Shaynna Blaze embarks on her first-ever European river cruise aboard Emerald Destiny
Special guest presenter and The Block star Shaynna Blaze was delighted with her first-ever European river cruise that began in the vibrant city of Amsterdam and made its way through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.
The Star-Ship Emerald Destiny was her luxurious home for 2 weeks as she explored the splendours of Europe.
Location: The Netherlands and Germany
Info:
Join Emerald Cruises to discover the magic of European river cruising. All meals, plus selected drinks, shore excursions and more are included.
Secure your unforgettable 2025 departure today with super early-bird savings of up to $3,500 per person. Getaway viewers can save an additional $250 per person off the Emerald Cruises luxury river cruise collection.
For more information or to request your voucher, visit emeraldcruises.com.au/getawayoffer, call 1300 390 386, or speak to your travel advisor.
Information correct at 21.09.24 Travel dates and conditions apply.
Highlights:
At the start of her 15 day European river cruise, Shaynna discovered Amsterdam's charming canals and distinct architecture on a relaxing canal boat cruise, the best way to get your bearings when, like Shaynna, you are a first time visitor.
Then she joined an EmeraldACTIVE cycle tour. After collecting her bike and taking a short ferry ride from the heart of the city to the nearby villages of Waterland, Shaynna was soon gliding past windmills and lush countryside before stopping for coffee and a well-earned slice of traditional apple pie.
Back on board Emerald Destiny, Shaynna quickly settled into her spacious suite, enjoying tea on the balcony. While the suites and staterooms are all designed for maximum comfort, Shaynna found the sundeck was the best vantage point as they cruised down the Rhine River and into Germany.
The first stop was the bustling, cosmopolitan city of Cologne. A local guide showed Shaynna around the Old Town, including the iconic Cologne Cathedral. The Gothic masterpiece thankfully survived WW2 bombings, as the British Airforce used the tall spires as a navigation landmark. After exploring the beautiful streets there was time to enjoy a crisp regional Kölsch beer at Peter's Brauhaus.
Meandering at a relaxed pace through the Rhine Gorge past fairytale castles, the Emerald Star-Ship arrived in the wine region of Rudesheim. Surrounded by vines and filled with picturesque laneways and half-timbered houses, the charming town is home to boutique shops, fascinating museums and of course wine bars.
A scenic cable car transports tourists over lush vineyards up to the Niederwald Monument. The majestic statue built in 1871 commemorates the founding of the German Empire, and offers visitors panoramic views of the Rhine and beyond.
On Emerald Destiny, the innovative indoor pool has a retractable cover to become a studio for yoga or stretch classes. For Shaynna, the yoga classes were the best way to welcome a new day on board, followed by a breakfast feast to fuel up for the day ahead.
Whether you felt like a full hot buffet breakfast at Reflections Restaurant, or like Shaynna, enjoy a light snack on The Terrace, the delectable meals were fresh, locally sourced, and covered a range of dietary needs.
Crossing from the Rhine to the Main River, they arrived in the delightful medieval town of Miltenberg. The 800 year old castle was used as a customs office and its soldiers would collect tolls and taxes from passing ships. Now fully restored, it can be viewed as part of the included guided tour of the town. From the castle, a short walk leads down through a beautiful forest to the town centre.
Remnants of the original city walls can be seen including the 'witch huts', where accused witches were held before they were executed! The quaint village is one of Germany's most photographed, and soon became Shaynna's favourite.
At the next charming town of Wertheim, Shaynna was treated to an exclusive glass-blowing presentation as one of the EmeraldPLUS experiences. The GlasMuseum has a collection of decorative and scientific glassware, enthusiastic demonstrations and a shop. Shaynna got to help create a fish ornament, which she took home as the ultimate souvenir of her time in Wertheim.
Shaynna was so impressed with the start of her first ever river cruise. Waking up every morning to storybook views and ready to take in the local scenery, history, culture, and maybe a cheeky wine or two! There was more of that to come as her amazing Emerald Cruises river cruise continued through Germany to Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.
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