Day 1 Arrival Munich – Nuremberg Embarkation
Arrive at Munich Airport and transfer to Nuremberg to embark your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship and where you will be welcomed by your Captain and crew. Nuremberg is situated along the Main–Danube canal, an engineering masterpiece linking the rivers of Germany with the mighty Danube which flows from the Alps to the Black Sea. (Dinner)
Day 2 Regensburg
This morning takes you through the final stretch of the fascinating Main–Danube Canal to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. On our guided walking tour, you will have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Bavarian Band on board
Day 3 Passau - Linz
Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Return for lunch and an afternoon cruising along the Danube River. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Salzburg (extra expense)
*** Please note, you can only choose either included tour of Passau or the DiscoverMORE option, as both tours run at the same time.
Day 4 Melk - Dürnstein
Situated within Austria’s wine–growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900–year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and fresco ceilings. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided biking tour along the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein
OR
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
Day 5 Vienna
Welcome to Vienna, the capital of classical music. Today you have a choice of either exploring Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the magnificent Ringstrasse, where we will see the sights of the Vienna’s world-famous attractions such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. If you feel active, join the guided bike tour instead of the drive around and guided walk. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike Tour
DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)
Day 6 Bratislava
Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava the capital of Slovakia, embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. This evening, the Captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Captain’s Gala Dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Bratislava castle
EmeraldPLUS: Home Hosted Coffee and Cake with Slovakians
Day 7 Budapest
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner; Complete the evening with folk dancing and music performance on board. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided active walk to Buda Hill
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show & Budapest Evening Cruise
DiscoverMORE: Budapest Jewish Heritage Tour (extra expense)
Day 8 Budapest
Today you will have the day at leisure to explorer Budapest. This afternoon, relax on board of your ship, while sailing to Kalocsa. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9 Kalocsa
Early this morning we sail out of Budapest towards Kalocsa, one of the oldest towns in Hungary, famous for the production of paprika. This afternoon, visit a local Puszta Horse Farm and enjoy a performance showcasing the exceptional riding skills of Magyar horseman. Tonight, the Captain will be delighted to host a gala dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Puszta Horse Farm
Day 10 Osijek
Cruise into the border region of Croatia today, an area that was heavily damaged during the Croatian War of Independence at the end of the communist era. Compare stories back at the ship and enjoy an evening of sailing further down the Danube into Serbia, where remnants of former conflicts can be regularly seen along the river banks. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldPLUS: Home Hosted Lunch with a Croatian Family
EmeraldPLUS: Meet students from the local village
Day 11 Belgrade
Serbia's vibrant capital awaits today, your city tour includes a visit to Tito's Memorial, the impressive Fortress Kalemegdan and St Sava Church which is the world's largest orthodox cathedral. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided Biking Tour
EmeraldPLUS: Serbian Folklore Evening Show
DiscoverMORE: National Opera Theatre Tour (extra expense)
Day 12 Kostolac
Today you will embark on an incredible journey to the first and biggest architectural archaeological excavation in Eastern Europe, the Viminacium Archaeological Excavation Site and Museum. This site was one of the most important Roman cities and military camps in the period from 1st to 4th centuries. Its exceptional strategic importance was reflected both in the defence of the northern border of the Roman Empire and in turn of communications and commercial transactions. Return to the ship and sail through the narrow gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains, known as the Iron Gates. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13 Vidin
Arrive in Vidin, the most western town in Bulgaria. Your day will begin with an included tour visiting a local vineyard with wine tasting. Later, visit the medieval Baba Vida Fortress. Alternatively, embark on an EmeraldACTIVE hike to Belogradchik rock fortress. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Belogradchik
Day 14 Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
Today your ship will cruise to Rousse and visit the impressive cliff top town of Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian empire known once as the 'city of the Tsars'. Visit the historic town of Arbanasi perched on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River and lined with traditional houses. The town is known for its 17th and 18th century churches and many examples of Bulgarian National Revival architecture. Tonight, join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Ivanovo Church
EmeraldPLUS: Choir Concert in Arbanasi
Day 15 Giurgiu Disembarkation - Bucharest
This morning, disembark your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise and journey by road to Romania's capital, Bucharest. The city's wide avenues have a distinctly French feel; in fact, the city is often referred to as the Paris of the East. Included is a one-night stay in Bucharest. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 16 Bucharest Farewell
Your tour concludes after breakfast when you are transferred to the airport for your onward or home bound flight. (Breakfast)
Cruising: Cabin onboard Emerald Star, Emerald Destiny, or Emerald Dawn
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The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the trip origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package at the price quoted.