Splendors of Europe Amsterdam to Budapest

Your grand European adventure begins today as you board your overnight flight to Amsterdam. Five countries, two legendary rivers, and some of the most beautiful towns and cities in Europe await.

Welcome to Amsterdam, a postcard-perfect city of picturesque canals, charming cafés, and world-class art galleries. You'll be met at the airport and transferred directly to your elegant Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Settle into your stateroom and explore the ship's wonderful amenities, and this evening, join your fellow travelers for your first dinner onboard. Meals: D

Beyond Amsterdam's storied canals, a gentler rhythm unfolds as you venture into the Dutch countryside, where emerald-green pastures, mirror-like waterways, and centuries-old windmills paint an impossibly picturesque scene. Wander through charming villages, see working windmills, and meet locals keeping age-old traditions alive. It is a lovely, unhurried day surrounded by Holland's heritage, hospitality, and heart. Meals: 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. Join your local guide for a walking tour of the city, followed by a unique adventure hunting for some of Cologne's most typical treasures. You'll be given a map with locations to find the “treasures” that are unique to the city — a fun and memorable way to discover its hidden corners. Meals: B, L, D

Today is a true highlight of your journey as you glide through the fairytale scenery of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Hilltop castles and fortresses that have stood for more than 1,000 years line this legendary stretch of river — keep your camera close. This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town with a vibrant wine-growing heritage. Ride the local mini train through the narrow streets to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, home to more than 350 automatic musical instruments, from the tiniest music box to the giant Concert-Piano-Orchestrion. Meals: B, L, D

Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River with the authentic atmosphere of medieval Bavaria and its 15th-century half-timbered buildings. Stroll the cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses with your local guide and view the Gothic Merchant Hall, a grand symbol of past prosperity. You'll also see the oldest inn in Germany, dating back to at least 1411, along with Miltenberg Castle and the unique red sandstone church and bridge. Meals: B, L, D

The architects behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of styles, including Viennese Baroque and secular features from Italy. Heavily damaged during World War II, this magnificent palace has been lovingly restored to its former glory, and on your guided tour you'll learn the remarkable story of how it was brought back to life. Meals: B, L, D

This morning, relax onboard and watch the beauty of Europe's waterways drift by from the comfort of your stateroom as you cruise to Bamberg. Feel the magic of the past as you explore the city with your local guide, marveling at the opulence of the New Residence, once home to the prince bishops and now filled with old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection. Round off your day with a tranquil stroll through the lovely Rose Garden. Meals: B, L, D

Embark on a sightseeing tour of historic Nuremberg, including the architectural wonders that have inspired famous artists for centuries, and see the lasting effects of the war years. After your tour, enjoy time to explore at leisure, passing half-timbered houses that were beautifully reconstructed after the war. Meals: B, L, D

Set out on foot to discover the highlights of Regensburg with your guide. The romantic narrow alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and the 13th-century Town Hall invite you to step into the city's long history. The highlight of your tour is the 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval marvel spanning the Danube. Enjoy free time to explore at leisure, and this evening, a lively Bavarian band comes onboard to entertain. Meals: B, L, D

Passau is a picturesque city shaped by the three rivers that meet here — the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz. On this morning's walking tour, stroll through streets lined with 17th-century Baroque buildings and see the Gothic Town Hall, the Bishop's Residence, and St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to the largest church organ in Europe. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon of peaceful cruising along the Danube to Linz. Tonight, enjoy an elegant waltz dance show onboard. Meals: B, L, D

Today you'll sail through Austria's famed Wachau Valley, the country's premier wine-growing region and one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube. In Melk, explore the magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on an included tour. Your guide will lead you through a series of opulent rooms adorned with the finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold-leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library, renowned for its collection of medieval manuscripts. Meals: B, L, D

Austria's breathtaking capital is celebrated for its rich cultural legacy. Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna's city center by coach and on foot, and marvel at the grand façades of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater, and the Flemish Gothic Parliament. Then enjoy time to explore this elegant city at your own pace — perhaps with a slice of Sachertorte in a classic Viennese coffee house. Meals: B, L, D

Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, the Slovakian capital is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques, and cafés line medieval cobblestone streets. Your local guide will take you through the enchanting Old Town, past 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. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore — and a warm welcome as you share coffee and cake in the home of a Slovakian family. Meals: B, L, D

Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan city, and this morning your local guide will introduce you to its UNESCO World Heritage-listed center, tracing centuries of architecture from Romanesque to Baroque and classical façades. See the Liberty Statue and Heroes' Square before a walking tour of the magnificent Matthias Church and the fairytale Fisherman's Bastion. This evening, celebrate your final night onboard with a traditional Hungarian folklore show. Meals: B, L, D