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On your Emerald Cruises Danube Explorer river cruise get set for an unforgettable journey on the iconic River Danube. Travelling between Passau and Budapest over eight wonderful days, you’ll encounter the majesty of Vienna and the scenic charms of the Wachau Valley. The timeless Danube River twists and turns through the bulk of continental Europe, providing passage to an array of incredible destinations. Our Danube Explorer itinerary gives you the chance to experience one of the most dramatic portions of this mighty European waterway, travelling from Passau to Budapest via globally-renowned destinations like Linz, Melk and the Wachau Valley. The Danube stretches across the breadth of Austria, meandering through alpine vistas before descending to carve a course through the heart of the country’s elegant capital, Vienna. Your experience on the Danube begins amid the historic splendour of Passau, whose cobbled streets and elegant public arcades are prime for a fascinating walking tour. From here, you’ll travel east via Linz, arriving at Melk on the fourth day of your journey. This wonderful Austrian city boasts no shortage of heritage, and you can enjoy a tour of the 900-year-old Benedictine Palace or a guided hike to nearby Durnstein Castle. This is followed by two days spent exploring beautiful city of Vienna, before a visit to Budapest provides a wonderful conclusion to your tour.
Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday.
Upon arrival in Munich, you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Waterways representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ships, where a warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew.
This evening , join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
Day 2 - Passau
The gateway to the Black Sea will be a memorable part of your river cruise along the mighty Danube, as Passau’s atmosphere effortlessly reflects the work that was undertaken in the city by Italian architects, who brought a little piece of Venice with them to Germany.
Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the ornate exterior of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, perfectly mirroring the beautifully restored interior, and the Altes Rathaus, or Town Hall, which comprises of an ensemble of eight historic patrician houses.
Alternatively, set off on a guided hike around Passau, catching sights of the Mariahilf, a place of pilgrimage, and St. Severin, an ancient church that can be dated back to the Ottonian dynasty.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike near Passau EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Passau
Day 3 - Linz
Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov.
This quaint town has one of the best-preserved ancient centres 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 High Gothic façades, each taking you back to the heart of the Middle Ages.
EmeraldPLUS: A guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
Day 4 - Melk - Durnstein
Relax as we cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing beautiful terraced vineyards that produce some of the world’s best wine and delightful apricot orchards before arriving in Melk.
During an included tour of Melk Abbey, gaze upon ornate gold leaf walls and walk up seemingly endless spiral staircases in what was once a royal palace, gifted to the monks by Leopold II.
After your tour, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley.
Day 5 - Vienna
Discover the classical charms of Vienna today, as we take you through the heart of the city, pointing out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its imperial grandeur. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre was once a fortified Roman frontier city, and a drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to architecture from across the last millennia.
Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on Danube Island.
EmeraldACTIVE: A bike tour
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of the Ringstrasse and Vienna DiscoverMORE: Tastes of Vienna tour (extra expense) DiscoverMORE: An exclusive Viennese evening concert with the music of Mozart and Strauss (extra expense)
Day 6 - Bratislava
Cobbled streets pave the course for daily life in Bratislava, where winding alleys and a truly rural atmosphere blend together to create a truly distinctive Slovakian capital.
Enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, with a silhouette that looks as though it was pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This striking landmark was most recently rebuilt in a Renaissance style, but it still retains some of its original features.
Alternatively, explore the historic architecture in the compact town centre during an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre.
EmeraldPLUS: Local Slovakian entertainment on board EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Bratislava Castle EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Bratislava
Day 7 - Budapest
Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip through the heart of Europe awaits. Once the ancient Roman city of Aquincum, a true historic marvel, with bathhouses and homes with heated floors thanks to the surrounding hot springs.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre will enable you to follow the chapters of architecture through the ages as you set off on a coach tour of Budapest, passing Romanesque, Baroque and Classical façades.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.
EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Hungarian folklore show EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Buda Hill EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided bus tour of Budapest DiscoverMORE:Tour of Szentendre (extra expense)
Day 8 - Budapest - UK
After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.
Return economy flights from one of up to 15 UK regional airports. Welcome to the “Pearl of the Danube”.
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the luxurious surrounds of your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you.
Day 2 - Budapest
Explore Budapest’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre.
Your guide will highlight a number of architectural wonders from across the ages, enabling you to follow a journey from Budapest’s Roman beginnings to the addition of ornate Romanesque and Baroque architecture in the centuries that followed. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to hike to Buda Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Buda Hill EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Budapest
Day 3 - Bratislava
Bratislava Relax on board as we sail into the capital of Slovakia this morning. This graceful nation of leafy avenues became an independent country in 1993, and since then, Bratislava has flourished as a new capital and made a name for itself as a cultural centre where different styles of music are as readily celebrated as the region’s medieval past.
The romantic cobblestone lanes that weave through the city are yours to explore with your local guide, as you enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town centre, including the Slovak National Theatre and a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, a landmark steeped in legends that looks as though it came from the pages of a child’s fairytale. This striking building has been rebuilt several times over the last millennia, most recently in a Renaissance style.
EmeraldPLUS: Local Slovakian entertainment on board EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Bratislava Castle EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Bratislava
Day 4 - Vienna
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, the birthplace of revolutionary breakthroughs in the fields of music and psychology.
The city perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces, some of which you will be able to see during your guided coach tour of the Ringstrasse, followed by a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre and its surrounding classical architectural styles, evidence of the melting pot of artistic influences that existed here at the turn of the 20th century.
Day 5 - Dürnstein & Melk
In the morning we arrive in Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century.
Thereafter you drive through the picturesque landscape of this district to the 900–year old Benedictine Abbey of Melk, which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Durnstein Castle (active fitness level recommended)
OR EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour along the Danube River from Durnstein to Melk
Day 6 - Linz
This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Linz and you will be transferred by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of Ceský Krumlov, a town built around a 13th-century castle.
Join your local guide to traverse a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, passing the colourful façades of buildings that highlight different time periods as you learn about how they have survived the test of time thanks to the regions peaceful past.
The town surrounds the national heritage site that is Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will include the 15th-century St. Vitus’ Church and a number of delightful High Gothic façades.
EmeraldPLUS: A guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
Day 7 - Passau
Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread welcome you to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways.
This important historic trading centre borders Austria and Croatia, and a distinctive blend of cultures can be found here. Your local guide will take you on a sightseeing tour of the town, touching on its distinctive historic buildings, including the Baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its ornate columns and arches and the Altes Rathaus, or Town Hall, a collection of eight historic patrician houses that were built between the 14th and 15th centuries.
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike near Passau EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Passau DiscoverMORE: A Bavarian beer tour (extra expense)
Day 8 - Passau
After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to Munich Airport.
Emerald Waterways’ fleet of Star-Ships perfectly marry modern design with deluxe comfort for their guests. The fleet has been responsibly designed to match and complement the eternal flow of the rivers. The Emerald Destiny, the newest of the Star Ships was built in 2017 and benefits from 72 generously-proportioned suites and 20 staterooms. The five sister vessels (Sun, Sky, Star, Dawn, Destiny), boast a capacity of 182 guests apiece, 47 crew and all contain a selection of excellent amenities and features. The Sun Deck of the ships also boasts a retractable glass roof which provides seasonal protection for the pool, cinema and Riverview Lounge below. Whether you wish to undertake a few lengths before breakfast in the heated pool or enjoy a Hollywood classic in the cinema, the choice is yours. Book one of the Balcony Suites, found on the Vista and Horizon Decks, and you’ll enjoy unparalleled views from the spacious private balconies – a truly invigorating start to another day on Europe’s beautiful waterways.
92 elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites range in size from 162-310 ft². Most accommodations have a open air balcony. Try one of the 4 One-Bedroom Owner’s Suites at 310 sq ft² with their very own bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite. An outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allows you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements such as in suite breakfast and canapes, a larger sitting area with two chairs. All staterooms include amenities such ensuite bathroom with shower, Infotainment, free high-speed Internet access, climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe, fridge and complimentary bottled water replenished daily.
Emerald Waterways’ fleet of Star-Ships perfectly marry modern design with deluxe comfort for their guests. The fleet has been responsibly designed to match and complement the eternal flow of the rivers. The Emerald Sky built in 2014 was one of the first of the Emerald Star Ships to be built and benefits from 72 generously-proportioned suites and 20 staterooms. The five sister vessels (Sun, Sky, Star, Dawn, Destiny), boast a capacity of 182 guests apiece, 47 crew and all contain a selection of excellent amenities and features. The Sun Deck of the ships also boasts a retractable glass roof which provides seasonal protection for the pool, cinema and Riverview Lounge below. Whether you wish to undertake a few lengths before breakfast in the heated pool or enjoy a Hollywood classic in the cinema, the choice is yours. Book one of the Balcony Suites, found on the Vista and Horizon Decks, and you’ll enjoy unparalleled views from the spacious private balconies – a truly invigorating start to another day on Europe’s beautiful waterways.
92 elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites range in size from 162-310 ft². Most accommodations have a open air balcony. Try one of the 4 One-Bedroom Owner’s Suites at 310 sq ft² with their very own bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite. An outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allows you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements such as in suite breakfast and canapes, a larger sitting area with two chairs. All staterooms include amenities such ensuite bathroom with shower, Infotainment, free high-speed Internet access, climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe, fridge and complimentary bottled water replenished daily.
Emerald Waterways’ fleet of Star-Ships perfectly marry modern design with deluxe comfort for their guests. The fleet has been responsibly designed to match and complement the eternal flow of the rivers. The Emerald Star built in 2014 was the first of the Emerald Star Ships to be built and benefits from 72 generously-proportioned suites and 20 staterooms. The five sister vessels (Sun, Sky, Star, Dawn, Destiny), boast a capacity of 182 guests apiece, 47 crew and all contain a selection of excellent amenities and features. The Sun Deck of the ships also boasts a retractable glass roof which provides seasonal protection for the pool, cinema and Riverview Lounge below. Whether you wish to undertake a few lengths before breakfast in the heated pool or enjoy a Hollywood classic in the cinema, the choice is yours. Book one of the Balcony Suites, found on the Vista and Horizon Decks, and you’ll enjoy unparalleled views from the spacious private balconies – a truly invigorating start to another day on Europe’s beautiful waterways.
92 elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites range in size from 162-310 ft². Most accommodations have a open air balcony. Try one of the 4 One-Bedroom Owner’s Suites at 310 sq ft² with their very own bedroom which closes off from the rest of the suite. An outdoor balcony, complete with open-air system, allows you to enjoy the views of your surroundings whatever the weather so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Suites feature added enhancements such as in suite breakfast and canapes, a larger sitting area with two chairs. All staterooms include amenities such ensuite bathroom with shower, Infotainment, free high-speed Internet access, climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe, fridge and complimentary bottled water replenished daily.
Depart | Ship | Embark | From |
---|
Apr 14 | Emerald Star | Passau | £2173 | SAVE 15% | Cabin Upgrades |
Cat E | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2173 | Was £2495 | |
Cat D | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2369 | Was £2725 | |
Cat ES | Lower Deck | 117 ft², Fixed Windows | Please Call | ||
Cat C | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2960 | Was £3420 | |
Cat B | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3053 | Was £3530 | |
Cat A | Upper Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3147 | Was £3640 | |
Cat S | Upper Deck | 210 ft², Outside Balcony | 3652 | Was £4235 | |
Cat SA | Upper Deck | 315 ft², Outside Balcony | 4307 | Was £5005 |
May 11 | Emerald Sky | Budapest | £2386 | SAVE 15% | Cabin Upgrades |
Cat E | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2386 | Was £2745 | |
Cat D | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2581 | Was £2975 | |
Cat ES | Lower Deck | 117 ft², Fixed Windows | Please Call | ||
Cat C | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3172 | Was £3670 | |
Cat B | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3266 | Was £3780 | |
Cat A | Upper Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3359 | Was £3890 | |
Cat S | Upper Deck | 210 ft², Outside Balcony | 3865 | Was £4485 | |
Cat SA | Upper Deck | 315 ft², Outside Balcony | 4519 | Was £5255 |
May 18 | Emerald Sky | Passau | £2386 | SAVE 15% | Cabin Upgrades |
Cat E | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2386 | Was £2745 | |
Cat D | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2581 | Was £2975 | |
Cat ES | Lower Deck | 117 ft², Fixed Windows | Please Call | ||
Cat C | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3172 | Was £3670 | |
Cat B | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3266 | Was £3780 | |
Cat A | Upper Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3359 | Was £3890 | |
Cat S | Upper Deck | 210 ft², Outside Balcony | 3865 | Was £4485 | |
Cat SA | Upper Deck | 315 ft², Outside Balcony | 4519 | Was £5255 |
Jun 2 | Emerald Star | Budapest | £1907 | SAVE 35% | Cabin Upgrades |
Cat E | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 1907 | Was £2745 | |
Cat D | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2056 | Was £2975 | |
Cat ES | Lower Deck | 117 ft², Fixed Windows | Please Call | ||
Cat C | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2508 | Was £3670 | |
Cat B | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2579 | Was £3780 | |
Cat A | Upper Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2651 | Was £3890 | |
Cat S | Upper Deck | 210 ft², Outside Balcony | 3865 | Was £4485 | |
Cat SA | Upper Deck | 315 ft², Outside Balcony | 4519 | Was £5255 |
Jun 9 | Emerald Star | Passau | £1907 | SAVE 35% | Cabin Upgrades |
Cat E | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 1907 | Was £2745 | |
Cat D | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2056 | Was £2975 | |
Cat ES | Lower Deck | 117 ft², Fixed Windows | Please Call | ||
Cat C | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2508 | Was £3670 | |
Cat B | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2579 | Was £3780 | |
Cat A | Upper Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2651 | Was £3890 | |
Cat S | Upper Deck | 210 ft², Outside Balcony | 3865 | Was £4485 | |
Cat SA | Upper Deck | 315 ft², Outside Balcony | 4519 | Was £5255 |
Jun 14 | Emerald Destiny | Passau | £2386 | SAVE 15% | Cabin Upgrades |
Cat E | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2386 | Was £2745 | |
Cat D | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2581 | Was £2975 | |
Cat ES | Lower Deck | 117 ft², Fixed Windows | Please Call | ||
Cat C | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3172 | Was £3670 | |
Cat B | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3266 | Was £3780 | |
Cat A | Upper Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3359 | Was £3890 | |
Cat S | Upper Deck | 210 ft², Outside Balcony | 3865 | Was £4485 | |
Cat SA | Upper Deck | 315 ft², Outside Balcony | 4519 | Was £5255 |
Oct 20 | Emerald Star | Budapest | £1886 | SAVE 30% | Cabin Upgrades |
Cat E | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 1886 | Was £2545 | |
Cat D | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2047 | Was £2775 | |
Cat ES | Lower Deck | 117 ft², Fixed Windows | Please Call | ||
Cat C | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2534 | Was £3470 | |
Cat B | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2611 | Was £3580 | |
Cat A | Upper Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2688 | Was £3690 | |
Cat S | Upper Deck | 210 ft², Outside Balcony | 3892 | Was £4285 | |
Cat SA | Upper Deck | 315 ft², Outside Balcony | 4585 | Was £5055 |
Oct 27 | Emerald Star | Passau | £2201 | SAVE 30% | Cabin Upgrades |
Cat E | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2201 | Was £2995 | |
Cat D | Lower Deck | 162 ft², Fixed Windows | 2362 | Was £3225 | |
Cat ES | Lower Deck | 117 ft², Fixed Windows | Please Call | ||
Cat C | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2849 | Was £3920 | |
Cat B | Middle Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 2926 | Was £4030 | |
Cat A | Upper Deck | 180 ft², French Balcony | 3003 | Was £4140 | |
Cat S | Upper Deck | 210 ft², Outside Balcony | 4297 | Was £4735 | |
Cat SA | Upper Deck | 315 ft², Outside Balcony | 4990 | Was £5505 |
Emerald Waterways are a new entrant to the river cruise market and sit as Scenic’s premium river cruise sister company. Ships are brand new and very contemporary in style and the river cruising is very relaxed. A very welcome inclusion to the premium, luxury market. A holiday to enjoy.