Embark on this 10-day Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest Cruise aboard Emerald Luna along the Danube River's shores, with an extended sojourn in the splendid city of Budapest. This itinerary unveils the beauty of five countries and five remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites, encapsulating the essence of central Europe. Immerse yourself in authentic encounters and local pleasures during this unparalleled expedition. Delve into the traditions of the region, relish its distinctive cuisines, and uncover its multi-century history. Traverse enduring architectural wonders, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural expressions that define this expansive and ever-evolving area.
Highlights
Explore the beauty of five countries along the Danube River's shores
Discover five remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites
Uncover the essence of central Europe
Discover traditions, cuisines, and multi-century history of the region
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Welcome to Munich. On arrival, be met by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your modern ship in Passau. Once on board, receive a warm welcome from the captain and crew before joining your fellow guests for dinner this evening.
Please book your flight to arrive in Munich prior to 02:00 PM.
Today, visit a local farm to sample homemade specialties and learn about Bavarian agricultural customs and traditions. Alternatively, choose a guided hike offering scenic views, including the hilltop Mariahilf Church and the historic St. Severin, which dates to the Ottonian dynasty.
Crossing the border into the Czech Republic, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint town has one of the best-preserved ancient centers in Europe, with more than three hundred 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.
Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s best wine-producing vineyards, before arriving in Melk.
On your included tour today, walk the gold-leaf halls of Melk Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. When you arrive, you can have the opportunity to hike to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, you can stay in Melk and cycle to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture.
Discover the classical charms of Vienna as you take you through the city. Uncover the cafés, artisan studios and baroque majesty of Vienna's imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstraße will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on Donauinsel, the Danube Island.
This morning, depart Vienna and sail to Bratislava, when you can have the chance to marvel at the even changing scenery of the Danube. Explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is within walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theater. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to the fairy tale-like Bratislava Castle.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board
This morning, relax on board your ship while you sail from Slovakia to Hungary. In Budapest, an exciting program awaits you. As you sail into this magnificent city, it becomes immediately apparent why the Hungarian capital is known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. In the afternoon, explore the city's cobbled medieval quarter as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital's culinary scene while touring the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you can have time to explore independently.
Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Venture into the city independently to explore Budapest's hidden treasures.
If you're feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways of the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.
On your last full day in Budapest, you are invited to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show for a truly immersive local experience. This is a great chance to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before going home.
EmeraldPLUS
Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest
Day 10: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities 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 the terms and conditions for further information.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$9,4902-3 travelers
Emerald Stateroom E
An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.
Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.
Dimensions: 162ft2
Emerald Stateroom D
An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.
Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.
Dimensions: 162ft2
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite C
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas.
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite B
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas.
Dimensions: 180ft2
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite A
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas.
Dimensions: 180ft2
Grand Balcony Suite (SA)
Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivaled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer.
Dimensions: 210ft2
Owners One-Bedroom Suite
Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar, or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.
Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high-quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat-screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.
Dimensions: 315ft2
Emerald Single Stateroom - Single Occupancy Only
We make solo travel easy and comfortable as all of our Star-Ships, except Emerald Radiance, boast two Emerald Single Staterooms. Home to a deluxe single bed, a bathroom with a shower, indulgent toiletries, and a hairdryer, you’ll have all the comforts you need at your fingertips. Your picture window welcomes in a lovely amount of light and individual climate control ensures you can keep at a comfortable temperature regardless of which season you’re traveling in.
Dimensions: 117ft2
Notes
Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
