Overview
Itinerary
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. (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)
Life Onboard Emerald Destiny
Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Emerald Cruises Star-Ships. Read more
Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more
Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more
Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more
Choose from a range of suites to find the accommodation you will love on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Read more
Enjoy the best service every day from an experienced and professional crew. Read more
Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest' Reviews
The crew were fantastic, I couldn't fault them, they gave 110% but there was still a feeling that we should have had more information before leaving and maybe a couple of the locations for tours might have been better, particularly the Cathedral at Krems. This tour was a bit of a non event as much of the building was closed. The Vienna concert evening was expensive for what it was and not particularly well organised, there was a lot of standing around before people were shown to their seats, not good for over passengers. The concert was also very short. We did another one in Vienna a week later, half the cost and lasted another 40 minutes.
All the tour guides were great though. Very informative and often funny. Great history lessons to be had. The food was excellent, varied and plentiful for a first time cruiser, there were some old hands who had done multiple cruises that didn't agree, so maybe that needs looking at. The entertainment was fun and well done, Dressen was always on the go making sure everyone was happy.
Janina worked really hard to ensure everyone was informed and catered for. Her port talks were excellent. I would have liked to have seen more scenery as we sailed along , most of our movements were done at night, possibly partly because of the shorter days too. All in all it was great , we both enjoyed it very much.
Dates & Pricing
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Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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