Fly Stay Cruise - 17 Day 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 cruise onboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
✓ Return international airfares
✓ Airport transfers
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Shore excursions
✓ Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
✓ All onboard dining
✓ Tipping, entertainment and port charges
Sail with Emerald Cruises & Tours and enjoy world-class service, elegant ships, and unforgettable experiences at sea.
Experience a classic journey along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, where spectacular scenery, rich culture and fascinating history unfold across five remarkable countries. From the romantic canals of Amsterdam to the grand architecture of Budapest, this elegant river cruise offers a seamless and immersive way to explore the heart of Europe.
Your journey begins with an international flight from Australia to The Netherlands.
Welcome to Amsterdam, a city straight out of a postcard with its charming canals, cozy cafés, and world-class art galleries. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to the inviting comfort of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Once on board, take some time to wander through the cobbled streets and admire the iconic gabled houses at your own pace. In the evening, gather with fellow travelers for a delightful dinner on board.
This morning, immerse yourself in the Dutch Golden Age with a glass-topped canal boat cruise through Amsterdam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal network. Glide along the city’s charming waterways, passing historic merchant houses and iconic buildings that recall a time when Amsterdam was one of the world’s most prosperous ports.
After your canal adventure, return to the ship and set sail through the scenic Dutch countryside, making your way toward the majestic Rhine River.
Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, Cologne is one of Germany’s oldest cities and the largest along the Rhine. As the historic capital of the Rhineland, it boasts a rich tapestry of architecture—from Roman ruins to medieval landmarks—despite much of its inner city having been rebuilt after World War II. Join a local guide for a unique adventure through the city, discovering some of Cologne’s most iconic treasures along the way.
Today’s journey is sure to be a highlight as we sail through the storybook landscapes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Admire hilltop castles and ancient fortresses dotting the riverbanks, pass the legendary Lorelei Rock—where sailors were said to be lured onto dangerous rocks by a mythical siren—and take in the striking Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a historic river stronghold.
In the afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, a charming town renowned for its wine-growing heritage. Explore the town aboard the Winzerexpress and discover the one-of-a-kind Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum, a treasure trove of automated musical instruments.
Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River that exudes the charm of medieval Bavaria, with its 15th-century half-timbered houses.
Join your included walking tour and wander along cobblestone streets lined with these colorful buildings, pausing to admire the Gothic Merchant Hall, a striking reminder of the town’s historic prosperity.
Later, we’ll continue to the delightful town of Wertheim, where you’ll enjoy an exclusive glassblowing demonstration at the Glass Art Museum.
Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road”, Würzburg lies at the heart of a thriving grape-growing region, surrounded by vineyard-clad hills that define the former capital of Franconia. The architects of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a blend of styles, including Viennese Baroque and Italian secular designs. Though heavily damaged during World War II, the palace has been meticulously restored. Discover its remarkable history and artistry on a guided tour, and see how it has been returned to its former grandeur.
This morning, unwind on board and take in the scenic beauty of Europe’s waterways from the comfort of your cabin as we cruise toward Bamberg. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed town is home to one of Europe’s largest medieval centres, with around 2,400 historic buildings lining its charming streets.
Experience the city’s rich history on a guided tour, marveling at the grandeur of the New Residence, once the home of the prince-bishops and now showcasing an impressive collection of German and Baroque masterpieces from the Bavarian State collection. Conclude your day with a peaceful stroll through the Rose Garden, soaking in the serene atmosphere of this enchanting town.
Embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Nuremberg, a city rich in history and renowned for its architectural treasures that have inspired artists for centuries. Learn about the lasting impact of the war years on the city, then enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace, strolling past charming half-timbered houses that have been carefully restored to their former glory.
This morning, sail the final stretch of the Main-Danube Canal en route to Regensburg. As you continue along the Danube, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities awaits, steeped in two millennia of history. For nearly 150 years, the Old Town Hall served as the seat of parliament. Dating back to the 13th century, it comprises the Town Hall Tower, the Imperial Chamber building, and the main Town Hall itself. Join your guide to wander the romantic narrow streets of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, immersing yourself in the city’s rich past.
The highlight of your tour is the 12th-century Stone Bridge, an iconic medieval structure spanning the Danube. After the guided tour, enjoy some free time to explore Regensburg at your own pace, or return to your Star-Ship for relaxation. Later, delight in the sounds of a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.
Passau, a picturesque city shaped by the meeting of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, enchants visitors with its spacious squares, scenic promenades, and romantic lanes. Cobblestone streets and elegant arcades set the scene for your morning walking tour, where you’ll admire 17th-century Baroque buildings and visit landmarks such as the Gothic Town Hall, the Bishop’s Residence, and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a stunning example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.
Return to the ship for lunch and spend the afternoon peacefully cruising along the Danube, taking in the serene river landscapes.
Nestled in Austria’s renowned wine-growing region, Melk is home to a 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasure. Join your included tour and explore a series of opulent rooms, each showcasing exquisite Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold-leaf details. Don’t miss the ancient monastic library, famed for its remarkable collection of medieval manuscripts.
Later, your Star-Ship glides through the scenic Wachau Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage site, before arriving in Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the region, known for its vineyards and storybook charm.
Austria’s stunning capital, Vienna, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage. Once home to legends like Mozart and Beethoven, the city is dotted with imperial palaces that tell stories of its illustrious past, while the modern museum district showcases works by some of the world’s most influential artists.
Explore Vienna’s iconic Ringstrasse and city centre by coach, admiring the Renaissance-style arches of the Opera House, the Baroque elegance of the Burgtheater, and the Flemish Gothic grandeur of the Parliament. Afterwards, enjoy some free time to wander the streets and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city at your own pace.
Nestled at the crossroads of historic trade routes, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, charms visitors with cobblestone streets lined with Baroque palaces, boutiques, and cozy cafés. Begin your morning with a guided sightseeing tour through the Old City, discovering its enchanting corners and historic landmarks.
Stroll with your local guide past the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, admire the Old Town Hall with its charming Renaissance courtyard, and take in the elegant façade of the Slovak National Theatre, adorned with busts of celebrated composers. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore the city at your own pace.
This afternoon, experience a warm local welcome as a Slovak family invites you into their home for engaging conversation over traditional sweet treats and coffee—a perfect taste of authentic Bratislava life.
Budapest, Eastern Europe’s vibrant and cosmopolitan gem, is split by the iconic Danube River, with the historic districts of Buda and Pest connected by the elegant Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic landmarks.
This morning, join a guided tour with a local expert to explore the city’s highlights and rich history. In the evening, experience a lively Hungarian folklore performance, followed by a farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your journey.
After breakfast, bid farewell to your fellow travelers and disembark your ship, taking with you fond memories of the enchanting Danube and the unforgettable experiences of your journey. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
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.
Amsterdam – Cruise the UNESCO-listed canals by glass-top boat before sailing through the Dutch countryside toward the Rhine.
Cologne – Discover one of Germany’s oldest cities on a guided tour showcasing its Roman roots and restored medieval landmarks.
Rhine Gorge – Sail past castles and the legendary Lorelei Rock before arriving in Rüdesheim to explore its wine heritage and mechanical music museum.
Miltenberg – Wander cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses before continuing to Wertheim for an exclusive glassblowing experience.
Würzburg – Tour the magnificent Würzburg Residence, a restored Baroque masterpiece set among vineyard-covered hills.
Bamberg – Explore one of Europe’s largest intact medieval centres and visit the grand New Residence Bamberg.
Nuremberg – Experience a guided tour revealing architectural treasures and the city’s wartime history, followed by leisure time to explore.
Regensburg – Stroll the UNESCO-listed Old Town and cross the iconic Stone Bridge before enjoying Bavarian entertainment on board.
Passau – Discover Baroque streets and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral Passau, home to Europe’s largest church organ, before cruising the Danube.
Melk – Explore the opulent Melk Abbey and sail through the scenic Wachau Valley to Dürnstein.
Vienna – Tour the imperial capital along the Ringstrasse, passing landmarks like the Vienna State Opera and Burgtheater before free time to explore.Bratislava – Discover the charming Old City on a guided walk and enjoy a traditional home-hosted visit with local sweet treats.
Budapest – Explore the grand highlights of Buda and Pest linked by the Széchenyi Chain Bridge, then celebrate with a Hungarian folklore show and farewell dinner.
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.
Riverview Stateroom - Included
The Riverview (outside) staterooms feature picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other staterooms. Plus, they're bigger than other standard staterooms. These staterooms include a queen-size bed, bathroom with shower, flat-screen TV, mini-bar and safe.
Balcony Stateroom- from $2620 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.
Instalment Schedule:
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:
Cooling Off Period
This product is not eligible for a cooling-off period.
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 your hotel 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 $7,499.00 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’.
Flights are included only for travel within the tour's start and end dates and cannot be altered. Deviations are not permitted for this tour.
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