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Prague & Danube Explorer

11 Days Prague to Budapest
Prague & Danube Explorer
Prague & Danube Explorer
Prague & Danube Explorer

Overview

Emerald Cruises
Cruise Operated By:
 (39) Reviews
Total No. of Cruises 466
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. Prague is a fascinating city full of historical sights, like the Astrological Clock, and Charles Bridge. The iconic Danube river guides you on a gentle journey, enabling you to soak up Europe’s cultural wonders at leisure. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to enchanting Dürnstein. Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, drive around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to view the city’s marvellous read more architecture, and let inspiring Budapest tell tales of its past, while proudly looking forward to the future.
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A$5,408 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
11 Days
Trip Starts
Prague
Trip Ends
Budapest
Cruise Ship
3 Trip Reviews
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
EMPB-1
Rivers Sailed

Itinerary

When you arrive in Prague, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay.

The heart of Prague is an enchanting treasure trove, showcasing some of Europe’s finest and most well-preserved architectural marvels from various eras. Begin your journey by exploring three magnificent castle courtyards before stepping into the awe-inspiring St. Vitus Cathedral. From there, descend the Castle Steps, where breathtaking views of Prague unfold before your eyes. Next, we stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, leading us to the charming Old Town. Our unforgettable city tour concludes at the legendary Astronomical Clock in the vibrant Old Town Square, leaving you captivated by Prague’s timeless beauty.

  • Included Excursion A guided tour of Prague
  • EmeraldPLUS Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Included Meals: Breakfast

Your tour director will be available to help you plan a day of independent exploration today, perhaps strolling past ornate façades in the Baroque quarter or discovering Prague’s Jewish heritage in Josefov.

  • DiscoverMORE Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)
Included Meals: Breakfast

You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Passau this morning, to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you’ll gain fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarians during a visit to a farm, where you’ll also be able to try their homemade specialities. 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 Countryside Experience
  • DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech 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 Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s finest wine-producing vineyards.

Later, you’ll arrive in Melk, an Austrian town nestled along the Danube River. On today’s included tour, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the gold-leaf halls of 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery that is home to rare medieval manuscripts. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through Austria’s spectacular Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, remain in Melk and take a guided bike tour to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that reveals a different perspective on the region’s esteemed viticulture. Take the chance to join a guided hike in the afternoon through the vineyards and soak in the spirit of the Wachaus valley nature.

  • Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
  • DiscoverMORE Wachau Valley Experience (extra expense)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discover the classical charms of Vienna today. As we take you through the heart of the city, we’ll point 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.

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Guided bike tour of Vienna (extra expense)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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 fairy tale. 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.

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
  • EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
  • DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. 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 while touring 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’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand and are best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.

  • Included Excursion Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
  • DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-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.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Life On Board

Emerald Cruises
Total No. of Cruises 466
Experience relaxed luxury and authentic adventures with Emerald Cruises. Enjoy exceptional inclusions along Europe’s iconic rivers and the Mekong on our river ships and cruise by luxury yacht through the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean, Central America, Seychelles, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

From more the enticing rivers of Europe and Southeast Asia, to the vibrant coastlines of the Caribbean and Mediterranean, and inspiring landscapes of Canada and Japan, each journey is designed to connect you meaningfully with your destination. On shore, enjoy cultural encounters and interactive experiences, guided walks, bike tours and more - always with your comfort and curiosity in mind.
Emerald Star
Emerald Star

Get lost in the romance of Europe's rivers with every comfort taken care of on Emerald Star. Read more

EmeraldPLUS
EmeraldPLUS

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

Active Life on the River
Active Life on the River

With a small gym, walking track, heated pool and putting green you can keep active on board. 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

Wellness and Beauty
Wellness and Beauty

Keep up your wellness routine with a fitness class or have a treatment in the onboard salon. Read more

Swimming Pool and Cinema
Swimming Pool and Cinema

The relaxing pool deck offers views from the stern and transforms to a cinema at night. Read more

Ship Reviews (3)

Emerald Cruises Reviews
Reviews 3 Reviews
Average Rating 4.3 out of 5
5 Star
67%
4 Star
3 Star
33%
2 Star
1 Star
Splendour of Europe -Jul 2024 0 , New Zealand, Jul 2024
Trip was really good, though wasn't aware that there was a pick up from train station if arrived at start city via train. As a result we had to stay a night at start city unnecessarily.
A wonderful break 7 , Christchurch, New Zealand, Jun 2024
The Danube was flooded and the ship couldn't travel as planned but Emerald kept us well informed and provided excursions that were just as exciting as the cancelled ones. We had a great time, saw amazing things and met some lovely people. We did not feel we missed out on anything with the changes. Well done Emerald.
Fantastic European River cruise 8 , QLD, Australia, May 2019
We had a fantastic trip from the initial contact with Global Journeys to the final day of the cruise. Nothing was too hard for Hannah and her communication with us was excellent. Emerald were great, the organisation of the cruise left nothing wanting, from pickup in Amsterdam to drop off at Budapest Airport. The cruise itself was very well planned, read more the ship is only three years old which was great. Wonderful and friendly staff and of course the food: what can be said about it , other than excellent. We would highly recommend this cruise. Our Cruise Director could not have been better, she was very knowledgeable of all areas of the rivers travelled. The shore tour guides supplied by Emerald, also, were very good and enthusiastic about the towns they were showing us.

Download Brochure

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2027) Brochure

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2027)

Discover Europe in refined comfort with Emerald Cruises, where intimate Star-Ships host up to 180 guests for a relaxed and luxurious journey along iconic rivers. Explore historic cities, charming villages and rich cultural traditions, with new 2027 itineraries on the Seine and Douro offering even more ways to experience France and Portugal. Enjoy exceptional more service, immersive experiences and rewarding benefits as you cruise through Europe’s most captivating landscapes.

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Cabin Layout Options:

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From $5,408
From $6,461
From $9,264
Wednesday 07 Apr 2027 07 Apr 27 Prague
Saturday 17 Apr 2027 17 Apr 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Star
Early Booking Savings
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River View
A$5,408
Save $897
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 14 Apr 2027 14 Apr 27 Prague
Saturday 24 Apr 2027 24 Apr 27 Budapest
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Emerald Dawn
Early Booking Savings
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River View
A$5,408
Save $897
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 23 Apr 2027 23 Apr 27 Prague
Monday 03 May 2027 03 May 27 Budapest
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Emerald Sky
Early Booking Savings
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River View
A$5,898
Save $907
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 21 Jul 2027 21 Jul 27 Prague
Saturday 31 Jul 2027 31 Jul 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Dawn
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$5,408
Save $897
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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