Danube Explorer

Welcome to Munich. Upon arrival, expect a personal greeting from an Emerald Cruises representative before enjoying a seamless transfer directly to the contemporary Emerald Star-Ship docked in Passau. A warm reception from the dedicated captain and crew awaits you upon boarding, perfectly setting the stage for a delightful evening sharing a welcome dinner with fellow guests on the ship. The vessel remains securely docked in Passau overnight, providing a wonderful opportunity to step ashore after dark and independently explore the enchanting city streets at an unhurried pace.

To guarantee a perfectly smooth embarkation process, please arrange for an inbound flight arriving in Munich prior to 2:00 PM.

Arrive in Passau, where narrow cobblestone streets, graceful arcades, and the magnificent St. Stephen's Cathedral await your discovery. Perfectly situated at the precise confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, this picturesque city has been beautifully shaped by its surrounding waterways over countless centuries. Widely celebrated as the City of Three Rivers, this highly memorable destination invites exploration through its expansive public squares, magical waterfront promenades, and wonderfully romantic lanes.

Included Excursion
Bavarian Countryside Experience
Gain a fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarian farmers during a visit to a working farm. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of their fresh produce and gourmet specialties, such as cheese, cold meats, bread and beer. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Veste Oberhaus
Set off on a guided hike around Passau, catching sights of the Mariahilf, a place of pilgrimage at St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian Dynasty. Follow the trail to the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress that’s one of Europe’s largest preserved castle complexes and offers spectacular views. 

Cross into Austria and dock in the town of Linz. Though the city has a history that dates back more than 1,000 years, it’s considered the country’s center of innovation and technology. Striking public art installations, cutting-edge galleries and an ever-evolving cultural scene make Linz one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations. 

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
Set out on a full-day excursion to the World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech town has one of the best-preserved ancient centers in Europe, with more than 300 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. 

Arrive in Melk early this morning. Situated within Austria’s famed Wachau Valley, the county’s premier wine-growing region, Melk is home to a 900-year-old World Heritage-listed Benedictine abbey. A charming and compact port, it is filled with flower-lined laneways, colorful buildings and sprawling green spaces.

Later, continue to Weissenkirchen, another picturesque village in the Wachau Valley. 

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey
Explore this ancient abbey today on an included tour. Your guide will take you through a series of opulent rooms, each adorned with the finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library, renowned for its extensive collection of medieval manuscripts.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour along the Danube
Enjoy an active guided e-bike ride along the Danube from Melk to Weissenkirchen, passing famous vineyards and quaint towns before settling down for a picnic on the riverbanks. E-bikes will take you smoothly along the 30 kilometers (19 miles) route through picturesque surroundings, including a relaxing break for a refreshing drink along the way. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
Effortlessly suspended in time, Weissenkirchen is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm weather creates the ideal setting for viticulture. Today, join this active hike to explore the town and its surrounds. 

Austria’s breathtaking capital is recognized for its cultural legacy. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represent a rich history, and the museum district boasts contemporary buildings, housing the work of some of the world’s most prolific artists.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna
Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna’s city center by coach and on foot, or join a guided e-bike tour. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches that adorn the façades of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater and the Flemish Gothic Parliament before enjoying time to explore Vienna at leisure.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Vienna
Embark on a guided e-bike tour of Vienna to Danube Island. Your guide will talk about why Vienna is the most livable city in the world and share personal stories, introducing you to a different side of the city. This is an opportunity to visit places other travelers won’t see and experience the authentic Vienna.

Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn medieval cobblestone streets. At the same time, the complex history of Communism can be found in its Brutalist landmarks and military monuments.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
Enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the enchanting Old City or hike to Bratislava Castle. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theater, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board
Relax on board in the Horizon Lounge as you listen to local saloon orchestra Afrodite, comprised of five women playing classical arrangements of pop music, evergreens, musical and movie melodies in traditional Slovakian dress.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
This active excursion begins at the port of Bratislava, passing the monumental Slovak National Theater building and continuing to the extensive riverside promenade. Admire the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, the most famous sacral building in Bratislava, climb the hill to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views, see St Michael’s Gate and walk through the main square.

Welcome to Budapest, where a fitting end to a fantastic trip awaits. Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. The Hungarian capital is divided by the iconic Danube River, with Buda and Pest on either side. They can be reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic structures.

This evening, enjoy a Hungarian folklore show before your farewell dinner.

Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
Explore Budapest’s cobbled medieval quarter today on a coach tour through the World Heritage-listed city center. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital's culinary scene, and the tour will finish at the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you can have time to explore on your own. 

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Enjoy a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike up to the World Heritage-listed site of Gellert Hill. On your walk, take in the stunning views of the Danube River and the city’s architecture. You pass landmarks like Várkert Bazaar and beautifully landscaped gardens, making this an unforgettable experience in Budapest.

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Emerald Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Europe’s iconic sights and cultural treasures 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.