Oktoberfest & Danube Delights

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

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 have access to the Oktoberfest grounds and tent. Included Excursion Guided tour of Munich & entrance to Oktoberfest grounds (B)

After breakfast you will be transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for you. (B/D)

Explore the medieval centre of Regensburg with a local guide, walking the cobblestone streets, passing the patrician houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Alternatively, 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 river and the surrounding landscape.

This evening, enjoy a welcome reception with dinner, followed by a traditional Bavarian band on board. EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band on board EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument Included Excursion Guided tour of Regensburg DiscoverMORE Excursion to Nuremberg (extra expense) DiscoverMORE BMW Factory behind the scenes (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, we'll cruise into the heart of Passau, where three of Europe's main rivers converge in the shadows of the castle. Your guided tour of this illustrious city will unveil how it was rebuilt following fires in the 17th century. Italian architects left their mark with a scattering of Baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral. If you are feeling active, you can join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau. Enjoy exploring the city before returning to your Star-Ship for lunch and an afternoon of sailing along the Danube River. EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the River Inn Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau DiscoverMORE Excursion to the Bavarian forest (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you can choose to hike the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, offering delightful panoramic views of the surrounding medieval villages.

Afterwards, we will sail through the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Krems. Alternatively, you can embark on a guided bike tour from Dürnstein to Krems, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before meeting your Star-Ship where it is docked.

This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage landscape since 2001, it is one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1083, it continues to serve as a spiritual center in the heart of Lower Austria and is run by a community of about 45 monks. Visible from great distance, the abbey provides epic panoramas when you visit. EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube River EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle Included Excursion Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey (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. For art-lovers, there is no other place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is packed with museums and artwork but because of its variety. 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. Alternatively, embark on a guided cycling tour from where your Star-Ship is docked to the idyllic Danube Island. EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Vienna Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Tastes of Vienna (extra expense) (B/L/D)

A delightful scattering of Baroque palaces and Gothic architecture that tell tales of a communist past are yours to uncover as we sail towards Bratislava. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s enchanting history, taking in the neo-Renaissance glory of the Slovak National Theatre and the Episcopal Summer Palace. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle and its idyllic Baroque gardens, offering the perfect backdrop to the Shakespeare festival that takes place during the summer months. This afternoon, enjoy coffee and cake in the home of a Slovakian family before being welcomed to your farewell dinner. EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Bratislava Castle Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-communist Bratislava (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Welcome to Budapest, a city generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Enjoy a guided city tour, starting at the Liberty Statue and encompassing many of Budapest’s hotspots. You’ll see Heroes’ Square and the Buda Castle district, before a walking tour up to Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, providing the best panoramas of the city and river. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Buda Hill and gaze over the Danube. EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Buda Hill Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest DiscoverMORE Jewish Heritage tour (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense) (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking wonderful memories of the Viennese skyline and architectural masterpieces 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)