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Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest

5.0/5 Based on 6 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest

5.0/5 Based on 6 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest
Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest
Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest
Flights Included Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
Our Price From
US$5,089
Save $5,507pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Bucharest
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
11 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Bucharest
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
11 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EMBB-2
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EMBB-2

Overview

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. Five countries, all unique in their own way, accompany the Danube on its journey through Eastern Europe. Enjoy a city stay in Bucharest, the vibrant Romanian capital, before joining your cruise in Arbanasi where you will attend a choir concert. Embark on a guided city tour of Belgrade, returning to your Star-Ship for a traditional Serbian folklore evening show. In Osijek, visit a local Croatian family for home-hosted read more lunch and then spend your day in rural Hungary for a Puszta Horse Show in Kalocsa.
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. Five countries, all unique in their own way, accompany the Danube on its journey through Eastern Europe. Enjoy a city stay in Bucharest, the vibrant Romanian capital, before joining your cruise in Arbanasi where you will attend a choir concert. Embark on a guided city tour of Belgrade, returning to your Star-Ship for a traditional Serbian folklore evening show. In Osijek, visit a local Croatian family for home-hosted read more lunch and then spend your day in rural Hungary for a Puszta Horse Show in Kalocsa.

Itinerary

Welcome to Bucharest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, perfectly situated in the city, for your overnight stay.

Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, the centre of Bucharest encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at your leisure.
After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. (B/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace
  • EmeraldPLUS Choir concert

Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the city that many call “The Little Vienna”. Immerse yourself in the beauty of its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture and stroll along the charming promenade. If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes.
Tonight, you’ll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Rousse
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
  • DiscoverMORE Full day Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi (extra expense)

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting session. Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)

This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
  • DiscoverMORE Golubac Castle Visit (extra expense)

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks. The coach will pass through the centre, where you’ll notice reminders of the country’s turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour.
This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Highlights of Belgrade
  • EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore evening show on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Belgrade
  • DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

Today, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch.
Enjoy an afternoon of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
  • DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)

In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.

Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Puszta Equestrian Heritage
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Today you will be transferred to your centrally located accommodation in Budapest, where a two-night stay in the city is certain to delight. Upon arrival you will embark on an guided coach tour through the boasting capital of Hungary, view the Chain Bridge that connect the Buda to the Pest side and glimpse upon Budapest's trademark - the Parliament. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided coach tour of Budapest

Today, the storied capital of Budapest is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the Chain Bridge to see how the city differs in Buda and Pest or stopping to try some delightful Hungarian treats. (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your accommodation for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of a home-hosted Croatian experience and the ornamented Buda Castle district 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)

Welcome to Bucharest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, perfectly situated in the city, for your overnight stay.

Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, the centre of Bucharest encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at your leisure.
After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. (B/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace
  • EmeraldPLUS Choir concert

Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the city that many call “The Little Vienna”. Immerse yourself in the beauty of its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture and stroll along the charming promenade. If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes.
Tonight, you’ll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Rousse
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
  • DiscoverMORE Full day Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi (extra expense)

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting session. Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)

This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
  • DiscoverMORE Golubac Castle Visit (extra expense)

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks. The coach will pass through the centre, where you’ll notice reminders of the country’s turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour.
This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Highlights of Belgrade
  • EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore evening show on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Belgrade
  • DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

Today, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch.
Enjoy an afternoon of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
  • DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)

In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.

Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Puszta Equestrian Heritage
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Today you will be transferred to your centrally located accommodation in Budapest, where a two-night stay in the city is certain to delight. Upon arrival you will embark on an guided coach tour through the boasting capital of Hungary, view the Chain Bridge that connect the Buda to the Pest side and glimpse upon Budapest's trademark - the Parliament. (B)

  • Included Excursion A guided coach tour of Budapest

Today, the storied capital of Budapest is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the Chain Bridge to see how the city differs in Buda and Pest or stopping to try some delightful Hungarian treats. (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your accommodation for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of a home-hosted Croatian experience and the ornamented Buda Castle district 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 Dawn

Emerald Dawn
Emerald Dawn

Indulge in exquisite first class dining and amenities when you take a European river cruise on Emerald Dawn. Read more

EmeraldPLUS
EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Cultural Shows & Entertainment
Cultural Shows & Entertainment

From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more

Wellness and Beauty
Wellness and Beauty

Pamper and relax with a massage or facial and recharge with a yoga class on the sun deck. Read more

5.0
Average Rating 5.0 / 5
6 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Amazing experience 0 , SA, Australia, Dec 2025
We have just finished the Budapest to Amsterdam Christmas Market Cruise. Wow!! What an unforgettable experience. The whole crew were amazing - from our cabin Steward, Rendi, to the Cruise director, Armin, and the Entertainment director, James, the serving staff and bar staff..... I cannot fault one of them. The food was delicious. The markets and tours read more were fun, informative and memorable. We will definitely be doing another cruise with Emerald.
Emerald Cruising is the best way to River Cruise. 0 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2025
Emerald have done everything right for the younger river cruising people. Meal changes daily with matching to local wines.
Arranged daily tours for every city. Bikes available all the time.
Rhine river cruise 0 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2024
Our river cruise was excellent thanks to Rachel McSorley's information and guidance she gave us. The food and drinks were excellent and our sight seeing tours were well informed. We met up with some lovely people including a few Australians. The entertainment that the two young ladies was very funny and enjoyable. We would recommend it to our friends read more and my sister was on the cruise coming up from Basel when we departed our cruise with Scenic. Thank you very much.
Beautiful river cruise 2 , Auckland, New Zealand, Aug 2024
So glad we have done this river cruise! Beautiful river, excellent customer service, food was great! Recommend to all. Happy customers.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine 4 , Christchurch, New Zealand, Dec 2022
We made new friends and took home many wonderful memories. From the hotel on arrival in Amsterdam to the hotel at the end in Basel, the whole trip was supremely organized. The crew onboard were very good at their job and clearly enjoyed what they do. Nothing was a problem and the smaller number on board a river boat meant we could be alone if we wanted read more or part of a group when we wanted. The food was outstanding.
The Best Christmas Ever 3 , Christchurch, New Zealand, Dec 2022
We made some wonderful friends, had lots of Christmas cheer and it was so easy every day. Emerald Cruises - your staff are the best. Nothing was a problem and everyone was helpful and happy. I can not believe how much Christmas we packed into 8 days!

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $5,089
From $6,108
From $8,484
Friday 19 Jun 2026 19 Jun 26 Bucharest
Monday 29 Jun 2026 29 Jun 26 Budapest
Details
Emerald Dawn
Fly Free Economy
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,608
Save $5,507
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 11 Apr 2027 11 Apr 27 Bucharest
Wednesday 21 Apr 2027 21 Apr 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Sky
Fly Free Economy
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,089
Save $4,941
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 23 Apr 2027 23 Apr 27 Bucharest
Monday 03 May 2027 03 May 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Star
Fly Free Economy
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,089
Save $4,941
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 09 May 2027 09 May 27 Bucharest
Wednesday 19 May 2027 19 May 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Sky
Fly Free Economy
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,283
Save $5,147
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 11 Jun 2027 11 Jun 27 Bucharest
Monday 21 Jun 2027 21 Jun 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Dawn
Fly Free Economy
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,283
Save $5,147
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 18 Jun 2027 18 Jun 27 Bucharest
Monday 28 Jun 2027 28 Jun 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Star
Fly Free Economy
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,283
Save $5,147
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Tuesday 05 Oct 2027 05 Oct 27 Bucharest
Friday 15 Oct 2027 15 Oct 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Astra
Fly Free Economy
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,380
Save $5,250
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Note
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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