Discovery of the Danube

Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Passau. A warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.

Today, you’ll gain fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarians during a visit to a farm, where you’ll also be able to try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty. EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus EmeraldPLUS Bavarian Countryside Experience DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)

Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech town has one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the 15th-century St. Vitus’ Church and a series of delightful Gothic façades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages. EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)

Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s finest wine-producing vineyards. Later, you’ll arrive in Melk, an Austrian town nestled along the Danube River. On today’s included tour, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the gold-leaf halls of 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery that is home to rare medieval manuscripts. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through Austria’s spectacular Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, remain in Melk and take a guided bike tour to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that reveals a different perspective on the region’s esteemed viticulture. Take the chance to join a guided hike in the afternoon through the vineyards and soak in the spirit of the Wachaus valley nature. Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike in Weissenkirchen DiscoverMORE Wachau Valley Experience (extra expense)

Discover the classical charms of Vienna today. As we take you through the heart of the city, we’ll point out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on the Danube Island. Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna DiscoverMORE Guided bike tour of Vienna (extra expense)

Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marvelling at the everchanging scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle – its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre. Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)

Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene while touring the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapests largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own.  If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand and are best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board. Included Excursion Budapest tour with Grand Market visit EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

Enjoy plenty of free time to explore Eastern Europe’s liveliest city at your leisure. The ‘Pearl on the Danube’ is a truly breathtaking sight, where dozens of lights adorn the stone bridges that cross the mighty Danube, separating both sides of the city. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

This morning, we’ll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. You’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Sit back and enjoy the show, as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills. Tonight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner & reception. EmeraldPLUS Puszta Equestrian Heritage

This morning,you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, Our EmeraldPLUS excursion will bring you to the home of a Croatian family to share a typical meal from the area while getting to know the local culture and customs. EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra epense)

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city. This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge with a traditional Serbian folklore show providing spectacular entertainment. Included Excursion Highlights of Belgrade EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore evening show on board EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Belgrade DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps. Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum DiscoverMORE Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)

This morning, we’ll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session of their produce. Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean ‘Granny Vida’. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations. Included Excursion Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to explore the timeless charm of its  elegant architecture and cultural heritage of the city that many call “The Little Vienna”. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a farewell dinner. Included Excursion Walking tour of Rousse EmeraldPLUS Choir performance EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church DiscoverMORE Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (extra expense)

This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel before you consider going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel. Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain and medieval fortresses with you. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.