Welcome to Budapest, one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Eastern Europe. Here, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you.

This evening, relax on board as you enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show.

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

Budapest is a place of striking contrasts, with Buda on one side housing a generous scattering of the city’s elegant landmarks, and Pest on the other encapsulating its fascinating past. Separated by the mighty Danube, you can explore them both by crossing the Chain Bridge, one of the most symbolic structures in the capital.

Today, you will have the opportunity to discover the city’s history during a guided tour covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. . Enjoy, some free to continue exploring some of beautiful Christmas Market in Budapest.

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

EmeraldPLUS
Christmas traditions in Europe lecture (on board)

Bordering Austria and Hungary, the Slovakian capital is yours to discover today. Wander down cobblestone streets and witness the sheer majesty of ornate Baroque palaces as you explore with a local guide, passing the Renaissance courtyard of the Old Town Hall and the picturesque gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore at leisure, perhaps perusing some of the quaint boutiques that line the streets.This afternoon, you will be welcomed into the home of a local family to learn about their culture over traditional sweet treats and coffee.

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Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

A wave of culture paves the way for life in the Austrian capital, where some of history’s most prestigious composers once walked the streets and found their inspiration. Today, by coach and on foot, you will have the opportunity to pass the iconic imperial palaces and noteworthy buildings adorning the Ringstrasse, including the Vienna State Opera.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna

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Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)

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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

This morning, you will have the opportunity to hike to Dürnstein Castle, perhaps stopping to imagine how it would have looked when Richard the Lionheart was held captive following the Third Crusade.
After visiting Dürnstein Castle, relax on the Sun Deck as you sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and on to Melk, nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Your local guide will take you on a tour of the spectacular 900-year-old Benedictine abbey, including its ancient monastic library and medieval manuscripts saved from fires by the monks in the 13th century.

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey

Sat on the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, Passau is a postcard-worthy destination that has been shaped by the surrounding waterways. Maze-like romantic lanes weave through the city, opening up into large squares and magical promenades adorned with classical boutiques.

This afternoon, join your local guide for a tour of Passau and discover a peppering of delightful Baroque buildings, some of which date back to the 17th century. Stop to admire the silhouette of the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress and witness St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home of the largest church organ in Europe.
Later, return for an afternoon spent peacefully cruising through the heart of Europe.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau

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Excursion to Salzburg (extra expense)

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Excursion to Ceský Krumlov (extra expense)

After breakfast, set out on an exploration of one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Germany, where more than two millennia of history is yours to discover. Your local guide will lead you through the heart of Regensburg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, once home to the seat of parliament. Delightful historic patrician houses line the streets, a visible testament to the area’s importance as a trading centre hundreds of years ago. As part of one of your EmeraldPLUS features, you will also have a chance to visit the wonderful Christmas Market inside the Thurn & Taxis Palace grounds.

Later, return to your Star-Ship to sail through the picturesque surrounds of the Main-Danube Canal, passing Kelheim as you make your way to Nuremberg.

EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian band performance on board

EmeraldPLUS
Visit to the Christmas market in the Thurn und Taxis Palace grounds

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Regensburg

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and depart your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of the postcard-worthy Danube River with you.

Please book your flight to depart out of Nuremberg after 03:00 PM.