Come aboard the Emerald Destiny, offering luxurious facilities and accommodation on this 11-day getaway. The ship is waiting in Giurgiu to start the journey through the Danube River. This tour will showcase just how fascinating Eastern Europe is. Walk along the cobbled streets and discover the medieval fortifications in Veliko Tarnovo. Travel to Arbanasi and visit some of the traditional houses and ancient churches. Explore a local vineyard in Vidin and learn about, as well as taste, their wines. Also, pay a visit to one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, the archaeological site of Lepenski Vir. FInish out this tour with two days in Budapest.
Highlights
Cross the Chain Bridge and see the differences of Buda and Pest
Explore Budapest and visit the ornamented Buda Castle district.
Witness traditional performances by the Magyar cowboys
Walk around the genuine icon of the romantic old town, the Osijek 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, Emerald Destiny.
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.
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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.
Kate was great to work with in the planning stage. She was prompt, helpful, and efficient. Our tour guide, Edwin, was knowledgeable and passionate. We were very happy to have traveled with Adventure Life, it made the trip easy and a true pleasure. We could concentrate on enjoying the experience rather than the details of travel.
Lisa Bridge
TrustScore 4.8 | 169 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 169 reviews on
1 day ago
Friendly and professional interactions. Answered my questions and followed up on initial contact.
Tim Elliott
2 days ago
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
3 days ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 days ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
4 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.