Splendours of Europe: Amsterdam to Budapest: 14-Nights

$7295 $7195 per person

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*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing. From price shown is the lead in rate for July 14, 2024 departure, and the discounted rate includes the member benefit. Additional offers will apply when available.

From Amsterdam to Budapest, discover the highlights of Europe over the course of this enchanting 15-day itinerary. We take you from the Netherlands to Hungary along the continent’s most breath-taking destinations. The Rhine, Main and Danube flow across Europe to reveal the continent’s most enriching and unforgettable destinations. From the North Sea coast in the Netherlands to the Black Sea in Ukraine, our Splendours of Europe cruise navigates this network of waterways. Explore the cultures of Amsterdam, Cologne, Passau, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest all in one seamless journey. Setting forth in the Netherlands you’ll experience the World Heritage-listed Gothic cathedral of Cologne, the wonderful medieval architecture of Bamberg, guided tours in beautiful Passau and Vienna, and an enchanting traditional folklore show in the Hungarian capital of Budapest.

What’s Included:

14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
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 Music Cabinet Museum
Guided tour of Miltenberg
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
Tour of Melk Abbey
Guided tour of Vienna
Walking tour of Bratislava
Guided coach tour of Budapest
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
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Guided bike tour to Waterland
Hike to Niederwalddenkmal
Active walk to Mildenburg Castle
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
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

*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!

Request A Quote

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

Mention Promo Code for Savings: TMEMERALD

Amsterdam to Budapest Sailings
May 5, 10
June 15, 22
July 13, 14, 25
August 11, 16
October 6, 22

Budapest to Amsterdam Sailings
June 8, 29, 30
July 6, 11, 27
August 2
October 20, 25

Amsterdam to Budapest Sailings
April 12, 20, 26
May 5, 10
June 1, 3, 7, 25
July 13, 19
August 10, 23, 24, 30
October 5, 11

Budapest to Amsterdam Sailings
March 8
April 6
May 10, 18 , 22
June 21, 29
July 1, 27
August 2, 10
September 13, 21, 27

15 Days/14 Nights

All Meals

Emerald Waterways

Europe

River Cruises

Destination

Europe
Arrival City

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Departure City

Budapest, Hungary
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 Cruising

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 merchants’ 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.

Guided bike tour to Waterland
Canal cruise

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.

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 surroundings of the UNESCO World Heritagelisted Rhine Gorge. Hilltop castles and fortresses will be yours to admire as we sail. We will pass the infamous Lorelei 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.

Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum Enjoy a charming guided tour showcasing over 350 mechanical musical instruments, collected from over three centuries, including a selection of rare music boxes.

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 halftimbered 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 program, you will have an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum.

Active walk to Mildenburg Castle
Guided tour of Miltenberg

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.

Walking tour of Würzburg and visit to the Bishop’s Residence Join a walking tour of Bavarian Würzburg, renowned for its Baroque and Rococo architecture. Particularly the 18th century Würzburg Residence, with its spectacular wine cellar and lavish frescoes.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bamberg

This morning, relax on the Sun Deck with adrink in hand or witness the beauty of Europe’s waterways from the plush surroundings 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.

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.

Guided tour of Nuremberg

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 on board.

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

Guided tour of Passau

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.

Guided bike tour along the Danube
Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
Tour of Melk Abbey

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Vienna

Austria’s breathtaking capital is recognized for its cultural legacy. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represents 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.

Guided tour of Vienna Drive around Vienna’s magnificent Ringstrasse and witness its numerous monumental buildings before viewing their opulent façades up close during your included walking tour.
Guided bike tour in Vienna

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.

Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
Walking tour of Bratislava

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Budapest

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 Buda Hill, traversing winding cobblestone streets underneath the massive Baroque masterpiece that is Buda Castle. This evening, you will enjoy a Hungarian folklore show before your farewell dinner.