Classic Prague & Danube Delights from Prague

On arrival in Prague, transfer to a hotel for your three night stay. Situated on the banks of the River Vltava in central Bohemia, this beautiful city is rich in history and is home to some of the world’s most pristine collections of architecture.

Today, a guided tour of Prague will introduce you to many of its highlights. Visit the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, before stopping for cake in Lobkowizc Palace. (B,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Local dinner with entertainment
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Prague

Your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your day’s exploring. The baroque quarter of Mala Strana is a must see, as is Josefov, the Jewish quarter. You will no doubt return to the lively atmosphere around the Charles Bridge for another look (B).

Transfer by coach to Nuremberg and embark your Emerald Waterways luxury river cruise ship and where you will be welcomed by your Captain and crew. Nuremberg is situated along the Main–Danube canal, an engineering masterpiece linking the rivers of Germany with the mighty Danube which flows from the Alps to the Black Sea (B, D).

This morning, relax as you cruise down the Main-Danube Canal. Welcome to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval cities. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, visiting the Old Town Hall complex and Porta Praetoria, an ancient stone building that can be dated back to 179 AD. (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Bavarian band on board
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Regensburg

Today’s cruising will take you to the heart of Passau, where three of Europe’s main rivers converge in the shadows of the castle. Your guided tour of this illustrious city will unveil how it was rebuilt following fires in the 17th century. Italian architects left their mark with a scattering of Baroque architecture, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. (B,L,D)
Enjoy exploring the city before returning to your Star-Ship for lunch and an afternoon of sailing along the Danube River.
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of Passau

Your included tour will take you to Melk Abbey, famous for its invaluable library. This afternoon, enjoy a guided bike tour from Melk to Dürnstein. Alternatively, cruise through the wine region and on to Dürnstein, embarking on a guided hike to Dürnstein Castle when you arrive. (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour along the Danube River from Melk to Dürnstein
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
EmeraldEXCURSION: A tour of Melk Abbey

Welcome to Vienna. The “City of Dreams” was home to the father of psychoanalysis, Sigmund Freud. Today, you can explore the capital with a drive along the magnificent Ringstrasse and a walking tour of the city. Soak in the opulent façades of the Vienna State Opera and City Hall before admiring the multi-coloured tiled roof of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, embark on a guided cycling tour from where your Star-Ship is docked to the idyllic Danube Island, before finishing in Prater, underneath the giant Ferris wheel. (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided bike tour
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided tour of the Ringstrasse and Vienna

Enjoy a guided walking tour of the beautifully restored historic quarter, venturing down winding cobbled streets and passing a number of architectural highlights, including the neo-Renaissance Slovak National Theatre and the Gothic St. Martin’s Cathedral. Alternatively, hike to Bratislava Castle and discover how it was destroyed by Napoleon’s troops during the 19th century. Gain a thorough understanding of Slovakian culture this afternoon as you meet a local family for coffee and cake. This evening, we welcome you to the Gala Dinner. (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
EmeraldACTIVE: A hike to Bratislava Castle
EmeraldEXCURSION: A walking tour of Bratislava

Offering an abundance of European history, Budapest is known for its charming neo-Gothic architecture, cultural whimsy and historic monuments around every corner. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed city offers many links to the past, including the remains of the Roman city of Aquincum. Enjoy a guided coach tour, starting at the Citadella that sits on top of Gellért Hill, overlooking the Danube. Relax as a drive down Andrássy Avenue showcases the decorative façades of neo Renaissance townhouses and journey to Heroes’ Square to see the seven chieftains of the Magyars. Alternatively, hike to Buda Hill, gazing up at the Buda Castle complex and admiring the Habsburg monuments that adorn the streets. This evening, a traditional Hungarian folklore show is sure to delight, as is a postcard-worthy night-time cruise along the Danube. (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: A traditional Hungarian folklore show
EmeraldPLUS: Budapest evening cruise
EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Buda Hill
EmeraldEXCURSION: A guided bus tour of Budapest

After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport (B).

Danube river cruises