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Prague & Danube Explorer

4.9/5 Based on 7 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Prague & Danube Explorer

4.9/5 Based on 7 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Prague & Danube Explorer
Prague & Danube Explorer
Prague & Danube Explorer
Flights Included Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
Our Price From
US$2,970
Save $6,192pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Prague
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
11 Day Prague & Danube Explorer Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
 Cruise Length
11 Days
 Cruise Starts
Prague
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
11 Day Prague & Danube Explorer Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EMPB-1
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EMPB-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. 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.
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.

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. (B)

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

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. (B)

  • DiscoverMORE Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)

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

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. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
  • EmeraldPLUS Bavarian Countryside Experience
  • DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)

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. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
  • DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

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

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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Guided bike tour of Vienna (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

  • 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)

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. (B/L/D)

  • 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)

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. (B)

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. (B)

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

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. (B)

  • DiscoverMORE Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)

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

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. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
  • EmeraldPLUS Bavarian Countryside Experience
  • DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)

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. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
  • DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

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

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. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Guided bike tour of Vienna (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

  • 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)

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. (B/L/D)

  • 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)

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. (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 (7) View All Most Recent 'Prague & Danube Explorer' Reviews

4.9
Average Rating 4.9 / 5
7 Reviews
5 Star
86%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Amazing experience 3 , 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.
Splendours of Europe 2 , Australia, Oct 2025
The holiday itself was very good with highlights including Emerald River European Cruise destinations - our favourite's being Vienna and Salzberg.
Emerald Cruising is the best way to River Cruise. 3 , 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 2 , 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 4 , 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 7 , 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.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $2,970
From $3,988
From $6,365
Wednesday 25 Mar 2026 25 Mar 26 Prague
Saturday 04 Apr 2026 04 Apr 26 Budapest
Details
Emerald Dawn
Wave Offer
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$2,970
Save $5,775
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday 10 May 2026 10 May 26 Prague
Wednesday 20 May 2026 20 May 26 Budapest
Details
Emerald Star
Fly Free Economy
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$5,055
Save $4,640
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 15 Jul 2026 15 Jul 26 Prague
Saturday 25 Jul 2026 25 Jul 26 Budapest
Details
Emerald Luna
Fly Free Economy
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,861
Save $4,434
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 26 Aug 2026 26 Aug 26 Prague
Saturday 05 Sep 2026 05 Sep 26 Budapest
Details
Emerald Star
Wave Offer
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,503
Save $6,192
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 07 Apr 2027 07 Apr 27 Prague
Saturday 17 Apr 2027 17 Apr 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Star
Wave Offer
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,818
Save $5,902
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 14 Apr 2027 14 Apr 27 Prague
Saturday 24 Apr 2027 24 Apr 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Dawn
Wave Offer
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,818
Save $5,902
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 23 Apr 2027 23 Apr 27 Prague
Monday 03 May 2027 03 May 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Sky
Wave Offer
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,818
Save $5,902
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 26 May 2027 26 May 27 Prague
Saturday 05 Jun 2027 05 Jun 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Dawn
Wave Offer
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$4,012
Save $6,108
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 21 Jul 2027 21 Jul 27 Prague
Saturday 31 Jul 2027 31 Jul 27 Budapest
Details
Emerald Dawn
Wave Offer
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$3,818
Save $5,902
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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