Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest

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

Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by a representative of Mayflower / Emerald Cruises and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Passau. All flights need to arrive by 2:00pm. A warm welcome awaits from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner onboard. Meal: D

Travel by coach to a local farm to sample homemade specialities and explore the customs and traditions of Bavarian agriculture. Alternatively, 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

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

Disembark the ship in Linz and journey by coach across the border into the Czech Republic to visit the UNESCO World Heritage town of Český 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 delightful Gothic façades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages. Return to the ship in Linz after the excursion. Meals: B, D

EmeraldPLUS*: Guided tour of Český Krumlov
DiscoverMORE*: Walking Tour of Linz with LInzer-torte making (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE*: Excursion to Salzburg, Austria (additional expense)

*Included tour and both DiscoverMORE’s all overlap. Only one can be selected.

This morning, explore the golden halls of Melk Abbey on the included excursion. This opulent Baroque building is home to some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts in the world. Afterwards, choose 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 on a city tour. Uncover the cafés, artisan studios and baroque majesty of Vienna’s imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstrasse will showcase the magnificent architecture followed by a walking tour to introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage 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 (instead of city tour)
DiscoverMORE: Exclusive Viennese evening concert (additional expense)

Upon arrival, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included walking tour, where everything is within walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theater. Alternatively, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, perched atop a hill, offering a splendid view over the Danube. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Bratislava Castle (instead of city tour)
DiscoverMORE: Carpathian Wine Route (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Local Slovakian entertainment onboard

This morning, relax onboard your Star-Ship while sailing from Slovakia to Hungary. In Budapest, an exciting program awaits. As you sail into this magnificent city, it becomes immediately apparent why the Hungarian capital is known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. Venture into the city independently or make use of our onboard bikes to explore Budapest’s hidden treasures. Meals: B, L, D

DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Szentendre (additional expense)
DiscoverMORE: Budapest by Night (additional expense)

Explore the city’s medieval quarter as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage city center. View the beautiful façade of the Parliament Building, see Heroes’ Square and St. Steven’s Basilica. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene, finishing at the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest’s largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore independently. If you’re feeling more active, alternatively choose to hike to Gellert Hill and be rewarded with beautiful views of the Danube and city of Budapest. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard. Meals: B, L, D

EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Gellert Hill (instead of city tour)
DiscoverMORE: Jewish heritage tour (additional expense)
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard

The final day in Budapest is left free to pursue independent interests or join a DiscoverMORE excursion. This evening, you are invited 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 travellers 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 an enjoyable cruise along the Danube River with you. Meal: B