Embark on an 8-day cruise from Budapest to Munich aboard the Emerald Destiny. Explore four countries on a comprehensive Danube river cruise that offers a clear view into Central Europe’s history and culture. Walk the cobbled streets of Germany, where each turn reveals centuries of architectural and social development. In Vienna and Budapest, see firsthand how imperial heritage informs contemporary life. Guided city tours, historic landmarks, and local experiences highlight the region’s evolution. At the same time, the Danube River serves as a unifying thread through it all, connecting people, places, and eras across Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany.
Highlights
Explore Budapest’s grand landmarks and panoramic river viewpoints
Tour Bratislava’s Old Town and historic palaces with a local guide
Admire Vienna’s artistic heritage at the Kunsthistorisches Museum
Walk Regensburg’s medieval lanes and sample Bavarian sausages
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.
Budapest’s diverse architecture reveals the layered history of the Hungarian capital. Once two distinct cities—Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east—their contrasting character offers insight into the cultural richness of one of Eastern Europe’s most vibrant destinations. Today, join a guided city tour featuring Heroes’ Square, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue, and the historic Buda Castle District. Alternatively, opt for a guided hike to Gellert Hill for sweeping panoramic views over the Danube River.
This morning, relax on board as you 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 the sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theater.
If you’re feeling more active, you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, which provides the perfect setting for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.
This afternoon, you are invited into the home of a local family to learn more about their traditions and culture over coffee and cake.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. The Austrian capital is an art-lover's dream, and your guided tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.
If you’re feeling more active, then you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.
Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting, a true treasure overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. Visible from great distance, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world and provides epic panorama views.
Afterwards, your Star-Ship will sail through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Dürnstein.
Alternatively, join the Guided hike to Dürnstein castle or embark on a guided bike touring the Wachau region, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before arriving where your Star-Ship is docked in Dürnstein.
In the afternoon, arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. You can 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.
EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
After a morning of sailing along the Danube, the team will take you into the heart of Passau. Nicknamed the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the ‘the city of three rivers’, it’s situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.
Your included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. If you're feeling active, you could join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.
After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at your leisure, before spending an evening sailing blissfully towards Regensburg.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the River Inn
This morning, arrive in Regensburg, a city built on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Your guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval center, where narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. Stop for a local Bavarian sausage tasting so you get a real feel of the daily life in Regensburg.
Alternatively, you could join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape and the river. This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.
EmeraldPLUS
Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Bavarian band performance on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument
Day 8: Regensburg | Disembark | Munich
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Roman architecture and the rich culture of the Danube River with you.
Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 12:00 PM.
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.
$7,990
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Select a Date
Single Stateroom (ES)
Single Occupancy Only. 117 sq ft. 2 single cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a deluxe single bed, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
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Stateroom (E)
162 sq ft. 9 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
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Stateroom (D)
162 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Riviera Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
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Panorama Balcony Suite (C)
180 sq ft. 19 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
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Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
180 sq ft. 18 cabins located on the Vista Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
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Panorama Balcony Suite (A)
180 sq ft. 23 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, indoor balcony with open-air system, bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, flat-screen TV and infotainment system
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Grand Balcony Suite (S)
210 sq ft. 8 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin hotel-style beds, outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, in-suite mini-bar available at own expense, a complimentary Nespresso machine and bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries, hairdryer, on-board complimentary bathrobes, and slippers
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Owner's Suite (SA)
315 sq ft. 4 cabins located on the Horizon Deck with a Queen-size or twin beds, an outdoor private balcony with the open-air system, a separate bathroom and lounge area, a walk-in wardrobe, an in-suite mini-bar, restocked daily with wine, beer, and soft drinks
Notes
Single accommodations are available on some tours for an additional single supplement rate. Contact us for details of pricing and availability.
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
tamara helland
2 days ago
It is always so easy planning trips with Mary Curry. And I know from experience that the follow-through will be excellent as well.
Rosemary Bell
2 days ago
I have traveled solo with Adventure Life many times. The process is always easy peasy. They are very helpful with documents and payments. So far so good on my next adventure to Equador.
Anita
3 days ago
Super friendly & helpful . Jessica tailored the perfect vacation. We can't wait to begin the adventure.
Jeremy
4 days ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
4 days ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
tamara helland
2 days ago
It is always so easy planning trips with Mary Curry. And I know from experience that the follow-through will be excellent as well.
Rosemary Bell
2 days ago
I have traveled solo with Adventure Life many times. The process is always easy peasy. They are very helpful with documents and payments. So far so good on my next adventure to Equador.
Anita
3 days ago
Super friendly & helpful . Jessica tailored the perfect vacation. We can't wait to begin the adventure.
Jeremy
4 days ago
Erin seemed to know all about Galapagos locations and travel
Ted Farber
4 days ago
Working with a company that is in USA and had english speaking helpers.
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