DAY 12 – VIENNA
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.
Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna’s city centre by coach and on foot or join a guided 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 bike tour of Vienna
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Vienna
DiscoverMORE: Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Visit to Schönbrunn Palace (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 13 – BRATISLAVA
Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn cobblestone streets. In the morning, 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.
This afternoon, a local family will be happy to welcome you into their home for some great conversation over traditional sweet treats and coffee.
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
DAY 14 – BUDAPEST
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Divided by the iconic Danube River, Buda and Pest on either side can be reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic structures.
Enjoy a guided tour of the city with your local guide this morning. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Gellert Hill. This evening, you will enjoy a Hungarian folklore show before your farewell dinner.
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Gellert Hill
Included Excursion: Guided coach tour of Budapest
DiscoverMORE: Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 15 – BUDAPEST
Today is a full day at leisure in Budapest. Your Cruise Director will be on hand to assist on you how best to spend your day. Perhaps a visit to the city market, enjoy relaxing at the local thermal baths. This evening, relax on board as you watch an authentic Hungarian folklore show and indulge in a dinner of traditional cuisine.
EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Hungarian folklore show
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 16 – KALOCSA
This morning, we’ll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. You’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Sit back and enjoy the show, as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills. Tonight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner & reception.
EmeraldPLUS: Puszta horse show
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 17 – VUKOVAR
This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Today, you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, before you embark on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town. Our EmeraldPLUS excursion will bring you to the home of a Croatian family to share a typical meal from the area while getting to know the local culture and customs.
EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
Included Excursion: Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress
DiscoverMORE: Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 18 – BELGRADE
The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities, including Belgrade Fortress. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city.
This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge with a traditional Serbian folklore show providing spectacular entertainment.
EmeraldPLUS: Serbian folklore evening show on board
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Belgrade
Included Excursion: Guided tour of Belgrade
DiscoverMORE: National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)
DiscoverMORE: Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 19 – GOLUBAC – DONJI MILANOVAC
In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.
Included Excursion: Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
DiscoverMORE: Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 20 – VIDIN
This morning, we’ll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session of their produce.
Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean ‘Granny Vida’. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress
Included Excursion: Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
DiscoverMORE: Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 21 – ROUSSE – VELIKO TARNOVO & ARBANASI
Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo. The former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this medieval city was built atop three hills and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers.
Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a farewell dinner.
EmeraldPLUS: Choir concert in Arbanasi
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
Included Excursion: Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
DiscoverMORE: Wine tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 22 – GIURGIU – BUCHAREST
This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament.
This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel before you consider going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel.
Included Excursion: Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace
Meals Included: Breakfast
DAY 23 – BUCHAREST
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast