Day 1 Arrival Bucharest
Welcome to Romania's capital, Bucharest, it is a lively city full of history and life. This evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome dinner at the hotel. Included is a one-night stay in Bucharest. (Dinner)
Day 2 Bucharest – Giurgiu Embarkation
Today in the morning, you will drive through the streets and boulevards of Bucharest in a guided city tour. After the tour, you will transfer from Bucharest to Giurgiu, where a warm welcome awaits you from your Captain and crew as you board your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 3 Rousse – Arbanasi &Veliko Tarnovo
Today your ship will cruise to Rousse, once at the port take a coach ride to town of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi. Veliko Tarnovo, was 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 welcome reception and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Ivanovo Church
EmeraldPLUS: Choir Concert in Arbanasi
Day 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 upstream towards Hungary. Tonight, join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldPLUS: Home Hosted Lunch with a Croatian Family
EmeraldPLUS: Meet students from the local village
Day 8 Kalocsa - Budapest
Arrive in Kalocsa, one of the oldest towns in Hungary, famous for the production of paprika. This morning, visit a local Puszta Horse Farm and enjoy a performance showcasing the exceptional riding skills of Magyar horseman. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Puszta Horse Farm
Day 9 Budapest
Today enjoy your leisure day and continue exploring the magnificent city of Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show & Budapest Evening Cruise
Day 10 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 afternoon you depart for Bratislava. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided active walk to Buda Hill
Day 11 Bratislava
This morning we arrive at the city of Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Bratislava Castle
EmeraldPLUS: Home Hosted Coffee and Cake with Slovakians
Day 12 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 13 Dürnstein - Melk
In the morning you will arrive in Dürnstein, one of the Wachau wine region’s most enchanting villages and home to the medieval castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the Crusades in the 12th century. Those feeling more active can join a guided hike to this historic landmark, before returning to the ship to sail through the spectacular Wachau Valley and on to Melk. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour along the Danube River to Melk, where your Star-Ship will be docked. The 11th century Austrian city is home to an imposing 900–year-old Benedictine Abbey, a fine example of Italian Baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial corridor and fresco ceilings. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
OR
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided biking tour along the Danube River from Dürnstein to Melk
Day 14 Passau
Cruise along the Danube this morning, in the afternoon we reach Passau. Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in this beautiful city. On this afternoon’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. (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 15 Regensburg
After breakfast, we arrive in magnificent Regensburg. 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 16 Nuremberg Disembarkation
After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to Nuremberg Airport. (Breakfast)
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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.