Wines of the Danube

Welcome to Hungary and its vibrant capital, Budapest. Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board. Later, enjoy dinner on board with your fellow guests. (D)

EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show performed on board your Emerald Star-Ship.

Known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’, Budapest presents one of the most cosmopolitan and historic cities in Eastern Europe. The history of this Hungarian capital displays a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle along with striking contrasts. The ‘Buda’ district on one side houses a generous scattering of the city’s elegant landmarks, while the ‘Pest’ district on the other side encapsulates its fascinating past. Separated by the mighty Danube, you can explore both districts by crossing the 19th-century Chain Bridge, one of the most symbolic structures in the Hungarian capital. (B/L/D)

Included Excursion Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
Explore the atmospheric cobblestone streets and medieval quarters of Budapest as you embark on a coach tour through the 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 time to explore this vibrant market at your own pace.

EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, you may choose to hike to Gellert Hill with a local guide. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of World War II. Several 18th-century Baroque houses remain standing and are best explored along the medieval-era paths and alleyways that encircle Buda Castle.

DiscoverMORE Etyek Uncorked (extra expense)
Just beyond Budapest, Etyek is a tranquil wine region celebrated for its distinctive wines. The area's climate and soil are ideal for cultivating varieties like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Wineries here mix old traditions with modern methods, and visitors can stroll through cellar-lined streets and enjoy vineyard views. The region's proximity to Budapest makes it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts seeking both quality wines and a peaceful countryside escape. Today, you’ll explore the charming wine region of Etyek, strolling through its vineyards and visiting a historic cellar, before enjoying a six-course tasting of local wines.

DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Just north of Budapest and set along the banks of the Danube, visit the small, picturesque town of Szentendre. On today’s fascinating walking tour, stroll the pedestrianised centre of the Old City and along narrow, cobblestone streets. Soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere that has inspired numerous artists for generations and admire well-preserved Baroque architecture, centuries-old churches and colourful houses. The charming main square, Fo Tér and alleyways leading off here come lined with art galleries, museums and shops.

This morning, relax on board your Emerald Star-Ship as you cruise into Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Set along the Danube River at a historic crossroads of Europe, Bratislava blends ancient Celtic roots with centuries of Hungarian and Habsburg influences. Its compact Old Town is renowned for its Baroque palaces, inviting cafés and the hilltop Bratislava Castle overlooking the river. Rich in history as a one-time coronation city for Hungarian kings, Bratislava today is a lively centre of Slovak culture and commerce, where Old-World charm meets a vibrant, modern atmosphere. (B/L/D)

Included Excursion Carpathian Wine tasting
Explore the storied viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route. Here, you’ll delight in sampling some delicious local wines in a historic wine cellar that dates back centuries.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
Alternatively, those feeling more active may join 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 Grimm’s fairytale. Standing on an isolated rocky hill directly above the Danube, this impressive building has been rebuilt several times, most recently in Renaissance-style. From the castle hilltop, admire the panoramic views spanning Bratislava.

EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board
This evening, enjoy some typically local Slovakian entertainment on board your Emerald Star-Ship.

DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
Discover Bratislava’s turbulent 20th-century history on a guided tour in a legendary Czechoslovak Škoda car or van, where authentic personal stories from your local guide bring the former Communist era vividly to life. Journey off-the-beaten path to Soviet-era landmarks like the Slavín monument, the vast concrete housing estates, post-industrial sites and the Iron Curtain border zone. Experience the city’s Communist architecture and history through the eyes of your local guide and enjoy a taste of authentic refreshments from the era. This immersive tour offers a unique insight into everyday life behind the Iron Curtain.

Austria’s grand capital on the Danube, Vienna, perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy. This magnificent city is celebrated for its ornate imperial palaces, elegant historic centre and rich cultural and artistic heritage – once the residence of prolific composers, including Mozart and Beethoven. Vienna dazzles with illustrious sights such as Schönbrunn Palace, the Hofburg, and Belvedere Palace, all set amidst Baroque architecture and lush gardens. Renowned museums, including the Kunsthistorisches and MuseumsQuartier, delight with their world-class collections. (B/L/D)

Included Excursion Panoramic Vienna City Tour and Klosterneuburg, Abbey Wine Tour
Discover Vienna’s classical charms as your local guide takes you through the heart of the city, where the Austrian capital’s imperial grandeur awaits. The World Heritage-listed historic centre was formerly a fortified Roman frontier city, and a drive around the Ringstrasse, one of the world’s most beautiful boulevards, will reveal striking architectural styles, including Renaissance and Baroque, from across the last millennia.

Afterwards, enjoy a special wine tour at Klosterneuburg Abbey, overlooking the Danube. Founded in 1114 by Margrave Leopold III of Babenberg, this is one of Austria’s oldest and most historically significant monasteries. Visit the historic Press House, beautifully illuminated by a stunning light installation, then descend into the Baroque wine cellar to learn about Austria’s renowned ‘DAC’ wines. Continue through the barrel cellar, where wines are aged under ideal conditions and conclude with a tasting of four wines (or cloudy apple juices).

EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour of Vienna
Alternatively, if you’re feeling more energetic, explore the outskirts of Vienna on two wheels, as part of a guided e-bike tour. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll pedal along picturesque riverbanks and cycling paths to Danube Island. During your e-bike tour, your informative guide will share fascinating stories about Vienna, so you can immerse yourself in a different side of the Austrian capital that many visitors don’t get to experience.

DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
With Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert among its historical repertoire, Vienna is regarded as the world capital of opera and classical music. The rich musical legacy that flows through the city is evident everywhere, from street buskers to formal performances in one of the capital’s renowned venues. Enjoy an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna’s most beautiful concert halls, with classic favourites performed, including the iconic ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and ‘Radetzky March.’ A complimentary glass of sparkling wine upon arrival simply adds to this unforgettable occasion.

Effortlessly suspended in time, the delightful Austrian town of Weissenkirchen is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm climate creates the ideal setting for viticulture.
Later, cruise through the World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, a delightful Austrian town. Nestled in the heart of the Wachau Valley and esteemed wine region, Melk’s history dates back to Roman times and early medieval rulers such as the Babenbergs. It is best known for its magnificent Abbey, a Baroque masterpiece resting high above the Danube. This vibrant town charms visitors with its blend of stunning architecture, wonderful river views, and rich cultural heritage, anchored by the world-famous Melk Abbey. (B/L/D)

Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey
In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey, originally a lavish castle that was gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century. Within the ancient monastic library, this opulent Baroque building houses some of the most important and extensive collections of medieval manuscripts in the world.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided e-bike tour along the Danube River
If you’re feeling more active, enjoy a guided e-bike ride along the Danube River or hike to Weissenkirchen. As you cycle through the breathtaking scenery of the Wachau Valley, a World Heritage Site, you’ll pass esteemed vineyards, quaint towns and beautiful riverscapes.

EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
Today, join a guided hike through delightful Weissenkirchen, the largest wine community in this famous Austrian wine region, before cruising onwards to Melk.

Please note: You can only choose one EmeraldACTIVE today – the e-bike or hike – as they take place at the same time.

DiscoverMORE Visit to Schallaburg Castle (extra expense)
Schallaburg Castle is a typical Central European countryside manor, where construction began around 1,000 years ago. European history has left its mark on this historical site, considered among the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Central Europe. This fascinating tour will give you unique insight into the changing purposes of such a castle from the Middle Ages to the twenty-first century.

DiscoverMORE Mauthausen concentration camp and memorial tour (extra expense)
Visit the Mauthausen Memorial with your local guide and discover the history of one of Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camps. You’ll observe the camp’s remnants, including the barracks and stone quarry, which played a pivotal role during its operations. Learn about the sobering events that took place there and the camp’s significance in World War II, gaining a deeper understanding of this important historical site.

This morning, your Emerald Star-Ship will arrive in Linz, an Austrian city that straddles the Danube River. From here, you’ll be transferred by coach to the World Heritage-listed, historic centre of Ceský Krumlov, a delightful Czech town. (B/D)

EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
Join your insightful local guide on a walking tour of Ceský Krumlov. Stroll along the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets lined with colourful façades of centuries-old buildings and learn how they have survived the test of time. This charming town surrounds the World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will take in the 15th-century St. Vitus Church and a number of striking Gothic façades.

Narrow cobblestone streets welcome you upon your arrival in Passau, known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’. 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, bordering Austria, and displays a distinctive blend of cultures. (B/L/D)

Included Excursion Bavarian Beer Experience
Learn about German traditions linked to beer and the local folklore that shaped the region’s brewing culture. Hear stories of how brewing has been passed down through generations and the role beer plays in local festivals and celebrations. Enjoy tasting regional beer and discovering the flavours that make it unique to the area.

EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
Alternatively, embark on a guided hike, taking in sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty. You can also enjoy stunning views of the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, as well as the Old Town of Passau and St. Stephen's Cathedral.

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with cherished memories of the Danube’s wealth of heritage sights, exclusive viticulture immersions and rich cultural traditions.

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)