Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Munich, Germany.

Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises 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 into Munich prior to 2:00 PM. Meal: D

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. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Bavarian Countryside Experience
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Veste Oberhaus
DiscoverMORE: Bavaria Live  (additional expense)

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 de-lightful Gothic façades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages. Meals: B, D

EmeraldPLUS: Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
DiscoverMORE: Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte making (additional expense)

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. Afterwards, 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. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour along the Danube
DiscoverMORE: Wachau Experience (additional expense)

Discover the classical charms of Vienna as we take you through the city. Uncover the cafés, artisan studios and baroque majesty of Vienna’s imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ring-straße 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. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Vienna
DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese evening concert (additional expense)

This morning, we depart Vienna and sail to Bratislava, when you will have the chance to marvel at the even changing scenery of the Danube. Explore the city’s historic architecture on an in-cluded 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 fairy tale-like Bratislava Castle. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Local Slovakian entertainment on board
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
DiscoverMORE: Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Carpathian Wine Route (extra expense)

This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship while we 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’. In the afternoon, 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 while touring the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest’s largest and most expansive indoor mar-ket, where you’ll have time to explore independently. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard
DiscoverMORE: Budapest by Night (additional expense)

Venture into the city independently to explore Budapest’s hidden treasures. 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, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways of the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Gellert Hill
DiscoverMORE: Tour to Szentendre (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Jewish heritage tour (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Budapest by Night (additional expense)

On your last full day in Budapest, we invite you 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. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest
DiscoverMORE: Retro tour of post-Communist Budapest (additional expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. Disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities with you. Meal: B