Early Season on the Danube

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. In the evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy some typical local entertainment with a Traditional Bavarian Band.

• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band on board

Embark on a guided tour to Passau. Explore its beautiful historic center, featuring charming baroque buildings, stunning riverside views, and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. This important historic trading center, known as the City of Three Rivers—where three of Europe’s main waterways converge—borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures.

• Included Excursion Guided Tour of Passau
• 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.

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

Today, sit back and relax as you cruise down the mighty Danube River in the early hours of the morning, passing by some of the world’s most esteemed wine-producing vineyards and gaze over the peaceful Wachau Valley, before arriving in Melk. During your included tour of this delightful Austrian town, stroll through the gold-leaf halls 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. During your EmeraldPLUS experience, you will have the chance to experience some of the Wachaus's valleys typical tastes.

• Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
• EmeraldPLUS Taste of Wachau
• DiscoverMORE Winery visit and wine tasting in Wachau (extra expense)

Explore the classical charms of Vienna during a visit to Schönnbrun Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg Empire, is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe. Today, it is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage-listed site due to its historic importance, unique grounds and splendid furnishings.

• Included Excursion Visit to Schönbrunn Palace
• DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Relax on board as we sail into the capital of Slovakia this morning. This graceful nation of leafy avenues 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 local guide, as you enjoy the tour of the ancient town centre, including the Slovak National Theatre and a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings. Tonight, enjoy some local Slovakian entertainment on board.

• Included Excursion City tour of Bratislava
• EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
• 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.

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