Home > All River Cruises > Europe River Cruises > Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest

Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest

5.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor

Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest

5.0/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
River View
$4,508
Balcony
$5,993
Suite
$7,606
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Munich
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
10 Day Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Munich
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
10 Day Danube Explorer & Highlights of Budapest Itinerary (Emerald Cruises)
Countries Explored: Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
ECPN-2
Ship
Departures
Passengers
180
Crew
51
Launched
2017
Cruise Code
ECPN-2

Overview

A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.

Itinerary

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. (D)

Today, you’ll sample homemade specialities and explore the customs and traditions of Bavarian agriculture during a visit to a local farm. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, soaking up views such as the hilltop church of Mariahilf and the ancient St. Severin, dating back to the Ottonian dynasty. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Bavarian Countryside Experience
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
  • DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)

Crossing the border into the Czech Republic, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint 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. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
  • DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte making (extra expense)

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Danube River en-route to Melk. Here, you’ll explore the golden halls of Melk Abbey on today’s included tour.

Afterwards, you’ll have the choice to sail through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen, or if you’re feeling active cycle from Melk along the Danube River, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture. (B/L/D)

  • 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 as we take you through the city. Uncover the cafés, artisan studios and baroque majesty of Vienna's 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 Donauinsel, the Danube Island. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Vienna before sailing on to Bratislava, marvelling at the ever-changing scenery of the Danube. Explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is within walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to the fairy tale-like Bratislava Castle. (B/L/D)

  • 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)

This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship while we sail from Slovakia to Hungary. In Budapest, an exciting program awaits you. As you sail into this magnificent city, it becomes immediately apparent why the Hungarian capital is known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. In the afternoon, explore the city's cobbled medieval quarter 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 independently. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Venture into the city independently to explore Budapest's hidden treasures.

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, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways of the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
  • DiscoverMORE Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Budapest by Night (extra expense)

On your last full day in Budapest, we invite you to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show for a truly immersive local experience. This is a great chance to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before going home. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest
  • DiscoverMORE Hungarian Bath Experience (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Retro tour of post-Communist Budapest (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. 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. (B)

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. (D)

Today, you’ll sample homemade specialities and explore the customs and traditions of Bavarian agriculture during a visit to a local farm. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, soaking up views such as the hilltop church of Mariahilf and the ancient St. Severin, dating back to the Ottonian dynasty. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Bavarian Countryside Experience
  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Veste Oberhaus
  • DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)

Crossing the border into the Czech Republic, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint 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. (B/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
  • DiscoverMORE Walking tour of Linz with a Linzer Torte making (extra expense)

Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Danube River en-route to Melk. Here, you’ll explore the golden halls of Melk Abbey on today’s included tour.

Afterwards, you’ll have the choice to sail through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen, or if you’re feeling active cycle from Melk along the Danube River, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture. (B/L/D)

  • 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 as we take you through the city. Uncover the cafés, artisan studios and baroque majesty of Vienna's 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 Donauinsel, the Danube Island. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Guided tour of Vienna
  • EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Vienna
  • DiscoverMORE Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Vienna before sailing on to Bratislava, marvelling at the ever-changing scenery of the Danube. Explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is within walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to the fairy tale-like Bratislava Castle. (B/L/D)

  • 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)

This morning, relax on board your Star-Ship while we sail from Slovakia to Hungary. In Budapest, an exciting program awaits you. As you sail into this magnificent city, it becomes immediately apparent why the Hungarian capital is known as the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. In the afternoon, explore the city's cobbled medieval quarter 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 independently. (B/L/D)

  • Included Excursion Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
  • EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Venture into the city independently to explore Budapest's hidden treasures.

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, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways of the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldACTIVE Hike to Gellert Hill
  • DiscoverMORE Tour to Szentendre (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Jewish heritage tour (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Budapest by Night (extra expense)

On your last full day in Budapest, we invite you to a special dinner and a traditional folklore show for a truly immersive local experience. This is a great chance to bid farewell to your fellow travellers before going home. (B/L/D)

  • EmeraldPLUS Dinner & Folklore Show in Budapest
  • DiscoverMORE Hungarian Bath Experience (extra expense)
  • DiscoverMORE Retro tour of post-Communist Budapest (extra expense)

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests. 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. (B)

Life Onboard Emerald Destiny

Emerald Destiny
Emerald Destiny

Float along Europe's most famous waterways in relaxed luxury aboard one of Emerald Cruises Star-Ships. Read more

You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS
You're Invited & EmeraldPLUS

Authentic included adventures that take you into the cultural heart of each destination. Read more

EmeraldACTIVE
EmeraldACTIVE

Ignite your sense of adventure and explore a little further on foot or by bike. Read more

Five Star Dining On Board
Five Star Dining On Board

Enjoy the finest flavours of Europe prepared by the expert culinary team aboard your river cruise. Read more

Europe Star-Ship Suites
Europe Star-Ship Suites

Choose from a range of suites to find the accommodation you will love on board your Emerald Star-Ship. Read more

Cruise & Tour In Style
Cruise & Tour In Style

Enjoy the best service every day from an experienced and professional crew. Read more

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Wonderful experience! 0 , QLD, Australia, Aug 2024
We had a wonderful time on our 8 day Danube Delights River cruise with Emerald. The scenery was brilliant; the food incredible and we made plenty of friends to boot! Whilst we experienced some very hot weather during our trip, we really enjoyed cooling off in the on-board pool of an afternoon. Most of the local tours guides were very good. Thanks ...read more to Hannah from Global Journeys for making the books so easy.
The Majestic Rhine - Zurich to Frankfurt   4 , VIC, Australia, Jun 2023
The booking went very smoothly. The trip was fabulous and I was lucky that there was continuous sunshine. The view from the luxurious ship (Emerald Luna) was best on the last part of the trip. The highlights were Lucerne, Colmar and Strasbourg. The photograph is of Cochen Castle on the Moselle River, a short and beautiful drive from Koblenz. I ...read more enjoyed the sights, history and the wonderful food and wine.

Brochure

Europe River Cruises

Emerald Europe River Cruises (2025)

Award-winning Emerald Cruises delivers exceptional small ship river cruising through the heart of Europe, on board our fleet of luxury Star-Ships. From the North Sea to the Black Sea, revel in a European river journey like no other. Our unique collection of itineraries — showcasing seven mesmerising rivers — offers you an immersive insight into the...more incredible history, culture and traditions of the diverse regions we visit.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 01 Apr 2025
Thursday 10 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
$6,455
View Cabins
Balcony
$7,890
View Cabins
Suite
$9,350
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Friday 18 Jul 2025
Sunday 27 Jul 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
$6,283
View Cabins
Balcony
$7,753
View Cabins
Suite
$9,497
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 16 Sep 2025
Thursday 25 Sep 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
$6,479
View Cabins
Balcony
$8,106
View Cabins
Suite
$9,693
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 18 Oct 2025
Monday 27 Oct 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
$6,283
View Cabins
Balcony
$7,753
View Cabins
Suite
$9,497
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 01 Apr 2025
Thursday 10 Apr 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
$12,109
View Cabins
Balcony
$14,981
View Cabins
Suite
$17,901
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Friday 18 Jul 2025
Sunday 27 Jul 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
$8,003
View Cabins
Balcony
$14,706
View Cabins
Suite
$18,195
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Tuesday 16 Sep 2025
Thursday 25 Sep 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
$8,199
View Cabins
Balcony
$15,412
View Cabins
Suite
$18,587
View Cabins
Exclusive Savings
Saturday 18 Oct 2025
Monday 27 Oct 2025
Ship Emerald Luna
River View
$8,003
View Cabins
Balcony
$14,706
View Cabins
Suite
$18,195
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Wednesday 01 Apr 2026
Friday 10 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $1,541
$4,854
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $1,853
$6,042
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,069
$7,606
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Friday 10 Jul 2026
Sunday 19 Jul 2026
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $2,037
$4,508
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $2,052
$5,993
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,070
$7,755
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Tuesday 11 Aug 2026
Thursday 20 Aug 2026
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $2,037
$4,508
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $2,052
$5,993
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,070
$7,755
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Friday 21 Aug 2026
Sunday 30 Aug 2026
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $2,037
$4,508
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $2,052
$5,993
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,070
$7,755
View Cabins
75% Off Single SupplementSuper Earlybird
Wednesday 01 Apr 2026
Friday 10 Apr 2026
Ship Emerald Destiny
River View
Save $1,559
$6,591
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $4,296
$10,694
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,158
$16,392
View Cabins
Super Earlybird
Friday 10 Jul 2026
Sunday 19 Jul 2026
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $2,055
$6,245
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $2,125
$13,165
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,161
$16,689
View Cabins
75% Off Single SupplementSuper Earlybird
Tuesday 11 Aug 2026
Thursday 20 Aug 2026
Ship Emerald Star
River View
Save $2,055
$6,245
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $4,410
$10,880
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,161
$16,689
View Cabins
75% Off Single SupplementSuper Earlybird
Friday 21 Aug 2026
Sunday 30 Aug 2026
Ship Emerald Sky
River View
Save $2,055
$6,245
View Cabins
Balcony
Save $4,410
$10,880
View Cabins
Suite
Save $2,161
$16,689
View Cabins
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Emerald Cruises. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Emerald Cruises. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

Similar River Cruises

11 Day Tulips of the Rhine & Lucerne - Zurich (Emerald Cruises)

11 Days Amsterdam Zurich

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 6,001
Save 854
11 Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest (Emerald Cruises)

11 Days Bucharest Budapest

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 5,169
Save 852
16 Day Discover the Treasures of the Danube (Emerald Cruises)

16 Days Bucharest Munich

Operated By: Emerald Cruises

From 9,943
Save 1,687

Travel Styles