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.

The heart of Prague is an enchanting treasure trove, showcasing some of Europe’s finest and most well-preserved architectural marvels from various eras. Begin your journey by exploring three magnificent castle courtyards before stepping into the awe-inspiring St. Vitus Cathedral. From there, descend the Castle Steps, where breathtaking views of Prague unfold before your eyes. Next, we stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, leading us to the charming Old Town. Our unforgettable city tour concludes at the legendary Astronomical Clock in the vibrant Old Town Square, leaving you captivated by Prague’s timeless beauty. (B)

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

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. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)

You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Passau this morning, to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. (B/D)

Today, you’ll sample homemade specialities 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. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Bavarian Countryside Experience
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
• DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)

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. (B/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
• DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike in Weissenkircken
• DiscoverMORE Wachau Experience (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

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

This morning you will sail to Bratislava. 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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Bratislava
• EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
• DiscoverMORE Carpathian Wine Route (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

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’. In the afternoon, 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 while touring the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you'll have time to explore independently. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Venture into the city independently to explore Budapest's hidden treasures. 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, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways of the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
• DiscoverMORE Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Budapest by Night (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest
• DiscoverMORE Retro tour of post-Communist Budapest (extra expense)

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)