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Early Season on the Danube: 8 days Munich to Budapest

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-a540b23f1f16f5c44
Overview
Destination:
Germany
Hungary
Start:Munich, Germany
Finish:Budapest, Hungary
Duration:8 days
Style:
Cruise,
River/Small ship/Barge,
Travel Period
March 2026 - March 2026

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.
Embrace the magic of winter as the Danube River carries you through Europe’s most captivating cities. Sail through the peaceful Wachau Valley and experience the warmth of Austrian hospitality. Experience for yourself why Vienna is known as the capital of art with its world-class museums, historic architecture, and long tradition of music and culture. In Budapest, immerse yourself in rich history and vibrant culture at your own pace, where every corner invites exploration.
Standard inclusions
  • 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
  • Guided tour of Passau
  • Guided tour of Melk Abbey
  • Visit to Schönbrunn PalaceCity tour of Bratislava
  • Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
  • Traditional Bavarian band on board
  • Guided tour of Cesky Krumlov
  • Taste of Wachau
  • Local Slovakian entertainment on board
  • Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
  • 19 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts (B), 5 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
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Munich – Passau

Welcome to Munich, where you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship in Passau. A warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew, and this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for dinner on board. In the evening, for your EmeraldPLUS experience, enjoy some typical local entertainment with a Traditional Bavarian Band.

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Bavarian band on board

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

Day 2 - Passau

Embark on a guided tour to Passau. Explore its beautiful historic center, featuring charming baroque buildings, stunning riverside views, and narrow cobblestone streets, all infused with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread. This important historic trading center, known as the City of Three Rivers—where three of Europe’s main waterways converge—borders Austria and showcases a distinctive blend of cultures.

Included Excursion
Guided Tour of Passau

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Bavaria Live (extra expense)

Day 3 - Linz – Ceský Krumlov

Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech 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 Gothic façades, each taking you back to the Middle Ages.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov

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Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte tasting (extra expense)

Day 4 - Melk – Weissenkirchen

Today, sit back and relax as you cruise down the mighty Danube River in the early hours of the morning, passing by some of the world’s most esteemed wine-producing vineyards and gaze over the peaceful Wachau Valley, before arriving in Melk. During your included tour of this delightful Austrian town, stroll through the gold-leaf halls of Melk Abbey. Originally a lavish castle that was gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century, this opulent Baroque building houses some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts in the world. During your EmeraldPLUS experience, you will have the chance to experience some of the Wachaus's valleys typical tastes.

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey

EmeraldPLUS
Taste of Wachau

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Winery visit and wine tasting in Wachau (extra expense)

Day 5 - Vienna

Explore the classical charms of Vienna during a visit to Schönnbrun Palace, the former summer residence of the Habsburg Empire, is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe. Today, it is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage-listed site due to its historic importance, unique grounds and splendid furnishings.

Included Excursion
Visit to Schönbrunn Palace

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Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Day 6 - Vienna - 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. The romantic cobblestone lanes that weave through the city are yours to explore with your local guide, as you enjoy the tour of the ancient town centre, including the Slovak National Theatre and a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings. Tonight, enjoy some local Slovakian entertainment on board.

Included Excursion
City tour of Bratislava

EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board

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Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)

Day 7 - Budapest

Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene while touring the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own.

Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)

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 memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities 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.

Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
Emerald Cruises

Discover the world with Emerald Cruises. Whether you’re travelling to unspoilt islands or bustling metropolises, our fleet of river-cruising Star-Ships and ocean-going luxury yachts guarantee an unparalleled voyage. Enjoy modern exploration, pairing authentic adventures with inimitable luxury. Founded in 2013, and first sailing as Emerald Waterways in 2014, Emerald Cruises is an award-winning travel operator specialising in deluxe river cruises and luxury yacht cruises. Just one year later, in 2014, the first Star-Ship, Emerald Sky, set sail. Our extensive fleet of Star-Ships are custom-built to sail Europe’s iconic Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Rhȏne, Saône and Douro rivers, as well as the majestic Mekong River in Southeast Asia, with each ship featuring a range of stylish innovations. Whether you’re travelling by river or sea, your luxury vessel will dock in the heart of amazing destinations. In 2024, we celebrate 10 years of Emerald Cruises by introducing the next generation of superyachts: Emerald Kaia, launching in early 2026.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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7 nights
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