Early Season on the Danube: 8 days Munich to Budapest

Welcome to Munich, where you’ll be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Emerald 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.

Your ship will remain docked in Passau overnight, so you can go ashore after dark to explore on your own.

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Traditional Bavarian band on board
This evening, make your way to the Horizon Bar & Lounge for a special performance from a Bavarian band, who will play traditional music and wear their authentic Lederhosen.

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

Narrow cobblestone streets, graceful arcades and St Stephen's Cathedral welcome you to Passau. This picturesque city has been shaped by the surrounding rivers over the years, sitting at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’, this memorable destination is dominated by large squares, magical promenades and romantic lanes.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau
On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through streets lined by Baroque buildings dating back to the 17th century and look at the Gothic Town Hall, Bishop’s Residence and St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to the largest church organ in Europe

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Bavaria Live (extra expense)
Eating, drinking and making music together is a huge part of everyday Bavarian life. Join a local guide and learn about the 800-year-old history of Passau beer and the Bavarian Tavern traditions in a fun and entertaining way. Listen to a local oompah band while you enjoy a beer and a pretzel.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Cross into Austria and dock in the town of Linz. Though the city has a history that dates back more than 1,000 years, it’s considered the country’s centre of innovation and technology. Striking public art installations, cutting-edge galleries and an ever-evolving cultural scene make Linz one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations.

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Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
Set out on a full-day excursion to the World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech town boasts one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, with more than 300 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.

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Excursion to Mauthausen Concentration Camp (extra expense)
Discover the history of one of Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camps on a guided tour. Learn about the events that took place at Mauthausen as well as its significance in World War II. You’ll see the camp’s remnants, including the barracks and the stone quarry, which played a central role during its operation.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 3.5 hours

Arrive in Melk early this morning. Situated within Austria’s famed Wachau Valley, the county’s premier wine-growing region, Melk is home to a 900-year-old World Heritage-listed Benedictine abbey. A charming and compact port, it is filled with flower-lined laneways, colourful buildings and sprawling green spaces.

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey
Explore this ancient abbey today on an included tour. Your guide will take you through a series of opulent rooms, each adorned with the finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library, renowned for its extensive collection of medieval manuscript

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Taste of Wachau
On board, taste the local flavours of the region with this immersive experience. Sample schnapps, jams, jellies and more as you cruise through the beautiful Wachau Valley.

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Winery visit and wine tasting in Wachau (extra expense)
Join this tour to a local winery where you’ll learn about the Wachau Valley’s rich heritage of winemaking, stroll through the lush vineyards and sample some of their finest varietals.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

Austria’s breathtaking capital is recognised for its cultural legacy. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represent a rich history, and the museum district boasts contemporary buildings, housing the work of some of the world’s most prolific artists.

Included Excursion
Visit to Schönbrunn Palace
Schönbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg Empire, is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe. Today, it is a recognised World Heritage-listed site due to its historic importance, unique grounds and splendid furnishings. Follow a local expert and hear the fascinating tales of the intriguing former residents.

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Klosterneuburg Abbey Wine Tour (extra expense)
Step into the heart of Habsburg history at one of Austria’s oldest and most historically significant monasteries, the 12th-century Klosterneuburg Abbey. Visit the historic Press House, beautifully illuminated by a stunning light installation, then descend into the Baroque wine cellar to learn about Austria’s renowned DAC wines. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of four wines or cloudy apple juices.
Activity level: Medium, Duration: 3.5 hours

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Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
With Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert among its historical repertoire, Vienna is the world capital of opera and classical music. Enjoy an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna’s most beautiful concert halls, with favourites such as the ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and the ‘Radetzky March’. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival adds to the unforgettable occasion.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, the Slovakian capital of Bratislava is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn medieval cobblestone streets. At the same time, the complex history of Communism can be found in its Brutalist landmarks and military monuments.

Included Excursion
City tour of Bratislava with tasting
Cobbled streets pave the course for daily life in Bratislava, where winding alleys and a rural atmosphere blend together to create a truly distinctive Slovakian capital. Enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, with a silhouette that looks as though it was pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This striking landmark was most recently rebuilt in a Renaissance style. You’ll also get to taste a traditional Bratislava Bagel with nuts or poppy and the typical Slovak drink Medovina wine.

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Local Slovakian entertainment on board
Relax on board in the Horizon Lounge as you listen to local saloon orchestra Afrodite, comprised of five women playing classical arrangements of pop music, evergreens, musical and movie melodies in traditional Slovakian dress.

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Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)
Explore the viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route, including the vineyards of Vinosady and a family-run winery in Senkvice. You’ll learn about the proud heritage of winemaking and sample some local wines in a historic wine cellar.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration 4hr 40min

Welcome to Budapest, where a fitting end to a fantastic trip awaits. Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. The Hungarian capital is divided by the iconic Danube River, with Buda and Pest on either side. They can be reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic structures.

Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
Explore Budapest’s cobbled medieval quarter today on a coach tour through the World Heritage-listed city centre. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital's culinary scene, and the tour will finish at the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you'll have time to explore on your own.

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Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
This evening, you’ll enjoy a Hungarian folklore show before your farewell dinner.

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Visit the picturesque village of Szentendre, where cobblestone streets evoke a Mediterranean atmosphere that has inspired many artists. Take a walking tour through the pedestrian city centre to admire the Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets. The main square, Fo Tér, and the alleyways around it are lined with art galleries, museums and shops.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Europe’s iconic sights and cultural treasures 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.