Itinerary
- Day 1
Budapest
You'll arrive in Budapest and head to the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship for embarkation. Your flight should touch down before 5:00 PM, which gives you time for the airport transfer and getting settled. The cruise director will meet you and the crew will welcome you on board.
Landmarks Budapest 
- Day 2
Budapest
A guided coach tour takes you through Budapest's UNESCO World Heritage city centre with a stop at the Grand Market to wander around on your own. You'll see neo-Gothic architecture and learn about Hungarian food traditions. Later, you can choose between the main tour or an active hike up Gellert Hill through medieval paths and Baroque houses. By evening, there's a traditional Hungarian folklore show on the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Budapest coach tour with Grand Market visit
- Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
Optional Activities
- Hike to Gellert Hill
Landmarks Grand Market (Nagy Vásárcsarnok) Gellert Hill Buda Castle - Day 3
Budapest
You have the day to explore Budapest independently or relax on board. In the evening, you'll join other guests for dinner and a traditional folklore show in town, which gives you a chance to experience local life and meet fellow travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Dinner and folklore show in Budapest)
Included Activities
- Dinner and folklore show in Budapest
Optional Activities
- Retro tour of post-Communist Budapest
- Jewish heritage tour
- Budapest by Night
- Day 4
Budapest to Slovakia
Start with a leisurely morning walk through Budapest or take one of the on-board bikes for a final ride around the Hungarian capital. In the afternoon, the ship departs and heads onto the Danube River toward Slovakia.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Excursion to Szentendre
- Day 5
Bratislava, Slovakia
You'll arrive early in Bratislava and explore the cobblestone lanes of the old town centre. A guided walking tour takes you past Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, including the Slovak National Theatre, or you can choose an active hike to Bratislava Castle with striking views over the city. This evening brings local Slovakian entertainment on board.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Bratislava
- Local Slovakian entertainment on board
Optional Activities
- Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
- Carpathian Wine route
- Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava
Landmarks Slovak National Theatre Bratislava Castle 
- Day 6
Vienna, Austria
Vienna's sweeping boulevards and grand exhibition halls showcase Habsburg Monarchy grandeur. Join a guided walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage city centre to see classical architecture and artistic influences from the early 20th century. Alternatively, cycle along the river to Danube Island.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Vienna
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour in Vienna
- Exclusive Viennese evening concert
Landmarks Danube Island (Donau Insel) 
- Day 7
Weissenkirchen and Melk, Austria
You'll stop in Weissenkirchen in the Wachau wine region, known for ideal viticulture conditions. The ship sails through the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley and reaches Melk, where a guided tour covers Melk Abbey, an ornate Baroque building originally built as a castle in the 11th century that now houses important medieval manuscript collections.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Melk Abbey
Optional Activities
- Guided bike tour along the Danube River
- Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
- Visit to Schallaburg Castle
Landmarks Melk Abbey Wachau Valley 
- Day 8
Linz to Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
The ship docks in Linz this morning. A coach transfers you into the Czech Republic to reach Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage town built around a 13th-century castle. Your local guide leads a walking tour through cobblestone streets with colorful facades, visiting the 15th-century St. Vitus Church and Gothic architecture. You'll spend the night back on the ship.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Český Krumlov
Optional Activities
- Walking tour of Linz with Linzer Torte tasting
Landmarks Český Krumlov Castle St. Vitus Church - Day 9
Passau, Germany
After arriving in Passau, a historic trading centre where three European waterways meet, you can visit a typical Bavarian farm to learn about local farming and try homemade specialties, or set off on a hike to see the Mariahilf and ancient St. Severin church. You'll stay on board overnight.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Bavarian Countryside Experience
Optional Activities
- Hike to Veste Oberhaus
- Bavaria Live
Landmarks Mariahilf Church St. Severin Church Veste Oberhaus 
- Day 10
Passau to Prague, Czech Republic
Following breakfast, you'll disembark the Star-Ship and transfer by coach to Prague. Check into your hotel for a three-night stay in the city.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Landmarks Prague 
- Day 11
Prague
A guided tour takes you through Prague's preserved architectural heritage. You'll visit three castle courtyards, step into St. Vitus Cathedral, descend the Castle Steps for views over the city, walk across Charles Bridge into Old Town, and finish at the Astronomical Clock in Old Town Square. Coffee and cake at Lobkowicz Palace rounds out the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Guided tour of Prague
- Coffee and cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Landmarks Prague Castle St. Vitus Cathedral Charles Bridge Old Town Square Astronomical Clock (Prague Orloj) Lobkowicz Palace - Day 12
Prague
Prague is yours to explore independently today. Try Czech treats, check out local culture, or take advantage of optional activities. Your tour director is available if you need help planning your day or have questions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Tastes of Czechia
- Day 13
Prague to Airport
After breakfast, you'll say goodbye to fellow guests and head to the airport for your transfer, leaving with memories of ancient wonders and views of UNESCO World Heritage areas.
- Meals
- Breakfast
