Danube Explorer

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. (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. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
• EmeraldPLUS Bavarian Countryside Experience
• DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)

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. (B/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
• DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)

Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s finest wine-producing vineyards.

Later, you’ll arrive in Melk, an Austrian town nestled along the Danube River. On today’s included tour, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the gold-leaf halls of 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery that is home to rare medieval manuscripts. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through Austria’s spectacular Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, remain in Melk and take a guided bike tour to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that reveals a different perspective on the region’s esteemed viticulture. Take the chance to join a guided hike in the afternoon through the vineyards and soak in the spirit of the Wachaus valley nature. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
• DiscoverMORE Wachau Valley Experience (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna
• DiscoverMORE Guided bike tour of Vienna (extra expense)

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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
• EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
• DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)

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 while touring 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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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)