Spend three unforgettable days in the gorgeous city of Nuremburg before boarding an award-winning luxury vessel. Cruise from Nuremberg to Budapest on this incredible tour of Eastern Europe. Explore cobbled streets, towering medieval castles, and centuries-old houses of worship. Taste local beers and wine while feasting on gourmet dishes over the strains of folk music. Build your ideal tour of Europe with a range of optional activities that can take you on active hiking and cycling routes through rustic village vistas or refined tours through opulent palaces just off the beaten track. Indulge in your ultimate vision of the Danube as you sail along on this quintessential European sojourn.
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On arrival in Nuremberg, you’ll be met and escorted to your hotel, located just across the train station and in an area offering numerous dining options. Spend some quality time in Nuremberg for the next two days. See the jewels of this medieval city, including its ramparts, fountains, and imperial palace. Enter the castle – the symbol of Nuremberg. Visit its more contemporary landmarks from WWII and enjoy either a day of leisure to explore the city on your own or take an optional tour to Bamberg, a city favored by some of the greatest minds in history, including Goethe, Nietzsche, and Schiller. HOTEL VICTORIA.
(Meals Aloft; B,D Daily)
Today you transfer to your award-winning ship in Nuremberg and board your deluxe river cruise ship, where you will be welcomed by your Captain and crew. The beautiful EMERALD STAR-SHIPS launched in 2014, 2015 and 2017; each carries 182 guests and 47 crew. Get settled and watch the panorama sliding by you. Enjoy a welcome aboard buffet dinner.
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This morning’s sailing takes you through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to Kelheim. As you cruise along the Danube River, you’ll reach Regensburg. Embark on a guided walking tour and admire one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. At an additional cost, you can visit a local brewery for a tour and beer tasting. Entertainment this evening comes courtesy of a traditional Bavarian Band, playing a selection of fantastic folk music into the night while you relax with a cool drink in hand.
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Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn, and Ilz, today you’re visiting Passau – the Three Rivers City. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the cobblestone streets and narrow alleys before emerging to find the perfect view of the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress. As an alternative, you may (at additional cost) like to book one of two Discover More tours. The first is a full-day excursion (and lunch) to Salzburg – a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with dreaming spires, green hills, and many romantic gardens. The second travels to Ceský Krumlov – a small town in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. Built around a 13th-Century castle, it’s an outstanding example of a small medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact over more than five centuries.
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Your tour of Austria’s wine-growing region begins in Melk – a pretty town situated on the south bank of the Danube River. Here you’ll explore a 900-year-old Benedictine abbey overlooking the town on a rocky outcrop, boasting the finest Italian architecture, elaborate gold leaf walls, a 640- foot Imperial Corridor, and fabulous French ceilings. Later, sail to Durnstein through the great Wachau Valley, home to the 12th Century castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the Crusades. For the active, a biking tour between Melk and Durnstein or guided hike to Durnstein Castle is possible.
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Austria’s vibrant city of Vienna is a fantastic fusion of old and new. As well as being known as “The City of Music” because of its musical legacy, Vienna is also regarded as “the City of Dreams” as it was home to Sigmund Freud – the world’s first psychoanalyst. Enjoy a coach tour along the Ringstrasse to see Vienna’s world-famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Town Hall, and Hofburg Imperial Palace, before hopping off to explore the city center on foot. Alternatively, you can book a Discover More tour (at additional cost) to Schönbrunn Palace – Empress Sisi’s
former summer residence, complete with an enchanting park. As you explore the grounds of the palace, your guide will divulge the secrets that surround you. This evening, you have the choice to book an exclusive, only to Emerald Waterways guests Discover More excursion to enjoy a Viennese concert (at an additional cost).
former summer residence, complete with an enchanting park. As you explore the grounds of the palace, your guide will divulge the secrets that surround you. This evening, you have the choice to book an exclusive, only to Emerald Waterways guests Discover More excursion to enjoy a Viennese concert (at an additional cost).
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Experience the bustling pedestrian plazas and stylish street cafes of Bratislava, including a sightseeing tour of the Old Town, home to many historical buildings such as the magnificent Mirbach Palace and the Gothic cathedral of St. Martin. Afterwards, enjoy a hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family, providing you with a truly authentic insight into Slovakian culture. Sample traditional fare in the company of new friends and discover what everyday life is like in a Slovakian village. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s farewell reception and dinner.
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Widely known as one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, Budapest is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrassy Avenue, Heroes Square and the Millennium Underground Railway – the second oldest underground electric metro system in the world. Take a tour to either Fisherman’s Bastion situated on Castle Hill, to admire the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city, or to Matthias Church and the iconic Chain Bridge that links Buda and Pest. Conclude the day with an evening cruise and see the heart of the city lit up at night while enjoying a traditional Hungarian dinner and a folklore show.
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After breakfast, it’s time to say your goodbyes to your fellow guests, the crew, and your Captain before you’re transferred to the airport and your journey home begins.
(B, Meals Aloft)
Prices vary by season and package. Please inquire by phone at (800) 627-1244 or email info@classicescapes.com for more information and a pricing estimate.
The four cruises we offer generally operate April through October and we have varying pricing depending on departure date. The weather in Europe is pleasant during that time of the year (although summers can be hot,) perfect for navigating the diverse rivers and seeing the beautiful countryside, historic sites, vineyards, castles and palaces. Emerald Waterways is an award-winning cruise line with new ships that are relatively small, accommodating less than 200 people. With their innovative design, all-inclusive packaging, expert guides and fabulous itineraries, travelers will want for nothing more. Our Zoos of Europe program is only offered in August, 2019.
