Prague & Danube Explorer

When you arrive in Prague, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel for a three-night stay.

After a relaxing night in your hotel, embark on a guided walking tour of Prague. After passing through three castle courtyards, you will visit St. Vitus Cathedral, then we walk down the Castle steps with a wonderful view over the city of Prague and  we continue to Charles Bridge which we cross to reach the Old Town of Prague. We finish the city sightseeing tour in front of the famous Astronomical Clock at Old Town Square. Included Excursion A guided tour of Prague EmeraldPLUS Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace

Your tour director will be available to help you plan a day of independent exploration today, perhaps strolling past ornate façades in the Baroque quarter or discovering Prague’s Jewish heritage in Josefov.  DiscoverMORE Tastes of Czechia (extra expense)

You’ll be collected from your hotel and transferred to Passau this morning, to board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.  

Today, you’ll gain a fascinating insight into the daily life of local Bavarians during a visit to a typical farm, where you’ll also have an opportunity to sample some of their delicious homemade specialities. Alternatively, embark on a hike, taking in 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 DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)

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

Relax as we cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s best wine-producing vineyards, before arriving in Melk.  On your included tour today, walk the gold-leaf halls of Melk Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, you can stay in Melk and cycle to Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture.   Included Excursion Tour of Melk Abbey EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour along the Danube DiscoverMORE Vineyard hike & wine tasting in Weissenkirchen (extra expense)

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 DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

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 Guided tour of Bratislava EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Bratislava Castle DiscoverMORE Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Carpathian Wine route (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, Budapests 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 Tour to Szentendre (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Hungarian Bath Experience (extra expense)

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. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.