Danube Delights

An unforgettable cruise down the iconic Danube & through the heart of old Europe. Walking tours, invitations into the homes of locals & sightseeing excursions showcase the magnificence of yesteryear.

8 Days
Munich to Budapest
From (AUD)
$ 3,995
Dates & Pricing

2024 Munich > Budapest

This insightful itinerary crosses into four countries, offering a unique perspective into their past and present simultaneously. Guided walks along the cobblestone streets of Germany tell their own story, and city tours of Vienna and Budapest exemplify how the past can shape the future. Celebrate the ancient as it co-exists with the modern in the Austrian and Hungarian capitals, and gain a personal understanding of why the iconic Danube has acted as inspiration to so many.
Tour Map
Tour Code:
EWNB
Duration:
8 days
Departure City:
Munich
Return City:
Budapest

8 Day Itinerary

  1. Day 1 - Munich - Regensburg Embarkation

    You’ll be met at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you.

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

    Meals Included: Dinner

  2. Day 2 - Regensburg

    Explore the medieval centre of Regensburg with a local guide, walking the cobblestone streets, passing the patrician houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, and stopping to sample traditional Bavarian sausage. Alternatively, join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the river and the surrounding landscape.

    This evening, enjoy a welcome reception with dinner, followed by a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.

    EmeraldPLUS

    Traditional Bavarian band on board

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

    EmeraldPLUS

    Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting

    DiscoverMORE

    Excursion to Nuremberg (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. Day 3 - Passau - Engelhartszell

    Today, we’ll cruise into the heart of Passau, where three of Europe’s main rivers converge in the shadows of the castle. Your guided tour of this illustrious city will unveil 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, you can join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.

    Enjoy exploring the city before returning to your Star-Ship for lunch and an afternoon of sailing along the Danube River.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour along the River Inn

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Passau

    DiscoverMORE

    Excursion to the Bavarian Forest (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 4 - Dürnstein - Krems

    Today, we will sail through the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley In Dürnstein  you can choose to hike the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, offering delightful panoramic views of the surrounding medieval villages. If you are feeling more active, you can embark on a guided bike tour in Dürnstein, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before meeting your Star-Ship where it is docked.

    This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau from a hill covered by vineyards and forests. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape since 2001, it is one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world. Built in 1083, it 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 great distance, the abbey provides epic panorama views when you visit.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour along the Danube River

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

    Included Excursion

    Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 5 - Vienna

    Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a 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 just because the city is packed with museums and artwork but also because of its variety. Your 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, embark on a guided cycling tour from where your Star-Ship is docked to the idyllic Danube Island.

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided bike tour in Vienna

    Included Excursion

    Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum

    DiscoverMORE

    Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 6 - Bratislava

    A delightful scattering of Baroque palaces and Gothic architecture that tell tales of a communist past are yours to uncover as we sail towards Bratislava. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s enchanting history, taking in the neo-Renaissance glory of the Slovak National Theatre and the Episcopal Summer Palace.

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

    This afternoon, enjoy coffee and cake in the home of a Slovakian family before being welcomed to your farewell dinner.

    EmeraldPLUS

    Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

    Included Excursion

    Walking tour of Bratislava

    DiscoverMORE

    Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE

    Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 7 - Budapest

    Welcome to Budapest, a city generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Enjoy a guided city tour, covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisine and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill and gaze over the Danube.

    EmeraldPLUS

    Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

    EmeraldACTIVE

    Hike to Gellert Hill

    Included Excursion

    Guided coach tour of Budapest

    DiscoverMORE

    Jewish Heritage tour (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE

    Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

    Meals Included: Breakfast

  8. Day 8 - Budapest

    After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking wonderful memories of the Viennese skyline and architectural masterpieces 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.

    Meals Included: Breakfast

Tour inclusions

YOUR CRUISE INCLUDES
  • 7 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
  • Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
  • The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities

INCLUDED EXCURSIONS
  • Guided tour of Passau
  • Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey
  • Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • Walking tour of Bratislava
  • Guided coach tour of Budapest

EmeraldPLUS
  • Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
  • Traditional Bavarian band on board
  • Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
  • Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

EmeraldACTIVE
  • Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument
  • Guided bike tour along the River Inn
  • Guided bike tour along the Danube River
  • Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
  • Guided bike tour in Vienna
  • Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
  • Hike to Gellert Hill

DINING HIGHLIGHTS
  • 20 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 6 lunches (L), 7 dinners (D)
  • Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board

Pricing & Availability