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Splendours of Europe Itinerary
Day 1 - UK – Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Fly from a choice of UK regional airports to Amsterdam where you’ll be met and transferred to your deluxe ship. This evening, enjoy dinner on board. (D)
Day 2 - Amsterdam
Today, board a glass-top boat and explore Amsterdam’s picturesque canals, past charming churches, 16th century merchant houses and bustling streets or enjoy a guided bike ride of the city. Welcome Gala Dinner this evening. On 2020 reverse departures, there is an optional tour of Haarlem. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Cologne (Germany)
This morning, spend time at leisure on board as you cruise to Cologne, Germany’s oldest city. On arrival, take a guided tour with highlights including the Old Town and the Kolner Dom, a World-Heritage listed Gothic cathedral. In 2019 and on 2020 reverse departures, there is an optional tour of Drachenburg Castle. On 2020 reverse departures, there is also an optional football stadium tour. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Rhine Gorge – Rudesheim
Today, cruise the picturesque Rhine Gorge past storybook castles and the famous Lorelei Rock. You can choose between visiting Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum or a guided hike. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Miltenberg - Wertheim
On arrival in Miltenberg, enjoy a guided tour or take the Emerald Active guided hike, before travelling by coach to Wertheim for free time to explore this medieval city. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Wurzburg
Explore Wurzburg, the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”. Visit the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is an optional tour of Rothenburg available. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Bamberg
Enjoy time at leisure on board as you cruise the Main-Danube Canal to Bamberg, known as the “city of experience”. Discover one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centres where stylish shops weave between historic buildings on a guided tour. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Nuremberg
Enjoy a guided tour of the city taking in the major sights, before spending time at leisure. There is an optional World War II tour available. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Regensburg
Cruise through the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal to Kelheim. Continue along the Danube to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, home to the magnificent Old Town Hall. There is an optional visit to a brewery. This evening’s on board entertainment is a traditional Bavarian Band. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Passau
Passau known as the “Three Rivers City” is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the cobblestone streets and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress, before visiting the magnificent St Stephen’s Cathedral. There is an optional tour of Salzburg. On 2020 forward departures, there is also an optional tour of Cesky Krumlov and on 2020 reverse departures, there is an optional tour of Salzburg. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Melk (Austria) – Durnstein
Discover Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey which boasts fine Italian architecture and spectacular fresco ceilings. Later, cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley and on to the enchanting village of Durnstein. Emerald Active - enjoy a guided bike ride along the River Danube or a guided hike to Durnstein Castle. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Vienna
Austria’s capital city Vienna is a fascinating fusion old and new. Enjoy an icon-filled tour along the Ringstrasse with highlights including the world-famous Opera House and Hofburg Imperial Palace. If you are feeling active you can tour the city by bike instead of the coach tour. There is an optional Viennese concert and/or a tour of Schonbrunn Palace. (B,L,D)
Day 13 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Discover impressive 18th-century Rococo buildings and stylish street cafes during your time in Bratislava. Take a sightseeing tour of the city, home to the magnificent Mirbach Palace and Gothic cathedral of St Martin, before enjoying a special afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family. Alternatively, join a guided hike to Bratislava Castle instead of joining the sightseeing tour. (B,L,D)
Day 14 - Budapest (Hungary)
Arrive in the cosmopolitan capital city of Budapest. See the city's sights on a guided tour. Emerald Active - join a guided hike to Buda Hill. This evening, enjoy a night-time cruise along the Danube and a traditional Hungarian Farewell Dinner complete with folk dancing and music. On 2020 forward departures, there is an optional Jewish heritage tour. (B,L,D)
Day 15 - Budapest – UK
After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.