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Sail the iconic rivers of Europe in style
The rivers of Europe have long been the lifeblood of the communities that call them home. As they weave their way through the continent, they connect cities and landscapes with an allure simply unachievable with any other mode of transport.
Our collection of itineraries along the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhône, Saône and Douro, offer an insight into the history, culture and tradition of each magnificent waterway, during thoughtfully crafted adventures designed by our expert journey planners. What were once integral trade routes are now gateways to cultural enlightenment, to be navigated in style on board an Emerald Waterways Star-Ship.
Rhône River
Beginning its journey in the Swiss Alps, the Rhône flows through the heart of France’s gastronomic center towards the Mediterranean Sea.
■ More than 6,000 wine-growing properties in the Rhône Valley produce, distribute and export world-class wines worldwide.
■ The capital of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon excels at every level.
A UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, excellent cuisine, fine wine and iconic architecture adorn the water’s banks, as it curves elegantly through the center.
Saône River
An eastern tributory of the Rhône, it flows through Burgundy before meeting the larger river at Lyon.
■ You’ll notice historically important churches and famed vineyards which have prospered from the water’s close proximity.
■ Along its banks, Chalon-sur-Saône’s architectural heritage is dominated by the cathedral and its old timber-framed houses, while being excellently located near the Burgundy wine-making region.
Douro Douro
River Porto River Porto Vega de Terrón Vega de Terrón
PORTUGAL PORTUGAL Salamanca Salamanca SPAIN SPAIN
Douro River
Flanked by vineyards, traditional wineries and the burnt orange roofs of charming villages, Portugal’s Douro winds through a rustic region of simple pleasures.
■ In 1756, the Douro Valley became the first defined wine-producing region in the world.
FRANCE FRANCE
Chalon-Sur-Saône Chalon-Sur-Saône
Saône River Saône River Lyon Lyon Tournon Tournon
Rhône River Rhône River
Avignon Avignon Arles Arles
Rhine River
Flowing from the Alps to the North Sea, the Rhine has long been a major trade route and is considered pivotal in the industrialisation of Europe.
The source of the Rhine is in Switzerland’s Lake Toma, situated 2,340 metres above sea level.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rhine Gorge is approximately a 40- mile river valley stretching between Koblenz and Bingen in Germany. Exemplifying Mother Nature’s spectacular feats, vineyards and fairytale castles dot the green landscape.
Moselle River
As it flows through France and Germany, castles tower over wine villages, where some of the best Rieslings grow.
■ It is believed that the Romans planted the first vineyards along the river.
■ Along the Moselle Valley, you’ll spot terraced vineyards as they rise up from the water’s edge, producing some of the best vintages. Fairytale castles and quaint medieval settlements make the region a must-see.
Amsterdam Amsterdam NETHERLANDS NETHERLANDS Rhine River Rhine River Cologne Cologne GERMANY Antwerp Rhine Gorge GERMANY Antwerp Rhine Gorge Main River Moselle River Koblenz Rüdesheim Trier Main River Moselle River Koblenz Rüdesheim Trier
Rhine Mannheim Nuremberg Würzburg Rhine Mannheim Nuremberg Würzburg
River River Black Regensburg Black Regensburg Forest Forest Passau Passau
Main River
The 237-mile long river reveals much about the history of the continent.
■ The river is part of Corridor VII, the inland waterway link between the North Sea and the Black Sea.
■ At the center of the Franconian wine country, the Bavarian city of Würzburg projects its lavish personality through spectacular architecture, love of art and a lively nightlife.
SLOVAKIA SLOVAKIA
Basel Basel SWITZERLAND SWITZERLAND Vienna Bratislava Vienna Bratislava AUSTRIA AUSTRIA Budapest Budapest HUNGARY HUNGARY Danube River Danube River
CROATIA CROATIA Osijek Osijek
Danube River
Europe’s second-longest river flows through 10 countries, more than any other in the world, including four capital cities, Budapest, Vienna, Bratislava and Belgrade.
ROMANIA ROMANIA
Belgrade Belgrade Bucharest Bucharest Giurgiu Iron Gates Giurgiu Iron Gates
SERBIA SERBIA
BULGARIA BULGARIA
The Danube’s enormous volume of water makes it one of Central Europe’s most vital sources for fresh drinking water.
Divided by the mighty Danube, Budapest was and formerly two cities, with Pest on the east and Buda on the west. Now one city with stunning architecture, thermal spa’s and bustling cafés and To book call 855.845.4822 restaurants waiting to be discovered. or contact your professional travel advisor