Prague & Danube Highlights

Upon your arrival in Belgrade, you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruise’s representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Belgrade, where a warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew. This evening join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (D)

Serbia's capital awaits you today as a guided tour takes you off the beaten track in one of Europe’s oldest cities. Where the Sava and Danube Rivers meet, socialist blocks are squeezed between art nouveau masterpieces, and remnants of the Habsburg legacy contrast with Ottoman relics and socialist modernist monoliths. If you're feeling active, you can join a group for a forest hike to Avala Tower. This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge and watch a traditional Serbian folklore show. EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore band on board EmeraldACTIVE Forest hike to Avala Tower Included Excursion Belgrade through the eyes of a local DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Serbia’s second city is renowned for being the liberal city of music, art and culture. Set on an idyllic stretch of the Danube River, locals enjoy the reputation of living within Serbia’s cultural heart. Cradled by a crook in the Danube and shielded by a 17th century fortress, hints of old-world Habsburg charm can be found on the workbenches of Novi Sad’s leather shops, carved into its historic facades, and worn on the faces of the dapper locals who frequent its suave cafes and bustling markets. The city's bubbling art and culture scene earned it the title of European Capital of Culture for 2022, and you’ll have the opportunity to see it from a different perspective as part of a bike tour. EmeraldPLUS Novi Sad & wine tasting at Sremski Karlovci EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Novi Sad DiscoverMORE Culinary workshop in Srenski Karlovci (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Explore Budapest’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Your guide will highlight the architectural wonders from across the ages, taking you on a journey from Budapest’s Roman beginnings to the ornate Romanesque and Baroque structures of the centuries that followed. Alternatively, join a group and hike to Buda Hill. Included Excursion Guided tour of Budapest EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Buda Hill DiscoverMORE Ruin pubs tour (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Just outside of Budapest, the small town of Szentendre will surprise you with its colourful houses, narrow alleys, and various art museums. The home of many Hungarian creatives and the birthplace of the Renaissance, take a look at the open-air exhibition of young artists while you wander along the twisting cobblestone streets, or soak up the lively atmosphere from an outdoor café. This afternoon, if you're feeling active, you can join a guided hike to Buda Hill. Included Excursion Szentendre arts & crafts tour (B/L/D)

Cobbled streets pave the course for daily life in Bratislava, where winding alleys and gothic architecture blend together to create a truly distinctive Slovakian capital. Enjoy a guided tour of Bratislava Castle, a striking landmark most recently rebuilt in a Renaissance style, that still retains some of its stunning original features. After your included tour, the afternoon is yours to spend exploring the city on your own. EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board Included Excursion Bratislava Castle visit DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-communist Bratislava (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide. If you prefer to stay active and see the city from another perspective, then you can explore Vienna by bike, cycling along the river to the Danube Island. Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum EmeraldACTIVE Bike tour in Vienna DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Relax as we cruise the Danube River, passing beautiful, terraced vineyards and apricot orchards that produce some of the world’s finest wine. Your included tour takes you to the heart of the Wachau Valley for a vineyard hike in one of the most frequented parts of the region. You will learn how the delightful warm weather in this part of Europe creates the perfect setting for viticulture. Alternatively, you can explore on two wheels during a guided bike tour, with time to stop for some local wine tasting. EmeraldPLUS Weissenkirchen hike in the vineyards with tasting EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in the Wachau Valley with wine tasting (B/L/D)

This morning we'll arrive in vibrant Linz, Austria’s third-largest city. The expansive main square is located right by the Danube and is one of the largest in Central Europe. Its quaint Old Town has a relaxed and authentic feel, ideal for your guided walking tour, as you pass centuries-old architecture and discover the hidden gems of this spectacular city. Included Excursion Linz walking tour DiscoverMORE Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Welcome to the charming town of Passau, situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn & Ilz rivers. If you feel active this morning, you can join us for a hike around Passau, including sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church that dates back to the Ottonian dynasty. This afternoon, you will enjoy a unique Bavarian experience as you learn about the 800-year-old history of Passau beer. Enjoy live entertainment in a traditional tavern, including performances from local musicians playing traditional instruments, shoe plattlers, yodellers and lots of Gaudi. EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus EmeraldPLUS Bavaria Live (B/L/D)

After breakfast, disembark your Star-Ship to be transferred to Prague, home to some of the world’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages. Included is a comfortable three-night stay in the city. (B)

The centre of Prague is a true delight, where some of Europe’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages can be found. Join a local guide today for a proper introduction to some of these gems, as well as an insightful tour past Mozart’s Theatre and the Astronomical Clock. Later, board a coach and relax as you are transferred to the area around Hradcany Castle. Included Excursion A guided tour of Prague EmeraldPLUS Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace (B)

Prague is yours to explore independently today, perhaps enjoying some delicious Czech treats or immersing yourself in the culture that surrounds you. Your tour director will be available to help plan your day’s exploring and to answer any questions that you may have. DiscoverMORE Tastes of Czechia (extra expense) (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and leave Prague’s idyllic centre for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of ancient wonders and idyllic panoramic views of UNESCO World Heritage-listed areas with you. (B)