A unique experience awaits on this 11-day journey. Sail along the Danube River and visit some of the cities from five different countries. Enjoy unique tours in Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, Vidin, Donji Milanovac, Golubac and more! Walk along the cobbled streets while observing the beauty of the surroundings and learning the history of each town. Visit a few famous places like the Great Hungarian Plain, Osijek and Belgrade Fortress.
Highlights
Cross the Chain Bridge to see how the city differs in Buda and Pest
Discover how old traditions affect the lifestyle in Kalocsa
Observe the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade
Visit the beautiful and well-preserved Baba Vida Fortress
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Welcome to the “Paris of the East”. The center of Bucharest perfectly encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city. Upon arrival in Bucharest, transfer to a centrally located for a one-night stay in Bucharest.
Join a locally guided driving tour to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic highlights during around the city, including the elegant exterior of the Spring Palace.
After this insightful tour and some time at leisure, transfer from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, and board Emerald Waterways Star-Ship, the Emerald Sun.
Today, explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire on a locally guided tour and learn about the Bulgarian history of this ancient city that was strategically positioned to overlook the surrounding area. Be sure to take the opportunity to traverse its cobbled streets and witness its medieval fortifications.
Afterward, visit neighboring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges. Listen to the guide and be transported back in time as we learn about traditional houses and ancient churches.
For those wanting a more active option, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for its famous 14th-century frescoes.
Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and the region has prospered from winemaking for generations. Learn about the side of life revolving around wine in Vidin while weaving through a local vineyard and learning about their products. Afterwards, enjoy a wine tasting. Next, join a local guide in Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century; known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country.
For a more active option, take a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. It’s easy to imagine how this stronghold would have offered the Romans a perfect lookout point.
This morning, relax onboard and admire the surroundings as the ship sails along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than 8 millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about several different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe.
Explore Serbia’s vibrant capital today with a locally guided coach tour. Journey through the heart of the city and highlight its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. As the coach passes through the center, see glimpses of Serbia’s turbulent recent past, set amongst now quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia.
Alternatively, join a guided bike tour to learn about Belgrade’s history on two wheels.
This evening, please join others in the Horizon Lounge to watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.
Today, explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets. While walking around the city, pay attention to the damage from the Homeland War that is still visible today and reflect on the turbulent times in this peaceful area.
Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic old town. This traditional star fort houses several different buildings, including a military hospital and armories, making it perfect for times of conflict. As a highlight today, dine on traditional cuisine with a local Croatian family and meet some students from a local village.
Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before the farewell dinner.
In the morning, the ship will sail away from Osijek and on to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colorful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.
Later, venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. After learning about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, witness first-hand some of their exceptional equestrian skills, as they perform their horse parade and showcase some of their memorable exercise drills.
Day 9: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, leave the lush surrounds of the Emerald Dawn and transfer to Budapest, for a two-night stay that is certain to delight. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the city, touching on its two distinctive faces and the ornamented Buda Castle District.
Day 10: Budapest
1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Today, the storied capital of Budapest is free to explore at leisure. Consider crossing the Chain Bridge to see how the city differs in Buda and Pest or make a stop and try some delightful Hungarian treats.
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.
$4,110
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Jack Charney
TrustScore 4.8 | 175 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 175 reviews on
1 day ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
3 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.