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Early Season on the Danube

4.9/5 Based on 7 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Early Season on the Danube

4.9/5 Based on 7 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Our Price From
US$2,334
Save $6,222pp
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Munich
8 Day Early Season on the Danube Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Munich
8 Day Early Season on the Danube Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
EWPA-4
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
EWPA-4

Overview

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. Embrace the magic of winter as the Danube River carries you through Europe’s most captivating cities. Sail through the peaceful Wachau Valley and experience the warmth of Austrian hospitality. Experience for yourself why Vienna is known as the capital of art with its world-class museums, historic architecture, and long tradition of music and culture. In Budapest, immerse yourself in rich history and vibrant culture read more at your own pace, where every corner invites exploration.
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns. Embrace the magic of winter as the Danube River carries you through Europe’s most captivating cities. Sail through the peaceful Wachau Valley and experience the warmth of Austrian hospitality. Experience for yourself why Vienna is known as the capital of art with its world-class museums, historic architecture, and long tradition of music and culture. In Budapest, immerse yourself in rich history and vibrant culture read more at your own pace, where every corner invites exploration.

Itinerary

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)

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)

Life Onboard Emerald Star

Emerald Star
Emerald Star

Get lost in the romance of Europe's rivers with every comfort taken care of on Emerald Star. Read more

EmeraldPLUS
EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

Active Life on the River
Active Life on the River

With a small gym, walking track, heated pool and putting green you can keep active on board. 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

Wellness and Beauty
Wellness and Beauty

Keep up your wellness routine with a fitness class or have a treatment in the onboard salon. Read more

Swimming Pool and Cinema
Swimming Pool and Cinema

The relaxing pool deck offers views from the stern and transforms to a cinema at night. Read more

Trip Reviews (7) View All Most Recent 'Early Season on the Danube' Reviews

4.9
Average Rating 4.9 / 5
7 Reviews
5 Star
86%
4 Star
14%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Amazing experience 0 , SA, Australia, Dec 2025
We have just finished the Budapest to Amsterdam Christmas Market Cruise. Wow!! What an unforgettable experience. The whole crew were amazing - from our cabin Steward, Rendi, to the Cruise director, Armin, and the Entertainment director, James, the serving staff and bar staff..... I cannot fault one of them. The food was delicious. The markets and tours read more were fun, informative and memorable. We will definitely be doing another cruise with Emerald.
Splendours of Europe 0 , Australia, Oct 2025
The holiday itself was very good with highlights including Emerald River European Cruise destinations - our favourite's being Vienna and Salzberg.
Emerald Cruising is the best way to River Cruise. 0 , NSW, Australia, Aug 2025
Emerald have done everything right for the younger river cruising people. Meal changes daily with matching to local wines.
Arranged daily tours for every city. Bikes available all the time.
Rhine river cruise 0 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2024
Our river cruise was excellent thanks to Rachel McSorley's information and guidance she gave us. The food and drinks were excellent and our sight seeing tours were well informed. We met up with some lovely people including a few Australians. The entertainment that the two young ladies was very funny and enjoyable. We would recommend it to our friends read more and my sister was on the cruise coming up from Basel when we departed our cruise with Scenic. Thank you very much.
Beautiful river cruise 2 , Auckland, New Zealand, Aug 2024
So glad we have done this river cruise! Beautiful river, excellent customer service, food was great! Recommend to all. Happy customers.
Christmas Markets on the Rhine 5 , Christchurch, New Zealand, Dec 2022
We made new friends and took home many wonderful memories. From the hotel on arrival in Amsterdam to the hotel at the end in Basel, the whole trip was supremely organized. The crew onboard were very good at their job and clearly enjoyed what they do. Nothing was a problem and the smaller number on board a river boat meant we could be alone if we wanted read more or part of a group when we wanted. The food was outstanding.

Dates & Pricing USD USD

Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $2,334
From $2,868
From $5,244
Saturday 07 Mar 2026 07 Mar 26 Budapest
Saturday 14 Mar 2026 14 Mar 26 Munich
Details
Emerald Dawn
Wave Offer
River View
Sold Out
Unavailable
Sold Out
Saturday 06 Mar 2027 06 Mar 27 Budapest
Saturday 13 Mar 2027 13 Mar 27 Munich
Details
Emerald Star
Wave Offer
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$2,334
Save $5,056
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Saturday 20 Mar 2027 20 Mar 27 Budapest
Saturday 27 Mar 2027 27 Mar 27 Munich
Details
Emerald Star
Wave Offer
Exclusive Savings
River View
US$2,916
Save $5,674
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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. 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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