Welcome to Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship to be greeted by your friendly captain and crew.  
This afternoon, enjoy plenty of free time to explore Eastern Europe’s liveliest city at your leisure. The ‘Pearl on the Danube’ is a truly breathtaking sight, where dozens of lights adorn the stone bridges that cross the mighty Danube, separating both sides of the city. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. 

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

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 Equestrian Heritage

This morning, you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, 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

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Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense, please note; this will not be available on Mondays as the Museum will be closed)

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities. 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. 

Included Excursion
Highlights of Belgrade

EmeraldPLUS
Serbian folklore evening show on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Belgrade

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Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

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

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Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)

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. 

Included Excursion
Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress 

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Traditional Bulgarian pastry making demo (extra expense)

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to explore the timeless charm of its  elegant architecture and cultural heritage of the city that many call “The Little Vienna”.  
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. 

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rousse 

EmeraldPLUS
Choir performance

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

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Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi (extra expense)

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

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.