Embark on a 10-day river cruise aboard the Emerald Sky. Explore four European countries on an itinerary that blends history and modern life along the Danube River. Guided walks through Germany’s cobblestone streets reveal layers of the past, while city tours of Vienna and Budapest showcase how heritage influences contemporary culture. Experience Austria’s imperial landmarks, Hungary’s vibrant traditions, and the enduring charm of historic capitals where the ancient and modern coexist. Discover why the Danube has inspired generations through its cultural richness, scenic landscapes, and enduring role as a vital link between Central Europe’s most celebrated cities.
Highlights
Explore Budapest highlights, from Heroes’ Square to Buda Castle views
Discover Bratislava’s Old Town and enjoy coffee with a local family
Tour Vienna’s grand boulevards and visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum
Stroll Passau’s medieval streets or bike along scenic River Inn paths
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.
Arrive in Budapest, meet at the airport and transfer to your modern Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Spend the afternoon exploring the Hungarian capital at your own pace. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore performance on board, followed by a traditional dinner.
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.
The diverse architecture of Budapest reflects its rich and varied history. Once two distinct cities—Buda on the west bank and Pest on the east—each offers a unique perspective on the culture of one of Eastern Europe’s most vibrant capitals. Today, join a guided tour that includes Heroes’ Square, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue, and the historic Buda Castle District. Alternatively, opt for a hike up Gellert Hill to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Danube’s scenic banks.
This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, as you soak in the sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theater.
If you’re feeling more active, you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, which provides the perfect setting for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.
This afternoon, you are invited into the home of a local family to learn more about their traditions and culture over coffee and cake.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
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Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. The Austrian capital is an art-lover's dream, and your guided tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.
If you’re feeling more active, then you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.
Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting, a true treasure overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. Visible from great distance, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world and provides epic panorama views.
Afterwards, your Star-Ship will sail through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Dürnstein.
Alternatively, join the guided hike to Dürnstein castle or embark on a guided bike touring the Wachau region, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before arriving where your Star-Ship is docked in Dürnstein.
In the afternoon, arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. You can have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region.
EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting
After a morning of sailing along the Danube, the team takes you into the heart of Passau. Nicknamed the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the ‘the city of three rivers’, it’s situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.
Your included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. If you're feeling active, you could join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.
After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at your leisure, before spending an evening sailing blissfully towards Regensburg.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the River Inn
This morning, arrive in Regensburg, a city built on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Your guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval center, where narrow cobbled lanes and tall facades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. Stop for a local Bavarian sausage tasting so you get a real feel of the daily life in Regensburg.
Alternatively, you could join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape and the river.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.
EmeraldPLUS
Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Bavarian band performance on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument
Day 8: Regensburg | Disembark | Nuremberg
1 Breakfast
This morning after breakfast, transfer from your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship to Germany's enchanting Bavaria region and Nuremberg, where you can enjoy 1 night stay. Then embark on a fascinating sightseeing tour of this historic city. After your guided tour, you can have time to explore Nuremberg at leisure, passing the city's charming, half-timbered houses that were beautifully reconstructed following World War II.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Nuremberg
Day 9: Nuremberg | Munich
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Munich, the Bavarian capital, where you can enjoy a one-night hotel stay. In this lively city, visit key landmarks, including the former site of the Olympic Games, Nymphenburg Palace, Maximilianstrasse and the Parliament, as well as the National Theater and Munich’s Residenz. During a guided walking tour, stroll the Marienplatz Square at the heart of the Old Town and witness the famous Glockenspiel. After the city tour, feel free to explore Munich further at your own pace.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Munich
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Tastes of Bavaria (extra expense)
Day 10: Munich
1 Breakfast
This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to your fellow guests and magical Bavaria and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
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.
$8,6852-3 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)
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
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.
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!
