Embark on a 10-day river cruise aboard the Emerald Star. Experience the culture and history of the Danube River with an extended stay in Budapest and visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites across Central Europe. This immersive itinerary offers authentic experiences, from traditional entertainment to regional cuisine, providing insight into the diverse traditions along the river. Explore historic cities, iconic landmarks, and centuries of architectural heritage while connecting with local communities. Discover the region’s dynamic past and present through guided tours, cultural performances, and visits to significant sites that showcase the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of this influential European waterway.
Highlights
Join a tour in Heroes’ Square, Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District
Walk to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval center in Regensburg
Explore the Gothic and Baroque architectures in Passau
Drive around the Ringstrasse and walk to the Historic Center of Vienna
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 Budapest, the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. Upon arrival, meet your Emerald Cruises representative and transfer to your modern Star-Ship, where the friendly crew will extend a warm welcome.
Please ensure your flight arrives in Budapest before 5:00 PM.
Your journey begins in Budapest, where memorable experiences await. Discover the cobbled streets of the medieval quarter on a guided coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center. Visit the neo-Gothic Grand Market, the city’s largest indoor market, as your guide shares insights into Budapest’s culinary heritage, followed by free time to explore at your own pace.
For a more active option, choose a guided hike up Gellert Hill, offering sweeping city views. The surrounding area, rebuilt several times after wartime damage, still preserves 18th-century Baroque houses best appreciated along the medieval paths and alleyways near Buda Castle.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore performance with your fellow guests.
Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Today, the team invites you to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show for a truly immersive local experience, presenting you with a great chance to get to know your fellow travelers and to spend the evening in town just like the locals do.
EmeraldPLUS
Dinner & folklore show in Budapest
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Retro tour of post-Communist Budapest (extra expense)
On your last morning in Budapest, enjoy a leisurely walk in town or use one of the on board bikes for a last ride through the Hungarian capital. In the afternoon, your ship sets sail on the magnificent Danube River onto your next destination – Slovakia.
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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Early this morning, sail into the Slovakian capital. The romantic cobblestone lanes weaving through the city are yours to explore. Enjoy guided walking tours of the ancient town center, passing a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, including the incredible Slovak National Theater.
Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, a fairy tale-like landmark steeped in legend. This striking building has been rebuilt several times. Most recently in the mid-20th century.
Tonight, enjoy some local Slovakian entertainment on board.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous exhibition halls welcome you to Vienna, the birthplace of revolutionary breakthroughs in the fields of music and psychology. The city perfectly encapsulates the extravagance of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. A walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center uncovers the classical architectural styles of the city, evidence of the melting pot of artistic influences that existed here at the turn of the 20th century.
If you are feeling more active, choose to explore on two wheels, cycling along the river to Donau insel, Danube Island.
Effortlessly suspended in time, Weissenkirchen is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm weather creates the perfect setting for viticulture.
Later, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, where you can enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Originally a lavish castle gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century, this opulent Baroque building is home to some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts.
Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube River
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
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Visit to Schallaburg Castle (extra expense)
This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Linz. Transfer by coach across the border into the Czech Republic to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed center of Ceský Krumlov, a town built around a 13th-century castle. Join your local guide on a walk along the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, passing the colorful facades of buildings, as you learn how the architecture survived the test of time. The town surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will include the 15th-century St. Vitus Church and a number of delightful Gothic facades.
EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
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Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)
Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly baked goods welcome you to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways. This historic trading center borders Austria and boasts a distinctive blend of cultures.
Experience a typical Bavarian farm for some interesting insights into the life of local farmers and livestock farming, then try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.
EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian Countryside Experience
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Veste Oberhaus
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Bavaria Live (extra expense)
Day 10: Passau | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Europe’s iconic skylines and charming small towns along the Danube River with you.
Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 01:00 PM.
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.
$9,7902-3 travelers
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
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).
