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Enchantment of Eastern Europe from Budapest

From £2,669pp

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Complimentary drinks with lunch & dinner*

Hotel stay in Bucharest included*

Exclusive savings over 25%*

Expert-led Shore Excursions, Gratuites & Wi-Fi Included*


Cruise Overview

  • Duration 8 nights
  • Departs 03 May 2026
  • Sails from Budapest, Hungary
  • Ship Emerald Astra
  • Flights and transfersYes
  • Cruise code ‍2189719
  • Voyage code ‍EWBU030526.1

Your Itinerary

Fly from London

Fly from London Sun 03 May 2026

Fly from London

regional and premium class flights may be available on request

A panoramic view of Chain Bridge in Budapest

Budapest, Hungary Sun 03 May 2026

A panoramic view of Chain Bridge in Budapest

Upon arrival, transfer to the port where you’ll board your award-winning Emerald Waterways Star-Ship

Kalocsa's St Mary Cathedral

Kalocsa, Hungary Mon 04 May 2026

Kalocsa's St Mary Cathedral

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.

Tonight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner & reception (B,L,D)

A view of Osijek from the water

Osijek, Croatia Tue 05 May 2026

A view of Osijek from the water

This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Today, you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, before you embark on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town (B,L,D)

A panoramic view of Belgrade at dusk

Belgrade, Serbia Wed 06 May 2026

A panoramic view of Belgrade at dusk

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities, including Belgrade Fortress. 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 is yours to spend as you wish (B,L,D)

An aerial view of Golubac

Golubac - Donji Milanovac Thu 07 May 2026

An aerial view of Golubac

Today, visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance if this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. The day concludes as you sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps (B,L,D)

Aerial view of Baba Vida fortress in Vidin

Vidin, Bulgaria Fri 08 May 2026

Aerial view of Baba Vida fortress in Vidin

This morning, arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will show you the best of Vidin's culture as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting.

Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean 'Granny Vida' (B,L,D)

Old stone bridge in the Ruse region

Rousse - Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi Sat 09 May 2026

Old stone bridge in the Ruse region

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo. The former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this medieval city was built atop three hills and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers.

Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour. 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 (B,L,D)

View of Old Town Bucharest

Giurgiu - Bucharest Sun 10 May 2026

View of Old Town Bucharest

Disembark and transfer to a hotel for your overnight stay.

View of Old Town Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania Mon 11 May 2026

View of Old Town Bucharest

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home (B)

Fly to London

Fly to London Mon 11 May 2026

Fly to London

What's included *

  • Exclusive SAVINGS over 25%
  • OVERNIGHT hotel stay in Bucharest, Romania
  • SEVEN NIGHTS cruising on board an award-winning Star-Ship, including:
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board
  • Spacious full board accommodation on board Europe’s most innovative cruise ships
  • All meals throughout your river cruise from a healthy buffet breakfast to a five-course à la carte menu
  • FREE tea and coffee available throughout your cruise
  • Shore excursions INCLUDED
  • Gratuities are INCLUDED
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
  • Extra special included excursions with EmeraldPLUS & EmeraldACTIVE
  • First-class service from English-speaking crew and knowledgeable guides
  • Complimentary bicycles for use ashore in select destinations
  • Bottled water restocked daily in your cabin
  • Overseas transfers
  • Book with ROL Cruise and earn exclusive Cruise Miles® + your EmeraldEXPLORER rewards
  • Return flights from a selection of UK airports (regional and premium flights may be available on request) and overseas transfers
  • We offer Interest Free Payment Plans, please contact us for more information

Book today and earn up to £67.78 off your next ROL Cruise booking

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Cabins & Prices

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* Prices shown are per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin and include all cruise offer discounts and savings.

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Emerald Single Stateroom

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Emerald Single Stateroom

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ES Riviera Deck

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Emerald Single Stateroom

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

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C Vista Deck

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B Vista Deck

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Grand Balcony Suite

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Grand Balcony Suite

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S Horizon Deck

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Owner's One Bedroom Suite

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Owner's One Bedroom Suite

The Ship - Emerald Astra

Emerald Astra

Experience the Difference

  • Our ABTA membership & ATOL licence protects all our packages or tailor-made holidays booked through ROL Cruise, so you can book with confidence knowing you are fully protected
  • Award-winning Cruise Miles® loyalty programme; with over 400,000 UK members
  • Winners of more than 50 Cruise Awards over the last 5 years
  • The UK's No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist; delivering impartial advice
  • Customer satisfaction at 98% and a Feefo score of 4.9/5.
  • Expert staff with over 1,000 years of combined travel expertise offering 5★ service
  • Flexible Payment Options Available
  • Celebrating 30 years as a cruise-only specialist
  • Insurance Guidance - ROL Cruise will assist you with obtaining insurance cover, including Covid-cover.
  • Key strategic partner with the major cruise lines
  • Ambassadors representing us and guiding our customers onboard and at key locations on their holidays

Emerald Cruises FAQs

Are drinks packages available with Emerald Cruises?

A selection of drinks packages are available onboard.


Can I access the internet while onboard a Emerald cruise?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available onboard all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships in the public spaces, cabins and suites.


Can I smoke onboard a Emerald cruise ship?

Smoking is not permitted in cabins or any indoor parts onboard. There are areas on the Star-Ships’ external decks where smoking is permitted.


Can I take alcohol onboard a Emerald cruise ship?

Emerald Cruises welcomes guests purchasing alcohol for consumption in their rooms. However, they do ask that personal drinks are not consumed in the communal areas of the cruises.


Do Emerald Cruises cater to allergies, intolerances or specific diets?

Emerald Cruises endeavours to cater for all dietary requirements and requests. The cruise line asks that you inform them of any requirements or requests at the time of booking.


What currency is used onboard a Emerald ship?

The onboard currency on all European Emerald voyages is the Euro. In South East Asia, the currency onboard is primarily US Dollars.


* Terms & Conditions

View cruise line T&Cs

Terms and conditions: Booking conditions of Emerald cruise line and Reader Offers Limited Agency Terms of Business apply. Fares are per person based on two adults sharing, except single cabins and may increase or be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to new bookings only. Ports may require a tender. Savings are based on two adults sharing and apply to the cruise element only. Drinks are served with lunch & dinner. Itineraries are subject to change and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruises may operate altered from that stated. Offers apply to new bookings only. Regional flights may incur supplementary costs and may require an additional overnight stay. Flight credit of $300 included for economy flights, flight supplement may apply if the flight prices are above the flight credit amount. Flights may not be a direct service. If the required air fare exceeds the set credit amount, additional charges will apply. Payment must be made in full to receive the advertised fares. Wi-Fi cannot be guaranteed as is subject to T&Cs. Tours are subject to change and may not be suitable for guests with mobility restrictions. Offers are strictly limited, subject to availability, until sold out or withdrawn. Meals are included as stated: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. SAVINGS are based on the 6th December 2025 departure and may vary depending on departure date. Cruise Miles T&Cs apply. E&OE.

View ROL Cruise Payment Methods HERE

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