Spectacular European River Cruise

Day 1 - Monday 29 May 2023

Melbourne to Paris (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to your next Sisterhood adventure!  Join your Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers at the designated meeting point at Melbourne Airport for our flight to Paris.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment and hospitality of our airline as we head towards Paris.

Day 2 -Tuesday 30 May 2023

Paris (D)

Ohhh La La!  Welcome to Paris!  Upon our early morning arrival we'll be met and transferred to our hotel where the remainder of our day is free.  Tonight we'll get together and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant.  

4 Night Stay: Le Méridien Etoile Hotel, Paris

Day 3 - Wednesday 31 May 2023

Paris (B)

Good Morning Paris.  Today as a special highlight, we'll enjoy our own private walking tour in Paris.  Joined by our french Sisterhood hostess Catherine, our highlight today includes a visit to the beautiful Fragonard Perfume Museum. Set in the heart of Paris, just a stone's throw from the Opera Garnier, the Musee du Parfum is an instructive musuem, bringing to life the making of a mythical luxury object, now part of our everyday life: perfume.  We'll spend an hour here following the different processes for the making of a perfume and enjoy some sampling and shopping.  Afterwards, we'll make our way to the beautiful Opera Garnier for a guided tour.  A masterpiece of 19th century archictecture with its grand staircase, its magnificent auditorium, its gallery or grand foyer richly decorated, the Opera Garnier is a must see in Paris.  The facade of the Opera is richly ornate with statues and sculptures representing the many great opera composers.  After our visit we'll walk to the famous Angelina's Cafe to enjoy lunch (own cost).  Angelina's dates back to the beginningof the 20th century and serves the world's finest hot chocolate know as "LÁrrican" as well as their famous dessert Mont Blanc.  After lunch the remainder of our day is free to enjoy. 

This evening back at our hotel we are met by our Evergreen Waterways Cruise Director and other cruise travellers for a welcome drink and reception at our hotel.  Afterwards we'll have dinner at a local cafe/restaurant.  Tonight there's the opportunity to enjoy a Paris by Night tour.  Paris is stunning at night and our own private tour will showcase the many beautifully lit up landmarks of Paris including the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysee.  (Allow approx EUR30 per person ** Subject to Numbers) this option can be booked with your Sisterhood hostess upon arrival into Paris.

 

Day 4 - Thursday 1 June 2023

Paris (B)

Today we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour with a local guide with sights including Notre Dame Cathedral, famous for the tale of Quasimodo the hunchback of Notre Dame. We'll see the Obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the elegant Champs Élysees to the Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a sightseeing cruise on the River Seine finishing at the Eiffel Tower. This tour will give us an excellent overview of the city. Dinner at leisure tonight.

Day 5 - Friday 2 June 2023

Paris (B,D)

Another free day to enjoy Paris at leisure.  Sightseeing is an endless pleasure in Paris, and your Tour Hostess and Cruise Director is on hand to help you plan your day to explore the romance capital of the world. Tonight will be a scrumptious Parisian dinner to enjoy.

Discover More - Tastes of Paris (extra expense)

Day 6 - Saturday 3 June 2023

Paris to Amsterdam / Embarkation (B,D)

This morning travel by coach from Paris to Amsterdam. A warm welcome awaits us from our Captain and crew as we board your luxury Evergreen river cruise ship. This evening join we'll join our fellow cruise travellers for a cocktail reception followed by a welcome dinner.

Day 7 - Sunday 4 June 2023

Amsterdam Cruising (B,L,D)

This morning the choice is ours; board a glass top canal boat and explore Amsterdam’s maze of canals, cruising past 16th century merchant houses and charming churches, dating back to Holland’s Golden Age. Alternatively, join Emerald Active for a city tour including a guided walk around the famous landmarks of Amsterdam. Both options are followed by free time in the city centre. After lunch on board, we'll depart on our first day sailing through the Dutch countryside, including canals, locks and windmills. 

Emerald ACTIVE - Guided Bike Tour
Emerald EXCURSION - A Canal Cruise

Day 8 - Monday 5 June 2023

Cologne (B,L,D)

Today we'll relax onboard our beautiful ship before arriving into Cologne. Founded by the Romans, and one of Germany’s oldest cities, Cologne is famous for its magnificent World–Heritage listed Gothic Cathedral. Join our guide and explore the city including the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. During our free time we'll have the opportunity shop for handicrafts or visit a local market before returning to our ship.

Emerald EXCURSION - A guided tour of Cologne's Old Town

Day 9 - Tuesday 6 June 2023

Rhine Gorge - Rudesheim (B,L,D)

Speaking from experience today’s cruising will be a highlight of our trip, as we cruise through the spectacular Rhine Gorge. Keep your camera at the ready as around every bend there are stunning vistas of castles perched above steep vine–covered slopes. We’ll also pass the infamous Lorelei Rock where sailors are said to have been lured onto treacherous rocks by enchanted temptresses. We also pass the impressive Pfalzgrafenstein Castle which was formerly a toll gate perched on an island in the middle of the river. In the afternoon we arrive at the gorgeous village of Rüdesheim, one of Germany’s most popular towns. Enjoy a cable car ride up to the impressive Germania monument with stunning views of the Rhine Valley, then free time to shop for handicrafts or taste the famous Rudesheim ice coffee.

Emerald ACTIVE - Hike to Local Winery
Emerald EXCURSION - Visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Day 10 - Wednesday 7 June 2023

Miltenberg - Wertheim (B,L,D)

Welcome to Miltenberg, another picturesque village on the Main River, which creates an imitable feeling of Bavarian life in medieval times due to the Old Town being lined with well-preserved half-timbered buildings. The choice of a guided tour of Miltenberg or you might like join Emerald Active for a guided hike to Wertheim Castle (active fitness level) and well worth for the spectacular views.

Emerald ACTIVE - Guide hike to Wertheim Castle (active fitness level recommended)
Emerald EXCURSION - A guided tour of Miltenberg

Day 11 - Thursday 8 June 2023

Wurzburg (B,L,D)

Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”, Würzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. After breakfast, visit the Bishops’ Residenz, one of Germany’s largest and most ornate baroque palaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour highlights the palace’s unique staircase, elaborate 18th century frescoes and the amazing 3–dimensional stuccowork. Then join our guide for a walking tour of Würzburg.

Emerald EXCURSION - A Tour of Wurzburg Residence and Wurzburg

Discover More (Optional) : Rothenburg, a perfectly preserved fortified town. Step back to the middle ages as you walk the cobbled streets admiring the gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture - extra expense NB: If you take this tour you will not be able to atend the included walking tour of Wurzburg as both tours run at the same time.

Day 12 - Friday 9 June 2023

Bamberg (B,L,D)

This morning the opportunity to relax on board this morning as we cruise through the Main–Danube Canal, to Bamberg. Feel the magic of the past as we explore this UNESCO World Heritage city with your guide. Boasting one of Europe’s largest intact medieval town centres, Bamberg is bursting with character and charm. At the town centre is the largest preserved old quarter in Europe. Around 2,400 listed buildings and the centuries–old garden quarter form a special cultural heritage. Admire hundreds of building façades richly decorated in fascinating detail with spectacular ornamentation.

Emerald EXCURSION - A guided tour of Bamberg

Day 13 - Saturday 10 June 2023

Nuremberg (B,L,D)

Today we'll take a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg. See the storybook 900-year-old ramparts, the Imperial Castle and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. The city tour leads us to the major sights, from the early beginnings to the present. With free time to explore the city centre.

Emerald EXCURSION - A guided tour of Nuremberg

Discover More (Optional): A World War II tour with Documentation Centre visit
 

Day 14 - Sunday 11 June 2023

Kelheim - Regensburg (B,L,D)

This morning takes us through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. On our guided walking tour we’ll have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube.

You’re Invited: Tonight, we enjoy a Bavarian Band on board.

Emerald EXCURSION - A guided tour of Regensburg

Discover More (Optional): Excursion to Kuchlbauer Brewery

Day 15 - Monday 12 June 2023

Passau - Linz (B,L,D)

Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome us to the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Return for lunch and an afternoon cruising along the Danube River.

Emerald EXCURSION - A guided tour of Passau

Discover More (Optional): Enjoy a day tour to Salzburg, the home of ‘The Sound of Music’ and the birth place of Mozart; OR Cesky Krumlov a UNESCO World Heritage site which has been preserved as an example of medieval life - extra expense.  NB:  If you take either of these optional activities you will not be able to join the included walk of Passau.

Day 16 - Tuesday 13 June 2023

Melk - Durnstein (B,L,D)

Situated within Austria’s wine–growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900–year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and fresco ceilings. Later our ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century.

Emerald ACTIVE - A guided biking tour along the Danube River.

Emerald ACTIVE - A guided hike to Durnstein Castle (active fitness level recommended)

Emerald EXCURSION - A tour of Melk Abbey

Day 17 - Wednesday 14 June 2023

Vienna (B,L,D)

Welcome to Vienna, the “City of Waltzes”. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, today we explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna’s world famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace.

Emerald ACTIVE -  A guided bike tour

Emerald EXCURSION - A guided tour of the Ringstrasse and a walking tour of Vienna

Discover More (Optional):   Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss AND/OR Schonbrunn Palace - extra expense.  NB:  If you take the Palace tour you not be able to join the included Vienna tour.

Day 18 - Thursday 15 June 2023

Bratislava (B,L,D)

Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava the capital of Slovakia, embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Today we'll enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin.  This evening our Captain will welcome us to a Gala Dinner.

You’re Invited: The highlight will be a home hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family.

Emerald ACTIVE - A guided hike to Bratislava Castle

Emerald EXCURSION - A walking tour of Bratislava

 

Day 19 - Friday 16 June 2023

Budapest (B,L,D)

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Today we'll enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. This evening the ship will take us for a gorgeous night–time cruise along the Danube, passing under the city’s numerous bridges, whilst enjoying a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner, complete with folk dancing and music.  A magical way to end our Evergreen cruise and an absolute highlight.

Emerald ACTIVE - A guided hike to Buda Hill (active fitness level recommended)

Emerald EXCURSION - A guided coach tour of Budapest

Discover More (Optional): A guided tour to Szentendre

Day 20 - Saturday 17 June 2023

Budapest - Prague (B,L)

After breakfast we journey by coach to Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Situated on the banks of the River Vltava in central Bohemia.

Three Night Stay: Prague

Day 21 - Sunday 18 June 2023

Prague (B)

This morning we explore the sights of the Old Town Square on a guided walking tour. We see Mozart´s Theatre, Little Square and Astronomical Clock. We continue our tour and walk across the Charles Bridge spanning the River Vltava and full of portrait artists and small vendors, to board our coach to drive to the 1,000–year–old Prague Castle area. With our local guide we walk through Hradcany Square, for the spectacle of the Changing of the Guard. See the magnificent Loreta Monastery, and arrive at Hradcany Castle. Here we see Old Kings Palace, St. George´s Monastery, The National Gallery painting exhibition..

Day 22 - Monday 19 June 2023

Prague Day at Leisure (B)

Today your Tour Hostess and Tour Director is on hand to help plan your day’s exploring. The baroque quarter of Mala Strana is a must see, as is Josefov, the Jewish quarter. You will no doubt return to the lively atmosphere around the Charles Bridge for another look or perhaps a visit to the world's most beautiful library.  Tonight we'll get together at a local restaurant for a Farewell Dinner to celebrate great times shared with new friends.

Discover More (Optional): Tastes of Czechia

Day 23 - Tuesday 20 June 2023

Prague departure for home (B)

We're up early this morning for our flights home.

Sit back, relax and reminise about great times shared with new friends.  

Enjoy the inflight entertainment and hospitality of your airline.

Day 24 - Wednesday 21 June 2023

In flight (meals in flight)

Welcome Home!  Arriving into Melbourne late afternoon. 

Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure!