Embark on an 11-day river cruise aboard the Emerald Luna. Discover the historic charm of Prague with its Astronomical Clock and Charles Bridge before following the iconic Danube through Central Europe. Journey through the UNESCO‑listed Wachau Valley to the medieval town of Durnstein and explore the castle where Richard the Lionheart was once held. Experience Vienna’s cultural heritage with a panoramic drive along the Ringstrasse, showcasing grand architecture and historic landmarks. Conclude in Budapest, where centuries of history meet modern vibrancy, offering insight into Hungary’s cultural identity and European heritage.
Highlights
Explore Prague’s medieval treasures and stroll the iconic Charles Bridge
Visit Bavarian farmsteads and sample authentic regional specialities
Tour Melk Abbey’s grand halls and view rare medieval manuscripts
Experience Vienna’s imperial grandeur along the historic Ringstrasse
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.
Upon arrival in Prague, transfer to your centrally located hotel for a three‑night stay.
Day 2: Prague
1 Breakfast
Prague’s historic center is a remarkable showcase of some of Europe’s best-preserved architecture from across the centuries. Begin your exploration with a visit to three impressive castle courtyards before entering the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral. Continue down the Castle Steps for sweeping views of the city, then cross the iconic Charles Bridge into the picturesque Old Town. Your guided tour concludes at the famous Astronomical Clock in lively Old Town Square, offering a lasting impression of Prague’s enduring charm.
Included Excursion
A guided tour of Prague
EmeraldPLUS
Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Day 3: Prague
1 Breakfast
Your tour director will be available to help you plan a day of independent exploration today, perhaps strolling past ornate façades in the Baroque quarter or discovering Prague’s Jewish heritage in Josefov.
Today, gain fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarians during a visit to a farm, where you can 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.
Today, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech 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 facades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages.
EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
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Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)
Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s finest wine-producing vineyards.
Later, arrive in Melk, an Austrian town nestled along the Danube River. On today’s included tour, you can have the opportunity to walk through the gold-leaf halls of 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery that is home to rare medieval manuscripts. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through Austria’s spectacular Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, remain in Melk and take a guided bike tour to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that reveals a different perspective on the region’s esteemed viticulture. Take the chance to join a guided hike in the afternoon through the vineyards and soak in the spirit of the Wachaus valley nature.
Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
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Wachau Valley Experience (extra expense)
Discover the classical charms of Vienna today. As the team takes you through the heart of the city, point out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its 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 the Danube Island.
Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marveling at the ever changing scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle – its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theater.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
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Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, 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 while touring the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you can have time to explore on your own.
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 and are best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.
Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Day 11: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities with you.
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.
$9,2952-3 travelers
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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!
