Extend your stay

We offer a range of delightful pre and post cruise city stays, stopovers and touring options in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations

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Whether it's Budapest, Zagreb, Dubai, Sapa or Lisbon on your list, our range of city stays, tours and stopovers are perfect for those who want to explore independently and really immerse into local life. Included in the price you pay, you'll stay in centrally located luxury hotels offering breakfast daily and providing all transfers between the ship, hotel and the airport. Most extensions also include a guided city tour, while pre or post cruise touring includes the help of a dedicated Tour Director.

Berlin

Home to the Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the imposing Berlin Wall, Berlin is an iconic city, steeped in history. Invigorating by day and intriguing by night, Germany's metropolis rightly stakes it's claim as one of Europe's must-see cities.

Staying at the Crowne Plaza Berlin City Center, you will enjoy breakfast and a welcome or farewell cocktail reception, before a guided city tour of the intriguing German capital. Closely located to transport links and many main attractions, like the Brandenburg Gate and the Reichstag building, immerse yourself in this historic city, as its numerous landmarks, monuments, museums and bars bring it to life.
Museum Island on Spree River, Berlin
Berlin Prenzlaurer Berg
Skyline Of Berlin In Germany With TV Tower, Berlin Town Hall And Cathedral
Berlin cityscape at sunset - Brandenburg Gate
Berlin Skyline City Panorama with blue sky sunset and traffic
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Budapest

Straddling the Danube river, the Hungarian capital offers superb sights to explore, with Chain Bridge, Buda Castle and Margaret Island being must-see’s, not forgetting the famous Széchenyi Thermal Baths, the largest medicinal baths in Europe. Stunning architecture, boasting striking reminders of the past, stands proudly across the city, and a guided walking tour of Budapest is sure to unveil something wonderful at every turn. 

Staying in your centrally located hotel, you’ll enjoy a welcome drink, as well as dinner upon arrival. Transfers to and from the airport ensures your transition is seamless and all you have to worry about is enjoying the inimitable views.
budapest bridge
Parliament building in Budapest lit up at dusk
Budapest chain bridge
Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest, Hungary
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Lisbon

Also known as The City of Seven Hills, Queen of the Sea and The City of Light, Portugal’s largest and capital city, Lisbon, is recognized as the oldest city in Western Europe. It’s enthralling history matches anything offered by rival European cities while it’s truly breathtakingly refined architecture is a highlight of this unique, cosmopolitan metropolis.

You’ll stay in the Jupiter Lisboa Hotel for your three-night stay in the coastal Portuguese capital. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of this elegant city. Enjoy a welcome or farewell cocktail reception as well as dinner at the hotel, and immerse yourself in authentic Lisbon. An optional DiscoverMORE excursion to Sintra is available.
Rossio Square, Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
Rua Augusta, Lisbon, Portugal
The city of Lisbon at night, Portugal
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Madrid

Once the center of the Spanish Empire, Madrid promises its fair share of exquisite architecture, iconic landmarks and open plazas. In the heart of the city, locals and tourists alike spend their free time dining and socializing at stylish restaurants that spill into the streets, or meeting in one of the numerous beautifully maintained inner-city parklands.  

As part of our Secrets of the Douro river cruise, you will have the opportunity to extend your holiday with a two-day city stay in this charming capital. You’ll stay in the beautiful Meliá Madrid Serrano hotel, or similar, situated in the center of the Spanish capital, enjoying breakfast and one dinner, as well as a guided tour. Get a feel for the culture of the ‘Madrileños’ as you discover myriad iconic landmarks, architectural feats and plazas which tell tales of years past. Not forgetting, transfers to and from the airport are included at no extra cost, so you don’t have to worry about arranging any of your travel. 

Nice

France’s fifth most populous city, Nice is named after Nike, the Greek goddess of victory. The city’s natural beauty has long attracted visitors, with aristocratic families spending their winters in the pleasant climate. Located on the French Riviera, the beautiful coastal city offers a wonderful Old Town, unforgettable architecture and sun-drenched attractions, is the perfect extension to enhance your Emerald Waterways adventure.

You’ll stay in the Splendid Hotel & Spa, a short walk from the beach and close to museums and gardens, and enjoy a guided bus tour of Nice and Monte Carlo.

Paris

Paris is renowned for its spectacular architecture, proud ancient history and, most recently, as being the global center for fashion and gastronomy. Most of what has made the French capital so alluring to travelers from all over the world, is its magnificent buildings, most of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and now play host to some of the most highly recognized museums in the world. Its association as one of Europe’s most romantic cities is unsurprising, with its tree-lined boulevards, broken up by exquisite bridges connecting the left and right banks, perfect for all-day strolling. 
 
Those travelling as part of the Sensations of Lyon & Provence and Splendours of Europe itineraries, will have the opportunity to spend up to three nights at the Crowne Plaza Paris Republique hotel, or similar. Breakfast and one dinner is included in your stay, as well as a guided bus tour of the city and a Seine shuttle bus tour along the glistening waters of France’s second-longest river. You’ll spot some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum and the stunning Musée d’Orsay, as well as a number of World Heritage-listed sites. And, we’ve taken care of all airport transfers so you can rest assured that your journey will be a seamless one. 
 

Prague

A city of comparative beauty to that of Rome and Paris, Prague is a favorite pre or post tour among Emerald Waterways guests who flock to witness the spectacular 9th century cobbled lanes that twist like a maze, where ancient chapels, hidden courtyards and hilltop castles provide excellent reasons to wander. Cute cafés serving Trdelnik, or bars serving notoriously delicious beer, are also somewhere to punctuate your exploration with.

You'll stay for three nights in the stylish Hotel Grandium (or similar), situated in the heart of the city, just steps from public transport links. Unwind in modern rooms, complete with Wi-Fi, and enjoy traditional and international cuisines in the summer garden.

Prague
Prague
Prague
Prague
Prague
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Transylvania

Rich in history and folklore, Transylvania is home to some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns. Located in central Romania, the area is surrounded by the arc of the Carpathian mountains. Be inspired by the rural landscapes and fairytale castles on the horizon.

The stunning, Gothic Bran Castle has become a well-known landmark, synonymous with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Braşov is also a highlight of the region, owing to its enchanting Saxon architecture and citadel ruins. Your city stay includes guided tours of Braşov, Bran Castle and Pleş Castle, letting you learn more about the history of the area, the centuries-old vampiric superstitions and the real-life exploits of Vlad Dracula. You’ll stay at the centrally located Hotel Ambient Braşov (or similar), enjoying breakfast daily and pre-arranged transfers.
Transylvania

Istanbul

A city of contrasts and endless surprises, Istanbul brings East and West together with a myriad of attractions. Wander the streets to see cultural influences from far and wide, including the Greeks, the Romans and the Venetians.

You’ll have the chance to experience this vibrant city during a panoramic tour and Bosphorus cruise. The iconic Blue Mosque is a pinnacle on the city’s horizon, but its blue interiors are equally something to marvel at. Neighboring Hagia Sophia is another impressive former Byzantine mosque to behold. A trip to the Spice Market is also not to be missed. You’ll stay in the stylish Marmara Pera Hotel (or similar), with transfers to and from the airport taken care of.

Zurich and Lucerne

Preserved medieval architecture and snow-capped mountains make for the most spectacular of settings for two of your three-night stays in Lucerne. Situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne, the alpine city has something for everyone, from arts and culture to festivals and hikes. Staying at the excellently located Hotel Monopol, you’ll enjoy a guided city tour.

Your next stop is Zurich, Switzerland's largest city where an overnight stay at the modern Crown Plaza hotel awaits. Close to main transport links and the chic Zurich-West district. An optional DiscoverMORE excursion to Rigi Kulm-Weggis is available.

Croatia

From the beautiful island of Hvar to the ancient heritage cities of Split and Dubrovnik, we’ve sought an inspiring collection of destinations and experiences to bring you a true taste of Croatia. Inclusive highlights such as guided city tours, wine tastings and swim stops give you complete freedom of discovery, so you can savor the very best in exceptional EmeraldVALUE.

Those wishing to extend their cruise around the Croatian archipelago can do so with our 4-day Zagreb city stay, or our 9-day Discover Croatia tour, showcasing the best of these memorable destinations. 

Southeast Asia

Make the most of your trip to Southeast Asia and extend your adventure with either a 4-day Luang Prabang tour or a 5-day Sapa tour. You can take in even more of Asia with one of our great city stopovers in Singapore, Bangkok, Dubai or Hong Kong.


4-day Luang Prabang Tour from $1,000 per person

Explore the ancient capital’s glistening temples and discover why it has been awarded UNESCO status. Peruse museums and hidden laneways, experience a traditional Baci ceremony and catch the sunset from Mt. Phousi. Observe Monks collecting alms, take in Kuang Si Falls and immerse yourself in life on the river.

5-day Sapa Tour from $925 per person

Gaze in awe at the breath-taking scenery and cultural diversity of this spectacular part of Vietnam. Visit the Hmong and Red Zao people of the traditional hill tribes and learn all about their fascinating lives. Pay a visit to bustling Sapa market and the nearby villages of Sa Seng and Sau Chua, surrounded by beautiful mountains where ancient ways of life remain.
Terms and Conditions: Southeast Asia -  4-days Luang Prabang Tour - Please note, this pre / post tour is only available on itineraries starting or ending in Siem Reap. 5-days Sapa Tour - Please note, this pre / post tour is only available on itineraries starting or ending in Hanoi.

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