Have questions? We're here.
Visit charming Passau

Classic Prague & Danube Delights

Prague - Budapest - Example 11 Day Cruise aboard Emerald Destiny
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Danube River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Embark on an 11-day cruise with 3 nights in Prague aboard the Emerald Destiny—Discover Central Europe along the Danube River through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary. Explore historic cities such as Passau, Melk, and Durnstein, and visit four capital cities, including Vienna and Budapest. Sail through the UNESCO-listed Wachau Valley and experience key cultural sites, local traditions, and scenic landscapes as you travel along one of Europe’s most iconic rivers. This journey offers a well-balanced mix of guided tours and leisure time, delivering a comprehensive view of the region’s history, architecture, and day-to-day life.
Wander Prague's storied streetsAdmire the Art Nouveau architecture of PragueHungary's Parliament building in BudapestDiscover the gorgeous architecture of BudapestCruise down the charming Wachau valleyDurnstein LandscapeVisit charming Passau
Highlights
  • Explore Prague’s Gothic skyline and historic castle courtyards with views
  • Stroll Regensburg’s cobbled lanes and sample Bavarian sausages downtown
  • Discover Passau’s Baroque charm and towering St. Stephen’s Cathedral
  • Admire Vienna’s imperial art at the grand Kunsthistorisches Museum
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.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Prague

Upon arrival in Prague, be greeted at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay.

Day 2: Prague

  • 1 Breakfast
Today, take part in a guided walking tour of Prague, where the city's rich history is reflected in its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Begin by exploring the castle courtyards and visiting St. Vitus Cathedral, followed by a descent down the Castle steps offering panoramic views of Prague. Continue across the iconic Charles Bridge to reach the Old Town, concluding the tour at the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square. From here, enjoy free time to explore the city at your leisure.

Included Excursion
A guided tour of Prague

EmeraldPLUS
Coffee and cake at Lobkowicz Palace

Day 3: Prague

  • 1 Breakfast
Today is yours to spend exploring Prague at leisure, perhaps uncovering the secrets of Josefov, the Jewish Quarter and Malá Strana, one of the most historic regions in the city. Your tour director will be available to help you plan your day and to answer any questions that you may have.

Day 4: Prague | Regensburg | Embark

After breakfast, it is time to leave Prague’s idyllic center for your transfer to your ship in Regensburg.

Day 5: Regensburg

Explore the medieval center of Regensburg with your insightful  local guide. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, passing the patrician houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, and stop by to sample traditional Bavarian sausages,  a delicious local specialty.  Alternatively, join a guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the banks  of the Danube. From here, you can admire a panoramic view of the river and surrounding scenic landscape.

EmeraldPLUS
Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

Day 6: Passau

Today, cruise into the heart of Passau, where three of Europe’s main rivers converge in the shadows of an  impressive castle. On your guided tour of this illustrious German city, learn  how it was rebuilt following fires in the 17th-century. Italian architects left their mark with an array of Baroque architecture that still stands today, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, if you’re feeling active, join a guided bike tour along the banks of the River Inn.  

Enjoy exploring Passau at your own pace, before returning to your ship for lunch, followed by an afternoon of leisurely cruising the Danube River.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the River Inn

Day 7: Melk | Durnstein

Today, sail through the wondrous, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. You can choose to join a guided hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, offering delightful panoramic views of the surrounding medieval villages. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, embark on a guided bike tour in Melk, cycling past terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way.

This afternoon, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true gem overlooking the Wachau Valley from a hill blanketed with vineyards and forests. part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape since 2001, Göttweig Abbey is one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1083, the abbey continues to serve as a spiritual center in the heart of Lower Austria and is run by a community of about 45 monks. Visible even from a great distance, the abbey provides panoramic views, which you can soak up during your visit here.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube River

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

Day 8: Vienna

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions await  in Vienna, a historic city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. For art-lovers, there’s no other place like the Austrian capital, not only  as  the city  brims with museums and artwork, but also because of the sheer  diversity.  Today’s art tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, embark on a guided cycling tour along the riverbanks to picturesque Danube Island.

Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to Danube Island

Day 9: Bratislava

A charming scattering of Baroque palaces and Gothic architecture that recount tales of a turbulent communist past are yours to uncover, as you sail towards Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a guided tour that uncovers the city’s fascinating history, taking in the neo-Renaissance splendour of the Slovak National Theater and the Episcopal Summer Palace.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle and its lovely Baroque gardens, offering the perfect backdrop to the Shakespeare festival that takes place during the summer months.

This afternoon, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy one of the cruise highlights: coffee and cake at the home of a local Slovakian family. Later, relish a farewell dinner with your fellow guests on board your ship.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

Day 10: Budapest

Welcome to Hungary and Budapest, the ‘Pearl of the Danube’ and generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Today, enjoy a guided coach tour, covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center. The history of the Hungarian capital displays  a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle and discover there is so much to take in as you pass through this vibrant city.   

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Gellert Hill and admire the spectacular views across the Danube.

Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board your ship.

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill

Day 11: Budapest | Disembark

  • 1 Breakfast
This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with wonderful memories of exquisite Viennese artworks, architectural masterpieces, Slovakian hospitality and the splendor of the Danube.

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 Destiny

Sundeck
Outdoor Terrace
Emerald Destiny

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

  • May 12, 2026from $9,560
  • May 26, 2026from $9,560
  • Jun 9, 2026from $9,640
<May 2026>
SMTWTFS
262728293012
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31123456

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
$9,560

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
 
Emerald Single Stateroom
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
Emerald Stateroom
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
Select a Date
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
  • 10 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 10 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 Passau
  • Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey
  • Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • Walking tour of Bratislava
  • Guided coach tour of Budapest
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

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Change & customize to make it yours.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

Danube River Travel Guide

Top Danube River Travel Destinations

Danube River Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Danube River

Danube River Trips by Duration

Danube River Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By