Overview

This insightful itinerary crosses into four countries, offering a unique perspective into their past and present simultaneously. Guided walks along the cobblestone streets of Germany tell their own story, and city tours of Vienna and Budapest exemplify how the past can shape the future. Celebrate the ancient as it co-exists with the modern in the Austrian and Hungarian capitals, and gain a personal understanding of why the iconic Danube has acted as inspiration to so many.

8 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Munich - Nuremberg
You will be met at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting for you.
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 - Regensburg

This morning, sail through the picturesque surrounds of the Main-Danube Canal, passing over a series of impressive aqueducts. The medieval centre of Regensburg is yours to discover, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed old town as your local guide leads you down cobblestone streets and past historic patrician houses. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner & reception followed by traditional Bavarian band on board.

Day 3 - Passau

Today's cruising will take you to the heart of Passau, where three of Europe's main rivers converge in the shadows of the castle. Your guided tour of this illustrious city will unveil how it was rebuilt following fires in the 17th century. Italian architects left their mark with a scattering of Baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral. Enjoy exploring the city before returning to your Star-Ship for lunch and an afternoon of sailing along the Danube River. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 - Melk – Dürnstein

History is brought to life in the quaint village of Melk. This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Melk’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Benedictine abbey, stopping to admire beautiful relics in the museum and an extensive collection of ancient manuscripts in the library.

Afterwards, your Star-Ship will sail through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Dürnstein. If you are feeling active, join a guided hike to Dürnstein Castle, a medieval castle where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner.

Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour from Melk to Dürnstein, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before arriving where your Star-Ship is docked in Dürnstein.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Vienna

Welcome to Vienna. The “City of Dreams” was home to the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. Today, you can explore the capital with a drive along the magnificent Ringstrasse and a walking tour of the city. Soak in the opulent façades of the Vienna State Opera and City Hall before admiring the multi-coloured tiled roof of St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Alternatively, embark on a guided cycling tour from where your Star-Ship is docked to the idyllic Danube Island.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Bratislava

A delightful scattering of Baroque palaces, Gothic architecture and blocks that tell tales of a communist past are yours to uncover as we sail towards Bratislava. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s enchanting past, taking in the neo-Renaissance glory of the Slovak National Theatre and the Episcopal Summer Palace.
Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle and its idyllic Baroque gardens, offering the perfect backdrop to the Shakespeare festival that takes place during the summer months.
This afternoon, enjoy a home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family before being welcomed to your Farewell Dinner.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Budapest

Welcome to Budapest, a city generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Enjoy a guided tour, starting at the Liberty Statue and touching on many of Budapest’s highlights, including Heroes’ Square and the Buda Castle district, before a walking tour showcases Matthias Church and panoramic views best admired from the Fisherman’s Bastion. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Buda Hill and gaze over the Danube.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Budapest

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of a Viennese skyline and Baroque masterpieces 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.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour inclusions

• 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
• Airport transfers to and from the ship
• The services of an Emerald Cruises Cruise Director
• Port taxes and charges
• All tipping and gratuities

Included Excursions

• A guided tour of Regensburg
• A guided tour of Passau
• A guided tour to Melk Abbey
• A guided tour of Vienna
• A walking tour of Bratislava
• Guided coach tour of Budapest

Emeraldplus

• Traditional Bavarian band on board
• Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
• Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

EmeraldACTIVE

• Hike around Passau
• A guided bike tour along the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein
• Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
• Guided bike tour in Vienna
• Guided Hike to Bratislava Castle
• A hike to Buda Hill

Dining Highlights

• 20 superb meals including 7 Breakfasts (B), 6 Lunches (L), 7 Dinners (D)
• Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

Choose your preferred departure date