Danube Explorer & Budapest with Prague

When you arrive in Prague, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay.

After a relaxing night in your hotel, embark on a guided walking tour of Prague. After passing through three castle courtyards, you will visit St. Vitus Cathedral, then we walk down the Castle steps with a wonderful view over the city of Prague and we continue to Charles Bridge which we cross to reach the Old Town of Prague. We finish the city sightseeing tour in front of the famous Astronomical Clock at Old Town Square.

• Included Excursion A guided tour of Prague
• EmeraldPLUS Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace (B)

Your tour director will be available to help you plan a day of independent exploration today, perhaps strolling past ornate façades in the Baroque quarter or discovering Prague's Jewish heritage in Josefov.

• DiscoverMORE Tastes of Czechia (extra expense) (B)

Today, transfer 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. (B/D)

Today, you'll sample homemade specialties and explore the customs and traditions of Bavarian agriculture during a visit to a local farm. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, soaking up views such as the hilltop church of Mariahilf and the ancient St. Severin, dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.

• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
• EmeraldPLUS Bavarian brunch
• DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Crossing the border into the Czech Republic, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint 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 Linzer torte making workshop (extra expense) (B/D)

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Danube River en-route to Melk. Here, you'll explore the golden halls of Melk Abbey on today's included tour.

Afterwards, you'll have the choice to sail through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen, or if you're feeling active cycle from Melk along the Danube River, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region's viticulture.

• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike in Weissenkirchen with activity manager
• Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
• DiscoverMORE Vineyard hike & wine tasting in Weissenkirchen (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Discover the classical charms of Vienna as we take you through the city. Uncover the cafés, artisan studios and baroque majesty of Vienna's 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 Donauinsel, the Danube Island.

• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Vienna
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
• DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Vienna before sailing on to Bratislava, marvelling at the ever-changing scenery of the Danube. Explore the city's historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is within walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to the fairy tale-like Bratislava Castle.

• EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
• Included Excursion Guided tour of Bratislava
• DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship while we sail from Slovakia to Hungary. In Budapest, an exciting program awaits you. As you sail into this magnificent city, it becomes immediately apparent why the Hungarian capital is known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube'. Venture into the city independently or make use of our on board bikes to explore Budapest's hidden treasures.

• DiscoverMORE Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Budapest by Night (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, explore the city's cobbled medieval quarter 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, finishing at the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you'll have time to explore independently.

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. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.

• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
• Included Excursion Culinary tour of Budapest with Grand Market visit
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
• DiscoverMORE Jewish heritage tour (extra expense) (B/L/D)

On your last full day in Budapest, we invite you to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show for a truly immersive local experience. This is a great chance to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before going home.

• EmeraldPLUS Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest
• DiscoverMORE Hungarian Bath Experience (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Retro tour of post-Communist Budapest (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it's time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities 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. (B)