Embark on an 8-day cruise from Munich to Budapest aboard the Emerald Dawn. Sail through Central Europe on a timeless Danube River itinerary featuring a blend of historic cities and scenic towns. Travel through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley, explore the medieval streets of Cesky Krumlov, and tour Vienna’s grand Ringstrasse, showcasing imperial architecture. In Budapest, enjoy a guided tasting of regional Hungarian specialties and gain insight into local folklore traditions. This cultural voyage offers a curated mix of guided city tours, regional heritage, and authentic experiences, highlighting the Danube’s role as a vital link between Central European cultures. Discover the history and character of each destination along this iconic waterway.
Highlights
Tour the admirable city of Passau and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
Visit the Vienna State Opera, the City Hall and the St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Hike and learn how the Bratislava Castle was crushed by Napoleon’s troops
Climb up to Buda Hill and admire the Buda Castle and the Habsburg
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. Upon arrival, an Emerald Cruises representative will meet you and arrange your transfer to your ship in Passau. Once on board, receive a warm reception from the captain and crew. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow guests.
Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.
Today, experience authentic Bavarian culture while visiting a local farm, where you can sample traditional homemade specialties. Alternatively, join a guided hike and take in notable landmarks, including Mariahilf and the historic St. Severin church, dating back to the Ottonian era.
Today, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Cesky Krumlov. This quaint Czech 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 facades, 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. 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 today. As you go through the heart of the city, check all of the best cafes and artisan studios as you discover its 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 the Danube Island.
Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marvelling at the ever changing scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle – its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theater.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board
Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, 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 on your own.
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 and are best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.
Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
Day 8: Budapest | Disembark
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 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.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Danube River Cruises.
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.
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.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
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