A delightful Budapest to Amsterdam luxury river cruise
You’ve heard your friends and colleagues rave about their luxury cruise holidays around Europe. The sights, the stories, the flavours! Wouldn’t you love to discover the joy for yourself? If you’re new to river cruising, Emerald Cruises & Tours has a magical European itinerary that’s ideal for first-timers.
Splendours of Europe takes you on an exciting 15-day luxury cruise along the breathtaking Danube, Main and Rhine rivers from Budapest to Amsterdam, visiting celebrated highlights of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands on the way.
Tour grand capitals and charming riverside towns, from the Gothic spires of Cologne to the welcoming wine villages of the Rhine, the iconic architecture of Vienna and dramatic landscapes of the Wachau Valley. Guided explorations of World Heritage-listed sites, medieval Old Towns and castles right out of a fairytale are all part of the exciting Emerald Star-Ship experience.
Welcome aboard!
As luxury river cruise experts, Emerald Cruises take pride in having no more than 180 guests on their modern Star-Ships, a relaxed ambience and high level of personal service; the perfect setting for enjoying Europe’s renowned rivers.
On board Emerald Star-Ships, you’ll be treated to stylish, contemporary surroundings, unique innovations, an abundance of space and a restful, restorative emphasis on wellness. Beautifully appointed suites and staterooms are designed to offer you your own personal sanctuary, with all the amenities of a world-class hotel right at your fingertips. The crew is a passionate, dedicated team whose priority is to give you the ultimate river cruising experience – whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned sailor.
Onshore, EmeraldDISCOVERY excursions ensure exploration to the fullest. Handpicked by Emerald Cruises’ journey planners, these included excursions offer authentic local experiences that will last a lifetime.
Which river cruise is right for you?
The Emerald Cruises’ team of luxury travel experts suggests:
“Sailing either the Rhine or Danube Rivers on your first river cruise always provides a fascinating experience. Both rivers flow through a number of European countries, meaning there’s plenty to explore and experience on your trip.
Our most popular cruise for Canadians is our 15-day Splendours of Europe cruise that sails from Amsterdam to Budapest. We recommend the 8-Day Jewels of the Rhine if natural beauty captures your attention the most, as you’ll have the chance to witness marvels such as the Black Forest, the flower fields of Amsterdam and the mountain ranges of Koblenz.
For those who appreciate both historic and contemporary architecture, the 8-Day Danube Explorer offers you the opportunity to revel in the medieval town of Český Krumlov, the imperial grandeur of Vienna and the fairytale façade of Bratislava.”
The Emerald Cruises Difference
You may be wondering, why Emerald Cruises? In the realm of luxury river cruises, Emerald Cruises surpasses the others with a bevy of exceptional inclusions that are sure to please.
From the moment you land, Emerald Cruises takes care of you. Shared airport transfers to and from the ship are included, making your journey easy and worry free.
Meals, guided excursions, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, plus refillable bottled water and Wi-Fi are all part of your fare. Plus, gratuities on board and offshore are fully included! No tip envelopes and no surprise charges at the end of your cruise. Simply genuine service from start to finish.
Refresh your body and soul
Emerald Cruises European Star-Ships carry complimentary e-bikes for guided tours and independent exploring, giving you more freedom and more fun ashore – all included (except Portugal). In addition, a dedicated Activity Manager hosts a wide array of experiences in a variety of destinations, from guided hikes to onboard yoga on the Sun Deck. Many are included, with optional premium adventures (at additional cost) like kayaking available to enhance your experience.
Back on board, enjoy a heated indoor pool that transforms into a cinema – a distinctive Emerald Cruises feature that offers relaxed swims by day and movies by night (excludes Portugal).
Oh Canada!
Book and pay in Canadian dollars, browse a dedicated Canadian website at emerald.cruises, and enjoy the reassurance of a Canadian contact centre for bookings and guest support.
*Best of all, for the month of July 2026, Emerald Cruises & Tours is offering Canadians up to 40% off select 2027 Europe River Cruises. For details visit emerald.cruises/celebratecanada and start planning your luxury getaway!
