European Masterpiece
Your Bucket List

14 NIGHTS Luxury River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam
Airport Transfers to and from ship
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Accommodation in a category E window cabin
The services of a dedicated cruise director
Port taxes, charges, all tipping and gratuities
20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
A Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
Guided coach tour of Budapest
Walking tour of Bratislava
Guided tour of Vienna
Tour of Melk Abbey
Guided tour of Passau
Guided tour of Regensburg
Guided tour of Nuremberg
Guided tour of Bamberg
Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence
Guided tour of Miltenberg
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town
Canal cruise in Amsterdam

8 Nights at Club Wyndham Normandy
In a 1 Bedroom Deluxe
Amenities include outdoor and indoor swimming pools
Sensory shower and relaxing sauna

15 Day England, Scotland & Wales Touring
Private air-conditioned motorcoach
Tickets to Edinburg Military Tattoo
Highlights
London, England
Stratford-Upon-Avon, England
Edinburgh, Scotland
Glasgow
Stonehenge, England
Meals: 12 Breakfast and 3 Dinners

Itinerary
14 Jul Day 1 – Budapest (D)
Welcome to Budapest, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Eastern Europe. Here, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you.
This evening, relax on board as you enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show.
Emerald PLUS -Traditional Hungarian folklore show

15 Jul Day 2 – Budapest (B,L,D)
Budapest is a place of striking contrasts, with Buda on one side housing a generous scattering of the city’s elegant landmarks, and Pest on the other encapsulating its fascinating past. Separated by the mighty Danube, you can explore them both by crossing the Chain Bridge, one of the most symbolic structures in the capital. Today, you will have the opportunity to discover the city’s history during a guided tour, including the Castle District, where sights of Buda Castle perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the city are certain to delight. If you are feeling active, then you may instead choose to hike to Buda Hill, following a maze of cobblestone streets to the massive Baroque masterpiece towering overhead.
Emerald ACTIVE -Hike to Buda Hill
Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
Discover MORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Discover MORE Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)

16 Jul Day 3 – Bratislava (B,L,D)
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, you will be welcomed into the home of a local family to learn about their culture over traditional sweet treats and coffee.
Emerald PLUS – Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
Emerald ACTIVE – Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
Included Excursion – Walking tour of Bratislava
Discover MORE – Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

17 Jul Day 4 – Vienna (B,L,D)
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 will 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.
Emerald ACTIVE – Guided bike tour
Included Excursion – Guided tour of Vienna
Discover MORE -Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
Discover MORE – Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

18 Jul Day 5 – Dürnstein – Melk (B,L,D)
This morning, you will 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 settling down for lunch on the riverbanks.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.
Emerald ACTIVE – Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
Emerald ACTIVE – Guided bike tour along the Danube
Included Excursion -Tour of Melk Abbey

19 Jul Day 6 – Passau (B,L,D)
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
Discover MORE – Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

20 Jul Day 7 – Regensburg (B,L,D)
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 centre 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.
Emerald PLUS Bavarian band performance on board
Included Excursion – Guided tour of Regensburg
Discover MORE -Visit to a local brewery (extra expense)

21 Jul Day 8 – Nuremberg (B,L,D)
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.
Included Excursion – Guided tour of Nuremberg
Discover MORE World War II tour (extra expense)

22 Jul Day 9 – Bamberg (B,L,D)
This morning, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Bamberg awaits. Thousands of listed buildings can be found in the medieval town centre, an area bursting with character, charm and one of the best-preserved old quarters in Europe.Admire hundreds of ornamental façades 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.
Included Excursion – Guided tour of Bamberg

23 Jul Day 10 – Würzburg (B,L,D)
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 will 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
Discover MORE – Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense)

24 Jul Day 11 – Wertheim – Miltenberg (B,L,D)
This morning, as part of your EmeraldPLUS offering, you will 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 colourful 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 artwork can be found inside of the castle that was once little more than a set of ruins.
Emerald PLUS – Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation
Emerald ACTIVE – Active walk to Mildenburg Castle
Included Excursion – Guided tour of Miltenberg
Discover MORE- Vineyard visit & Franconian wine (extra expense)

25 Jul Day 12 – Rüdesheim – Koblenz (B,L,D)
Relax on your Star-Ship this morning until we 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 façade.
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.
Emerald ACTIVE – Hike to Niederwalddenkmal
Included Excursion – Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

26 Jul Day 13 – Cologne (B,L,D)
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 50AD and you’ll 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. This evening, your crew will be delighted to welcome you to your farewell dinner.
Included Excursion -Guided walking tour of Cologne’s Old Town 

27 Jul Day 14 – Amsterdam (B,L,D)
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 centre. 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.
Emerald ACTIVE – Guided bike tour to Waterland
Included Excursion – Canal cruise
Discover MORE – Haarlem Discovery Visit (extra expense)

28 Jul Day 15 – Amsterdam (B)
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 our terms and conditions for further information.

 28 Jul – 5 August
8 nights Club Wyndham Bavaria  – 1 bedroom deluxe
Club Wyndham Normandy is only an 80-minute drive from Paris.
Amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, an indoor pool, a sensory shower and a relaxing sauna. The picturesque town of Connelles is nearby, while the charming medieval town of Rouen is a short drive away and offers a wealth of castles, cathedrals, and other historical sites to explore.

ENGLAND, SCOTLAND & WALES TOURING

5 – 9 Aug LONDON, ENGLAND
There’s time to rest or to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Explore on your own or enjoy exciting optional activities. You may choose to join a Local Guide for an optional morning sightseeing tour of the city’s famous landmarks: the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing Street residence, Piccadilly Circus, and Buckingham Palace. The highlight is a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece built between 1675 and 1708. Later, maybe visit Windsor Castle or the Tower of London with its spectacular Crown Jewels. We recommend optional Taste of London excursion with dinner, followed by a guided illumination cruise on the River Thames.

9 Aug LONDON-OXFORD-STRATFORD-UPON-AVON-LEEDS
Meet your Tour Director and travelling companions and depart at 8 am for a memorable day of sightseeing. In Oxford, a walking tour shows you the colleges where Britain’s elite receive their outstanding education. Then, travel through the lovely Cotswold Hills to Shakespeare’s Stratfordupon-Avon. Take photos of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. Yourovernight destination is Leeds.

10 Aug LEEDS-YORK-JEDBURGH, SCOTLAND-EDINBURGH
In York, stand in awe in front of the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. Take pictures of a section of Hadrian’s Wall, then motor through wild Northumberland National Park to the Scottish border. See the Jedburgh Abbey ruins before a late-afternoon arrival in Edinburgh. A suggestion for this evening: enjoy a traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of course, the Ceremony of the Haggis.

11 Aug EDINBURGH
A full day to enjoy the Scottish capital. Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the 200-year-old “New Town,” home to famous scientists, inventors, and novelists. In the “Old Town,” visit Edinburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at leisure. Later, consider an optional tour with dinner, tickets are included for tonight’s
performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo, a vast spectacle of amassed Scottish pipe bands that takes place in an arena on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

12 Aug EDINBURGH-ST. ANDREWS-PITLOCHRY-CULLODEN MOOR- INVERNESS-STRATHPEFFER
A day of memorable sightseeing: take the elegant Forth Road Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club has given us the rules of golfing; then, cross the Firth of Tay and, via Dundee and Perth, head into the Highlands, with a stop in the Victorian mountain resort of Pitlochry. Cross the battlefield of Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie, then, via Inverness, head for your Highland destination.

13 Aug STRATHPEFFER-FORT AUGUSTUS-FORT WILLIAM-GLASGOW
Look out for signs of the mysterious Loch Ness monster and proceed via Fort Augustus and Fort William, beneath Ben Nevis. Glen Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was massacred in 1692, and a drive along the “Bonnie Banks” of Loch Lomond are scenic highlights on the way to Glasgow.

14 Aug GLASGOW-GRETNA GREEN-LAKE DISTRICT, ENGLAND-LIVERPOOL
South through the history-steeped Lowland Hills and a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway couples. Drive through beautiful scenery in the Lake District, considered to be the finest of England’s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. End the day in Liverpool, of Beatles fame, once the departure port of the great transatlantic liners. You may wish to join an optional city tour this afternoon.

15 Aug LIVERPOOL. NORTH WALES EXCURSION
A day dedicated to the mountainous beauty of North Wales. After a stop in pretty Betwsy-Coed, drive over spectacular Llanberis Pass and through Snowdonia National Park to Caernarvon, where the castle saw the investiture of Charles as Prince of Wales. Then, follow the coast road via the walled town of Conway back to Liverpool.

16 Aug LIVERPOOL-LUDLOW-CARDIFF, WALES
First stop today is in the pretty market town of Ludlow, before heading back into Wales and Brecon Beacons National Park, land of salmon rivers and the Welsh mountain pony. Finally, head through “The Valleys,” whose iron ore and coal were the raw materials for the Industrial Revolution, to the Welsh capital. Here, an orientation drive introduces you to the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Tonight, why not join an evening of Welsh entertainment and dinner?

17 Aug CARDIFF-BATH, ENGLAND-GLASTONBURY-WIDECOMBE-PLYMOUTH
Leaving Wales, cross the Severn Bridge for a visit to the elegant Georgian city of Bath, famed for its Roman relics, before heading into the romantically scenic West Country and Glastonbury with its King Arthur associations. In the heart of Dartmoor National Park, visit quaint Widecombe-in-the Moor, the ghostly setting for Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles”. Finally, in Plymouth, hear about Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers embarked in 1620.

18 Aug PLYMOUTH-STONEHENGE-LONDON
On the final leg of your journey, take in Thomas Hardy’s Wessex and visit prehistoric Stonehenge.First, explore the visitor centre with its imaginative exhibitions, then admire the magnificence of the monument from up close. Return to London around 3 pm. How about celebrating the success of your tour with a night out on the town?

19 Aug LONDON
Your holiday ends this morning.