Welcome to Germany. You’ll be met  at Munich  airport, then  transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will  warmly welcome you on board. . This evening, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board your Star-Ship.

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Traditional Bavarian band on board

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

Explore the medieval centre of Regensburg with your insightful  local guide. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, passing the patrician houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, and stop by to sample traditional Bavarian sausages,  a delicious local specialty.  Alternatively, join a guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the banks  of the Danube. From here, you can admire a panoramic view of the river and surrounding scenic landscape.

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Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting

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Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

Today, you’ll cruise into the heart of Passau, where three of Europe’s main rivers converge in the shadows of an  impressive castle. On your guided tour of this illustrious German city, you’ll learn  how it was rebuilt following fires in the 17th century. Italian architects left their mark with an array of Baroque architecture that still stands today, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, if you’re feeling active, join a guided bike tour along the banks of the River Inn.  

Enjoy exploring Passau  at your own pace,  before returning to your Star-Ship for lunch, followed by  an afternoon of  leisurely cruising  the Danube River.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau

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Guided bike tour along the River Inn

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Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)

Today, you’ll sail through the wondrous, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. You can choose to join a guided hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, offering delightful panoramic views of the surrounding medieval villages. Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, embark on a guided bike tour in Melk, cycling past terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way.

This afternoon, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true gem overlooking the Wachau Valley from a hill blanketed with vineyards and forests. part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape since 2001, Göttweig Abbey is one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1083, the abbey continues to serve as a spiritual centre in the heart of Lower Austria and is run by a community of about 45 monks. Visible even from a great distance, the abbey provides panoramic views, which you can soak up during your visit here.

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Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting

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Guided bike tour along the Danube River

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Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions await  in Vienna, a historic city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. For art-lovers, there’s no other place like the Austrian capital, not only  as  the city  brims with museums and artwork, but also because of the sheer  diversity.  Today’s  art tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

Alternatively, if you’re feeling more active, embark on a guided cycling tour  along the riverbanks to picturesque Danube Island.

Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum

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Guided bike tour to Danube Island

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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

A charming scattering of Baroque palaces and Gothic architecture that recount tales of a turbulent communist past are yours to uncover, as you  sail towards Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Enjoy a guided tour that uncovers the city’s fascinating history, taking in the neo-Renaissance splendour of the Slovak National Theatre and the Episcopal Summer Palace.

Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle and its lovely Baroque gardens, offering the perfect backdrop to the Shakespeare festival that takes place during the summer months.

This afternoon, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy one of our cruise highlights: coffee and cake at the home of a local Slovakian family. Later, relish a farewell dinner with your fellow guests on board your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

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Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

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Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

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Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

Welcome to Hungary and Budapest, the ‘Pearl of the Danube’ and generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Today, enjoy a guided coach tour, covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture, including the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. The history of the Hungarian capital displays  a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle and you’ll discover there is so much to take in as  you pass through this vibrant  city.   

Alternatively, embark on  a guided hike to Gellert Hill and admire the spectacular views across  the Danube.

Later, as part of your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

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Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

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Hike to Gellert Hill

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Jewish Heritage tour (extra expense, please note; option is not available on Fridays and Saturdays due to the observance of the Sabbath)

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid  farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with  wonderful memories of exquisite Viennese artworks,  architectural masterpieces,  Slovakian hospitality and the splendour of the Danube.

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.