Early Season on the Danube

Welcome to the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest. You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for a traditional Hungarian folklore show. (D)

• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

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 plenty of time for exploration. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
• DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion City tour of Bratislava
• EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
• DiscoverMORE Carpathian Wine route (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. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to Schönbrunn Palace
• 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 weather creates the perfect setting for viticulture.

Later, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, 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 is home to 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. (B/L/D)

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

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Linz, where you’ll be transferred by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of Ceský Krumlov, a town built around a 13th-century castle. Join your local guide on a walk along the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, passing the colourful façades of buildings, as you learn about how they have survived the test of time. The town surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will include the 15th-century St. Vitus Church and a number of delightful Gothic façades. (B/D)

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

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. Later on during your EmeraldPLUS experience, you will have the chance to enjoy a traditional Bavarian band on board. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Guided Tour of Passau
• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Bavarian band on board
• DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Europe’s iconic skylines 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)