Fly Stay Cruise - 27 Day Eastern European Escapade Tour & Splendours of Europe
Enjoy an exceptional-value holiday that seamlessly combines return flights, pre- and post-cruise hotels and/or tours with a cruise—removing the stress of planning so you can enjoy every moment from departure to return.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost.
River cruises are a relaxed, informal way to travel - there are fewer passengers on board compared to an ocean cruise, which means ample opportunity to make lifelong friends. You will pass through the world's most loved cities and towns; disembark and enjoy a shore excursion or two, or simply wander around and explore on your own.
Our Leisurely tours are designed for a relaxed travel experience, they feature longer stays in each destination and ample free time. Unpack, unwind, and explore at your own pace with minimal early starts or hotel changes.
✓ 14-night onboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
✓ 10-night in 4-star hotel
✓ Return international airfares with leading airlines: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, or Etihad Airways
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Breakfast daily, 3 lunches & 3 dinners on your land tour
✓ All onboard dining, entertainment and port charges
Inspiring Value
Exclusive fly-stay-cruise package savings
Sail with Emerald Cruises & Tours and enjoy world-class service, elegant ships, and unforgettable experiences at sea.
Discover Eastern Europe’s finest on a premium guided journey through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany. Explore iconic cities, historic landmarks, and local culture. Cruise the Danube, Main, and Rhine aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, unveiling medieval towns, scenic landscapes, and Europe’s cultural treasures in timeless comfort.
Your journey begins with an international flight from Australia to the Czech Republic, where you’ll enjoy award-winning service, complete with in-flight entertainment and complimentary dining.
Arrive in Prague, the enchanting capital of the Czech Republic. Upon landing, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel, where you’ll settle in for a three-night stay.
This evening, join your Tour Director and fellow travellers for a relaxed welcome drink.
Special Information
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
Today, you’ll be transferred by coach from your hotel to the Prague Castle area, where your walking tour begins. After passing through the castle’s three courtyards, you’ll visit the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral. From there, you’ll descend the Castle Steps, enjoying beautiful panoramic views over Prague, before continuing on to Charles Bridge. Crossing the bridge brings you into the Old Town, where the tour concludes at Old Town Square in front of the iconic Astronomical Clock.
Inspiring Highlights
Enjoy a leisurely day at your own pace. We recommend wandering through the charming Baroque streets of Mala Strana and soaking in the history of Josefov, the Jewish Quarter.
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive along the Elbe Valley to Dresden, often called the “Florence on the Elbe.” Explore the stunning Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors of Saxony, and the Green Vault with its exquisite collection of Meissen porcelain.
Inspiring Highlights
Today you’ll explore the heart of Germany’s capital. Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Berlin has transformed into the vibrant and dynamic city it is today. Highlights include the striking Reichstag, the iconic Brandenburg Gate, the elegant State Opera House, and bustling Alexanderplatz. You’ll also visit historic sites from the Cold War era, including the former Checkpoint Charlie.
Inspiring Highlights
This morning, you’ll be transferred to Warsaw, the vibrant capital of Poland. With its rich history, lively streets, and fascinating sights, there’s plenty to discover.
On your guided sightseeing tour, explore Warsaw’s historic centre, much of which was rebuilt after the war. Reflect on the story of the Jewish Ghetto, brought to life in Polanski’s film The Pianist, as you visit with a local guide. See the Ghetto Heroes Monument, the Palace of Culture, the Chopin Memorial, and enjoy an excursion to the Royal Castle. In the evening, join your fellow guests for a special highlight dinner, accompanied by beautiful classical melodies.
Inspiring Highlights
This morning, you’ll leave Warsaw and travel to Kraków. Discover this impressive medieval city on a guided sightseeing tour, including Wawel Hill with its cathedral and castle. Stroll through the Old Town, visiting the beautiful St. Mary’s Church and the historic Cloth Hall.
Inspiring Highlights
This morning, visit the Auschwitz Concentration Camp for a guided tour, offering a moving insight into the atrocities of World War II. Afterwards, return to Kraków where the afternoon and evening are free at your leisure. Take the opportunity to enjoy traditional Polish cuisine at one of the city’s many outdoor restaurants, and experience the lively atmosphere that brings Krakow to life in the evening.
Inspiring Highlights
Today, journey past the dramatic Castle of Oravský Hrad and cross the scenic Tatra Mountains, travelling through Slovakia and onward to Budapest, the capital of Hungary. This evening, enjoy a special dinner paired with a traditional folklore show, offering a truly immersive taste of local culture in Budapest.
Inspiring Highlights
Today, you begin an exciting new chapter of your journey, cruising along Europe’s majestic waterways. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your welcoming captain and crew will be ready to greet you.
This evening, settle in and relax on board as you enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show.
Special Information
This itinerary is intended as a guide and may be subject to change due to operational considerations, including variations in water levels. The cruise may therefore operate differently from the outline above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further details.
Budapest is a city of striking contrasts. On one side of the Danube, Buda is home to many of the city’s elegant landmarks, while Pest reflects its fascinating history and vibrant energy. Linking the two is the iconic Chain Bridge, one of the capital’s most recognisable symbols.
Today, you’ll discover Budapest’s story on a guided city tour, exploring many of its highlights and learning more about its impressive architecture and scenic setting. The Hungarian capital reveals a unique blend of cultures, cuisine, and lively atmosphere, making it a captivating destination for visitors from around the world.
If you’re feeling active, you may alternatively choose to hike up Gellért Hill for rewarding views over the city.
Cruise Highlights
Bordering Austria and Hungary, the Slovakian capital is yours to discover today. Stroll along charming cobblestone streets and admire the elegance of ornate Baroque palaces as you explore with a local guide, passing the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Town Hall and the picturesque gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace.
Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, perhaps browsing the quaint boutiques that line the streets.
This afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local family, where you’ll gain insight into Slovak culture while enjoying traditional sweet treats and coffee.
Cruise Highlights
A rich wave of culture defines life in the Austrian capital, where some of history’s most celebrated composers once walked the streets in search of inspiration. Today, explore Vienna by coach and on foot, passing iconic imperial palaces and the grand buildings that line the Ringstrasse, including the Vienna State Opera.
Alternatively, you may choose a guided cycling tour, riding along idyllic riverbanks, past monuments and lush green parks, before continuing by the famous Prater.
Cruise Highlights
This morning, you may choose to hike up to Dürnstein Castle, pausing to imagine how it once appeared when Richard the Lionheart was held captive here after the Third Crusade.
Alternatively, enjoy a guided cycling tour from Dürnstein to Melk, passing rolling vineyards and picturesque landscapes along the way.
After your visit to Dürnstein Castle, relax on the Sun Deck as you cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Wachau Valley toward Melk, set in the heart of the region’s renowned wine country. Upon arrival, a local guide will lead you on a tour of the magnificent 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, including its historic monastic library and medieval manuscripts preserved by monks during fires in the 13th century.
Cruise Highlights
Set at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau is a postcard-perfect town shaped by its surrounding waterways. Romantic, maze-like lanes wind through the city, opening onto spacious squares and charming promenades lined with classical boutiques.
This afternoon, join your local guide for a tour of Passau, where you’ll discover a collection of beautiful Baroque buildings, many dating back to the 17th century. Pause to admire the striking hilltop silhouette of Oberhaus Fortress and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the largest church organ in Europe.
Later, return to the ship and enjoy a peaceful afternoon cruising through the heart of Europe.
Cruise Highlights
After breakfast, set out to explore one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities, where more than two millennia of history await. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll wander through Regensburg’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed Old Town, once the seat of parliament. Elegant patrician houses line the streets, offering a vivid reminder of the city’s former importance as a major trading centre.
Later, return to your Star-Ship and enjoy a scenic cruise through the picturesque landscapes of the Main–Danube Canal, passing Kelheim as you continue onward to Nuremberg.
Cruise Highlights
Today, enjoy an included guided tour of Nuremberg, where centuries of history unfold through striking architecture that has inspired artists and thinkers from across the globe.
Following the tour, you’ll have free time to wander at your own pace, strolling past charming streets and beautifully restored homes that tell a powerful story of resilience and renewal after the war.
Cruise Highlights
This morning, discover the UNESCO World Heritage town of Bamberg, celebrated for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval centre. With thousands of protected buildings, the old town is rich in atmosphere, historic detail and timeless European charm.
Join your local guide for a walk through streets lined with ornate façades, pausing at the grand New Residence, once home to the powerful prince-bishops. Unwind in the tranquil Rose Garden before taking in sweeping views from medieval Altenburg Castle, set high above the town.
Cruise Highlights
Set on the banks of the Main River, Würzburg is a captivating gateway to the Romantic Road, Bavaria’s iconic scenic route connecting some of Germany’s most enchanting medieval towns. The surrounding hills, draped in vineyards, reveal one of the country’s most important wine-growing regions and create a picture-perfect backdrop for your exploration.
Today’s sightseeing includes a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Würzburg Residence, where grand Baroque design meets Italian-inspired elegance. With insight from your local guide, discover how the palace’s architects blended a range of influential styles to create this extraordinary masterpiece.
Afterwards, continue with a guided walking tour through the historic centre, taking in landmarks such as the Gothic Marienkapelle and the Town Hall.
Cruise Highlights
This morning begins with an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum, offering a fascinating insight into this time-honoured craft. Afterwards, travel by coach to the charming riverside village of Miltenberg, a place that beautifully reflects traditional Bavarian life.
Join your local guide for a walking tour through Miltenberg’s winding cobblestone lanes, lined with vividly painted houses. Prosperity once flowed through the village via river trade, and traces of this historic wealth remain visible throughout the town today.
Alternatively, choose a more active option with a walk up to Mildenburg Castle. Once in ruins, the restored fortress now houses an impressive art collection and rewards visitors with atmospheric surroundings.
Cruise Highlights
Enjoy a leisurely morning aboard your Star-Ship as it glides toward Rüdesheim, a town renowned for centuries of winemaking tradition. On arrival, take a charming ride on the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, where an extraordinary collection of historic music boxes is displayed within a postcard-perfect, half-timbered building.
Alternatively, opt for a more active experience with a guided walk through the surrounding vineyards, offering insight into the landscape that has shaped this celebrated wine region.
After lunch, relax as you cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Rhine Gorge. From the Sun Deck, keep watch for dramatic castles and fortresses rising above the river from the forested hillsides.
Cruise Highlights
Cruise the Rhine this morning from Koblenz to Cologne, where over 2,000 years of history come vividly to life. Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, Cologne is among Germany’s oldest cities, with layers of ancient remains, medieval landmarks and enduring monuments shaping its character.
Later today, join your local guide for a walking tour through the Old Town, crossing historic bridges that withstood the air raids of World War II. Stand before the awe-inspiring Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site whose delicate twin spires dominate the skyline, before setting off on a playful exploration to uncover some of the city’s most iconic local treasures.
This evening, your crew will be delighted to host a special farewell dinner on board.
Cruise Highlights
Begin your day with a glass-top canal cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage–listed waterways, gliding past graceful merchant houses that speak to the city’s wealth and influence during the Dutch Golden Age, when Amsterdam stood at the heart of global trade. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to explore the city at your own pace.
Alternatively, choose a more active adventure with a guided cycling tour from your Star-Ship into the tranquil countryside of Waterland, passing classic Dutch villages and iconic windmills along the way.
Cruise Highlights
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travellers as you disembark your Star-Ship and transfer to the airport, carrying with you lasting memories of the dramatic Rhine Gorge and the serene landscapes of the Dutch countryside.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your ship at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Prague – Explore Prague Castle, visit St. Vitus Cathedral, descend the Castle Steps for panoramic views, cross Charles Bridge, and finish at Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock.
Dresden – Drive along the scenic Elbe Valley, explore Frauenkirche, the Castle of the Electors, and the Green Vault with Meissen porcelain.
Berlin – Take an orientation tour of Berlin, visit Alexanderplatz and the State Opera House, see the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and historic Cold War sites including Checkpoint Charlie.
Warsaw – Enjoy a guided tour of Warsaw’s historic centre, visit Ghetto Heroes Monument and Chopin Memorial, explore the Royal Castle, and experience a dinner with classical music.
Kraków – Discover Wawel Hill with its cathedral and castle, stroll through the Old Town, and visit St. Mary’s Church and the historic Cloth Hall.
Auschwitz – Take a guided tour of Auschwitz Concentration Camp.
Budapest – Journey past Oravský Hrad and the Tatra Mountains to Budapest, followed by a traditional folklore dinner show.
Budapest – Enjoy a guided city tour exploring Buda and Pest landmarks, linked by the iconic Chain Bridge.
Bratislava – Stroll Bratislava’s Old Town, see the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Town Hall, explore Episcopal Summer Palace gardens, and enjoy home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family.
Vienna – Discover past imperial palaces and the Vienna State Opera.
Dürnstein & Melk – Hike to Dürnstein Castle, cruise the Wachau Valley, and tour Melk Abbey with its monastic library.
Passau – Explore Passau’s historic centre and Baroque buildings, visit Oberhaus Fortress and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and enjoy a scenic afternoon cruise.
Regensburg – Wander Regensburg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town and cruise along the Main–Danube Canal past Kelheim.
Nuremberg – Discover Nuremberg’s historic heart on a guided tour and enjoy free time exploring restored streets and buildings.
Bamberg – Explore Bamberg’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, visit the New Residence and Rose Garden, and enjoy views from Altenburg Castle.
Würzburg – Tour Würzburg’s historic old town, visit the UNESCO-listed Würzburg Residence, and see landmarks such as the Gothic Marienkapelle and Town Hall.
Wertheim & Miltenberg – Watch a glassblowing demonstration, take a guided walk through Miltenberg’s historic street.
Rüdesheim & Koblenz – Ride the Winzerexpress to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, explore vineyards, and cruise through the Rhine Gorge spotting castles.
Cologne – Walk through Cologne’s Old Town, visit the UNESCO-listed Cologne Cathedral, cruise the Rhine from Koblenz, and enjoy a farewell dinner onboard.
Amsterdam – Cruise Amsterdam’s UNESCO-listed canals, explore the city at leisure, or cycle through Waterland countryside past villages and windmills.
Emerald Cruises & Tours Star-Ships
Discover a boutique river cruising experience designed for effortless exploration along Europe’s most iconic waterways. The fleet of award-winning Emerald Cruises Star-Ships combines contemporary design with comfort and innovation, offering a wealth of thoughtfully curated amenities. Light-filled, three-tiered atriums create an airy sense of space, while heated swimming pools seamlessly transform into evening cinemas. Stylish cabins and beautifully appointed public areas provide a welcoming sanctuary to relax and unwind. Life on board is defined by generous space, wellness-focused features, and the warm expertise of our dedicated crew. Onshore, handpicked included excursions deliver authentic, immersive local experiences at every destination.
Oceanview Stateroom - Included
If you love natural light, an Oceanview Stateroom brings clear views of the sea right into your room through a picture window or porthole-style window. All outside staterooms offer a king-sized double bed that can be made into two twin beds, a restroom with a shower, a cabinet, a hair dryer, a vanity, a minibar, a TV, and room service. Cleaning service twice a day.
Balcony Stateroom- from $2,500 per person, twin share. Solo fare on application.
For guests who want that “open the door and breathe it in” feeling, a Balcony Stateroom adds a private outdoor space accessed via floor-to-ceiling glass doors. All balcony staterooms offer a king-sized double bed that can be made into two twin beds, a restroom with a shower, a cabinet, a hair dryer, a vanity, a minibar, a TV, and room service. Cleaning service twice a day.
Cabin upgrades and prices are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please select this option to indicate your preferred upgrade. Once confirmed, the additional cost will be added to your invoice and included with your final payment.
Payment Information
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule
Terms and conditions
Please note that this package is a Cruises by Inspiring Vacations package. Please review the terms and conditions here: https://cruises.inspiringvacations.com/au/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: if you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package.
On arrival look out for a representative holding a sign with your name after you have collected your baggage and exited customs. If you cannot find them, try to avoid wandering around and instead stay in one place and call the emergency contact number on your documentation.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it's essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative. This ensures they can take immediate action to address the problem and mitigate any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
We understand that there may be instances where your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction. In such cases, we encourage you to request that the tour leader or local representative escalate the matter to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14-30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list. If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package, at a suitable time you will be collected from the port and transferred to the airport.
Accommodation
All hotels listed are subject to change; any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding requests cannot be guaranteed and are always on a request basis with the hotel.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional AU$6,500 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Itinerary Changes
Please note that as part of our commitment to constantly improving our passenger experience, there may be itinerary changes between the time of booking and when you travel. These changes are always made with your experience in mind and will be clearly communicated in advance if they affect your booking.
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences
Documentation
Travel documentation is sent digitally 30 days before departure. No postal documents are issued. You must complete your cruise personaliser directly with the cruise line. We cannot complete this on your behalf. Visit the Know Before You Go section for guidance, and you will receive an email reminder when it is time to complete this.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your tour and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your tour. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your tour so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-tour cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international tours, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here is a help link to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Terms and Conditions
For the full terms and conditions for Cruises by Inspiring Vacations, please see HERE.
This is a flight inclusive package.
This package includes international airfares and flights will be added to your booking at no additional cost. Select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’.
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
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