12890 per person

*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing. From price shown is the lead in rate for June 2025 departures, and the discounted rate includes the member benefit. Additional offers will apply when available.

From Amsterdam to Bucharest, discover the highlights of Europe over the course of this enchanting 23-day itinerary. Cruise the Rhine, Main & Danube on an epic journey which takes you through nine of Europe’s countries including Austria, Croatia, Serbia & Romania.

What’s Included:

21 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
1 night in a hotel in Bucharest
Airport transfers to and from the ship
The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Canal cruise in Amsterdam
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Museum
Guided Tour of Miltenberg
Walking tour of Wurzburg & Visit to UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bishop Residence
Guided Tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bamberg
Guided tour of Nuremberg
Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Regensburg
Guided tour of Passau
Tour of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Melk Abbey
Guided tour of Vienna
Walking tour of Bratislava
Guided coach tour of Budapest
A guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress
Guided tour of Belgrade
Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
Guided drive through of Bucharest with visit of Spring Palace
Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
Traditional Bavarian band performance on board
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
Hungarian folklore show performance on board
A Puszta horse show
Meet the local students
Home hosted lunch with a Croatian family
Serbian Folklore band evening show
Choir Concert in Arbanasi
Guided bike tour to Waterland
Hike to Niederwalddenkmal
Active walk to Mildenburg Castle
A guided bike tour along the Danube River
Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
Guided bike tour in Vienna
Guided hike to Bratislava castle
Hike to Buda Hill
Guide bike tour in Belgrade
Donji Milanovac by bike
Trek to Adica Park
Guided hike to Belogradchick Fortress
Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
62 superb meals including 22 Breakfasts (B), 19 Lunches (L), 21 Dinners (D) Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

MEMBER BENEFIT:

As a Trip Merchant Member you save an additional $100 CAD Per Person. Combinable with current offers. Must book with Trip Merchant. Offer Code: TMEMERALD

Current savings available for select river cruise itineraries and departures. Please contact Trip Merchant to find out what is available!

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Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 0

Mention Promo Code for Savings: TMEMERALD

Amsterdam to Bucharest Sailings
May 10

Amsterdam to Bucharest Sailings
April 12, 26
June 3, 7
August 30

Bucharest to Amsterdam Sailing
May 2
June 23

23 Days/22 Nights

All Meals

Emerald Waterways

Europe

River Cruises

Destination

Europe
Arrival City

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Departure City

Bucharest, Romania
Activity Level

Leisurely
Passenger Limit

182

From Our Gallery

Be our guest and see it for yourself

Arrive in Amsterdam

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 your luxurious 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.

Meals Provided: Dinner

Amsterdam

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’s residences that reflect a time when Amsterdam was one of the most lucrative ports in the world. If you are 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.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to Waterland

Included Excursion Canal cruise

DiscoverMORE Haarlem Discovery Visit (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cologne

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 trinkets or explore further before returning to your ship.

Included Excursion Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rüdesheim

Today’s cruising will be a highlight of your trip, as we meander through the fairytale-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.

EmeraldACTIVE - Hike to Niederwalddenkmal

Included Excursion - Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Miltenberg - Wertheim

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. Alternatively, 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 will venture to the charming town of Wertheim where, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you will have an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum.

EmeraldPLUS - Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation

EmeraldACTIVE - Active walk to Mildenburg Castle

Included Excursion - Guided tour of Miltenberg

DiscoverMORE - Vineyard visit & Franconian wine (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Würzburg

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)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bamberg

This morning, relax on the Sun Deck with a drink in hand or 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.

Included Excursion - Guided tour of Bamberg

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Nuremberg

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: WW2 Tour (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Regensburg

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 and, 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, in the present. 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. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance onboard

EmeraldPLUS - Bavarian band performance on board

Included Excursion - Guided tour of Regensburg

DiscoverMORE - Visit to a local brewery (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Passau

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

DiscoverMORE - Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE - Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Melk - Dürnstein

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 before settling down for a picnic lunch on the riverbanks. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided biking tour along the Danube River OR EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Vienna

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. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike Tour

Included Excursion - Guided tour of Vienna

DiscoverMORE: Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense) AND / or DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bratislava

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.

EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

EmeraldACTIVE - Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

Included Excursion - Walking tour of Bratislava

DiscoverMORE - Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Budapest

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner, then a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided active walk to Buda Hill EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show & Budapest Evening Cruise DiscoverMORE: Jewish Heritage Tour (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Budapest

Today is a full day at leisure in Budapest. Your Cruise Director will be on hand to assist on you how best to spend your day. Perhaps a visit to the city market, enjoy relaxing at the local thermal baths. This evening, relax on board as you watch an authentic Hungarian folklore show and indulge in a dinner of traditional cuisine.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Kalocsa

This morning, we’ll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. You’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Relax as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills. Tonight, your crew will welcome you for a welcome dinner & reception. EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Puszta Horse Farm

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Aljmas - Osijek

This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Today, you will meet students from a local village who will then perform for you during your EmeraldPLUS excursion, before you embark on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town. Later, sail further down the Danube and into Serbia, where remnants of recent conflicts can be seen on the riverbanks.

EmeraldPLUS - Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

EmeraldPLUS - Meet the local students

EmeraldACTIVE - Trek to Adica

Included Excursion - Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

DiscoverMORE - Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Belgrade

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities, including Belgrade Fortress. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city. This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge and watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.

EmeraldPLUS - Serbian folklore evening show on board

EmeraldACTIVE - Guided bike tour in Belgrade

Included Excursion - Guided tour of Belgrade

DiscoverMORE - National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Golubac – Donji Milanovac

In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.

Included Excursion - Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

EmeraldACTIVE - Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum Donji Milanovac by bike

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Vidin

This morning, we’ll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting of their produce. Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean “Granny Vida”. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations.

EmeraldACTIVE - Hike to Belogradchik Fortress

Included Excursion - Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress

DiscoverMORE - Traditional Bulgarian pastry making

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo. The former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this medieval city was built atop three hills and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers. Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a farewell dinner.

EmeraldPLUS -Choir concert in Arbanasi

EmeraldACTIVE - Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

Included Excursion - Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

DiscoverMORE - Paint & Wine (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE - Wine tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Giurgiu Disembarkation - Bucharest

This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel and perhaps go for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel.

Included Excursion - Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Bucharest Farewell

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain and medieval fortresses with you. 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.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

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