Embark on an 11-day river cruise aboard the Emerald Star. Discover Europe’s highlights with a 3-night stay in Prague, followed by an 8-day Danube river cruise. Explore four capital cities, including Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Prague, and visit the scenic Wachau Valley wine region. Journey through the foothills of the Austrian Alps and experience historic towns such as Passau, Nuremberg, Melk, and Durnstein. This itinerary combines cultural landmarks, regional heritage, and picturesque landscapes along one of Europe’s most iconic waterways for an immersive travel experience through Central Europe.
Highlights
Visit the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague
Tour the city of Regensburg and visit its Old Town Hall complex
Explore the town of Passau that has a Baroque architecture
Ride a bike and tour along the Danube River from Melk to Durnstein
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.
When you arrive in Prague, transfer from airport to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay.
Day 2: Prague
1 Breakfast
Today, take a walking tour of Prague to discover its rich history reflected in its Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, each representing a chapter of the city’s past. Stroll through castle courtyards and visit St. Vitus Cathedral before descending the Castle steps for sweeping views over Prague. Continue to Charles Bridge and into the Old Town, concluding at the famous Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square, where you can have free time to explore the city at your own pace.
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.
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
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, you can 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 Star-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
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
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
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 splendor 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 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 Star-Ship.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
DiscoverMORE
Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
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 you can 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 Star-Ship.
Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
DiscoverMORE
Jewish Heritage tour (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Day 11: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-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.
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.
$8,5602-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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
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
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
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
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
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 (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
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.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
