Discover the Waterways of Russia and Eastern Europe

Founded by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years. Nicknamed ‘Venice of the North’, the historic centre, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be met and transferred from the airport to MS N. Novgorod, where a warm welcome awaits from your crew. Tonight enjoy your first dinner with your fellow travellers. (D)

You will start your exploration of St. Petersburg with a bus city tour passing by Smolny convent, Tavrichesky palace, Summer Garden, Palace embankment as well as the Winter palace. Your tour will include a visit to the world famous Hermitage Museum. Rival to the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Formerly the Winter Palace and home of the Tsars, the museum’s collection comprises of nearly three million exhibits including the largest collection of paintings in the world and early collections dating back to Catherine II.

After your included lunch in the city, the guided bus tour will take you along the Spire of the Basil Island (buildings of Stock Exchange, Kunstkamera, Zoo Museum), pass by the buildings of the Senate and the Synod, St. Isaac´s cathedral and drive along Nevsky prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg. One cannot miss the splendid of the church of the Savior on spilled blood, emblematic for St. Petersburg. Your tour will conclude with a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress: the Boat house, Peter I monument, Commandant´s house, Nevsky Gate and St. Peter and Paul´s Cathedral. Included Excursion Guided coach tour of St. Petersburg and a visit to the Hermitage Museum (B/L/D)

The day is yours to continue exploring the main sights and attractions of St. Petersburg or just enjoy and relax on board of MS Nizhni Novgorod. We have also prepared various optional tours for you to choose from. Tonight, your Captain is delighted to host a welcome cocktail with sparkling wine. (B/L/D)

Your next stop is the picturesque village of Mandrogi located on the River Svir. The charming landscape is dotted with colourful “izbas” – wooden houses with finely carved roofs and window frames. The town also offers many of opportunities for you to admire items of Russian handicrafts, such as pottery and the famous “matryioshka” dolls. You will also have free time to enjoy some of Mandrogi’s other attractions, like the Vodka Museum, which contains thousands of different brands and types of one of Russia’s most famous exports. Included Excursion Shashlik lunch in Mandrogi (B/L/D)

Today you will cruise Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake, and arrive at the small island of Kizhi. You will be taken on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, housing a collection of restored 18th century Russian wooden buildings, including the breath-taking Church of the Transfiguration. Built in 1714, the structure of the Church was built without a single nail. Included Excursion Tour of Kizhi (B/L/D)

Goritsy is a typical Russian village set in the most scenic countryside. Take a coach from the ship to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Founded in 1397, by Cyril, one of the most honoured saints in the Russian Orthodox Church, the monastery houses the Assumption Cathedral and many ancient icons, which were loved by Ivan the Terrible. Included Excursion Visit to the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake (B/L/D)

Founded in the 11th century by Yaroslav the Wise, the ancient city of Yaroslavl retains many monuments of its noteworthy and colourful past. Your tour will include a stop at the 17th century Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, as well as an inside visit to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and an interactive tour to former Governor’s House (Art Gallery). Included Excursion Tour of Yaroslavl (B/L/D)

Your day starts with a visit to Uglich, one of most beloved towns in Old Russia, which is part of the Golden Ring around Moscow. Throughout its 1000 year history, the town has been used by various Monarchs including Ivan the Terrible as a base for attacks on the Tatars and Poles. During your walking tour you will get to see the renowned green-domed Cathedral of Transfiguration. Your walk will also include a stop at the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, which was built on the site where Dmitry, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible was murdered. This evening the Captain will host a farewell dinner. Included Excursion Tour of Uglich (B/L/D)

Welcome to Moscow, Russia’s capital city on the banks of the Moskva River. The city’s architecture is a reflection of its 860-year old history with many reminders of both its imperial and Soviet past. A sprawling metropolis, Moscow is the financial and political centre of Russia with a population of around 13 million inhabitants. During your included city tour today you will drive along Leningradskaya Street, Tverskaya Street, Novodevichy convent and have a chance to see Moscow’s main highlights, including the sights of KGB, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, inside visit to the famous department store GUM and enjoy some free time at the Red square. The evening is yours to explore on own or take part in our carefully planned optional tours. Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Moscow (B/L/D)

Today we have one of the biggest highlights to your journey, a visit to the Kremlin Grounds. For many people the symbol of Moscow and indeed Russia, the Kremlin is the former seat of the Russian Government and a unique historical, architectural and artistic reserve. During a stroll around the Kremlin Grounds you will see the majestic Cathedral Square which still retains its original form, the Palace of Congresses, Senate square with the Arsenal and Senate buildings, residence of the President of the Russian Federation. This afternoon, don’t miss the chance to discover more of Moscow either on your own or on our many optional tours planned for this day. Included Excursion Visit to the Kremlin Grounds (B/L/D)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport (flight not included) and continue your journey on the Danube river from Budapest. (B)

Enjoy free time to explore Eastern Europe’s liveliest city at leisure. The “Paris of the East” is a truly breathtaking sight, where dozens of lights adorn the stone bridges that cross the mighty Danube, separating both sides of the city. (B)

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

In the morning, we’ll sail out of Budapest towards Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. Traditional folk art and culture are yours to discover here, as you sail through one of the oldest towns in Hungary. This afternoon, you’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Relax as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills, most of which were readily practiced for wartime. Tonight, your crew will welcome you for a Welcome Dinner & Reception. EmeraldPLUS A Puszta horse show (B/L/D)

Cruise into the border region of Croatia and into Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Damage from the Homeland War is still visible across the city, but it is easily forgotten when you immerse yourself in the peaceful surrounds that can be found here. Today, you will be able to meet students from a local village who will be delighted to perform for you during your EmeraldPLUS excursion, before embarking on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town. This ensemble of well-preserved Baroque buildings is laid out like a traditional star fort, with bastions, armouries, a guardhouse and a military hospital all protected within its walls.

Later, sail further down the Danube and into Serbia, where remnants of recent conflicts can be seen on the riverbanks. EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family EmeraldPLUS Meet the local students Included Excursion A guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress (B/L/D)

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities, including Belgrade Fortress. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of the city, where remnants of a chaotic past look out of place among peaceful surrounds. Witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings, and stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. Enjoy learning about the life of the leader of the Partisans, Josip Broz Tito, and the way that they became one of the most effective resistance movements in occupied Europe. Alternatively, learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city.

This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge and watch a traditional Serbian folklore show. EmeraldPLUS A Serbian folklore evening show EmeraldACTIVE A guided bike tour in Belgrade Included Excursion A guided tour of Belgrade DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense) (B/L/D)

In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. Archaeologists have used this site to track the development of prehistoric culture in Europe, and numerous Stone Age settlements have been found in the area. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a scenic narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps. Included Excursion A visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum (B/L/D)

This morning, we’ll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria. Situated on the right bank of the Danube, it is one of the oldest along the Bulgarian Danube bank, prospering from the surrounding countryside, renowned for producing wines. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting of their produce.

Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean “Granny Vida”. Construction began on the fortress in the 10th century, and it has been steeped in legend ever since. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations. EmeraldACTIVE A hike to Belogradchik Fortress Included Excursion Visit a local vineyard with wine tasting& visit to Baba Vida Fortress DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse. You will have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo, stopping to learn about its rich history as the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. This medieval city was built atop three hills, and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers. Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels and monasteries. Witness the incredible nature of the 14th-century painted frescoes and learn about their composition and the emotional atmosphere that they convey, something that was far ahead of its time. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a Farewell dinner. EmeraldPLUS A choir concert in Arbanasi EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Ivanovo Church Included Excursion A tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi DiscoverMORE Paint & Wine (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Wine-tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace to see the elegant exterior of a well-kept secret and the plush interior of the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel, perhaps going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel. Included Excursion A guided drive through Bucharest (B)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain and medieval fortresses 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)