Welcome to Budapest, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship to be greeted by your friendly captain and crew. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Eastern Europe's liveliest city at leisure. The ‘Pearl on the Danube' is a truly breathtaking sight, where dozens of lights adorn the stone bridges that cross the mighty Danube, separating both sides of the city. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM. (D)

This morning, we'll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. 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. Tonight, your crew will welcome you for a welcome dinner & reception.

EmeraldPLUS Puszta horse show (B/L/D)

This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Today, you will meet students from a local village who will then perform for you during your EmeraldPLUS excursion, before you embark on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town. 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

EmeraldACTIVE Trek to Adica

Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense) (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 this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world's largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or 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 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)

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. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.

Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

EmeraldACTIVE Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum Donji Milanovac by bike (B/L/D)

This morning, we'll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. 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”. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations.

EmeraldACTIVE 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 (B/L/D)

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo. 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.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a farewell dinner.

EmeraldPLUS Choir concert in Arbanasi

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

Included Excursion 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 and 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 and perhaps go for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel.

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

Today, your Transylvanian adventure will begin. You will board coaches to the town of Brasov, a harmonious mixture of traditional medieval charm and modern city life, located in the centre of Transylvania. On your way you will visit the world-famous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle - the perfect setting for a vampire lord. Although there is no clear evidence that links Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) to Bran Castle, much of the myth surrounding Prince Vlad is true. Dracula ruled this extraordinarily beautiful place for a couple of decades in the 15th century.

Included Excursion Visit of Bran Castle en route to Brasov (B/L)

Join us today in a panoramic city tour of Brasov, including a visit of the First Romanian School Museum and the St. Nicholas Church, leading learning centers of the Romanian community for centuries. The museum has been a centre for Romanian teaching and book printing for centuries. The oldest Romanian bible (printed on goats' skin) is one of the many fascinating discoveries included in your visit.

You will continue with a guided walk in Brasov's historical medieval downtown learning about its German heritage. The largest Gothic church east of Vienna, Black Church, is part of this immersive experience as well.

Included Excursion City tour of Brasov

DiscoverMORE The UNESCO fortified Church Prejmer (extra expense) (B)

While being in the heart of Transylvania, you may want to explore on own some downtime in Brasov, visiting the Old Town Square, wander through the narrow colourful streets, or hike up Mount Tampa.

DiscoverMORE Sibiu & Clay Castle Valea Zanelor OR Sighisoara & Viscri Village (extra expense) (B)

After breakfast, check out at the hotel and board coaches for a scenic drive back to Bucharest crossing south the Carpathian Mountains to reach Sinaia. Known as “Pearl of the Carpathians”, it is also the home of one of Romania's most beautiful palaces - Peles Castle. This stunning building was built by the first King of Romania, Carol I of Hohenzollern – Sigmaringen, and used as summer residence. Inaugurated in 1883 the castle has 160 rooms with opulent decor and invaluable collections of art and furniture.

Included Excursion Peles Castle visit with lunch (B/L)

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. (B)

Welcome to Budapest, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship to be greeted by your friendly captain and crew. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Eastern Europe's liveliest city at leisure. The ‘Pearl on the Danube' is a truly breathtaking sight, where dozens of lights adorn the stone bridges that cross the mighty Danube, separating both sides of the city. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM. (D)

This morning, we'll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. 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. Tonight, your crew will welcome you for a welcome dinner & reception.

EmeraldPLUS Puszta horse show (B/L/D)

This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Today, you will meet students from a local village who will then perform for you during your EmeraldPLUS excursion, before you embark on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town. 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

EmeraldACTIVE Trek to Adica

Included Excursion Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense) (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 this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world's largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or 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 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)

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. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.

Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

EmeraldACTIVE Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum Donji Milanovac by bike (B/L/D)

This morning, we'll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. 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”. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations.

EmeraldACTIVE 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 (B/L/D)

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo. 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.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a farewell dinner.

EmeraldPLUS Choir concert in Arbanasi

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

Included Excursion 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 and 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 and perhaps go for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel.

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

Today, your Transylvanian adventure will begin. You will board coaches to the town of Brasov, a harmonious mixture of traditional medieval charm and modern city life, located in the centre of Transylvania. On your way you will visit the world-famous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle - the perfect setting for a vampire lord. Although there is no clear evidence that links Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) to Bran Castle, much of the myth surrounding Prince Vlad is true. Dracula ruled this extraordinarily beautiful place for a couple of decades in the 15th century.

Included Excursion Visit of Bran Castle en route to Brasov (B/L)

Join us today in a panoramic city tour of Brasov, including a visit of the First Romanian School Museum and the St. Nicholas Church, leading learning centers of the Romanian community for centuries. The museum has been a centre for Romanian teaching and book printing for centuries. The oldest Romanian bible (printed on goats' skin) is one of the many fascinating discoveries included in your visit.

You will continue with a guided walk in Brasov's historical medieval downtown learning about its German heritage. The largest Gothic church east of Vienna, Black Church, is part of this immersive experience as well.

Included Excursion City tour of Brasov

DiscoverMORE The UNESCO fortified Church Prejmer (extra expense) (B)

While being in the heart of Transylvania, you may want to explore on own some downtime in Brasov, visiting the Old Town Square, wander through the narrow colourful streets, or hike up Mount Tampa.

DiscoverMORE Sibiu & Clay Castle Valea Zanelor OR Sighisoara & Viscri Village (extra expense) (B)

After breakfast, check out at the hotel and board coaches for a scenic drive back to Bucharest crossing south the Carpathian Mountains to reach Sinaia. Known as “Pearl of the Carpathians”, it is also the home of one of Romania's most beautiful palaces - Peles Castle. This stunning building was built by the first King of Romania, Carol I of Hohenzollern – Sigmaringen, and used as summer residence. Inaugurated in 1883 the castle has 160 rooms with opulent decor and invaluable collections of art and furniture.

Included Excursion Peles Castle visit with lunch (B/L)

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. (B)