Embark on this 10-day Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest Cruise aboard Emerald Luna along the Danube River's shores, with an extended sojourn in the splendid city of Budapest. This itinerary unveils the beauty of five countries and five remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites, encapsulating the essence of central Europe. Immerse yourself in authentic encounters and local pleasures during this unparalleled expedition. Delve into the traditions of the region, relish its distinctive cuisines, and uncover its multi-century history. Traverse enduring architectural wonders, historical landmarks, and vibrant cultural expressions that define this expansive and ever-evolving area.
Highlights
Explore the beauty of five countries along the Danube River's shores
Discover five remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites
Uncover the essence of central Europe
Discover traditions, cuisines, and multi-century history of the region
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.
Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star Ship in Passau. A warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
Please book your flight to arrive in Munich prior to 02:00 PM.
Today, you’ll sample homemade specialties and explore the customs and traditions of Bavarian agriculture during a visit to a local farm. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, soaking up views such as the hilltop church of Mariahilf and the ancient St. Severin, dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.
Crossing the border into the Czech Republic, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint town has one of the best-preserved ancient centers in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the 15th-century St. Vitus’ Church and a series of delightful Gothic façades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages.
Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Danube River en route to Melk. Here, you’ll explore the golden halls of Melk Abbey on today’s included tour.
Afterward, you’ll have the choice to sail through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen, or if you’re feeling active cycle from Melk along the Danube River, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture.
Discover the classical charms of Vienna as guides take you through the city. Uncover the cafés, artisan studios, and baroque majesty of Vienna's imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstraße will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on Donauinsel, the Danube Island.
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Vienna before sailing on to Bratislava, marveling at the ever-changing scenery of the Danube. Explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is within walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to the fairytale-like Bratislava Castle.
This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship while travelers sail from Slovakia to Hungary. In Budapest, an exciting program awaits you. As you sail into this magnificent city, it becomes immediately apparent why the Hungarian capital is known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. Venture into the city independently or make use of our onboard bikes to explore Budapest's hidden treasures.
Today, explore the city's cobbled medieval quarter as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital's culinary scene, finishing at the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you'll have time to explore independently.
If you're feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.
On your last full day in Budapest, you are invited to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show for a truly immersive local experience. This is a great chance to bid farewell to your fellow travelers before going home.
Day 10: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, disembark the ship and transfer to the airport.
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.
$8,4902-3 travelers
Select a Date
Emerald Stateroom E
An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.
Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.
Dimensions: 162ft2
Select a Date
Emerald Stateroom D
An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.
Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalize your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.
Dimensions: 162ft2
Select a Date
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite C
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas.
Select a Date
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite B
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas.
Dimensions: 180ft2
Select a Date
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite A
Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas.
Dimensions: 180ft2
Select a Date
Grand Balcony Suite (SA)
Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivaled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer.
Dimensions: 210ft2
Select a Date
Owners One-Bedroom Suite
Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar, or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.
Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high-quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat-screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.
Dimensions: 315ft2
Select a Date
Emerald Single Stateroom - Single Occupancy Only
We make solo travel easy and comfortable as all of our Star-Ships, except Emerald Radiance, boast two Emerald Single Staterooms. Home to a deluxe single bed, a bathroom with a shower, indulgent toiletries, and a hairdryer, you’ll have all the comforts you need at your fingertips. Your picture window welcomes in a lovely amount of light and individual climate control ensures you can keep at a comfortable temperature regardless of which season you’re traveling in.
Dimensions: 117ft2
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!
Meyer Smolen
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.
