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River Journeys with Emerald Cruises

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Thinking of cruising but looking for an intimate experience filled with culture and sightseeing? Imagine drifting down bucket-list river routes on your sun-soaked private balcony or strolling right from your luxury riverboat into the heart of a new city daily.

This is the benefit of river cruising that cannot be found at sea! Enjoy a lack of transfers from the port to each city, witness non-stop views from the onboard bars & restaurants and benefit from high staff to guest ratios.

Emerald Cruises have a fleet of elegant Star-Ships, each bursting with personality and shared ‘wow’-factors. From heated indoor pools which convert into night-time movie theatres, glass-lined restaurants so you don’t miss a single sight during your meal, or even a rooftop lounge area with barbeque cooking, every corner of each Star-Ship has been created with attention to detail.

What's included on an Emerald river cruise?

Promising exceptional “EmeraldVALUE” as standard, this cruise line includes return flights from selected UK airports, transfers, fully-inclusive board with inspiring cuisine created by a team of chefs, complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks, as well as a tempting array of hot beverages. Also included in your river cruise, is an exciting itinerary of excursions, allowing you to experience your destinations beyond that of the average tourist.

All of the below packages are fully inclusive of flights, transfers, full-board basis, complimentary beverages (as above) and a range of excursions.

Where do they go?

France, Portugal, Budapest, Vienna, Bavaria, Russia, Vietnam, Cambodia & the Mekong River, as well as an array of enchanting Christmas Market itineraries closer to home, Emerald Cruises has an exciting array of destinations. European river routes include; the Danube, Main, Rhone, Douro and Rhine.

Highlighted Packages…

All offering 2021 & 2022 departures!

Danube Delights – Budapest to Munich

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8 Days from £1,795 per person

Day 1 (Budapest) – Arrive in Budapest and be greeted by a friendly team who will transport you to the ship. Once you’re all settled, spend free time to spend in Budapest before enjoying your first dinner onboard. This evening, witness a performance from authentic Hungarian folklore performers!

Included: Dinner

Day 2 (Budapest) – Have a filling breakfast before departing on your choice of excursion; an enchanting guided tour of Budapest or a hike to Buda Hill.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 (Bratislava) – Spend a relaxing morning admiring the scenery as you sail to Bratislava. Choose between a fascinating tour of the city with a local guide or a scenic hike around the gardens of Bratislava Castle. In the afternoon, you will be offered the option to visit the home of a local family, learning about their culture over cake and coffee.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 (Vienna) – Enjoy a guided tour of Vienna, a captivating city along the Danube. If you are looking for something a little more active, choose to explore the city by bicycle instead! On this day, you can opt to pay extra to experience an exclusive Viennese concert with music from Strauss & Mozart. If you wish, you can also take part in a ‘Tastes of Vienna’ activity for a supplement.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 (Dürnstein – Melk) – Arrive in Dürnstein this morning and choose between a hike to Dürnstein Castle’s medieval ruins or a guided bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk. Later in the day, sail through the amazing Wachau Valley to Melk, where you will be taken on a tour through the 900-year-old Melk Abbey.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 (Passau) – Admire the scenic views whilst sailing down the Danube before arriving in the heart of Passau. Disembark and join an intriguing tour of the city’s Gothic and Baroque architecture! Once the tour has come to an end, you will be able to explore Passau at leisure before joining the ship once again to sail towards Regensburg.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 (Regensburg) – Enjoy a guided tour of Regensburg and it’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval centre. Afterwards, embark the ship and travel down the Main-Danube Canal, witnessing the passing sights with a drink in-hand, or perhaps from the heated pool with floor to ceiling windows. On the night time, guests will be entertained by a traditional Bavarian band!

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 (Regensburg – Munich) – After breakfast, it will be time to bid farewell and disembark before being transferred to the airport.

Included: Breakfast

Jewels of the Rhine – Basel to Amsterdam

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8 Days from £1,895 per person

Day 1 (Basel) – Arrive in Basel and be transferred to your Emerald Star-Ship before enjoying your first dinner onboard.

Included: Dinner

Day 2 (Breisach) – Upon arrival to the Black Forest, you will be in the land of cuckoo clocks and oompah bands with the sounds of music filling the air during the Summer months. Today you will be able to visit a Black Forest destination before joining a Black Forest gateau demonstration & tasting. If you’re looking for an active experience, you’ll have the opportunity to join a scenic hike.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 (Kehl – Strasbourg) – After docking in Kehl, you will be guided across the river to the stunning town of Strasbourg. You will be offered the opportunity to join a walking tour of this enchanting UNESCO World Heritage-listed town. After your tour, wander at leisure around Strasbourg, a town suspended in time…

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 (Mannheim – Heidelberg) – Witness the passing views as you sail towards Mannheim, drifting down the Rhine River. Embark a coach to Heidelberg and choose to learn about how this destination became the UNESCO City of Literature. Your guided tour will take you past amazing photo opportunities including Heidelberg Castle, a stunning collection of Renaissance ruins. Enjoy wine tasting and wandering through the scenic cobbled streets or join a hike from Mount Königstuhl.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 (Koblenz) – Sail to the town of Koblenz, known for its history dating back 2,000 years! Explore the town with the aid of a local guide before taking a cable car ride to the scenic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 (Cologne) – Once of the oldest cities in Germany, Cologne is a bucket-list staple. Your guided tour will take you deep within the city’s famed old town and will finish at the steps of the incredible Cologne Cathedral; a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. For a supplement, opt to visit the Eau de Cologne museum to discover the fascinating exhibits on offer.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 (Amsterdam) – Awake in the morning and choose between a guided bike tour to Waterland, passing windmills and traditional villages, or explore Amsterdam’s stunning canals from the comfort of a glass-top canal cruise!

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 (Amsterdam) – Relax, savoring your final breakfast onboard before disembarking, being transferred to the airport to begin your journey home.

Included: Breakfast

Secrets of the Douro – Porto to Porto

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8 Days from £2,145 per person

Day 1 (Porto) – Be greeted at the airport and transferred to your luxury Emerald Star-Ship! Unpack and unwind before heading to dinner.

Included: Dinner

Day 2 (Porto - Pinhão) – Spend the day relaxing as the ship passes through the incredible UNESCO World Heritage-listed Douro Valley. Enjoy a drink on the sundeck, meet the other guests or take a dip in the heated pool with floor-to-ceiling views. On the night time, you will be treated to a welcome dinner with a cocktail reception. As an optional experience, take part in a Portuguese cooking demonstration onboard.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 (Pinhão - Vega de Terrón) – Spend the morning strolling through the Quinta do Tedo vineyard within the Douro Valley with a tasting session included. This 18th century site uses traditional viticulture practices to grow organic goods. In the afternoon, find the perfect spot onboard to witness your scenic journey to Vega de Terrón.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 (Vega de Terrón – Salamanca) – Travel to the ancient city of Salamanca which holds a fascinating history, having been occupied by the Carthaginians, Moors & Romans. Wander through the streets on a walking tour past stunning arcades & galleries. Guests will also have the ability to visit Casa de las Conchas, a building decorated with over 300 seashells. On this day, you’ll also receive entertainment from a tuna music band!

Included: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 5 (Pocinho – Régua) – Arrive in Pocinho and opt for a touch of adventure in a canoeing excursion; alternatively, spend your morning exploring the Côa Valley Museum; an impressive structure with immersive exhibits. Later, enjoy lunch onboard and watch the photo-worthy sites pass by as you make your way to Régua, also taking part in an on-board Port Wine cocktail class on the ship! As the evening closes in, you will be escorted to a wine estate for a memorable dinner.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 (Régua) – In today’s included activity, you will explore the postcard-worthy Baroque village of Lamego. Be sure to take a photo of the Shrine of Our Lady of Remedies, a sculpture which stands majestically within the town. As an additional experience, unleash your artistic side with a mosaic tile painting activity onboard. For a supplement, opt to visit the Mateus Manor House, an ornate structure surrounded by manicured gardens.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 (Porto) – At the mouth of the Douro, the vibrant city of Porto offers a wealth of streets and sights waiting to be explored. Famous for Port, this is the perfect place to pick up an alcoholic souvenir after your guided tour of this oceanfront city. On the night time, you’ll embark on a scenic cruise of Porto’s evening skyline. The two activities available for a supplement today include a Taylor’s Port wine tasting and a visit to Quinta do Aveleda with Vinho Verde tasting.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 8 – After your final breakfast onboard, it’s time to gather your suitcase and holiday mementos before saying goodbye to your fellow guests and being transferred to the airport.

Included: Breakfast

Interested in one of Emerald Cruises’ exciting river itineraries? Place an enquiry using our provided form and allow us to bring you some more information!

*Above offers are based on 2 adults sharing. Terms and conditions apply. Offers are subject to expiry dates, changes and availability.

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