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Danube Delights & Oktoberfest

4.8/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Danube Delights & Oktoberfest

4.8/5 Based on 4 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$4,638
Save $6,034pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Munich
10 Day Danube Delights & Oktoberfest Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Munich
10 Day Danube Delights & Oktoberfest Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EMNB-1
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EMNB-1

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. This insightful itinerary crosses into four countries, offering a unique perspective into their past and present simultaneously. Guided walks along the cobblestone streets of Germany tell their own story, and city tours of Vienna and Budapest exemplify how the past can shape the future. Celebrate the ancient as it co-exists with the modern in the Austrian and Hungarian capitals, and gain a personal understanding read more of why the iconic Danube has acted as inspiration to so many.
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. This insightful itinerary crosses into four countries, offering a unique perspective into their past and present simultaneously. Guided walks along the cobblestone streets of Germany tell their own story, and city tours of Vienna and Budapest exemplify how the past can shape the future. Celebrate the ancient as it co-exists with the modern in the Austrian and Hungarian capitals, and gain a personal understanding read more of why the iconic Danube has acted as inspiration to so many.

Itinerary

Welcome to Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, before enjoying plenty of free time to explore the Hungarian capital at your leisure.

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

  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda to the west and Pest to the east offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the liveliest cities in Eastern Europe. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama view of the Danube banks. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill

This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, as you soak in the sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre.

If you’re feeling more active, you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, which provides the perfect setting for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.

This afternoon, you will be invited into the home of a local family to learn more about their traditions and culture over coffee and cake. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
  • DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

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. The Austrian capital is an art-lover's dream, and your guided 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’re feeling more active, then you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting, a true treasure overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. Visible from great distance, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world and provides epic panorama views.

Afterwards, your Star-Ship will sail through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Dürnstein.

Alternatively, join our Guided hike to Dürnstein castle or embark on a guided bike touring the Wachau region, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before arriving where your Star-Ship is docked in Dürnstein.

In the afternoon we arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. You'll have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube

After a morning of sailing along the Danube, we will take you into the heart of Passau. Nicknamed the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the ‘the city of three rivers’, it’s situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.

Your included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. If you're feeling active, you could join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.

After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at your leisure, before spending an evening sailing blissfully towards Regensburg. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the River Inn
  • DiscoverMORE Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)

This morning, we arrive in Regensburg, a city built on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Your guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval centre, where narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. We will stop for a local Bavarian sausage tasting so you get a real feel of the daily life in Regensburg.

Alternatively, you could join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape and the river.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band performance on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

Arrive in Munich the capital of Bavaria in Germany. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. (B)

After breakfast, an included panoramic tour showcases the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, Maximilianstrasse and the Parliament, the National Theater and Munich’s Residenz. During a walking tour, stroll the Marienplatz Square and see the famous Glockenspiel. After the tour, you will head to the Oktoberfest grounds where you will enter the tent to celebrate as a local and enjoy a typical Oktoberfest meal. (B)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Munich & Entrance to the Oktoberfest grounds

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of Oktoberfest and the beautiful Bavarian city.

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 Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, before enjoying plenty of free time to explore the Hungarian capital at your leisure.

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

  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda to the west and Pest to the east offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the liveliest cities in Eastern Europe. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama view of the Danube banks. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill

This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, as you soak in the sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre.

If you’re feeling more active, you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, which provides the perfect setting for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.

This afternoon, you will be invited into the home of a local family to learn more about their traditions and culture over coffee and cake. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
  • DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

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. The Austrian capital is an art-lover's dream, and your guided 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’re feeling more active, then you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting, a true treasure overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. Visible from great distance, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world and provides epic panorama views.

Afterwards, your Star-Ship will sail through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Dürnstein.

Alternatively, join our Guided hike to Dürnstein castle or embark on a guided bike touring the Wachau region, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before arriving where your Star-Ship is docked in Dürnstein.

In the afternoon we arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. You'll have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube

After a morning of sailing along the Danube, we will take you into the heart of Passau. Nicknamed the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the ‘the city of three rivers’, it’s situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.

Your included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. If you're feeling active, you could join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.

After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at your leisure, before spending an evening sailing blissfully towards Regensburg. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the River Inn
  • DiscoverMORE Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)

This morning, we arrive in Regensburg, a city built on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Your guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval centre, where narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. We will stop for a local Bavarian sausage tasting so you get a real feel of the daily life in Regensburg.

Alternatively, you could join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape and the river.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band performance on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

Arrive in Munich the capital of Bavaria in Germany. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. (B)

After breakfast, an included panoramic tour showcases the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, Maximilianstrasse and the Parliament, the National Theater and Munich’s Residenz. During a walking tour, stroll the Marienplatz Square and see the famous Glockenspiel. After the tour, you will head to the Oktoberfest grounds where you will enter the tent to celebrate as a local and enjoy a typical Oktoberfest meal. (B)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Munich & Entrance to the Oktoberfest grounds

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of Oktoberfest and the beautiful Bavarian city.

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

Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Danube Delights & Oktoberfest' Reviews

4.8
Average Rating 4.8 / 5
4 Reviews
5 Star
75%
4 Star
25%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Splendour’s of Europe river cruise July 2025 3 , New Zealand, Jul 2025
Highly recommend this 15 day cruise - great itinerary, a lovely ship and excellent food. A very boutique travelling experience and although some itinerary disruption due to low water levels the staff did their very best to minimise any negative impact. As a result I probably saw more Bavarian towns - which are lovely - than planned. Although disappointing read more not to get to Cologne we did see Munich and we stayed on the ship without being off loaded like done other cruise boats. The Slovakian home visit tour was lots of fun and a highlight. All up people need to remain flexible and not worry about unplanned changes as the alternatives are often just as good!

Rachel McSorley (who managed my sister’s and I’s Emerald river cruise booking and a Sicilian trip previously) is an excellent travel advisor. I can’t speak too highly of Rachel from when we first booked the cruise 18 months ago to when my sister had to cancel in June due to ill health. This is the second trip Rachel has managed for me and her professionalism is consistent and of the highest standard. She is pleasant to deal with, very responsive to emails , and a clear communicator, she was very supportive when my sister had to cancel and it was a relief knowing Rachel was handling things with Emerald. Usually I book my own trips but Rachel - and Global Journeys - add so much value it’s a no brainer to use them - it’s a great service for which I’m very appreciative.
Amsterdam to Budapest with Emerald was fabulous. 3 , NSW, Australia, Jun 2025
We really enjoyed our river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with Emerald. The ship was spacious, as was our cabin, the swimming pool was to die for and very relaxing, plus the excursions and service by all of the friendly and welcoming staff made our holiday very relaxing and memorable. We travelled in June, which was a superb time of year to enjoy read more beautiful flowers, glorious new foliage on the trees and the daily temperature just right. We have booked a few holidays with Hannah C from Global Journeys and can highly recommend Global Journeys, plus Hannah for her service and advice.
Wonderful River Cruise   4 , NSW, Australia, Nov 2024
Our cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam in early November was above all our expectations. The Emerald Destiny and all its facilities were very good but the hospitality was outstanding. The attention and kindness of all staff members was amazing. The gourmet food was delicious and the food and wine reflected the area we were cruising through. The excursions read more were all interesting and very accessible. There were more active options for the fitter cruisers but also special guides for the slower among us. The onboard entertainment was also varied and delightful and we were lucky enough to find ourselves with a wonderful group of fellow travellers with which to share our journey. I would not hesitate to recommend Emerald Cruises.
Splendours of Europe   6 , NSW, Australia, Jul 2023
Overall a great trip with Emerald. Had good rapport with all staff and the chef catered for me being a Coeliac to the extent of a special cake for my birthday. Weather was great in July, needed a light jacket despite reports of heatwave in Europe. Group was a mixture mainly of Australians and Canadians with a few UK and USA travellers. All friendly. read more Overall apart from the long haul flight enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks Tracey for your help. The photo is of Durnstein. A lovely small town, try the apricot ice cream!

Dates & Pricing USD USD

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From $4,638
From $5,885
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Sunday 13 Sep 2026 13 Sep 26 Budapest
Tuesday 22 Sep 2026 22 Sep 26 Munich
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Emerald Sky
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River View
US$4,638
Save $5,827
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Saturday 11 Sep 2027 11 Sep 27 Budapest
Monday 20 Sep 2027 20 Sep 27 Munich
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Emerald Dawn
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US$4,672
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Wednesday 15 Sep 2027 15 Sep 27 Budapest
Friday 24 Sep 2027 24 Sep 27 Munich
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US$4,866
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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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