Emerald Danube Explorer – Save up to $2,600 per couple*
PP From
$3,795
Duration
8 days
Deal Type
River Cruise
Add Business Class flights to unlock an Exclusive Package discount
Save up to $2,600 per couple with Emerald Cruises! Hurry and book your cruise before this offer sells out!
Relax on an award-winning river cruise through the heart of Europe to introduce you to exhilarating cultures and traditions. Broaden your horizons by touring the beautiful cities, towns, and villages that dot the riverbanks, meet with locals to learn more about their way of life, and sample the finest wines and cuisine with flavours that dance on your palate.
The iconic Danube River guides you on a gentle journey through Europe’s cultural highlights. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley and visit Ceský Krumlov, known for its charming streets and castle. Drive around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to see the city’s impressive architecture. In Budapest, enjoy a local tasting of regional products and learn about the folklore of Hungary and Slovakia.
Emerald Danube Cruise
Included Items
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
19 meals including 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
Welcome & Farewell Reception & Dinner
Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks served with lunch & dinner onboard
Daily shore excursions
Tour Company
Emerald Cruises
Tour Location
Europe
Deal Type
River Cruise
Map
Danube Explorer
More Information
Cruise Itinerary +
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.
Please book your flight to arrive into Munich prior to 02:00 PM.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 – PASSAU
Today, you’ll gain fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarians during a visit to a farm, where you’ll also be able to try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Veste Oberhaus
EmeraldPLUS
Bavarian Countryside Experience
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Bavaria Live (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 – LINZ – CESKY 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)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4 – MELK – WEISSENKIRCHEN
Relax as you cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s finest wine-producing vineyards.
Later, you’ll arrive in Melk, an Austrian town nestled along the Danube River. On today’s included tour, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through the gold-leaf halls of 11th-century Melk Abbey, a vast monastery that is home to rare medieval manuscripts. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through Austria’s spectacular Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, remain in Melk and take a guided bike tour to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that reveals a different perspective on the region’s esteemed viticulture. Take the chance to join a guided hike in the afternoon through the vineyards and soak in the spirit of the Wachaus valley nature.
Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
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Wachau Valley Experience (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 – VIENNA
Discover the classical charms of Vienna today. As we take you through the heart of the city, we’ll point out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre.
Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on the Danube Island.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Vienna
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Guided bike tour of Vienna (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 – VIENNA – BRATISLAVA
Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marvelling at the everchanging scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle – its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairy tale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Local Slovakian entertainment on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
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Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
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.
If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Gellert Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand and are best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.
Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
DiscoverMORE
Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Ship Information +
On board, attention to detail has been considered throughout every feature and flourish, providing unrivalled comfort, and the most luxurious and enjoyable of journeys for all guests. Whether you prefer to while away peaceful hours in your lovingly appointed suite or stateroom, or mingle with new found friends in the spacious and welcoming communal areas, every inch of the Emerald Star-Ships has been designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind.
The stylish, contemporary décor of the fleet provides a wonderful setting for watching the beautiful river views pass by. From the illuminated atrium, to the crisp, clean linens in each of our suites and staterooms, to the centre point of our dining experience – Reflections Restaurant, it’s easy to see why these Star-Ships are award-winning.
Emerald Star-Ships sailing the Danube, Rhine and Rhône are home to an indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and a retractable roof. In the evenings the pool innovatively transforms into a cosy cinema.
During warmer months, the panoramic Sun Deck is the perfect spot to watch the world go by with your favourite drink in hand. On the Sun Deck of the Emerald Radiance sailing Portugal’s Douro River you will find a spa-style serenity pool and on Emerald Harmony the open-air pool is ideal for Asia’s exotic climate.
At Emerald Cruises, they are dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of your stay on board the Star-Ships goes above and beyond your expectations. The wealth of amenities on board are complemented by our highly-trained, skilled and attentive crew, dedicated to ensuring your Emerald Cruises holiday is unforgettable.
What To Expect Onboard
Al fresco dining and BBQ area
Complimentary tea and coffee
Dedicated Cruise Director
Evening cinema*
Fitness & Wellness Area
Hairdresser
Innovative indoor heated pool with retractable roof*
Spa-style Serenity Pool on the Emerald Radiance
Stylish staterooms and suites
Sun Deck with seating area, walking track, games area & putting green
On-Board Entertainment
With Emerald Cruises the journey is just as important as the destination. It’s about enjoying every moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime. That’s why they believe that entertainment is an integral part of your cruise experience.
To ensure there’s never a dull moment on board, their Cruise Directors oversee a fantastic range of entertainment activities for you to enjoy. From our ever-popular crew show and bar quizzes to local performances in a traditional style, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
The crew members are on hand to answer any questions you may have about the entertainment schedule and point you in the direction of the latest activities taking place on board. With so much to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Horizon Bar & Lounge
The Horizon Bar & Lounge is the social heartbeat of the Star-Ships. Surprisingly spacious and exceedingly modern, this contemporary and comfortable haven is one of the most popular areas of the vessels day or night.
There’s a fully stocked bar with attentive bartenders, help-yourself to a selection of coffees from the high-tech coffee-machine, or try one of their speciality teas, and take a seat in the plush and spacious sofas and chairs. In the day it’s a place to catch up with new friends and unwind.
Each evening before dinner, your Cruise Director welcomes you to the Horizon Bar and Lounge for an informal yet fascinating talk on your forthcoming ports of call. With tips on what you’ll see and things to look out for, this is an ideal opportunity to plan for the day ahead. When the evening arrives, we have a medley of entertainment planned especially for you.
After Dinner Entertainment
After another delicious dinner in the Reflections Restaurant, head up to the Horizon Bar and Lounge, where, on select nights there is local entertainment on-board. Relax with your favourite cocktail and catch up with your new found friends.
On select evenings guests are invited to watch local performances in the traditional style. From a Bavarian band to Hungarian dancing, there’s no finer way to celebrate the native culture than in the comfort of familiar surroundings.
The Horizon Bar & Lounge also plays host to challenging quizzes and the popular crew show. This jovial event happens at the end of every cruise after the Farewell Dinner.
Heated Pool & Cinema
Unlike any other on Europe’s waters, the ships boast a heated pool* complete with retractable roof and bar which cleverly transforms into a cinema in the evening. *please note the Emerald Radiance does not have an indoor pool/cinema.
Make your way to the back of the ship where the indoor heated pool is situated. When the evening arrives this oasis of calm is transformed into a hub of entertainment.
Watch in awe as the floor rises through the pool’s surface and a screen is lowered from above. In a matter of minutes the area is converted from a swimming pool into a cosy cinema where a selection of classic and contemporary films are shown throughout your cruise.
On selected evenings the cinema will play host to a variety of iconic concerts performed by some of the world’s most significant musicians. Popular music, classical and jazz are just some of the genres you can expect to see on the big screen.
Their live music showcase is just another way to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable river cruise. Emerald Waterways are always looking for exciting and unexpected ways to entertain their guests and they are sure that you will love the collection of fun and inspirational performances.
Sun Deck Experience
The top deck of the Star-Ships boasts the Sun Deck*. A panoramic rooftop space, home to a walking track, putting green and games area, as well as deck chairs and sun-loungers, perfect for warmer climates.
Why not challenge your new-found companions to a spot of putting or noughts and crosses, accompanied by the sensational backdrop of each magnificent river bank village, town or city?
Feel the breeze as you navigate your way through the heart of Europe’s most spectacular towns and cities. Raise a toast with new friends and watch as areas of outstanding natural beauty pass by.
Those travelling on Emerald Radiance through Portugal’s Douro region, can look forward to doing so from the outdoor heated Serenity Pool, a truly indulgent way to experience some of the country’s highlights.
Booking Terms & Conditions
Advertised price based on 18 July 2026 departure in Cat E cabin, price is per person twin share and reflects the $1,300 per person saving*. Pricing is correct as of 28 April 2025, subject to availability at the time of booking. Offers may be withdrawn or prices updated by the supplier at any time, so please enquire with our expert consultants for the latest pricing, terms and conditions. Single supplement may also apply. *Super Earlybird deal: Must pay in full 10 months prior to departure. If booking inside of 10 months prior, payment is required within 30 days. Discount available on all cabins in July/ August. Combinable with Welcome Home Vouchers, Information Session Vouchers and Loyalty Benefits. Offer is not combinable with any other offers. Tour Code: EWPA
Embark on a scenic European river journey, sailing from Amsterdam to Bucharest (or vv) with Emerald Cruises in 2026, and enjoy early bird savings of $8,600 per couple.
