From our innovative and contemporary Star-Ships to our extra-special EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences, every aspect of an Emerald Waterways river cruise is designed to bring you closer to the heart of local life, discovering hidden gems and rare insights that go beyond ordinary travel encounters. And now, to help you immerse further in local history and culture, we’re proud to introduce DiscoverMORE – a collection of special events that invite you to delve deep into the wonders of Europe.
For those who want to experience even more of the continent’s rich cultural tapestry, DiscoverMORE provides in-depth excursions which complement those provided by the EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE programmes. These optional events can either be booked before you go or while you’re on board and are available at an additional cost. Look out for details of the DiscoverMORE options available on each of our detailed river cruise itineraries.
Here we pick a few DiscoverMORE excursions available with Emerald Waterways. Please note, our DiscoverMORE optional tours are available at an additional cost.
Read the full list of European DiscoverMore options here or to read to full list of DiscoverMORE options in Southeast Asia click here.
Viennese Evening Concert
Enjoy an evening concert at one of Vienna's most beautiful concert halls. Emerald Waterways will arrange this private concert exclusively for you to enjoy favourites such as the "Blue Danube Waltz" and the Radetzky March. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival adds to the special occasion.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Jewish Heritage Tour
Salzburg Excursion
Tastes of Vienna
Tour of Bratislava
From Vienna, you'll travel to the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, where surrounding vineyards and the Carpathian Mountains create a wonderful backdrop for the picturesque 18th-century Old Town.
The Rocco-style streets and idyllic pedestrianised plazas are the perfect place to relax with a drink and watch the world go by, while the patchwork architecture adds much character. Discover where winding cobbled streets lead during romantic perusals of this intimate city, making sure to give tine to the grandiose Bratislava Castle.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Salzburg Excursion
Viennese Evening Concert
Haarlem Discovery Visit
Explore quintessential Holland today as we take you to the heart of the charming medieval town of Haarlem. This vibrant community acts as the centre of the flower-growing district and is highly regarded for its exports of flower bulbs, with the famed Keukenhof Gardens only a short drive away.
It comes as no surprise that Haarlem was once home to many a dutch artist, including Frans Hals, famed painter of the 'Laughing Cavalier'.
Enjoy a guided tour of this hidden gem, strolling down cobblestone streets adorned with postcard-worthy examples of ancient architecture. Your local guide will introduce you to the bustling social environment that has been attracting visitors from around the world for years.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Tour to Drachenburg Castle
Football Stadium Tour
Jewish Heritage Tour
Excursion to Kuchlbauer Brewery
Rothenburg Excursion
Salzburg Excursion
Tour to Schönbrunn Palace
Viennese Evening Concert
World War II Tour
Football Stadium Tour
If you are a keen sporting enthusiast, then you will understand exactly what we mean when we say that football in Germany is more of a passion than a sport. The national team is recognised around the world for the skill sets and techniques that are displayed by its players.
This immersive tour will take you behind-the-scenes for an insightful visit to a football stadium in the Cologne area. You will get every opportunity to explore the stadium and your local guide will teach you about the matches that are held there. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon of learning why football is so revered in Germany.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Moselle & Cochem Castle visit
Excursion to Kuchlbauer Brewery
Where traditional Bavarian beer meets art and architecture, this fully functioning brew-house promises a truly unique introduction to the ancient craft of beer production. Recognised for being symbolic of its dedication to excellent beer, the building is famed for many reasons, namely the remarkable 34 metre Kuchlbauer Tower, originally designed by Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Beginning in the Brew House, learn about the beer-making process and what goes into creating the signature taste. Look at the plans for the opening of their 'Kunsthaus', where more of Hundertwasser's work will be displayed and you'll be introduced to the work of his executive architect, Peter Pelikan who, after Hundertwasser's death, too it upon himself to take on the task of bringing the fascinating tower to life.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Tour to Drachenburg Castle
Football Stadium Tour
Gingerbread cooking demonstration
Haarlem Discovery Visit
Rothenburg Excursion
Salzburg Excursion
Tour to Schönbrunn Palace
Viennese Evening Concert
National Opera Theatre Tour
Built in 1868, this spectacular theatre is home to a variety of the performing arts. Opera, ballet and drama have been enjoyed here, as Serbia awoke to the idea of theatre which, consequently, was of great help in conquering illiteracy and aiding the growth of the national culture.
You will have the marvellous opportunity to see everything behind-the-scenes in the theatre world. As well as a tour of the backstage area, the dressing room, make-up rooms and costume areas, you'll also have the opportunity to stand on the actual stage as the professionals do. And, if that wasn't enough, the highlight is a concert at the end, given by two singers in the Museum Area.
Tour of Bruges
In northern Belgium, the small town of Bruges offers much in the way of postcard-worthy photo opportunities. Travel by coach from Antwerp and explore the fascinating chocolate box streets, with their medieval steep-roofed houses, imposing churches and picturesque canals.
Enjoy your guided tour through the cobbled streets of the Old Town to witness sights such as the famous 13th century Belfry and the whitewashed almshouses.
A joy to simply walk around, stop off to sample the country's renowned chocolate with a variety of toppings, from chilli to gingerbread, indulge in a supersized waffle and wash it all down with some beer from a local tavern.
Tour to Grignan
Devle into France's colourful past as you embark on a journey to the medieval village of Grignan, where you will have every opportunity to discover why this charming place is affectionately referred to as the 'botanical village' with the help of a local guide.
When you arrive, you will be left feeling inspired by the surrounding landscapes, where prairies and scrubland, holm oak and lavender, broom and shrubs with parcels of grapevines and truffle fields look as though they have been pulled straight from the canvas of one of this region's beloved painters.
Your tour will also include a visit to the Renaissance Grignan Castle.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Les Baux De Provence
Visit to Medieval Town of Pérouges
Excursion to Pont du Gard and Uzès
Visit to Mateus Manor House
Built in the 18th century, Mateus Palace is one of the finest representations of Baroque architecture in Portugal. Consisting of the main house, the gardens, a winery and a chapel, there's beauty in abundance as you become acquainted with its interior and exterior equally. The Italian-style architecture is attributed to the work of Nasoni and the intriguing statue of John Cutileiro, has been 'sleeping in the lake' since 1981.
You may recognise these wonderful dwellings from the label of Portugal's famous rosé wine, created in 1942, just before the end of WWII. From the Portuguese meaning of Gift of God, try it for yourself and we're sure you'll understand why it's favourite.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Excursions to Guimarães
Salzburg Excursion
Birthplace of Mozart and the picturesque setting for theatrical masterpiece. The Sound of Music, Salzburg, undeniably, has a unique charm, best explored on a wander through its historic downtown district.
Divided by the Salzach River, on the right side is the Linzer Gasse, a popular street brimming with shops, and where you'll find the Platzl, a small square brimming with delightful coffee houses. Beautiful Baroque architecture is not all that will please the eye, breath-taking views of the Eastern Alps evoke memories of a gleeful Maria von Trapp, and the seemingly everlasting river twists elegantly. The left side is home to older haunts and is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, nestled between the Festungsberg mountains.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Viennese Evening Concert
Tastes of Vienna
Visit to My Son
Today you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of My Son, stopping at Phuoc Kieu village on the way.
Enjoy a walk around the temples of the 500-year-old village of Phuoc Kieu, which specialises in bronze casting. Visit a workshop where different bronze goods are crafted using traditional techniques. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage- listed temple complex at My Son, where you will learn about Cham culture, its ruler and their impressive reign. Take a moment to soak up the atmosphere and imagine what My Son was like in times past.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Halong Bay Seaplane Flight
Vietnamese Cooking Class
Evening Street Food Walking Tour
Bird Sanctuary Visit
Visit to Koh Chen Silversmith Village
Silk Farm Tour at Koh Oknha Tei
Banteay Srei Temple
Artisans d'Angkor Workshop
Khmer Cooking Class
Tour to Tonle Sap
Halong Bay Seaplane Flight
The ethereal beauty of Halong Bay is certainly worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage-listed title, a natural wonder where stunning limestone pillars and islands are dotted in the serene emerald waters.,
Its untouched beauty is yours to discover as you take the opportunity to view the spectacular bay, and its breathtaking surrounding landscapes from the air with a 45 minute seaplane flight travelling from Hanoi and flying over Halong Bay.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Evening Street Food Walking Tour
Bird Sanctuary Visit
Khmer Martial Arts / Traditional Dance Experience
Visit to Koh Chen Silversmith Village
Silk Farm Tour of Koh Oknha Tei
Vesoa Tour of Siem Reap
Banteay Srei Temple
Artisan d'Angkor Workshop
Khmer Cooking Class
Tour to Tonle Spa
Evening Street Food Walking Tour
Join your guide on a journey of incredible food discovery during an unforgettable night out in Ho Chi Minh City.
An evening walking tour through the fascinating streets of Ho Chi Minh City will provide you with the opportunity to sample a variety of delicious local foods from different restaurants, and food stands featuring some of Saigon's best dishes.
Additional DiscoverMORE options:
Bird Sanctuary Visit
Khmer Martial Arts / Traditional Dance Experience
Visit to Koh Chen Silversmith Village
Silk Farm Tour at Koh Oknha Tei
Vespa Tour of Siem Reap
Banteay Srei Temple
Artisans d'Angkor Workshop
Khmer Cooking Class
Tour of Tonle Sap
