Danube Explorer and Highlights of Budapest

• 9 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
• Guided tour of Melk Abbey
• Bavarian Countryside Experience
• Hike to Veste Oberhaus
• 24 delectable meals including 9 breakfasts (B), 7 lunches (L), 8 dinners (D)
• Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
• Guided tour of Vienna
• Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
• Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
• Guided tour of Bratislava
• Local Slovakian entertainment on board
• Guided bike tour along the Danube River
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
• Port taxes and charges
• Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
• Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
• Guided bike tour in Vienna
• All tipping and gratuities
• Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest
• Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
• Hike to Gellert Hill

Day 1 Munich - Passau

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.

Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.

Day 2  Passau

Today, you’ll sample homemade specialities and explore the customs and traditions of Bavarian agriculture during a visit to a local farm. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, soaking up views such as the hilltop church of Mariahilf and the ancient St. Severin, dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.

EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian Countryside Experience

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Veste Oberhaus

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Bavaria Live (extra expense)

Day 3 Linz - Cesky Krumlov

Crossing the border into the Czech Republic, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint 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

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Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)

Day 4 Melk - Weissenkirchen

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Danube River en-route to Melk. Here, you’ll explore the golden halls of Melk Abbey on today’s included tour.

Afterwards, you’ll have the choice to sail through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen, or if you’re feeling active cycle from Melk along the Danube River, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture.

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in Weissenkircken

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Wachau Experience (extra expense)

Day 4 Vienna

Discover the classical charms of Vienna as we take you through the city. Uncover the cafés, artisan studios and baroque majesty of Vienna's imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstraße will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on Donauinsel, the Danube Island.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Vienna

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Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Day 5 Vienna - Bratislava 

This morning you will sail to Bratislava.  Explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is within walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to the fairy tale-like Bratislava Castle.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bratislava

EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

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Carpathian Wine Route (extra expense)

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Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

Day 7 Budapest

This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship while we sail from Slovakia to Hungary. In Budapest, an exciting program awaits you. As you sail into this magnificent city, it becomes immediately apparent why the Hungarian capital is known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’.  In the afternoon, explore the city's cobbled medieval quarter 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 independently.

Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Day 8 Budapest

Venture into the city independently to explore Budapest's hidden treasures.If you're feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways of the area around Buda Castle.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill

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Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)

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Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)

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Budapest by Night (extra expense)

Day 9 Budapest

On your last full day in Budapest, we invite you to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show for a truly immersive local experience. This is a great chance to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before going home.

EmeraldPLUS
Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest

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Retro tour of post-Communist Budapest (extra expense)

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Etyek Uncorked (extra expense, only available on select dates)

 Day 9 Budapest

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities 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.