Jan 14, 2020
When it comes to choosing a holiday destination, Europe really does have it all. Whether you love history, food or historic villages, a river cruise is a great way to discover Europe’s charms and picturesque sights. However, if a 14 night cruise isn’t quite long enough, especially if you’re travelling all the way from New Zealand, add a city break, a longer river cruise or a land tour to extend your holiday of a lifetime.
Get the most out of Europe by combining your 14 night Splendours of Europe river cruise holiday with three of our favourite add ons.
1. The city seekers
For the ultimate three week holiday, why not combine a European river cruise with a city stay in Paris and Prague. Begin your holiday with a three night stay in Paris, ‘the city of light’, and spend time discovering famous landmarks including the Eiffel Tower, measuring 324 metres tall, the Louvre home to the famous Mona Lisa painting and the Arc de Triomphe, commissioned by Napoleon in 1806. For those that love to shop, take a leisurely stroll along the Champs-Élysées and browse the French designer labels before stopping at a casual café for fresh coffee and croissants. Admire the city’s glittering lights on an evening cruise along the Seine River, savour the ever-so-moreish cheese and wine in a cosy French wine bar or take in a burlesque show at The Lido.
Finishing your 14 night European river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, travel to Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires”, uncover its historic heart by heading to the Old Town Square. Join the crowds on the hour, every hour as the Astronomical Clock, dating back to the late 1400s puts on a performance. Visit Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records and stroll along the famous 14th century Charles Bridge at sunrise or sunset for striking views over the picturesque town and Vltava river. Of course, your holiday wouldn’t be complete without sampling the Czech beer (pivo), claimed to be the best beer in the world.
2. The best of cruise and land
Combine the best of land touring and river cruising with a holiday that takes in the iconic gems of Europe, and also explores the historic sights and important towns of Eastern Europe.
Begin your 24 day holiday in Prague with a three night stay to uncover the famous sights before driving to Berlin, visiting Dresden along the way. In Berlin, see how the city has transformed since the fall of the Berlin Wall with visits to the new Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, and the former Checkpoint Charlie. Continue by train to Warsaw, admiring the passing scenery before exploring the city’s historical centre with visits to the Jewish Ghetto, the Palace of Culture and an excursion to the Royal Castle which was completely destroyed in World War II. Prepare yourself as you experience the chilling reminders of the atrocities of World War II during a visit to Auschwitz’s Concentration Camp before ending your land journey in Krakow, Poland, home to the largest medieval market square in Europe, built in the 13th century.
Begin your 24 day holiday in Prague with a three night stay to uncover the famous sights before driving to Berlin, visiting Dresden along the way. In Berlin, see how the city has transformed since the fall of the Berlin Wall with visits to the new Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gate, and the former Checkpoint Charlie. Continue by train to Warsaw, admiring the passing scenery before exploring the city’s historical centre with visits to the Jewish Ghetto, the Palace of Culture and an excursion to the Royal Castle which was completely destroyed in World War II. Prepare yourself as you experience the chilling reminders of the atrocities of World War II during a visit to Auschwitz’s Concentration Camp before ending your land journey in Krakow, Poland, home to the largest medieval market square in Europe, built in the 13th century.
Embark your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship in Budapest to continue your European journey through five countries; Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands over 14 nights.
3. The ultimate river cruiser
If you would enjoy only unpacking once during your holiday, whilst ticking off as many countries as possible, then our river cruise from Amsterdam to Bucharest is the cruise for you. Navigating the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers over 23 days you can look forward to picturesque sights, vibrant cities and local treasures, as well as plenty of time to relax and get to know your fellow cruise passengers.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites of Cologne Cathedral, Würzburg Residence and medieval Bamberg, cycle along the Danube River from Dürnstein to Melk through pretty vineyards and charming villages, and breathe in the opulence of Vienna’s imperial palaces and landmark buildings. Marvel at Budapest’s iconic Chain Bridge and Parliament Building, be treated to a traditional Puszta horse show in Kalocsa, and watch as the scenery starts to change as you sail through the narrow gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains known as the Iron Gates.
Admire the spectacular and rugged landscape, enjoy a wine tasting in a local vineyard in Vidin and end your journey in bustling Bucharest, home to the Palace of Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world.
Admire the spectacular and rugged landscape, enjoy a wine tasting in a local vineyard in Vidin and end your journey in bustling Bucharest, home to the Palace of Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world.
