Treasures of the Danube

Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports.

Upon arrival at Munich airport, you’ll transfer to Nuremberg to board your contemporary Emerald Waterways Star-Ship.

This morning, relax as you cruise down the Main-Danube Canal. Welcome to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, visiting the Old Town Hall complex and Porta Praetoria, an ancient stone building that can be dated back to 179 AD.

EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Bavarian band on board EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Regensburg

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.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Passau DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg (extra expense)

Your included tour will take you to Melk Abbey, famous for its invaluable library.

This afternoon, enjoy a guided bike tour from Melk to Dürnstein.

Alternatively, cruise through the wine region and on to Dürnstein, embarking on a guided hike to Dürnstein Castle when you arrive.

EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour along the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein

EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

EmeraldEXCURSION: A tour of Melk Abbey

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, before finishing in Prater, underneath the giant Ferris wheel.

EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of the Ringstrasse and Vienna

DiscoverMORE: An exclusive Viennese concert (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Vienna tour (extra expense)

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the beautifully restored historic quarter, venturing down winding cobbled streets and passing a number of architectural highlights, including the neo-Renaissance Slovak National Theatre and the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral.

Alternatively, hike to Bratislava Castle and discover how it was destroyed by Napoleon’s troops during the 19th century. Gain a thorough understanding of Slovakian culture this afternoon as you meet a local family for coffee and cake.

This evening, we welcome you to the Gala Dinner.

EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

EmeraldACTIVE: A hike to Bratislava Castle EmeraldEXCURSION: A walking tour of Bratislava

Offering an abundance of European history, Budapest is known for its charming neo-Gothic architecture, cultural whimsy and historic monuments around every corner. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city offers many links to the past, including the remains of the Roman city of Aquincum. Enjoy a guided coach tour, starting at the Citadella that sits on top of Gellért Hill, overlooking the Danube.

Relax as a drive down Andrássy Avenue showcases the decorative façades of neo-Renaissance townhouses and journey to Heroes’ Square to see the seven chieftains of the Magyars.

Alternatively, hike to Buda Hill, gazing up at the Buda Castle complex and admiring the Habsburg monuments that adorn the streets.

This evening, a traditional Hungarian folklore show is sure to delight, as is a postcard-worthy night-time cruise along the Danube.

EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Hungarian folklore show EmeraldPLUS: Budapest evening cruise

EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Buda Hill EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided bus tour of Budapest DiscoverMORE: Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)

Today you will have the day at leisure to explorer Budapest.

This afternoon, relax on board of your ship, while sailing to Kalocsa.

In the morning, we’ll sail out of Budapest towards Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. Traditional folk art and culture are yours to discover here, as you sail through one of the oldest towns in Hungary.

This afternoon, you’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Relax as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills, most of which were readily practiced for wartime.

Today, enjoy a gala dinner on board.

EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Hungarian horse show

Cruise into the border region of Croatia and into Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Damage from the Homeland War is still visible across the city, but it is easily forgotten when you immerse yourself in the peaceful surrounds that can be found here.

Today, you will be able to meet students from a local village who will be delighted to perform for you during your EmeraldPLUS excursion, before embarking on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town. This ensemble of well-preserved Baroque buildings is laid out like a traditional star fort, with bastions, armouries, a guardhouse and a military hospital all protected within its walls.

Later, sail further down the Danube and into Serbia, where remnants of recent conflicts can be seen on the riverbanks.

EmeraldPLUS: Visit the home of a local Croatian family EmeraldPLUS: Meet the local village students EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Osijek Fortress

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities, including Belgrade Fortress.

Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of the city, where remnants of a chaotic past look out of place among peaceful surrounds. Witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings, and stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. Enjoy learning about the life of the leader of the Partisans, Josip Broz Tito, and the way that they became one of the most effective resistance movements in occupied Europe.

Alternatively, learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city.

This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge and watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.

EmeraldPLUS: A Serbian folklore evening show EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Belgrade DiscoverMORE: A tour of the National Opera Theatre (extra expense)

In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube.

Today, you will have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia.

Archaeologists have used this site to track the development of prehistoric culture in Europe, and numerous Stone Age settlements have been found in the area. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a scenic narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

This morning, we’ll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria. Situated on the right bank of the Danube, it is one of the oldest along the Bulgarian Danube bank, prospering from the surrounding countryside, renowned for producing wines.

Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting of their produce.

Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean “Granny Vida”. Construction began on the fortress in the 10th century, and it has been steeped in legend ever since.

Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations.

EmeraldACTIVE: A hike to Belogradchik Fortress EmeraldEXCURSION: Visit a local vineyard for a tasting

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse. You will have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo, stopping to learn about its rich history as the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. This medieval city was built atop three hills, and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers.

Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels and monasteries. Witness the incredible nature of the 14th-century painted frescoes and learn about their composition and the emotional atmosphere that they convey, something that was far ahead of its time.

Tonight, we welcome you to the farewell reception. EmeraldPLUS: A choir concert in Arbanasi

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo EmeraldEXCURSION: A tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace to see the elegant exterior of a well-kept secret and the plush interior of the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, including the Palace of Parliament.

This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel, perhaps going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided drive through Bucharest

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain and medieval fortresses with you.

Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday.

Please call us to check if we can offer your preferred airport.

Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday.

Please call us to check if we can offer your local airport.

When you arrive in Bucharest, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your perfectly situated hotel, including a one-night stay in Bucharest.

Welcome to the “Paris of the East”. The centre of Bucharest perfectly 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 will get the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic highlights during your guided drive around the city, including the elegant exterior of the Spring Palace, before enjoying some time to explore the leafy boulevards at leisure.

After your insightful tour, you will be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome awaits you from your captain and crew on board your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided drive through Bucharest

Today, you will have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide, an ancient city that was strategically positioned overlooking the surrounding area.

On your included tour, you will have the opportunity to traverse its cobbled streets and witness its medieval fortifications.

Afterwards, you will be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges. Your local guide will enable you to explore the past, as your tour touches on a number of traditional houses and ancient churches. If you would prefer to do something more active, then you could instead 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, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner.

EmeraldPLUS: A choir concert in Arbanasi

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo EmeraldEXCURSION: A tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and the region has prospered from winemaking 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.

Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century; known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. It’s easy to imagine how this stronghold would have offered the Romans a perfect lookout point.

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Belogradchik Fortress EmeraldEXCURSION: Visit a local vineyard for a tasting

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 8 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.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today, as your local guide takes you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. Your coach will pass through the centre, where you will be able to catch glimpses of Serbia’s turbulent recent past, set amongst now 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 are 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 to watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.

EmeraldPLUS: A Serbian folklore evening show EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Belgrade DiscoverMORE: A tour of the National Opera Theatre (extra expense)

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets. As you walk around the city, you will notice that damage from the Homeland War is still visible, but it’s difficult to imagine turbulent times in this peaceful area.

Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic old town. This traditional star fort houses a number of different buildings, including a military hospital and armouries, making it perfect for times of conflict.

Your EmeraldPLUS experiences today are certain to be a highlight of your trip, as you dine on traditional cuisine with a local Croatian family and meet some students from a local village. Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before your farewell dinner.

EmeraldPLUS: A home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family EmeraldPLUS: Meet the local village students EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Osijek Fortress Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we will sail away from Osijek and on 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 will have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first hand, as they perform for you during their horse parade and showcase some of their memorable exercise drills.

EmeraldPLUS: Visit a Puszta horse farm

EmeraldPLUS: A Budapest evening cruise

Today enjoy your leisure day and continue exploring the magnificent city of Budapest. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.

Later, join your fellow guests on the Sun Deck for a memorable evening cruise on the Danube, witnessing the illuminated façades of some of Hungary’s most iconic buildings and the delightful UNESCO World Heritage-listed Buda Castle Quarter.

EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Hungarian folklore show EmeraldPLUS: A Budapest evening cruise

The ancient Roman city of Aquincum once sat on the site of modern Budapest, where architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of the Hungarian capital.

Originally two separate cities, Buda on the right and Pest on the left offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the liveliest cities in Eastern Europe.

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District.

Alternatively, enjoy a guided hike to Buda Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama of the Danube banks.

EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Buda Hill EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Budapest

This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past.

Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, as you soak in sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre. If you are feeling more active, then you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, offering the perfect environment for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.

This afternoon, you will be invited into the home of a local family to learn about their culture over coffee and cake, before being welcomed to the Gala Dinner.

EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family EmeraldACTIVE: A hike to Bratislava Castle EmeraldEXCURSION: A walking tour of Bratislava

Set on the banks of the Danube, Vienna has been considered to be Europe’s capital of music for centuries. Viennese Classicism is still highly regarded around the world, as the 18th century brought with it the First Viennese School, consisting of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

Today, your local guide will take you for a drive around the world-famous Ringstrasse and a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Historic Centre of Vienna, including a peppering of lavish Baroque mansions and the Vienna State Opera.

If you are feeling more active, then choose to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, home to a traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.

EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of the Ringstrasse and Vienna

DiscoverMORE: An exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)

DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Vienna tour (extra expense)

This morning, arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. When you arrive, you will have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region.

Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike ride from Dürnstein to Melk, traversing the banks of the Danube. Later, sail through the Wachau Valley, a place that showcases a plethora of historic architecture, in the form of monasteries, castles and ruins, and the development of urban design through the ages. When you arrive in Melk, you will be taken for a tour of the 900-year-old Melk Abbey, touching on the lavish surrounds of the former palace and viewing ancient manuscripts in the monastic library.

EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Dürnstein Castle EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour along the Danube from Dürnstein to Melk

EmeraldEXCURSION: A visit to Melk Abbey

After a morning of sailing along the Danube, perhaps relaxing with a drink in hand on the Sun Deck, we will take you into the heart of Passau. As the point at which the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet, Passau is also known as the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the “City of Three Rivers”. Your included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. The town was destroyed by a series of fires in the 17th century, leaving a blank canvas for Italian architects to work with.

After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at leisure, before an afternoon spent sailing towards Regensburg.

EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Passau DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg (additional cost)

This morning, we will arrive in Regensburg, a city that has been generously steeped in history, built on the site of an ancient Roman fort that went on to become a major centre for trade during the Middle Ages. Your guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval centre, where ancient Roman architecture can be found sitting alongside 11th – 13th century patrician houses. Narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city.

Afterwards, sail down the Main-Danube Canal, passing over a series of aqueducts as panoramas of idyllic landscapes pass by. This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band on board.

EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Bavarian band on board EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Regensburg

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers and disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to Munich Airport, taking memories of handcrafted ornaments and traditional stalls with you.