From April 2019, we’ll be introducing an on-board Activity Manager to all seven of our Star-Ships sailing the Rhine, Main, Danube, Moselle, Rhône and Douro rivers in Europe. These dedicated members of the team will perform a varied role, from coordinating on board fitness classes and active onshore excursions, to organising the evening’s entertainment.

With at least one EmeraldACTIVE* activity included in all our cruise itineraries, you can look forward to yoga and Pilates sessions, aqua aerobics in our heated pool and our ‘walk-a-mile’ classes on the Sun Deck. And, on selected evenings, we’ll have karaoke nights, cards tournaments and gameshow-style quizzes. 

As we continue to receive excellent feedback for our current programme, we’ll continue introducing new and exciting activities and adventurous excursions, with the guidance of our experts, both on land and on the water. We also provide unguided experiences, if you’d prefer to explore independently, allowing you to savour a destination’s highlights on a route of your making.
To get you started, we’ve picked our favourite EmeraldACTIVE excursions on each of the European rivers we navigate.

With at least one EmeraldACTIVE* activity included in all our cruise itineraries, you can look forward to yoga and Pilates sessions, aqua aerobics in our heated pool and our ‘walk-a-mile’ classes on the Sun Deck. And, on selected evenings, we’ll have karaoke nights, cards tournaments and gameshow-style quizzes. 

Guided bike tour between Durnstein & Melk

Enjoy a mostly flat 23-mile bike tour through rolling vineyards and quaint towns in the Wachau Valley. On this unique EmeraldACTIVE excursion, look forward to stopping for lunch on the banks of the Danube where you may even see your Star-Ship pass by which will later meet you at the next docking point. The duration of this guided bike tour is approximately four hours which you can look forward to on our Splendours of Europe, Danube Delights and Danube Explorer river cruises.

Hike the Cobbled Streets and Buda Hill in Budapest

With its 1,000-year heritage and web of cobblestoned streets, Budapest’s Castle Hill district is ripe for an immersive guided hike. Take up your walking poles and set forth up through the curious byways of Castle Hill in the company of an experienced local guide, who will provide intriguing insight into the history of the area. At the summit, Buda Castle astounds with its Baroque façade and offers a far-reaching panorama of the city – views which make all that effort truly worthwhile.

A guided walk to Wertheim Castle

After exploring the medieval town centre of Wertheim, take a guided tour to the small town’s picturesque castle. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle is perched protectively overlooking Wertheim and is built with distinct redbrick. Learn more about the traditions of Wertheim and the history of the castle with an expert guide courtesy of EmeraldACTIVE.

Guided nature walk through the Black Forest 

Available on our Jewels of the Rhine river cruise, you can enjoy a guided nature walk through the woods, starting in Breisach where your ship will dock. Lasting around an hour, this insightful tour will take place in the afternoon and is the perfect way to partake in a unique experience, whilst also working up an appetite for your evening meal on-board your Star-Ship.

An enriching hike to Altes Schloss in Baden Baden

Baden Baden’s Altes Schloss rewards those who hike to its charming hill-side location with eerie dungeons, enigmatic hallways and stunning views. Although largely a ruin, the site remains a wonderful place to explore on foot, and an EmeraldACTIVE guided tour will provide you with everything you need to know about its 900-year-long history.

Hike the vineyards of the Côtes du Rhône

Beyond the limits of medieval Tournon lies the terraced vine slopes of the Côtes du Rhône, one of France’s most esteemed wine-making appellations. It’s here, within sight of the weaving passage of the river, that you can enjoy an EmeraldACTIVE vineyard hike – taking in the fragrant grape rows, inspiring scenery and warm, Mediterranean climate. Climb from the river’s edge to the summit of the valley through these celebrated wine lands promises, and enjoy a post-walk tasting session.

On-board yoga lessons against a backdrop of Southern France

Canoeing experience with expert guides

Guided Walking Tour of Porto

Where the Douro meets the sea, Porto’s rich history and heritage opens up in all its splendour. A delightful mix of modern and ancient architecture, Porto provides a stunning setting for a walking tour. With an expert guide on hand, you’re bound to learn plenty about Portugal’s second city.