Discover the Treasures of the Danube

Welcome to Germany. You’ll be met at Munich airport, then transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will warmly welcome you on board. . This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board your Star-Ship. (D)

• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band on board

Explore the medieval centre of Regensburg with your insightful local guide. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, passing the patrician houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, and stop by to sample traditional Bavarian sausages, a delicious local specialty. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the banks of the Danube. From here, you can admire a panoramic view of the river and surrounding scenic landscape. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

Today, you’ll cruise into the heart of Passau, where three of Europe’s main rivers converge in the shadows of an impressive castle. On your guided tour of this illustrious German city, you’ll learn how it was rebuilt following fires in the 17th century. Italian architects left their mark with an array of Baroque architecture that still stands today, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, if you’re feeling active, join a guided bike tour along the banks of the River Inn.

Enjoy exploring Passau at your own pace, before returning to your Star-Ship for lunch, followed by an afternoon of leisurely cruising the Danube River. (B/L/D)

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

Today, you’ll sail through the wondrous, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. You can choose to join a guided hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, offering delightful panoramic views of the surrounding medieval villages. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, embark on a guided bike tour in Melk, cycling past terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way.

This afternoon, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true gem overlooking the Wachau Valley from a hill blanketed with vineyards and forests. part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape since 2001, Göttweig Abbey is one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1083, the abbey continues to serve as a spiritual centre in the heart of Lower Austria and is run by a community of about 45 monks. Visible even from a great distance, the abbey provides panoramic views, which you can soak up during your visit here. (B/L/D)

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

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions await in Vienna, a historic city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. For art-lovers, there’s no other place like the Austrian capital, not only as the city brims with museums and artwork, but also because of the sheer diversity. Today’s art tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, embark on a guided cycling tour along the riverbanks to picturesque Danube Island. (B/L/D)

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

A charming scattering of Baroque palaces and Gothic architecture that recount tales of a turbulent communist past are yours to uncover, as you sail towards Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a guided tour that uncovers the city’s fascinating history, taking in the neo-Renaissance splendour of the Slovak National Theatre and the Episcopal Summer Palace.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle and its lovely Baroque gardens, offering the perfect backdrop to the Shakespeare festival that takes place during the summer months.

This afternoon, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy one of our cruise highlights: coffee and cake at the home of a local Slovakian family. Later, relish a farewell dinner with your fellow guests on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)

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

Welcome to Hungary and Budapest, the ‘Pearl of the Danube’ and generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Today, enjoy a guided coach tour, covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. The history of the Hungarian capital displays a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle and you’ll discover there is so much to take in as you pass through this vibrant city.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Gellert Hill and admire the spectacular views across the Danube.

Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided coach tour of Budapest
• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
• DiscoverMORE Jewish Heritage tour (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

Today enjoy your leisure day and continue exploring the magnificent city of Budapest. (B/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.

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. Sit back and enjoy the show, as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills. Tonight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner & reception. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Puszta Equestrian Heritage

This morning,you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, Our EmeraldPLUS excursion will bring you to the home of a Croatian family to share a typical meal from the area while getting to know the local culture and customs. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
• DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra epense)

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities. 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 with a traditional Serbian folklore show providing spectacular entertainment. (B/L/D)

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

In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you’ll 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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
• DiscoverMORE Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)

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 session 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. (B/L/D)

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

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to explore the timeless charm of its elegant architecture and cultural heritage of the city that many call “The Little Vienna”. 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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Rousse
• EmeraldPLUS Choir performance
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
• DiscoverMORE Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (extra expense)

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 before you consider going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel. (B)

• Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace

After breakfast, it’s 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)