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Take a quiet moment in Passau

Danube Explorer

Budapest - Munich - Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Star
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Embark on an 8-day cruise from Budapest to Munich aboard the Emerald Star. Sail the Danube on a relaxed journey through Central Europe, exploring key cultural and historical landmarks along the way. Begin in Budapest, where centuries of heritage are on display in the city's grand architecture and vibrant public spaces. In Vienna, drive along the famed Ringstrasse and witness the imperial design of Austria's capital firsthand. Continue to Melk, home to one of Europe's most renowned monastic sites, the Benedictine Melk Abbey. This itinerary offers a balanced pace, allowing for immersive guided tours, scenic cruising, and firsthand insight into each destination's traditions, architecture, and regional flavors.
Discover the architecture and history of BudapestBudapest, the capital city of HungaryA quiet autumn morning in BratislavaMorning view on Bratislava cityTake a quiet moment in Passau
Highlights
  • Explore Budapest’s Grand Market and culinary traditions
  • Discover Bratislava’s Gothic charm on a guided walking tour
  • Tour Vienna’s Ringstrasse and imperial city landmarks
  • Visit Melk Abbey’s Baroque halls and manuscript treasures
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Budapest | Embark

Welcome to Budapest, often called the 'Pearl of the Danube'. Upon arrival, an Emerald Cruises representative will meet you at the airport and transferred to your ship, where your captain and crew will warmly welcome you on board.

This evening, gather with fellow guests to enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore performance.

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

Day 2: Budapest

Discover Budapest’s cobbled medieval quarter on a guided coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center. Visit the expansive Grand Market Hall, where your guide will introduce you to the city’s culinary heritage, with ample time to explore at your leisure.

Alternatively, opt for a guided hike to Gellert Hill, where you can pass through historic areas that have been rebuilt multiple times since WWII. The hike offers views of preserved 18th-century Baroque houses and access to medieval paths surrounding Buda Castle.

Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill

Day 3: Bratislava

Relax on board as you sail into the capital of Slovakia this morning. This graceful nation of leafy avenues became an independent country in 1993, and since then Bratislava has flourished as a new capital and made a name for itself as a cultural center. The romantic cobblestone lanes that weave through the city are yours to explore with your local guide, as you enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town center, including the Slovak National Theater and a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings. 

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, a landmark steeped in legend that looks as though it has been plucked from the pages of a fairy tale. This striking building has been rebuilt several times, most recently in a Renaissance style. 
Tonight, enjoy some local Slovakian entertainment on board.  

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board

Day 4: Vienna

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, the birthplace of revolutionary breakthroughs in the fields of music and psychology. The city perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces, some of which you be able to see during your guided coach tour of the Ringstrasse. Following this, embark on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center and its surrounding classical architectural styles, evidence of the melting pot of artistic influences that have existed here since the turn of the 20th century.  

If you’re feeling more active, then perhaps choose to explore on two wheels, cycling along the river to the Danube Island. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Vienna

Day 5: Weissenkirchen | Melk

Effortlessly suspended in time, Weissenkirchen is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm weather creates the perfect setting for viticulture. Today, join your Activity Manager for a hike in town before you set sail to Melk.

Later, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, where you can enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Originally a lavish castle gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century, this opulent Baroque building is home to some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided Hike in Weissenkirchen

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube River

Day 6: Linz | Cesky Krumlov

This morning, your ship will dock in Linz, where you be transferred by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed center of Ceský Krumlov, a town built around a 13th-century castle. Join your local guide on a walk along the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, passing the colorful facades of buildings, as you learn about how they have survived the test of time. The town surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will include the 15th-century St. Vitus Church and a number of delightful Gothic facades.  

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov

Day 7: Passau

Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread welcome you to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways. This important historic trading center borders Austria and boasts a distinctive blend of cultures. 

Experience life on a typical Bavarian farm for some interesting insights into the life of local farmers and livestock farming, then try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.  

EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian Countryside Experience

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Veste Oberhaus 

Day 8: Passau | Munich | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark your ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Europe’s iconic skylines with you.  

Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 01:00 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.

Ship/Hotel

Emerald Star

Outdoor Terrace
Sundeck
Horizon bar and lounge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Special Deals 27521
Book your Emerald River cruise for select 2025-2026 departures between April 1- July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $1000 per suite ($500 per person) on select departures. Savings vary by departure.

Free air offers are also available based on suite category and destination when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $300 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to S, RA, or SA cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 90 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $125 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2026 Emerald River Cruises

Special Deals 27523
Book your Emerald Yacht cruise for select 2025-2027 departures between April 1- July 6, 2025, and enjoy 2-for-1 fare on your cruise pricing.

An additional bonus savings of up to $1000 per suite ($500 per person) on select departures. Savings vary by departure. Not applicable on Oceanview Staterooms (D category).

Free air offers are also available based on suite category when you pay in full 10 months before departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers or 120 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Bonus savings options are available instead of air with the same payment terms.

Bonus savings of up to $300 per person on select departures with non-refundable booking terms. Full payment is required within 48 hours of booking, with no exceptions. Code: NONREF

Single Supplement: A free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment is required. Other departure dates may have a 45% single supplement. Single supplement offers do not apply to  Y, T or SA cabin categories.

Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel your journey until 120 days before departure. Enjoy a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, valid for 24 months. The offer is valued at $200 per person—no substitutions, no cash value.

Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Applies to select 2025-2027 Emerald Yacht Cruises

Per person starting at
$7,590 2-3 travelers

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Emerald Single Stateroom
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
Emerald Stateroom
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
Emerald Stateroom
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
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
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
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Panorama Balcony Suite (B)
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite - 18 cabins located at 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
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
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
Grand Balcony Suite
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
Owners One-Bedroom Suite
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.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Choice between Emerald Plus and Emerald Active Excursions
  • Wifi
  • Complimentary Wine, Beer and Soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises Tour Manager
  • Airport transfers to and from the ship
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Guided tour of Melk Abbey
  • Guided tour of Vienna
  • Culinary Tour of Budapest with Grand Market visit
  • Walking tour of Bratislava
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Travelers are urged to arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may occur during the tour

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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