Gems of Eastern Europe

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.

Welcome to Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Star-Ship to be greeted by your friendly captain and crew. This afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Eastern Europe’s liveliest city at your leisure. The ‘Pearl of the Danube’ is a truly breathtaking sight, where dozens of lights adorn the stone bridges that cross the mighty Danube, separating both sides of the city. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. Meal: D

EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard

This morning, dock in Ordas. This tiny village on the left bank of the Danube is in one of Hungary’s most fertile agricultural regions, which is famous for its paprika. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Puszta Equestrian Heritage

The second-largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad has a relaxed atmosphere and lively spirit that sets it apart from other major cities in the region. Set out on an easy walking tour of the city with a local guide. See the market, Orthodox Cathedral, City Hall, Catholic Cathedral, and enjoy a visit to the Synagogue. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted lunch with a Serbian family
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour in Novi Sad

The Serbian capital, Belgrade, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe and has lived a multitude of lives over the last 2,000 years. This city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities. Relax as your coach takes you through the center of this peaceful city to see the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings, the Parliament Building, Republic Square, City Hall and more. Finish with a drive through Belgrade’s wealthiest neighborhoods and past Tito’s Mausoleum. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldPLUS: Serbian folklore evening show onboard
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour in Belgrade
DiscoverMORE: Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir, the oldest urban settlement in Europe. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site, which changed modern understandings of the early Stone Age, and its illustrious history spanning over eight millennia. As the day ends, relax on board as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps. Look out for the huge rock carving of Decebalus, the last King of Dacia. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)

A morning arrival brings you to Vidin in northwest Bulgaria. One of the oldest towns along the Bulgarian Danube, it prospers from the surrounding countryside and is renowned for wine production. The day begins with an included tour of a vineyard and the opportunity to sample the local vintage. After a picturesque drive through the Bulgarian countryside, arrive at the medieval Baba Vida Fortress. During the guided tour, see the three fully-preserved towers and original battlements of the city’s main attraction. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Belogradchik Fortress, also known as Kaleto, on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Initially used as a lookout point, it is believed to have been built by Romans, utilizing the already existing rocky landscape. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Belogradchik Fortress (instead of included tour)
DiscoverMORE: Traditional Bulgarian pastry-making (additional expense)

Today, your Emerald Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, Bulgaria’s most elegant city. Be immersed in history as you wander through Bulgari’s ‘Little Vienna’. Admire the Court House, City Hall, Opera Building, the main shopping street Alexandrovska and St. Trinity Church, then enjoy coffee and cake at a local restaurant. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
DiscoverMORE: Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (extra expense)

Disembark your Emerald Star-Ship in Giurgiu this morning, then relax onboard your comfortable coach and enjoy the passing scenery as you drive towards Bucharest. You’ll first pass the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceauescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Meal: B

This morning, after breakfast, your thrilling Transylvanian adventure will begin. On your way to Brasov, for today’s included excursion, you’ll visit the world-famous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle - a spectacular setting for a vampire lord. Although there is no clear evidence that links Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) to Bran Castle, much of the myth surrounding Prince Vlad is true. Dracula ruled this extraordinarily beautiful place for a couple of decades during the 15th century. Upon arrival in Brasov, settle into your hotel for your included three-night stay and later, enjoy a welcome drink with your tour director and fellow guests. Meals: B, L

Soak in the sights of Brasov on your included morning tour. Later, you may choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion or continue exploring the city at leisure. Meal: B

DiscoverMORE: Prejmer & Harman UNESCO Fortified Churches (extra expense)

While based in the heart of Transylvania, you may wish to explore some of the key sights in Brasov at your own pace. Perhaps visiting the Old Town Square, wandering through the narrow, atmospheric streets, or hiking up Mount Tampa. Wherever you choose to explore, your tour director will be available to assist you with your plans and answer any questions you have that may arise. Meals: B, L

DiscoverMORE: Sighisoara & Viscri Village (extra expense)

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and board your coach for the picturesque drive back to Bucharest, where you’ll enjoy an included hotel stay for one night. En-route to Bucharest, you’ll cross the Carpathian Mountains to reach Sinaia. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Carpathians,’ Sinaia is home to one of Romania’s most beautiful palaces, Peles Castle, which you’ll visit for today’s included excursion. Meal: B, L

This morning, after breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking treasured memories of the Great Hungarian Plain, medieval fortresses and vampire castles with you. Meal: B