Spectacular European River Cruise

Day 1 - Monday 17 June 2024

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 18 June 2024

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 Meridien Etoile (or similar)

Day 3 - Wednesday 19 June 2024

Paris (B)

Good Morning Paris.  Today as a special highlight we'll enjoy our own private walking tour of Paris.  Joined by our french Sisterhood hostess, our highlight today includes a visit to the beautiful Fragonard Perfume Museum.  With time for lunch before meeting our Coco Chanel tour guide at one of the fashion icon's favourite cafes, Angelina for afternoon tea and a walk in the footsteps of the famous French fashion Icon.  This evening back at our hotel we are met by our 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 20 June 2024

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 21 June 2024

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.

 

Day 6 - Saturday 22 June 2024

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 23 June 2024

Amsterdam Cruising (B,L,D)

This morning, explore the Dutch Golden Age, as you board a glass-top canal boat cruise to explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed canal system or enjoy a guided bike tour to Waterland.

Both excellent ways to experience the city in all its authenticity, take to its charming waterways, passing iconic buildings and elegant merchant residences that reflect a time when Amsterdam was one of the most lucrative ports in the world. If you’re feeling more active, then explore on two wheels, cycling alongside a backdrop of historical villages and traditional windmills.

On returning to your Star-Ship, your first day of sailing will take you through the tranquil Dutch countryside to the Rhine River.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Waterland

Included Excursion
Canal cruise

Day 8 - Monday 24 June 2024

Cologne (B,L,D)

Founded by the Romans in 50 AD, the cathedral city of Cologne is one of the oldest cities in Germany and the largest on the Rhine. The historic capital of the Rhineland, this illustrious city has been generously peppered with ancient architecture, from Roman ruins to medieval structures, despite much of the inner city being completely destroyed during WWII.

Join your local guide and explore the city, including the Old Town with its beautiful squares, historic monuments and contemporary architecture. Your tour will conclude at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cologne Cathedral, whose filigree twin towers form an iconic part of the skyline. During your free time, explore the city centre where locals meet for shopping trips and to enjoy authentic German beer before returning to your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Cologne’s Old Town

Day 9 - Tuesday 25 June 2024

Rhine Gorge - Rudesheim (B,L,D)

Today’s cruise route meanders through the fairy tale-like surrounds of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge. Hilltop castles and fortresses will be yours to admire as we sail leisurely down the Rhine River. We will pass the infamous Lorelai Rock, where sailors are said to have been lured onto treacherous rocks by an enchanting siren, and the impressive Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, a former stronghold.

This afternoon, arrive in Rüdesheim, a town with a vibrant wine-growing heritage. You will have the choice of either riding on the Winzerexpress and visiting Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum or, if you're feeling active, taking an active hike to Niederwalddenkmal.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Niederwalddenkmal

Included Excursion
Visit to Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet Museum

Day 10 - Wednesday 26 June 2024

Miltenberg - Wertheim (B,L,D)

Welcome to Miltenberg, a picturesque village on the Main River, boasting an inimitable feeling of medieval Bavaria with its 15th century half-timbered buildings.

On your included walking tour, stroll down the cobblestone streets, lined with these colourful houses and view the Gothic Merchant Hall, an impressive symbol of past affluence. Alternatively, enjoy an active walk through the forest to Mildenburg Castle. This iconic landmark now houses a wonderful collection of contemporary art and old masters.

Later, we’ll venture to the charming town of Wertheim where, as part of your EmeraldPLUS programme, you’ll have an exclusive glassblowing presentation at the Glass Art Museum.

EmeraldPLUS
Exclusive visit to the Glass Art Museum in Wertheim with presentation

EmeraldACTIVE
Active walk to Mildenburg Castle

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Miltenberg

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Vineyard visit & Franconian wine (extra expense)

Day 11 - Thursday 27 June 2024

Wurzburg (B,L,D)

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Romantic Road’, Würzburg, is the centre for grape-growing, the product of the sloping vineyard-laden hills which surround the former capital of Franconia. The architects behind the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Würzburg Residence drew inspiration from a spectrum of different styles, including Viennese Baroque and secular features from Italy, but it was heavily damaged during WWII. Enjoy learning about how this impressive building was restored to its former glory on a guided tour.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Würzburg and a visit to the Bishops Residence

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Excursion to Rothenburg (extra expense)

Day 12 - Friday 28 June 2024

Bamberg (B,L,D)

This morning, relax on the Sun Deck with a drink in hand or witness the beauty of Europe’s waterways from the plush surrounds of your cabin as we cruise to Bamberg. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed town boasts one of the largest medieval centres in Europe, with around 2,400 listed buildings gracing its streets. Feel the magic of the past as you explore the city with your local guide, marvelling at the opulence of the New Residence, once resided in by the prince bishops and now home to a plethora of old German and Baroque paintings from the Bavarian State collection. Enjoy a tranquil stroll around the Rose Garden to round your day off peacefully.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bamberg

Day 13 - Saturday 29 June 2024

Nuremberg (B,L,D)

Embark on a sightseeing tour of the historic city of Nuremberg, including the architectural wonders that have inspired famous artists for centuries and exploring the effects that the war years had. After your tour, enjoy time to explore Nuremberg at leisure, passing half-timbered houses that were beautifully reconstructed following the war.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Nuremberg

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World War II tour (extra expense)

Day 14 - Sunday 30 June 2024

Regensburg (B,L,D)

This morning, you’ll sail the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Regensburg. As you continue sailing down the Danube, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities welcomes you with two millennia of history. For almost 150 years, the Old Town Hall was the seat of parliament. Dating back to the 13th century, it consists of the Town Hall Tower, the Imperial Chamber building, and the Town Hall. Wander the streets with your guide, as the romantic narrow alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town enable you to live through the city’s history.

The main highlight of your tour will be the 12th-century Stone Bridge, a medieval structure crossing the Danube. Enjoy time to explore Regensburg at leisure after your guided tour or return to your Star-Ship for some peace and tranquillity. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.

EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian band performance on board

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Regensburg

DiscoverMORE
Sausage-making workshop (extra expense)  

Day 15 - Monday 1 July 2024

Passau (B,L,D)

Passau is a picturesque city that has been shaped by the surrounding rivers over the years, sitting right on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This memorable destination is dominated by large squares, magical promenades and romantic lanes. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe.

Return for lunch on board and an afternoon peacefully cruising along the Danube.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau

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Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

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Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)

Day 16 - Tuesday 2 July 2024

Melk - Durnstein (B,L,D)

Situated within Austria’s wine-growing region, Melk is home to a 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, which is yours to explore today during an included tour. Your guide will take you through a series of opulent rooms, each adorned with the finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library, renowned for its extensive collection of medieval manuscripts.

Later, the Star-Ship sails through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages in the Wachau wine region, where you can choose to hike to Dürnstein Castle, the site where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the Crusades.

Alternatively, enjoy an EmeraldACTIVE guided bike ride along the Danube from Melk to Dürnstein, passing famous vineyards and quaint towns before settling down for a picnic lunch on the riverbanks.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey

Day 17 - Wednesday 3 July 2024

Vienna (B,L,D)

Austria’s breathtaking capital is recognised for its cultural legacy. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represent a rich history, and the museum district boasts contemporary buildings, housing the work of some of the world’s most prolific artists.

Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna’s city centre by coach and on foot or join a guided bike tour. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches that adorn the façades of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater and the Flemish Gothic Parliament before enjoying time to explore Vienna at leisure.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Vienna

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna

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Viennese evening concert

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Visit to Schönbrunn Palace

Day 18 - Thursday 4 July 2024

Bratislava (B,L,D)

Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn cobblestone streets. In the morning, enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the enchanting Old City or hike to Bratislava Castle.

Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

This afternoon, a local family will be happy to welcome you into their home for some great conversation over traditional sweet treats and coffee.

EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

DiscoverMORE
Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

Day 19 - Friday 5 July 2024

Budapest (B,L,D)

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Divided by the iconic Danube River, Buda and Pest on either side can be reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic structures.

Enjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide this morning. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Buda Hill, traversing winding cobblestone streets underneath the massive Baroque masterpiece that is Buda Castle.

This evening, you will enjoy a Hungarian folklore show before your farewell dinner.

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Buda Hill

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)

Day 20 - Saturday 6 July 2024

Budapest - Prague (B,L)

After breakfast, disembark your Star-Ship to be transferred to Prague, home to some of the world’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages. Included is a comfortable three-night stay in the city.

Day 21 - Sunday 7 July 2024

Prague (B)

The centre of Prague is a true delight, where some of Europe’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages can be found. After passing through three castle courtyards, you will visit St. Vitus Cathedral, then we walk down the Castle steps with a wonderful view over the city of Prague and  we continue to Charles Bridge which we cross to reach the Old Town of Prague. We finish the city sightseeing tour in front of the famous Astronomical Clock at Old Town Square.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Prague

EmeraldPLUS
Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace

Day 22 - Monday 8 July 2024

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.

Day 23 - Tuesday 9 July 2024

Prague Morning at Leisure (B, Meals in Flight)

Free time in Prague before our flight 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 10 July 2024

Welcome Home!

Welcome Home!  Arriving into Melbourne early morning.  Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure!