Discovery of the Danube: 16 days Munich to Bucharest

Welcome to Munich, where you’ll be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Emerald 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.

Your ship will remain docked in Passau overnight, so you can go ashore after dark to explore on your own.

Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.

Narrow cobblestone streets, graceful arcades, and St Stephen's Cathedral welcome you to Passau. This picturesque city has been shaped by the surrounding rivers over the years, sitting at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Known as the ‘City of Three Rivers’, this memorable destination is dominated by large squares, magical promenades and 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. 

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Bavaria Live (extra expense)
Eating, drinking and making music together is a huge part of everyday Bavarian life. Join a local guide and learn about the 800-year-old history of Passau beer and the Bavarian Tavern traditions in a fun and entertaining way. Listen to a local oompah band while you enjoy a beer and a pretzel.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

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 centre 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 centres 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. 

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Excursion to Mauthausen Concentration Camp (extra expense)
Discover the history of one of Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camps on a guided tour. Learn about the events that took place at Mauthausen as well as its significance in World War II. You’ll see the camp’s remnants, including the barracks and the stone quarry, which played a central role during its operation.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 3.5 hours

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, colourful 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 kilometres (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. 

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Wachau Valley Experience (extra expense)
Hike through the vineyards of the picturesque village of Weissenkirchen and learn about its long wine-growing heritage, as well as the region’s climate and soil. Next, taste the local wine, jam, chutney, and chocolate, before trying a delicious Austrian sweet delicacy called Mohnzelten.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

Austria’s breathtaking capital is recognised 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 centre 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 liveable 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 travellers won’t see and experience the authentic Vienna.

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Klosterneuburg Abbey Wine Tour (extra expense)
Step into the heart of Habsburg history at one of Austria’s oldest and most historically significant monasteries, the 12th-century Klosterneuburg Abbey. Visit the historic Press House, beautifully illuminated by a stunning light installation, then descend into the Baroque wine cellar to learn about Austria’s renowned DAC wines. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of four wines or cloudy apple juices.
Activity level: Medium, Duration: 3.5 hours

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Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
With Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert among its historical repertoire, Vienna is the world capital of opera and classical music. Enjoy an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna’s most beautiful concert halls, with favourites such as the ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and the ‘Radetzky March’. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival adds to the unforgettable occasion.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

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 Theatre, 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 Theatre 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.

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Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
On this truly insightful tour of Bratislava in a Skoda car, you’ll learn about life during the Communist era through real personal stories from your guide and enjoy some local authentic refreshments from this time. This off-the-beaten-track tour brings alive the story of Bratislava in the turbulent 20th century.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

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Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)
Explore the viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route, including the vineyards of Vinosady and a family-run winery in Senkvice. You’ll learn about the proud heritage of winemaking and sample some local wines in a historic wine cellar.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration 4hr 40min

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, you’ll 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 centre. 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'll 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’ll pass landmarks like Várkert Bazaar and beautifully landscaped gardens, making this an unforgettable experience in Budapest.

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Visit the picturesque village of Szentendre, where cobblestone streets evoke a Mediterranean atmosphere that has inspired many artists. Take a walking tour through the pedestrian city centre to admire the Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets. The main square, Fo Tér, and the alleyways around it are lined with art galleries, museums and shops.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

Enjoy plenty of free time to explore Eastern Europe’s liveliest city at your leisure. The ‘Pearl on 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.

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, then a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board.

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.

EmeraldPLUS
Puszta Equestrian Heritage
Travel to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Relax as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills, most of which were practised in preparation for wartime. 

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. You’ll find the locals relaxing in leafy parks, swimming in the river and sharing drinks in busy laneway bars. It’s compact and easily walkable, dotted with grand public buildings, excellent museums and the striking Petrovaradin Fortress. 

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Novi Sad
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. 

EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted lunch with a Serbian family
Visit the home of a local Serbian family and join them for a traditional lunch. During the meal, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss Serbian traditions and the daily life of the people

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Novi Sad
Discover Novi Sad on two wheels with this guided e-bike tour. Ride along the Danube promenade and pass iconic landmarks. Learn about the city’s history, culture and local life from your guide while enjoying a leisurely cycling pace.

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. It has been shaped by conflict and still bears the scars of bombings from World War II through to the 1990s. At the same time, this gritty centre is filled with beautiful architecture, engaging street art and a legendary cafe culture that can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire. 

Included Excursion
Highlights of Belgrade
This city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre 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 neighbourhoods and past Tito’s Mausoleum. 

EmeraldPLUS
Serbian folklore evening show on board  Watch local musicians and dancers perform traditional dances from around Serbia while wearing authentic, colourful costumes. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour in Belgrade
Cycle through Belgrade with a local guide to experience the city’s landmarks and natural beauty along the Danube. Learn about the diversity of the local area as well as the history of the city and its people, including the former country of Yugoslavia. Highlights include the Belgrade Waterfront, Staro Sajmiste (former concentration camp), and Ada Island. 

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Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)
Learn the story of Serbian-American Nikola Tesla at the intriguing museum dedicated to the life and work of one of the world's most famous inventors. You’ll see magnificent working models of Tesla's machines, his various personal items and his visions of the future.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours

In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Surrounded by spectacular landscapes and with a rich heritage, it’s the gateway to one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites.

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.

Included Excursion
Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
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. 

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Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)
Take a walking tour of the medieval Golubac Fortress. The castle was built at the entrance to the Iron Gates, at the point where the Danube is the widest and then runs into the gorge of the Carpathian Mountains. An exceptional strategic point, it enabled easy control of all the land and waterways that connected the East and the West, whereas the steep and inaccessible cliffs on which the fortress was built offered natural protection.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Surrounded by spectacular landscapes and with a rich heritage, it’s the gateway to one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites.

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.

Included Excursion
In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Surrounded by spectacular landscapes and with a rich heritage, it’s the gateway to one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites.   

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.

DiscoverMORE
Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)
Take a walking tour of the medieval Golubac Fortress. The castle was built at the entrance to the Iron Gates, at the point where the Danube is the widest and then runs into the gorge of the Carpathian Mountains. An exceptional strategic point, it enabled easy control of all the land and waterways that connected the East and the West, whereas the steep and inaccessible cliffs on which the fortress was built offered natural protection.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress
Transfer to Belogradchick Rock Fortress Park for a guided hike to its ancient mountaintop fortress. First built when the region was part of the Roman Empire, it has been used and extended in the 14th century and by the Ottomans in the 19th century, right up until the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885. 

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Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)
Watch your host prepare a traditional Bulgarian banitsa pastry, before joining a demonstration and learning to make your own. Banitsa is a very popular Bulgarian dish, consisting of dough sheets with various fillings, the most popular being white cheese and eggs. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting, served with a bowl of the famous Lactobacillus Bulgaricus yoghurt.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes

Today, your Emerald Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, Bulgaria’s most elegant city. This important port on the Danube is often called ‘Little Vienna’ thanks to its elegant Belle Epoque and Neo Baroque architecture, leafy squares and wide boulevards. 

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rousse
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. 

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
Transfer to the River Lom Nature Park for an active hike to the World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, these remarkable structures are lined with exquisite frescoes representing biblical scenes. 

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Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (extra expense)
Visit Veliko Tarnovo and learn about its rich history as the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. This medieval city was built atop three hills, and its fortifications and cobbled streets will delight history lovers. Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 8.5 hours

Disembark your Emerald Star-Ship in Giurgiu this morning, then relax on board 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. 

Included Excursion
Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace
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 Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure.  

This evening, settle into the stylish surrounds of your hotel before perhaps taking a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel. 

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain, grand palaces and medieval fortresses 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 our terms and conditions for further information.