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Serenity on the Danube: 8 days Munich to Budapest

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Operated by Emerald Cruises
Tripcode: AU-888f35042a91688b5
Overview
Destination:
Germany
Hungary
Start:Munich, Germany
Finish:Budapest, Hungary
Duration:8 days
Style:
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 evocative magic of a European winter as the legendary Danube River takes you through some of the continent’s most captivating and historical cities. Set sail on your award-winning Star-Ship for an unforgettable voyage. Experience a traditional Bavarian band on board. Leisurely cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and experience the genuine warmth of Austrian hospitality. Explore Ceský Krumlov, a delightful Czech town that is home to one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe. Experience for yourself why the magnificent Austrian capital, Vienna, is renowned as the ‘Capital of Art,’ home to world-class museums, historic architecture, and centuries-long tradition of culture and music. While in the Slovakian capital, Bratislava, soak up the romance of the 18th century Old Town as you stroll atmospheric cobblestone streets, and in fascinating Budapest, immerse yourself in Hungary’s rich history and vibrant culture, with time to enjoy at your own pace.
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 Melk Abbey
  • Art tour of Vienna including Kunsthistorisches Museum
  • Guided tour of Bratislava
  • Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
  • Traditional Bavarian band on board
  • Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
  • 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
  • Guided tour of Passau
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Munich – Passau

Welcome to Germany and Munich, where you’ll be transferred to your stylish Emerald Cruises Star-Ship awaiting in Passau. Upon your arrival on board, you’ll then be warmly greeted by your friendly captain and crew and later this evening, you’ll join your fellow guests for a welcome dinner.

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

Day 2 - Passau

Embark on a guided tour of Passau, exploring this German city’s beautiful Old Town, which features charming Baroque buildings, stunning riverside views and narrow cobblestone streets. At this time of year, you’ll find this area infused with the aroma of freshly-baked gingerbread, a local delicacy. Known as the ‘City of Three Rivers,’ this important historic trading centre is beautifully situated where three of Europe’s main waterways converge – the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers – and bordering Austria, displays 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’ll visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech town is home to one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, boasting more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy an insightful guided tour of this enchanting historic enclave, including the 15th century St. Vitus’ Church and a series of delightful Gothic façades, each transporting you back to the Middle Ages.

EmeraldPLUS
Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov

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Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte making (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

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey

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Vineyard hike & wine tasting in Weissenkirchen (extra expense)

Day 5 - Vienna

Today, explore the classical charms of Vienna and discover why this magnificent Austrian city is regarded as the ‘Capital of Art.’ Your tour includes a visit to the iconic Kunsthistorisches Museum, one of the world’s premier art museums, exhibiting an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. The museum’s galleries house masterpieces by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, Titian, and Raphael, as well as fascinating ancient Egyptian exhibits and classical antiquities.

Included Excursion
Art tour of Vienna including Kunsthistorisches Museum

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Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Day 6 - Bratislava

This morning, relax on board your stylish Star-Ship as you sail into the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. This graceful nation became an independent country in 1993, and since then, charming Bratislava has flourished as Slovakia’s 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 insightful local guide. Enjoy your fascinating tour of the 18th century Old Town, taking in the Slovak National Theatre and a wealth of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings. Tonight, relish some typically local Slovakian entertainment on board your Star-Ship.

Included Excursion
Panoramic tour of Bratislava

EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board

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Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)

Day 7 - Budapest

Welcome to Budapest, the ‘Pearl of the Danube,’ where a memorable conclusion to your unforgettable journey awaits. Today, explore the city’s cobblestone streets and medieval quarter, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre. Your insightful guide will explain to you all about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene as you tour the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to explore this vibrant market at your own pace.

Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit

EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

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Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)

Day 8 - Budapest

This morning after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, leaving with cherished memories of apricot orchards, impressive art works, Baroque and medieval buildings, bustling markets and many other regional treasures of Europe.

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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.

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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$3,733*
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7 nights
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