Danube Explorer

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

Danube Explorer

5.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
River View
$3,559
Balcony
$4,777
Suite
$6,212
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Munich
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
8 Day Danube Explorer Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Munich
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
8 Day Danube Explorer Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EWPA-1
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2015
Cruise Code
EWPA-1

Overview

The iconic Danube river guides you on a gentle journey, enabling you to soak up Europe’s cultural wonders at leisure. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to enchanting Dürnstein. Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, drive around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to view the city’s marvellous architecture, and let inspiring Budapest tell tales of its past, while proudly looking forward to the future.
The iconic Danube river guides you on a gentle journey, enabling you to soak up Europe’s cultural wonders at leisure. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to enchanting Dürnstein. Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, drive around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to view the city’s marvellous architecture, and let inspiring Budapest tell tales of its past, while proudly looking forward to the future.

Itinerary

Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Passau. A warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM. (D)

Today, you’ll gain fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarians during a visit to a farm, where you’ll also be able to try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
  • EmeraldPLUS Bavarian brunch
  • DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech town has one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the 15th-century St. Vitus’ Church and a series of delightful Gothic façades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages.

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
  • DiscoverMORE Linzer torte making workshop (extra expense) (B/D)

Relax as we cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s best wine-producing vineyards, before arriving in Melk.

On your included tour today, walk the gold-leaf halls of Melk Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. When you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, you can stay in Melk and cycle to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike in Weissenkirchen with activity manager
  • Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
  • DiscoverMORE Vineyard hike & wine tasting in Weissenkirchen (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Discover the classical charms of Vienna today. As we take you through the heart of the city, we’ll point out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre.

Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on the Danube Island.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marvelling at the everchanging scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle – its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre.

  • EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Bratislava
  • DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene and the tour will finish at the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own.

If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand and are best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.

  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
  • Included Excursion Culinary tour of Budapest with Grand Market visit
  • DiscoverMORE Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Hungarian Bath Experience (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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 apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities 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 Munich, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Passau. A warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM. (D)

Today, you’ll gain fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarians during a visit to a farm, where you’ll also be able to try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
  • EmeraldPLUS Bavarian brunch
  • DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech town has one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the 15th-century St. Vitus’ Church and a series of delightful Gothic façades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages.

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
  • DiscoverMORE Linzer torte making workshop (extra expense) (B/D)

Relax as we cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s best wine-producing vineyards, before arriving in Melk.

On your included tour today, walk the gold-leaf halls of Melk Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. When you arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, you can stay in Melk and cycle to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike in Weissenkirchen with activity manager
  • Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
  • DiscoverMORE Vineyard hike & wine tasting in Weissenkirchen (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Discover the classical charms of Vienna today. As we take you through the heart of the city, we’ll point out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre.

Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on the Danube Island.

  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marvelling at the everchanging scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle – its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre.

  • EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Bratislava
  • DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense) (B/L/D)

Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene and the tour will finish at the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own.

If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand and are best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.

  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
  • Included Excursion Culinary tour of Budapest with Grand Market visit
  • DiscoverMORE Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Hungarian Bath Experience (extra expense) (B/L/D)

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 apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities 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 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

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

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 (1) Most Recent 'Danube Explorer' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Fantastic European River cruise 1 , 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.

Brochure

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.

Brochure

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.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Exclusive Deal
Sunday 14 Apr 2024
Sunday 21 Apr 2024
Ship Emerald Star
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
Save $1,053
$5,202
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Exclusive Deal
Saturday 18 May 2024
Saturday 25 May 2024
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $842
$4,153
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,055
$5,400
View Cabins
Suite
Save $473
$7,202
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 09 Jun 2024
Sunday 16 Jun 2024
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $845
$4,420
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,055
$5,400
View Cabins
Suite
Save $473
$7,202
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Friday 14 Jun 2024
Friday 21 Jun 2024
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $842
$4,153
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,052
$5,173
View Cabins
Suite
Save $473
$7,202
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 27 Oct 2024
Sunday 03 Nov 2024
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $843
$4,222
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,050
$4,975
View Cabins
Suite
Save $471
$7,004
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 14 Apr 2024
Sunday 21 Apr 2024
Ship Emerald Star
River View
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Balcony
Save $1,109
$10,751
View Cabins
Suite
SOLD OUT
Unavailable
Exclusive Deal
Saturday 18 May 2024
Saturday 25 May 2024
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $885
$8,455
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,113
$11,147
View Cabins
Suite
Save $543
$14,157
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 09 Jun 2024
Sunday 16 Jun 2024
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $891
$8,989
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,113
$11,147
View Cabins
Suite
Save $543
$14,157
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Friday 14 Jun 2024
Friday 21 Jun 2024
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $855
$5,430
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,108
$10,692
View Cabins
Suite
Save $543
$14,157
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 27 Oct 2024
Sunday 03 Nov 2024
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $887
$8,593
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,104
$10,296
View Cabins
Suite
Save $539
$13,761
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 30 Mar 2025
Sunday 06 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Dawn
River View
Save $841
$4,054
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,051
$5,074
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,363
$6,212
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Thursday 15 May 2025
Thursday 22 May 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
Save $844
$4,351
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,054
$5,371
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,366
$6,509
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Saturday 14 Jun 2025
Saturday 21 Jun 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $844
$4,351
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,054
$5,371
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,366
$6,509
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Saturday 09 Aug 2025
Saturday 16 Aug 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $1,336
$3,559
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,348
$4,777
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,363
$6,212
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Saturday 06 Sep 2025
Saturday 13 Sep 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $844
$4,351
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,054
$5,371
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,366
$6,509
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 26 Oct 2025
Sunday 02 Nov 2025
Ship Emerald Dawn
River View
Save $841
$4,054
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,051
$5,074
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,363
$6,212
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 30 Mar 2025
Sunday 06 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Dawn
River View
Save $855
$5,480
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,106
$10,494
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,432
$13,068
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Thursday 15 May 2025
Thursday 22 May 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
Save $858
$5,777
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,112
$11,088
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,438
$13,662
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Saturday 14 Jun 2025
Saturday 21 Jun 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $858
$5,777
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,112
$11,088
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,438
$13,662
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Saturday 09 Aug 2025
Saturday 16 Aug 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $1,350
$4,985
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,403
$10,197
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,432
$13,068
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Saturday 06 Sep 2025
Saturday 13 Sep 2025
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $858
$5,777
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,112
$11,088
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,438
$13,662
View Cabins
Exclusive Deal
Sunday 26 Oct 2025
Sunday 02 Nov 2025
Ship Emerald Dawn
River View
Save $855
$5,480
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,106
$10,494
View Cabins
Suite
Save $1,432
$13,068
View Cabins
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.

Similar River Cruises

9 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe (Emerald Cruises)

9 Days Bucharest Budapest

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 5,207
Save 848
9 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe (Emerald Cruises)

9 Days Budapest Bucharest

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 4,960
Save 848
14 Day Rhine Castles & Moselle Vineyards & Lucerne - Zurich (Emerald Cruises)

14 Days Amsterdam Zurich

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 7,034
Save 2,571
14 Day Copenhagen to Zurich & Jewels of the Rhine (Emerald Cruises)

14 Days Copenhagen Zurich

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 7,479
Save 1,376

Travel Styles