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Enchantment of Eastern Europe

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor

Enchantment of Eastern Europe

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
River View
$4,490
Balcony
$5,509
Suite
$6,648
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
9 Days
 Cruise Starts
Bucharest
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
9 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary
 Cruise Length
9 Days
 Cruise Starts
Bucharest
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
9 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
EWBB-2
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2022
Cruise Code
EWBB-2

Overview

Five countries, all unique in their own way, accompany the Danube on its journey through Eastern Europe. Enjoy a city stay in Bucharest, the vibrant Romanian capital, before joining your cruise in Arbanasi where you will attend a choir concert. Embark on a guided city tour of Belgrade, returning to your Star-Ship for a traditional Serbian folklore evening show. In Osijek, visit a local Croatian family for home-hosted lunch and then spend your day in rural Hungary for a Puszta Horse Show in Kalocsa.
Five countries, all unique in their own way, accompany the Danube on its journey through Eastern Europe. Enjoy a city stay in Bucharest, the vibrant Romanian capital, before joining your cruise in Arbanasi where you will attend a choir concert. Embark on a guided city tour of Belgrade, returning to your Star-Ship for a traditional Serbian folklore evening show. In Osijek, visit a local Croatian family for home-hosted lunch and then spend your day in rural Hungary for a Puszta Horse Show in Kalocsa.

Itinerary

Welcome to Bucharest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, perfectly situated in the city, for your overnight stay.

Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, the centre of Bucharest encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city.

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at your leisure. After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

  • Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace (B/D)

Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide. On your included tour, you’ll have the chance to traverse its cobbled streets and observe its impressive medieval fortifications.

Afterwards, you’ll be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges. Explore the past with your local guide, as your tour visits a number of traditional houses and ancient churches. If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes. Tonight, you’ll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner.

  • EmeraldPLUS Choir concert in Arbanasi
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
  • Included Excursion Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
  • DiscoverMORE Wine tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting session.

Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country. If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress
  • Included Excursion Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe.

  • Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
  • DiscoverMORE Golubac Castle Visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. The coach will pass through the centre, where you’ll notice reminders of the country’s turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia.

If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour. This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment.

  • EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore evening show on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Belgrade
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Belgrade
  • DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets.

Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic Old Town, before a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch. Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
  • Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense) (B/L/D)

In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.

Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

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

  • EmeraldPLUS Puszta horse show
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of a traditional Puszta equestrian performance and viticulture on the banks of the Danube 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)

Welcome to Bucharest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, perfectly situated in the city, for your overnight stay.

Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, the centre of Bucharest encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city.

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at your leisure. After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

  • Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace (B/D)

Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide. On your included tour, you’ll have the chance to traverse its cobbled streets and observe its impressive medieval fortifications.

Afterwards, you’ll be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges. Explore the past with your local guide, as your tour visits a number of traditional houses and ancient churches. If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes. Tonight, you’ll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner.

  • EmeraldPLUS Choir concert in Arbanasi
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
  • Included Excursion Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
  • DiscoverMORE Wine tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting session.

Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country. If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress
  • Included Excursion Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense) (B/L/D)

This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe.

  • Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
  • DiscoverMORE Golubac Castle Visit (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. The coach will pass through the centre, where you’ll notice reminders of the country’s turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia.

If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour. This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment.

  • EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore evening show on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Belgrade
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Belgrade
  • DiscoverMORE National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets.

Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic Old Town, before a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch. Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
  • Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress
  • DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense) (B/L/D)

In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.

Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

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

  • EmeraldPLUS Puszta horse show
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board (B/L/D)

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of a traditional Puszta equestrian performance and viticulture on the banks of the Danube 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 Luna

Emerald Luna
Emerald Luna

Relax and unwind in complete comfort aboard Emerald Luna as you explore Europe's great rivers. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & 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

Sun Deck Life
Sun Deck Life

Deck games, a walking track and a place to relax and take in the views awaits on the sun deck. Read more

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Enchantment of Eastern Europe' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
100%
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1 Star
The Majestic Rhine - Zurich to Frankfurt   2 , VIC, Australia, Jun 2023
The booking went very smoothly. The trip was fabulous and I was lucky that there was continuous sunshine. The view from the luxurious ship (Emerald Luna) was best on the last part of the trip. The highlights were Lucerne, Colmar and Strasbourg. The photograph is of Cochen Castle on the Moselle River, a short and beautiful drive from Koblenz. I ...read more enjoyed the sights, history and the wonderful food and wine.

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Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2024)

As small ship experts, we know that our minimal guest numbers, relaxed ambience, and high level of personal service, provide the perfect setting from which to enjoy Europe’s network of iconic rivers. The small ship lifestyle brings you to the heart of each destination for an intimate look at the local life along the riverbanks. Revolutionary in design,...more life on board our deluxe Emerald Cruises Star-Ships, promises contemporary comfort and unique innovations, while our suite of generous inclusions delivers exquisite dining experiences, exceptional service, and handpicked immersive itineraries.

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Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)

Award-winning Emerald Cruises delivers exceptional small ship river cruising through the heart of Europe, on board our fleet of luxury Star-Ships. From the North Sea to the Black Sea, revel in a European river journey like no other. Our unique collection of itineraries — showcasing seven mesmerising rivers — offers you an immersive insight into the...more incredible history, culture and traditions of the diverse regions we visit.

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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. Prices and trip information are correct at the time 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 Emerald Cruises. These 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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