Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Itinerary Day - Arrival at destination
Welcome to Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic. Today you arrive in Prague and are met at the airport for your included transfer to your centrally-located hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to recover from your flight or begin to explore Prague at your own pace. The city is home to one of the world's most well-preserved collections of architecture, with the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and Prague Castle all within easy walking distance of central hotels.
Arrival & Check-in informationAirport transfers from Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) to your hotel are included as part of your package. You will be met at the airport on arrival.
Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.
Special InformationAustralian and New Zealand passport holders require ETIAS authorisation for Schengen entry (in effect from 2025 onwards). Please ensure your ETIAS application is approved before travel.
Day 2 - Itinerary Day - Arrival at destination
Today is the official start of your Emerald Cruises journey. The next three days are spent exploring Prague at the same centrally-located hotel. This evening, meet your fellow guests and tour director for a convivial welcome drink.
The day is otherwise yours to continue exploring Prague at your own pace. The city's compact historic centre rewards wandering, from the Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square to the lively cafes and bars of the Lesser Town district below the Castle.
Day 3 - Itinerary Day - Arrival at destination
courtyards before stepping into the awe-inspiring St Vitus Cathedral. From here, descend the Castle Steps with breathtaking views of Prague unfolding before your eyes. Next, stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge to the charming Old Town and the legendary Astronomical Clock in the Old Town Square.
Later, enjoy a moment of indulgence with EmeraldPLUS coffee and cake at Lobkowicz Palace, one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Freshly brewed coffee and delicate pastries are served against a backdrop of aristocratic charm and history. The afternoon is yours to continue exploring the city at leisure.
Included ExcursionGuided city tour of Prague | EmeraldPLUS: Coffee and cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Day 4 - Itinerary Day - Arrival at destination
Prague is yours to explore independently today. Perhaps enjoy some delicious Czech treats, wander the Baroque Quarter, or visit the Jewish Quarter and its historic synagogues. Your tour director will be available to help plan your day's explorations and to answer any questions that may arise.
For something different, consider an optional DiscoverMORE excursion such as Tastes of Czechia, a guided wine tasting tour through hidden corners of Prague with a sommelier-led tasting of Czech wines paired with traditional charcuterie and cheeses (additional cost).
Day 5 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
After breakfast, it's time to depart from Prague for your included coach transfer to Hungary and the vibrant capital, Budapest. On arrival, board your luxury Emerald Star-Ship, welcomed by the friendly crew, ready for a memorable river cruise through the heart of Europe.
Settle into your Emerald Stateroom and enjoy a welcome dinner onboard as the ship rests on the Danube in the heart of Budapest. Take in the city's illuminated landmarks - the Hungarian Parliament, Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge - lit up beautifully against the night sky.
Day 6 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Wake in Budapest this morning. The Hungarian capital is divided by the iconic Danube River, with Buda and Pest on either side, reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city's most symbolic structures.
Enjoy a guided coach tour of the city with your local guide. Explore the World Heritage-listed centre, travelling through chapters of architecture from Romanesque to Baroque and classical facades. See the Liberty Statue, Heroes' Square and the Buda Castle district, with a walking tour showcasing Matthias Church and the Fisherman's Bastion. The afternoon is at leisure to explore further.
This evening, enjoy a waltz show class onboard. For those seeking an active alternative, the EmeraldACTIVE hike to Gellert Hill offers panoramic views of the Danube and the city's architecture (included).
Included ExcursionGuided coach tour of Budapest | EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Gellert Hill
Day 7 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Bordering Austria and Hungary, the Slovakian capital is yours to discover today. Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafes adorn medieval cobblestone streets. At the same time, the complex history of Communism can be found in its Brutalist landmarks and military monuments.
Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city on a walking tour. Pass by 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 facade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.
As an alternative or additional experience, the EmeraldPLUS home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family provides a personal insight into local life, or the EmeraldACTIVE guided hike to Bratislava Castle offers panoramic views from the hilltop (both included).
Included ExcursionWalking tour of Bratislava | EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted coffee and cake | EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
Day 8 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Austria's breathtaking capital is recognised for its cultural legacy. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represent a rich history, and the museum district boasts contemporary buildings housing the work of some of the world's most prolific artists.
Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna's city centre by coach and on foot. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater and the Flemish Gothic Parliament before enjoying time to explore at leisure. Alternatively, join a guided e-bike tour to Danube Island for a different perspective on the city.
Optional DiscoverMORE excursions today include a visit to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace (former Habsburg summer residence) or an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna's most beautiful concert halls featuring Mozart, Strauss and Schubert favourites (both at additional cost).
Included ExcursionGuided tour of Vienna | EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour
Day 9 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Durnstein is known as one of the most enchanting villages in the famed Wachau Valley, Austria's premier wine-growing region. Relax on the Sun Deck as the ship cruises through the World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley to Melk, home to a 900-year-old Benedictine abbey. A charming and compact port, Melk is filled with flower-lined laneways and sprawling green spaces.
Explore Melk Abbey on an included guided tour. Your guide will take you through a series of opulent rooms adorned with Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library renowned for its medieval manuscripts.
For active guests, an EmeraldACTIVE guided hike to Durnstein Castle (where Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned) or a 30-kilometre guided e-bike tour from Durnstein to Melk along the Danube are alternatives at no additional cost.
Included ExcursionTour of Melk Abbey | EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Durnstein Castle or e-bike tour along the Danube
Day 10 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Sat on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is a postcard-worthy German destination shaped by the surrounding waterways. Maze-like romantic lanes weave through the city, opening up into large squares and promenades adorned with classical boutiques.
Stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century on this morning's walking tour. See the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop's Residence and St Stephen's Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece home to the largest church organ in Europe.
Optional DiscoverMORE excursions today include a full-day trip to Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and setting for The Sound of Music, or a visit to the World Heritage-listed medieval town of Cesky Krumlov in the Czech region of South Bohemia (both at additional cost).
Included ExcursionGuided tour of Passau
Day 11 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Cruise the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg today. As the ship continues down the Danube, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities welcomes you with two millennia of history. Despite its ancient past, modern-day Regensburg has a relaxed atmosphere with streets made lively by the high population of university students.
Set out on foot to discover the highlights of Regensburg. Wander with your guide through the romantic narrow alleys of the World Heritage-listed Old Town and around the 13th-century Town Hall. The highlight of the tour is the 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval structure crossing the Danube. Return for lunch onboard and an afternoon peacefully cruising the Danube.
This evening, make your way to the Horizon Bar and Lounge for a special EmeraldPLUS performance from a Bavarian band wearing authentic Lederhosen.
Included ExcursionGuided tour of Regensburg | EmeraldPLUS: Bavarian band performance onboard
Day 12 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Welcome to Nuremberg. The second-largest city in Bavaria has a fascinating and complex history, from its position of power in the Middle Ages to the artistic flourishes of the Renaissance.
Embark on a sightseeing tour of the historic city, including the architectural wonders that have inspired famous artists for centuries and see the effects that the war years had on the city. After your tour, enjoy time to explore Nuremberg at leisure, passing half-timbered houses beautifully reconstructed following the war.
For those interested in the city's 20th-century history, an optional DiscoverMORE World War II tour visits the Nazi Rally grounds, the courtroom where the War Crimes trials were held, and includes a panoramic drive through the city (additional cost).
Included ExcursionGuided tour of Nuremberg
Day 13 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
The World Heritage-listed town of Bamberg is your destination today. Boasting one of the largest medieval centres in Europe with approximately 2,400 listed buildings gracing its streets.
Feel the magic of the past as you explore the city with your local guide, marvelling at the opulence of the New Residence, once inhabited by the prince bishops and now home to a plethora of old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden to round your day off peacefully.
Included ExcursionGuided tour of Bamberg
Day 14 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Known as the Pearl of the Romantic Road, Wurzburg has been the wine capital of Franconia since the Middle Ages. Situated on the Main River, this Franconian city is celebrated for its stunning architecture, vibrant culture and historical significance.
Take a walking tour of Wurzburg with a visit to the Bishop's Residence. The architects behind the World Heritage-listed Wurzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different styles, including Viennese Baroque and secular features from Italy. The building was heavily damaged during WWII, and your guided tour explains how it was meticulously restored to its former glory.
For those wishing to explore further afield, an optional DiscoverMORE excursion to the best-preserved medieval town in Germany, Rothenburg, is available with a sausage tasting included (additional cost; operates concurrently with the included tour).
Included ExcursionWalking tour of Wurzburg and visit to the Bishop's Residence
Day 15 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Make a brief stop in Wertheim before arriving in Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River with an authentic atmosphere of medieval Bavaria and 15th-century half-timbered buildings. Set on the banks of the Main, Miltenberg was a major trade hub for centuries but today has a relaxed ambience with hidden charms around every crooked corner.
Join your local guide to stroll down the cobblestone streets lined with colourful houses and view the Gothic Merchant Hall, an impressive symbol of past affluence. You will see the oldest inn in Germany, dating back to at least 1411, Miltenberg Castle and the unique red sandstone church and bridge.
Alternative experiences today include the EmeraldPLUS visit to Bronnbach Abbey in nearby Wertheim, a well-preserved Cistercian monastery with stunning Romanesque and Gothic architecture, or an EmeraldACTIVE walk through the forest to the 12th-century Mildenburg Castle (both included).
Included ExcursionGuided tour of Miltenberg | EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Bronnbach Abbey | EmeraldACTIVE: Walk to Mildenburg Castle
Day 16 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Arrive in Rudesheim today, a town with a vibrant wine-growing heritage. At the heart of the Rhine Valley, it is surrounded by terraced vineyards and filled with striking half-timbered buildings.
This afternoon will be a highlight of your trip as the ship meanders through the fairy tale-like surrounds of the World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Hilltop castles and fortresses that have stood for more than 1,000 years will be yours to admire as you traverse this legendary stretch of river. Pass the infamous Lorelei Rock, where sailors are said to have been lured onto treacherous rocks by an enchanting siren, and the impressive Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a former stronghold.
Catch the local mini train through narrow city streets to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, home to more than 350 automatic mechanical instruments. Alternatively, the EmeraldACTIVE walk to the Niederwalddenkmal offers panoramic views over Rudesheim's old town and the Rhine.
Included ExcursionVisit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum | EmeraldACTIVE: Walk to Niederwalddenkmal | Rhine Gorge scenic cruising
Day 17 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
Cruise along the Rhine from Koblenz to Cologne this morning. 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. The historic capital of the Rhineland, this illustrious city is generously peppered with ancient architecture from Roman ruins to medieval structures and the striking twin towers of the cathedral. Though much of the inner city was destroyed during World War II, it has been meticulously rebuilt.
Join your local guide for a walking tour, followed by a unique adventure hunting for some of Cologne's most typical treasures. You will be given a map with locations to find the treasures, each unique to the city.
Included ExcursionQuest for Cologne's treasures - guided walking tour
Day 18 - 23 Day Capitals & Rivers of Europe - 14 night Emerald Star-Ship River Cruise
countryside. Emerald-green pastures, mirror-like waterways and centuries-old windmills paint an impossibly picturesque scene. From charming towns like Alkmaar, famed for its historic cheese-making traditions, to Waterland with its pretty stilted villages, glassy lakes and narrow canals, discover how the Dutch have shaped their landscape for generations.
Step beyond the city and discover the authentic rhythm of the Dutch countryside on today's included excursion. Wander through charming villages, see working windmills and meet locals keeping age-old traditions alive. For active guests, an EmeraldACTIVE guided e-bike tour to Waterland passes quintessential villages, traditional windmills and fields bursting with colour.
Included ExcursionTimeless Dutch countryside | EmeraldACTIVE: E-bike tour to Waterland
After breakfast, disembark Emerald Star-Ship and transfer by coach from Amsterdam to the centre of Paris, the French capital and world-famous City of Light. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Paris, from its romantic ambience to the city's sought-after gastronomy.
Your Paris stay is at a centrally-located hotel. Later, enjoy meeting your tour director and fellow guests for a welcome drink and orient yourself to your new surroundings.
Today is yours to explore incredible Paris at leisure following your included guided tour. Your tour director will be more than happy to help plan your explorations in this iconic city.
Join an expert local guide for a guided tour of Paris, touching on some of the capital's iconic landmarks. Notre-Dame de Paris is certain to delight, presenting one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world, as is the Arc de Triomphe, standing tall to one side of the famous Champs-Elysees boulevard. Later, join a river cruise along the Seine, glimpsing the striking Eiffel Tower and many other captivating sights as you see the city from a different perspective.
Included ExcursionGuided bus tour of Paris and Seine River cruise
The storied beauty of Paris is yours to discover independently today. Perhaps visit the magnificent Louvre Museum and witness the legendary Mona Lisa, or venture below the city to explore the intricate labyrinth of catacombs that exists beneath the vibrant streets above. Whatever you choose, your tour director will be available to help you plan your day.
For a different perspective, consider an optional DiscoverMORE walking tour through Le Marais, the most authentic medieval district of Paris. Stroll past landmarks including the Place des Vosges, Hotel de Sully and Jardin des Archives Nationales while sampling French pastries and other traditional treats (additional cost).
Today is your additional Inspiring Vacations Paris night, designed to give you more time in the City of Light before your long flight home. You remain at the same Paris hotel, with the day entirely yours to enjoy.
Make the most of your final full day in Paris. Perhaps revisit a favourite neighbourhood, climb the Eiffel Tower for sunset views, browse the bouquinistes along the Seine, or simply settle in at a Parisian cafe to watch the city go by. A farewell dinner at one of the city's many traditional bistros is a fitting way to mark the end of your journey through the heart of Europe.
Day 23 - Itinerary Day - Last day / Flight Day
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport for your return flight to Australia or New Zealand. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations.
Special InformationAirport transfers from the hotel to Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) are included as part of your package.
Day 24 - Flight Day - Arrival Home
Welcome home. Today you arrive back in Australia or New Zealand following your return flight from Paris. We hope your journey through the heart of Europe has been a memorable one.
Special InformationDue to the time difference between France and Australia or New Zealand, arrival is typically one day after departing Paris. Specific arrival times depend on routing and onward connections.
