Discovery of the Danube: 16 days Bucharest to Munich

Welcome to Bucharest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, perfectly situated in the city, for your overnight stay.

Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, the centre of Bucharest encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at your leisure.
After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace

Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the city that many call “The Little Vienna”. Immerse yourself in the beauty of its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture and stroll along the charming promenade.If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes.
Tonight, you’ll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rousse

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

EmeraldPLUS
Choir concert

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Full day Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi (extra expense)

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting session. Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country

Included Excursion
Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress

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Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)

This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe.

Included Excursion
Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

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Golubac Castle Visit (extra expense)

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks. The coach will pass through the centre, where you’ll notice reminders of the country’s turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour.
This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment.

Included Excursion
Highlights of Belgrade

EmeraldPLUS
Serbian folklore evening show on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Belgrade

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Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

Today, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch.
Enjoy an afternoon of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

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Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)

In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.

Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.

EmeraldPLUS
Puszta Equestrian Heritage

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Enjoy plenty of free time to explore Eastern Europe’s liveliest city at your leisure. The ‘Pearl on the Danube’ is a truly breathtaking sight, where dozens of lights adorn the stone bridges that cross the mighty Danube, separating both sides of the city. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Today, explore the atmospheric cobblestone streets and medieval quarter of Budapest, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO 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 the opportunity to explore this vibrant market at your own pace.

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

Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship as you sail into the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. This graceful nation became an independent country in 1993, and since then, Bratislava has flourished as a new capital and made a name for itself as a cultural centre. The romantic cobblestone lanes that weave through the city are yours to explore with your insightful local guide. Enjoy a walking tour of the 18th century Old Town, taking in the Slovak National Theatre and a wealth of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings.

Alternatively, embark on 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 fairytale. Standing on an isolated rocky hill directly above the Danube, this impressive building has been rebuilt several times, most recently in Renaissance-style. Tonight, enjoy some typically local Slovakian entertainment on board your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board

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Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

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Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)

Historic boulevards and imperial grandeur welcome you to Vienna, the magnificent Austrian capital.  Vienna perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces, some of which you’ll be able to see during your guided coach tour of the famous Ringstrasse, one of the world’s most beautiful boulevards.  Afterwards, embark on a guided walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre, where you can admire classical architectural styles, legacies of the melting pot of artistic influences that have existed here since the turn of the 20th century. Some of Austria’s most important – and exquisite - buildings line the Ringstrasse, including the Neo-Renaissance Vienna State Opera, City Hall and Parliament, as well as splendid palaces. Alternatively, If you’re feeling more active, choose to explore Vienna on two wheels, as part of a guided bike tour, cycling along the riverbanks to scenic Danube Island.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Vienna

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Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Effortlessly suspended in time, Weissenkirchen is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm climate creates the perfect setting for viticulture. Later, sail through the scenic, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, a delightful Austrian town, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Originally a lavish castle that was gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century, this opulent Baroque building houses some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts in the world.

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube River

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in Weissenkirchen

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 Visit to Schallaburg Castle (extra expense)

This morning, your Star-Ship will arrive in Linz. You’ll then be transferred by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of Ceský Krumlov, a delightful Czech town. Join your insightful local guide on a walking tour along the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets lined with colourful façades of buildings and learn how they survived the test of time. The town surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will take in the 15th century St. Vitus Church and a number of charming  Gothic façades.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov

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

Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly-baked gingerbread, a local delicacy, welcome you upon your arrival in Passau. 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 and bordering Austria, displaying a distinctive blend of cultures.

You’ll later experience a typical Bavarian farm for some interesting insights into the daily life of local farmers and livestock farming, then have a chance to sample some homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can embark on a guided hike, taking in sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.

EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian Countryside Experience

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Veste Oberhaus

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Bavaria Live (extra expense)

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with cherished memories of a wealth of Europe’s iconic sights and cultural treasures.

Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 01:00 PM.

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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.