DEPART THE USA:

Today we depart the USA on our overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY:

Welcome to the “Pearl of the Danube”. We arrive at the airport and then transfer to the luxurious surroundings of our Emerald Waterways Star-Ship, where their friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome us. This evening, we join other shipmates for a folklore performance onboard and a traditional Hungarian dinner. A nighttime cruise along the Danube showcases the illuminated façades of some of the capital’s most illustrious buildings, including the magnificent domed Parliament. (D)

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY:

Explore Budapest’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as we embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritagelisted city center. Our guide will highlight a number of architectural wonders from across the ages, enabling us to follow a journey from Budapest’s Roman beginnings to the addition of ornate Romanesque and Baroque architecture in the centuries that followed. If you are feeling more active, you may instead choose to hike to Buda Hill. (B, L, D)

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA:

Relax on board as we sail into the capital of Slovakia. This graceful nation of leafy avenues became an independent country in 1993, and since then, Bratislava has flourished as a new capital and made a name for itself. Explore the romantic cobblestone lanes that weave through the city with our local guide, enjoying a walking tour of the ancient town center. See the Slovak National Theatre and a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings. If you want a more adventurous day, you may choose to join a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, a landmark steeped in legends that looks as though it came from the pages of a fairytale book. (B, L, D)

VIENNA, AUSTRIA:

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome us to Vienna, the birthplace of revolutionary breakthroughs in the fields of music and psychology. On the included city tour, we see monuments and buildings of grandeur as the coach drives along the famous Ringstrasse. During our walking tour, we stroll with our guide through the historic city center. Marvel at the classical architectural styles of the buildings, see St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Palace, right in the middle of the city center. If you are feeling more adventurous, you may choose to explore on two wheels, cycling along the river to Danube Island before reaching the Prater and its nostalgic 19th century Ferris wheel. (B, L, D)

DURNSTEIN – MELK, AUSTRIA:

Upon arrival in Melk, we enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey, originally a lavish castle that was gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century. This opulent Baroque building is home to some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts in the world. Another option, you can choose to hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where a delightful panoramic view of the surrounding medieval villages, rows of vines in beautifully arranged vineyards and a forested backdrop is certain to please. (B, L, D)

LINZ – CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC:

From our docking site in Linz, we travel to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed center of Ceský Krumlov, a town built around a 13th century castle. We join the local guide traversing a labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, passing the colourful façades of buildings that highlight different time periods. Learn how they survived the test of time thanks to the regions’ peaceful past. Our guided tour also includes the 15th century St. Vitus’ Church and a number of High Gothic façades. (B, L, D)

PASSAU, GERMANY:

Narrow cobblestone streets welcome us to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways. This important historic trading center borders Austria and Croatia, and a distinctive blend of cultures can be found here. Our local guide takes us on a walking tour of the town, touching on its distinctive historic buildings. See the Baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral with its ornate columns and arches and the Altes Rathaus, (Old Town Hall), located in the central square Marienpaltz. (B, L, D)

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC:

After breakfast, say goodbye to our Captain and crew as we disembark the ship and depart by motorcoach for Prague, Czech Republic. Upon arrival, after time for lunch on our own, enjoy the included city tour, highlighting the famous sites of this beautiful city. Following a brief panoramic drive, the heart of the city is discovered on foot, the tour concludes at the hotel with the evening at leisure. (B)

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC:

The final is day is left free of planned activities for you to explore Prague. Or, if you choose, you may join the morning optional excursion to Terezin Concentration Camp. (B)

PRAGUE • USA:

Bid a fond farewell to Europe and return home with wonderful memories of life enriching experiences from your cruise along the Danube River. (B)