Danube Delights

4.3/5 Based on 3 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Danube Delights

4.3/5 Based on 3 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Danube Delights
Danube Delights
Danube Delights
Flights Included River Cruise
Our Price From
US$2,674
Save $8,430pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Munich
8 Day Danube Delights Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Munich
8 Day Danube Delights Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EWNB-2
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EWNB-2

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. This insightful itinerary crosses into four countries, offering a unique perspective into their past and present simultaneously. Guided walks along the cobblestone streets of Germany tell their own story, and city tours of Vienna and Budapest exemplify how the past can shape the future. Celebrate the ancient as it co-exists with the modern in the Austrian and Hungarian capitals, and gain a personal understanding read more of why the iconic Danube has acted as inspiration to so many.
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. This insightful itinerary crosses into four countries, offering a unique perspective into their past and present simultaneously. Guided walks along the cobblestone streets of Germany tell their own story, and city tours of Vienna and Budapest exemplify how the past can shape the future. Celebrate the ancient as it co-exists with the modern in the Austrian and Hungarian capitals, and gain a personal understanding read more of why the iconic Danube has acted as inspiration to so many.

Itinerary

Welcome to Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, before enjoying plenty of free time to explore the Hungarian capital at your leisure.

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

  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda to the west and Pest to the east offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the liveliest cities in Eastern Europe. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama view of the Danube banks. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill

This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, as you soak in the sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre.

If you’re feeling more active, you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, which provides the perfect setting for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.

This afternoon, you will be invited into the home of a local family to learn more about their traditions and culture over coffee and cake. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
  • DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. The Austrian capital is an art-lover's dream, and your guided tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

If you’re feeling more active, then you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting, a true treasure overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. Visible from great distance, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world and provides epic panorama views.

Afterwards, your Star-Ship will sail through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Dürnstein.

Alternatively, join our Guided hike to Dürnstein castle or embark on a guided bike touring the Wachau region, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before arriving where your Star-Ship is docked in Dürnstein.

In the afternoon we arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. You'll have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube

After a morning of sailing along the Danube, we will take you into the heart of Passau. Nicknamed the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the ‘the city of three rivers’, it’s situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.

Your included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. If you're feeling active, you could join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.

After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at your leisure, before spending an evening sailing blissfully towards Regensburg. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the River Inn
  • DiscoverMORE Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)

This morning, we arrive in Regensburg, a city built on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Your guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval centre, where narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. We will stop for a local Bavarian sausage tasting so you get a real feel of the daily life in Regensburg.

Alternatively, you could join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape and the river.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band performance on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

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 Roman architecture and the rich culture of the Danube River 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 Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, before enjoying plenty of free time to explore the Hungarian capital at your leisure. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. (D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

Architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda to the west and Pest to the east offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the liveliest cities in Eastern Europe. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama view of the Danube banks. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill

This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, as you soak in the sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre.

If you’re feeling more active, you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, which provides the perfect setting for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.

This afternoon, you will be invited into the home of a local family to learn more about their traditions and culture over coffee and cake. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
  • EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
  • DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. The Austrian capital is an art-lover's dream, and your guided tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

If you’re feeling more active, then you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting, a true treasure overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. Visible from great distance, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world and provides epic panorama views.

Afterwards, your Star-Ship will sail through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Dürnstein.

Alternatively, join our Guided hike to Dürnstein castle or embark on a guided bike touring the Wachau region, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before arriving where your Star-Ship is docked in Dürnstein.

In the afternoon we arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. You'll have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube

After a morning of sailing along the Danube, we will take you into the heart of Passau. Nicknamed the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the ‘the city of three rivers’, it’s situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Your included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. If you're feeling active, you could join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.

After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at your leisure, before spending an evening sailing blissfully towards Regensburg. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Passau
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the River Inn
  • DiscoverMORE Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)

This morning, we arrive in Regensburg, a city built on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Your guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval centre, where narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. We will stop for a local Bavarian sausage tasting so you get a real feel of the daily life in Regensburg.

Alternatively, you could join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape and the river.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band performance on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

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 Roman architecture and the rich culture of the Danube River with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 12:00 PM.

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 (3) Most Recent 'Danube Delights' Reviews

4.3
Average Rating 4.3 / 5
3 Reviews
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 3 , 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 4 , 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.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

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Wednesday 25 Mar 2026 25 Mar 26 Budapest
Wednesday 01 Apr 2026 01 Apr 26 Munich
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Friday 08 May 2026 08 May 26 Budapest
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Saturday 19 Sep 2026 19 Sep 26 Budapest
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Friday 16 Oct 2026 16 Oct 26 Budapest
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Sunday 25 Oct 2026 25 Oct 26 Budapest
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Monday 22 Mar 2027 22 Mar 27 Budapest
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Saturday 08 May 2027 08 May 27 Budapest
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Saturday 29 May 2027 29 May 27 Budapest
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Saturday 05 Jun 2027 05 Jun 27 Budapest
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Saturday 19 Jun 2027 19 Jun 27 Budapest
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Saturday 03 Jul 2027 03 Jul 27 Budapest
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Saturday 10 Jul 2027 10 Jul 27 Budapest
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Saturday 31 Jul 2027 31 Jul 27 Budapest
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Wednesday 04 Aug 2027 04 Aug 27 Budapest
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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. 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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