You’ll 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 to greet you. This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board. 

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Bavarian band on board

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

Explore the medieval centre of Regensburg with a local guide, walking the cobblestone streets, passing the patrician houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, and stopping by to sample the traditional Bavarian sausage just as the locals enjoy in this region. Alternatively, join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the river and the surrounding landscape.  

EmeraldPLUS
Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

Today, we’ll cruise into 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 an array of Baroque architecture that still stands today, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, if you’re feeling active, you can join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.  

Enjoy exploring the city before returning to your Star-Ship for lunch and an afternoon of sailing along the Danube River. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the River Inn

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Excursion to the Bavarian Forest (extra expense)

Today, we will sail through the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. In Dürnstein you can choose to hike the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, offering delightful panoramic views of the surrounding medieval villages. If you are feeling more active, you can embark on a guided bike tour in Dürnstein, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before meeting your Star-Ship where it is docked.  

This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape since 2001, it is one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1083, it continues to serve as a spiritual centre in the heart of Lower Austria and is run by a community of about 45 monks. Visible even from great distance, the abbey provides epic panorama views when you visit. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube River 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. For art-lovers, there’s no other place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is packed with museums and artwork but also because of its variety. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.  

Alternatively, embark on a guided cycling tour from where your Star-Ship is docked to the idyllic Danube Island. 

Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Vienna

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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

A delightful scattering of Baroque palaces and Gothic architecture 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 history, 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 one of the cruise highlights:coffee and cake in the home of a Slovakian family before being welcomed to your farewell dinner. 

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

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Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

Welcome to Budapest, a city generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Enjoy a guided city 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.  

Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill and gaze over the Danube. 

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill

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Jewish Heritage tour (extra expense)

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking wonderful memories of the Viennese skyline and architectural 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. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.