Overview
Embark on a tour around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to soak up the Austrian capital’s imperial grandeur, including magnificent palaces and enjoy a walking tour of the historic city centre. You’ll also cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley and explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov, a charming Czech town where the medieval buildings and Gothic façades will transport you back in time to the Middle Ages. Conclude your memorable European voyage in charming Passau, nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways, where a visit to a typical Bavarian farm awaits.
Itinerary
Welcome to Hungary and the ‘Pearl of the Danube,’ Budapest. You’ll be met at the airport and then transferred to the stylish surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board. This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, join your fellow guests to enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show performed on board your Star-Ship. (D)
- EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Today, explore the atmospheric cobblestone streets and medieval quarter of Budapest, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Your insightful guide will explain all about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene as you tour the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this vibrant market at your own pace.
Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, you can choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of World War II. Several 18th century Baroque houses still remain standing and are best explored along the medieval-era paths and alleyways that encircle Buda Castle. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
- EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
- DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship as you sail into the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. This graceful nation became an independent country in 1993, and since then, Bratislava has flourished as a new capital and made a name for itself as a cultural centre. The romantic cobblestone lanes that weave through the city are yours to explore with your insightful local guide. Enjoy a walking tour of the 18th century Old Town, taking in the Slovak National Theatre and a wealth of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings.
Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, a city landmark steeped in legend that looks as though it has been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. Standing on an isolated rocky hill directly above the Danube, this impressive building has been rebuilt several times, most recently in Renaissance-style. Tonight, enjoy some typically local Slovakian entertainment on board your Star-Ship. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Walking tour of Bratislava
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
- EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
- DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
- DiscoverMORE Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)
Historic boulevards and imperial grandeur welcome you to Vienna, the magnificent Austrian capital. Vienna perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces, some of which you’ll be able to see during your guided coach tour of the famous Ringstrasse, one of the world’s most beautiful boulevards. Afterwards, embark on a guided walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre, where you can admire classical architectural styles, legacies of the melting pot of artistic influences that have existed here since the turn of the 20th century. Some of Austria’s most important – and exquisite - buildings line the Ringstrasse, including the Neo-Renaissance Vienna State Opera, City Hall and Parliament, as well as splendid palaces. Alternatively, If you’re feeling more active, choose to explore Vienna on two wheels, as part of a guided bike tour, cycling along the riverbanks to scenic Danube Island. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour of Vienna
- DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
Effortlessly suspended in time, Weissenkirchen is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm climate creates the perfect setting for viticulture. Later, sail through the scenic, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, a delightful Austrian town, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Originally a lavish castle that was gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century, this opulent Baroque building houses some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts in the world. (B/L/D)
- Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube River
- EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
- DiscoverMORE Visit to Schallaburg Castle (extra expense)
This morning, your Star-Ship will arrive in Linz. You’ll then be transferred by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of Ceský Krumlov, a delightful Czech town. Join your insightful local guide on a walking tour along the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets lined with colourful façades of buildings and learn how they survived the test of time. The town surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will take in the 15th century St. Vitus Church and a number of charming Gothic façades. (B/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
- DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)
Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly-baked gingerbread, a local delicacy, welcome you upon your arrival in Passau. Nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways – the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers – this charming German town is an important historic trading centre and bordering Austria, displaying a distinctive blend of cultures.
You’ll later experience a typical Bavarian farm for some interesting insights into the daily life of local farmers and livestock farming, then have a chance to sample some homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can embark on a guided hike, taking in sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty. (B/L/D)
- EmeraldPLUS Bavarian Countryside Experience
- EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
- DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)
This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with cherished memories of a wealth of Europe’s iconic sights and cultural treasures.
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
Indulge in exquisite first class dining and amenities when you take a European river cruise on Emerald Dawn. Read more
Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more
Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more
Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more
From onboard shows to local performances, there's never a dull moment during an Emerald Cruises river cruise. Read more
Pamper and relax with a massage or facial and recharge with a yoga class on the sun deck. Read more
Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Danube Explorer' Reviews
The crew were fantastic, I couldn't fault them, they gave 110% but there was still a feeling that we should have had more information before leaving and maybe a couple of the locations for tours might have been better, particularly the Cathedral at Krems. This tour was a bit of a non event as much of the building was closed. The Vienna concert evening was expensive for what it was and not particularly well organised, there was a lot of standing around before people were shown to their seats, not good for over passengers. The concert was also very short. We did another one in Vienna a week later, half the cost and lasted another 40 minutes.
All the tour guides were great though. Very informative and often funny. Great history lessons to be had. The food was excellent, varied and plentiful for a first time cruiser, there were some old hands who had done multiple cruises that didn't agree, so maybe that needs looking at. The entertainment was fun and well done, Dressen was always on the go making sure everyone was happy.
Janina worked really hard to ensure everyone was informed and catered for. Her port talks were excellent. I would have liked to have seen more scenery as we sailed along , most of our movements were done at night, possibly partly because of the shorter days too. All in all it was great , we both enjoyed it very much.
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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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