Cruising? Add a city break
FOR the culturally curious traveller, ll what h could ld be b better than a European river cruise — where you’ll wend between worldclass wonders, while sublime vistas of picturebook castles, medieval monasteries, luscious vineyards and tranquil villages drift deliciously by on the banks?
Only a cruise-and-stay, where you can enjoy all this — and add a fascinating city break at the start or end.
Exploring a historic metropolis, such as Prague, Berlin, Nice or Lisbon, before or after your cruise, gives a chance to experience even more, often with a reception and tour to get you started.
Stay centrally in a luxury hotel, with transfers, breakfast and a guided excursion all included in the price, and enjoy the very best of both worlds.
SPIRES OF PRAGUE
EMERALD Waterways, renowned for its luxurious, five-star Star-Ships, offers an outstanding cruise and stay programme.
A Danube Delights itinerary from Budapest to Nuremberg, for example, dovetails beautifully with a three-night stay in the stunning Renaissance, gothic and baroque city of Prague, pride of the Czech Republic.
The views from Prague’s iconic 14th-century Charles Bridge are stunning in the early morning or evening, when the architecture is spectacularly lit up.
See the changing of the guard in Hradcany Square and explore the magnificent Loreta Monastery.
And just beyond the soaring spires, palaces, castles, galleries and museums, you’ll find charming gardens, cafes and the historic Jewish quarter, Josefov. All this comes at the end of an unforgettable Danube cruise that includes another resplendent Habsburg capital, Vienna.
ELEGANT LISBON
ON PORTUGAL’S scenic Douro river, have your camera ready as you cut an unhurried course between lofty vineyards cascading down terraces, bolstered by ancient dry-stone walls.
Encounter elegant farmhouses, hilltop chapels, graceful bridges and incredible night skies along this most photogenic of waterways.
Then round off a blissful Secrets of the Douro cruise with a stay in the elegant capital, Lisbon, where seven hills cradle a postcard-perfect panorama of cobbled alleyways, palaces, white-domed churches and, of course, a lofty castle. Spot a plethora of decorative Portuguese tiles tinted in pink, mint and indigo — and enjoy cheap, fresh, grilled sardines outside a tasca (bar) in the Lisbon sunshine.
Portugal’s ‘city of light’ offers visitors a winning combination of culture and pavement cafes, Mediterranean warmth and value for money.
PEOPLE-WATCH IN NICE
A SENSATIONS of Lyon and Provence cruise through lavender fields and wineries calls at captivating destinations such as Arles, Avignon and Chalon-sur-Saone — and can be easily combined with a stay in Nice, on the French Riviera.
Blending old-world opulence, yearround sunshine, a vibrant street life and a stunning seaside location, no place in France compares to Nice, with its stunning Old Town and Italian influence.
Once the favourite of belle-epoque aristocrats and artists including Matisse, Chagall, Picasso and Renoir, it’s a city where art museums abound.
And the people-watching along the Promenade des Anglais is still as fascinating as ever. Stay a short walk from the beach and enjoy a guided coach tour of Nice and Monte Carlo on this stylish extension.
BERLIN’S GLAMOUR
BERLIN’S blend of glamour and grit is bound to mesmerise all those keen to explore its vibrant culture, cuttingedge architecture, sky bars, chic restaurants and vivid history. Walk along remnants of the Berlin Wall, marvel at the splendour of a Prussian palace and visit the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin cathedral, Checkpoint Charlie and the Television Tower.
The key areas are wonderfully compact and easily navigated on foot or by public transport. Enjoy an enriching two-night city break here, with a guided tour on the first morning.
Then step aboard your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship in Mainz to experience the classic passage of the Main, Rhine and Moselle across Germany, on a Majestic Rhine and Berlin itinerary. On a cruise-and-stay holiday, the memorable sights just keep on flowing.