Discover the Treasures of the Danube 2025|2026
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through Eastern Europe, exploring the rich history and vibrant cultures along the Danube River. From the Parisian charm of Bucharest to the medieval allure of Regensburg, this multi-day tour offers a perfect blend of guided excursions and leisure time. Discover iconic landmarks, savor local cuisines, and immerse yourself in the traditions of each destination. With luxurious accommodations on board the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, enjoy the comfort and elegance as you sail through picturesque landscapes. This unforgettable adventure promises to leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the diverse heritage of this enchanting region.
Included
15 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 14 dinners
Airport transfers outside Australia are included
1 night in a hotel in Bucharest
14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Emerald Star: Owner's Suite ,Grand Suite ,Emerald Panorama Suite ,Emerald Stateroom
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director and Budapest tour director
1 night in a hotel in Bucharest
14 nights on board an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship
The services of an Emerald Cruises cruise director and Budapest tour director
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace
Walking tour of Rousse
Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
Highlights of Belgrade
Choir Concert
Serbian folklore evening show on board
Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
Puszta Equestrian Heritage
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
Guided hike to Belogradchick Fortress
Guide bike tour in Belgrade
41 delectable meals including 15 breakfasts (B), 12 lunches (L), 14 dinners (D)
Including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner
Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
Guided coach tour of Budapest
Walking tour of Bratislava
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey
Guided tour of Passau
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
Traditional Bavarian band on board
Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
Hike to Gellert Hill
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
Guided bike tour in Vienna
Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
Guided bike tour along the Danube River
Guided bike tour along the River Inn
Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Bucharest
- Bucharest - Arrival day
- More
Arrive in the vibrant city of Bucharest, often referred to as the 'Paris of the East'. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel, such as the Hilton (or similar), where you'll spend the night. Enjoy the city's Parisian charm with its wide avenues and leafy boulevards, setting the tone for your upcoming adventure.
Day 2 – Day 2: Bucharest to Giurgiu
- Bucharest
- Giurgiu
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- Ştirbey Domain
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Begin your day with a guided tour of Bucharest, exploring its iconic landmarks including a visit to the historic Spring Palace. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city's charming boulevards. Later, you'll be transferred to Giurgiu, where you'll board your luxurious Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, ready to embark on your river journey.
Day 3 – Day 3: Rousse and Beyond
Day 3: Rousse and Beyond
- Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
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Explore the city of Rousse, often called 'The Little Vienna', with its stunning Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture. For those seeking adventure, a guided hike to the UNESCO-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo offers a glimpse into Bulgaria's rich history. Alternatively, opt for a full-day tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi for an additional cost.
Day 4 – Day 4: Vidin's Vineyards and Fortresses
Day 4: Vidin's Vineyards and Fortresses
- Belogradchik Fortress
- Baba Vida Fortress
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Discover Vidin, a town where winemaking is a way of life. Visit a local vineyard for a tasting session, then explore the historic Baba Vida Fortress. For a more active experience, embark on a guided hike to the Belogradchik Fortress, nestled in the Balkan Mountains.
Day 5 – Day 5: Discovering Donji Milanovac
Day 5: Discovering Donji Milanovac
- Lepenski vir
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Sail along the Danube to Donji Milanovac, where you'll visit the fascinating Lepenski Vir archaeological site. This Palaeolithic site offers insights into prehistoric cultures and settlements. Enjoy the serene river views as you delve into Europe's ancient history.
Day 6 – Day 6: Exploring Belgrade
Day 6: Exploring Belgrade
- Museum of Yugoslavia
- Saint Sava Temple
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Uncover the vibrant spirit of Belgrade with a guided tour of its landmarks, including the magnificent Church of Saint Sava and the Museum of Yugoslavia. For a more active exploration, opt for a guided bike tour through the city's historic streets. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Serbian folklore show on board.
Day 7 – Day 7: A Taste of Croatia
- Grad Vukovar
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Experience authentic Croatian hospitality with a home-hosted lunch, offering a glimpse into local life. Spend the afternoon sailing up the Danube, enjoying the scenic views before gathering with fellow travelers for a farewell dinner.
Day 8 – Day 8: Hungarian Traditions in Kalocsa
Day 8: Hungarian Traditions in Kalocsa
- Dark Valley Forest Park
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Arrive in Kalocsa, known for its vibrant paprika and cultural festivals. Visit a traditional Puszta horse farm to witness the impressive skills of the Magyar cowboys. In the evening, enjoy a Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.
Day 9 – Day 9: Leisure in Budapest
- Budapest
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Enjoy a day at your own pace in Budapest, exploring its rich history and vibrant culture. In the evening, immerse yourself in an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, accompanied by a traditional dinner.
Day 10 – Day 10: Budapest's Architectural Wonders
- Budapest
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- Heroes' Square
- Buda Castle
- Dohány Street Synagogue
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Explore Budapest's architectural marvels with a guided tour, including Heroes' Square, the UNESCO-listed Andrássy Avenue, and the Buda Castle District. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Gellert Hill for breathtaking views of the Danube.
Day 11 – Day 11: Bratislava's Historical Charm
- Bratislava
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- Pálffy Palace
- Slovak National Gallery
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Arrive in Bratislava, where a guided tour will take you through its historical heart, featuring the Episcopal Summer Palace and the Slovak National Theatre. For a more active experience, hike around the gardens of Bratislava Castle. Later, enjoy a home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family.
Day 12 – Day 12: Vienna's Artistic Splendor
- Vienna
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- Kunsthistorisches Museum
- Donauturm
- Prater
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Explore Vienna, a city steeped in artistic heritage. Your guided tour includes a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, a treasure trove of art. For a more active exploration, cycle along the riverbanks, visiting Danube Island and the iconic Prater amusement park.
Day 13 – Day 13: Austria's Wachau Valley
Day 13: Austria's Wachau Valley
- Wachau
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Visit the magnificent Göttweig Abbey, overlooking the picturesque Wachau Valley. Sail through this UNESCO-listed landscape to Dürnstein, where you can hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle. Alternatively, enjoy a guided bike tour through the scenic Wachau region.
Day 14 – Day 14: Passau, the City of Three Rivers
- Passau
- Regensburg
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Arrive in Passau, known as the 'City of Three Rivers'. A guided tour will reveal its Gothic and Baroque architecture. For those feeling active, a bike tour along the River Inn offers a unique perspective of this charming city. Enjoy free time to explore before sailing towards Regensburg.
Day 15 – Day 15: Regensburg's Medieval Charm
- Regensburg
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- Liberation Hall
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Explore Regensburg's UNESCO-listed medieval center with a guided walking tour, including a Bavarian sausage tasting. Alternatively, join a bike tour to the Walhalla Monument for panoramic views of the Danube. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.
Day 16 – Day 16: Farewell in Munich
- Regensburg
- Munich - Departure day
- More
Conclude your journey with a transfer to Munich for your departure. Reflect on the rich history and culture experienced along the Danube River, taking with you cherished memories of this unforgettable adventure.
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