Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest

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 will gain a fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarian farmers during a visit to a farm, where you’ll also be able to try their homemade specialties. 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 brunch

DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, 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)

Relax as we cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world's best wine-producing vineyards, before arriving in Melk. On your included tour today, walk the gold-leaf halls of Melk Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. When you arrive, you will have the opportunity to hike in Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, you can stay in Melk and cycle to Weissenkirchen, 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 Visit to Schallaburg castle (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Vineyard hike & tasting in Weissenkirchen (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Discover the classical charms of Vienna today, as we take you through the heart of the city, pointing 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.

EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour in Vienna

Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna

DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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 fairytale. 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.

EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

Included Excursion Guided tour of Bratislava

DiscoverMORE Tastes of Vienna (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-communist Bratislava (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning relax on board your Star Ship while we are sailing from Slovakia to Hungary. Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing program awaits you for the next couple of days. As you sail into this magnificent city, you will see the many reasons why the Hungarian capital is called “Pearl of the Danube”. Venture into the city on your own or grab one of the on board bikes to and the hidden treasures of Budapest.

DiscoverMORE Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE Budapest by Night (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, 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 and the tour will finish at the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own. If you are feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Buda 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 in the area around Buda Castle. 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 Buda 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 in town for a truly immersive local experience. It would be a great chance to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before going home.

EmeraldPLUS Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest

DiscoverMORE Budapest spa 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 and disembark the 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. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change (B)