Danube Explorer & Prague: 11 days Budapest to Prague

Welcome to Hungary and the ‘Pearl of the Danube,’ Budapest. You’ll be met at the airport and then transferred to the stylish surrounds of your Emerald Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you on board.

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Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board
This evening, enjoy a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board.

Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. The Hungarian capital is divided by the iconic Danube River, with Buda and Pest on either side. They can be reached via the Chain Bridge, one of the city’s most symbolic structures.

Included Excursion
Budapest tour with Grand Market visit
Explore Budapest’s cobbled medieval quarter today on a coach tour through the World Heritage-listed city centre. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital's culinary scene, and the tour will finish at the neo-Gothic Grand Market, Budapest's largest and most expansive indoor market, where you'll have time to explore on your own.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
Strap on your walking shoes for a beautiful hike up to the World Heritage-listed site of Gellert Hill. On your walk, take in the stunning views of the Danube River and the city’s architecture. You’ll pass landmarks like Várkert Bazaar and beautifully landscaped gardens, making this an unforgettable experience in Budapest.

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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Visit the picturesque village of Szentendre, where cobblestone streets evoke a Mediterranean atmosphere that has inspired many artists. Take a walking tour through the pedestrian city centre to admire the Baroque architecture, churches, colourful houses and narrow, cobbled streets. The main square, Fo Tér, and the alleyways around it are lined with art galleries, museums and shops.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 4 hours

This morning, relax on board your Emerald Star-Ship as you cruise into the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. This graceful nation became an independent country in 1993, and since then, Bratislava has flourished as a new capital and made a name for itself as a cultural centre. Set at the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, it is a place where Baroque palaces, boutiques and cafés adorn medieval cobblestone streets. At the same time, the complex history of Communism can be found in its Brutalist landmarks and military monuments.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
Enjoy a sightseeing tour, including the enchanting Old City or hike to Bratislava Castle. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city. Pass by the botanical gardens of the Episcopal Summer Palace, the Old Town Hall and its delightful Renaissance courtyard and the Slovak National Theatre, where busts of famous composers adorn the façade. After your tour, enjoy free time to explore at leisure.

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Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
This active excursion begins at the port of Bratislava, passing the monumental Slovak National Theatre building and continuing to the extensive riverside promenade. Admire the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral, the most famous sacral building in Bratislava, climb the hill to Bratislava Castle for panoramic views, see St Michael’s Gate and walk through the main square.

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Local Slovakian entertainment on board
Relax on board in the Horizon Lounge as you listen to local saloon orchestra Afrodite, comprised of five women playing classical arrangements of pop music, evergreens, musical and movie melodies in traditional Slovakian dress.

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Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
On this truly insightful tour of Bratislava in a Skoda car, you’ll learn about life during the Communist era through real personal stories from your guide and enjoy some local, authentic refreshments from this time. This off-the-beaten-track tour brings alive the story of Bratislava in the turbulent 20th century.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

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Carpathian Wine route (extra expense)
Explore the viticultural towns of the Small Carpathian Wine Route, including the vineyards of Vinosady and a family-run winery in Senkvice. You’ll learn about the proud heritage of winemaking and sample some local wines in a historic wine cellar.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration 4hr 40min

Historic boulevards and imperial grandeur welcome you to Vienna, the magnificent Austrian capital. As the former residence of Mozart and Beethoven, a multitude of imperial palaces represent a rich history, and the museum district boasts contemporary buildings, housing the work of some of the world’s most prolific artists.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Vienna
Explore the famous sights of the Ringstrasse and Vienna’s city centre by coach and on foot, or join a guided e-bike tour. Marvel at the Renaissance-style arches that adorn the façades of the Opera House, the Baroque Burgtheater and the Flemish Gothic Parliament before enjoying time to explore Vienna at leisure.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Vienna
Embark on a guided e-bike tour of Vienna to Danube Island. Your guide will talk about why Vienna is the most liveable city in the world and share personal stories, introducing you to a different side of the city. This is an opportunity to visit places other travellers won’t see and experience the authentic Vienna.

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Klosterneuburg Abbey Wine Tour (extra expense)
Step into the heart of Habsburg history at one of Austria’s oldest and most historically significant monasteries, the 12th-century Klosterneuburg Abbey. Visit the historic Press House, beautifully illuminated by a stunning light installation, then descend into the Baroque wine cellar to learn about Austria’s renowned DAC wines. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of four wines or cloudy apple juices.
Activity level: Medium, Duration: 3.5 hours

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Exclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
With Mozart, Beethoven, Strauss and Schubert among its historical repertoire, Vienna is the world capital of opera and classical music. Enjoy an exclusive evening concert at one of Vienna’s most beautiful concert halls, with favourites such as the ‘Blue Danube Waltz’ and the Radetzky March. A complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival adds to the unforgettable occasion.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

Dock in Weissenkirchen, a picturesque village in the Wachau Valley.

Later, continue on to Melk.

Situated within Austria’s famed Wachau Valley, the county’s premier wine-growing region, Melk is home to a 900-year-old World Heritage-listed Benedictine abbey. A charming and compact port, it is filled with flower-lined laneways, colourful buildings and sprawling green spaces

Included Excursion
Tour of Melk Abbey
Explore this ancient abbey today on an included tour. Your guide will take you through a series of opulent rooms, each adorned with the finest Italian Baroque architecture and ornate gold leaf walls, including the ancient monastic library, renowned for its extensive collection of medieval manuscripts.

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour along the Danube River
Enjoy an active guided e-bike ride along the Danube from Melk to Weissenkirchen passing famous vineyards and quaint towns before settling down for a picnic on the riverbanks. E-bikes will take you smoothly along the 30km route through picturesque surroundings including a relaxing break for a refreshing drink along the way.

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Guided hike in Weissenkirchen
Effortlessly suspended in time, Weissenkirchen is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm weather creates the ideal setting for viticulture. Today, join this active hike to explore the town and its surrounds.

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Wachau Valley Experience (extra expense)
Hike through the vineyards of the picturesque village of Weissenkirchen and learn about its long wine-growing heritage, as well as the region’s climate and soil. Next, taste the local wine, jam, chutney, and chocolate, before trying a delicious Austrian sweet delicacy called Mohnzelten.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 3 hours

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Visit to Schallaburg Castle (extra expense)
Schallaburg Castle is a typical Central European countryside manor, whose construction began 1,000 years ago. European history has left its mark on this historical site, which is among the most beautiful Renaissance castles in central Europe. Your tour will give you an insight into its changing purposes from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Afterwards, try your hand at long-bow archery on the Renaissance-era shooting range and enjoy freshly baked pastries.
Activity level: Medium, Duration:2.5 hours

Dock in the town of Linz this morning. Though the city has a history that dates back more than 1,000 years, it’s considered the country’s centre of innovation and technology. Striking public art installations, cutting-edge galleries and an ever-evolving cultural scene make Linz one of Europe’s most vibrant destinations.

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Guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
Set out on a full-day excursion to the World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint Czech town has one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, with more than 300 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.

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Excursion to Mauthausen Concentration Camp
Discover the history of one of Nazi Germany’s largest concentration camps on a guided tour. Learn about the events that took place at Mauthausen as well as its significance in World War II. You’ll see the camp’s remnants, including the barracks and the stone quarry, which played a central role during its operation.
Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 3.5 hours

Narrow cobblestone streets, graceful arcades and St Stephen's Cathedral welcome you to Passau. This picturesque city has been shaped by the surrounding rivers over the years, sitting at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz. This memorable destination is dominated by large squares, magical promenades and romantic lanes.

Included Excursion
Bavarian Countryside Experience
Gain a fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarian farmers during a visit to a working farm. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of their fresh produce and gourmet specialties, like cheese, cold meats, bread and beer.

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Veste Oberhaus
Set off on a guided hike around Passau, catching sights of the Mariahilf, a place of pilgrimage at St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian Dynasty. Follow the trail to the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress that’s one of Europe’s largest preserved castle complexes and offers spectacular views.

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Bavaria Live (extra expense)
Eating, drinking and making music together is a huge part of everyday Bavarian life. Join a local guide and learn about the 800-year-old history of Passau beer and the Bavarian Tavern traditions in a fun and entertaining way. Listen to a local oompah band while you enjoy a beer and a pretzel.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2 hours

After breakfast, you'll disembark your luxury Emerald Star-Ship and be transferred to the Czech Republic and its spectacular capital, Prague - one of Europe’s most magical and historically preserved cities. Settle into your centrally-located hotel, which is included in your exciting three-night Prague stay. Later, meet your fellow guests and tour director for a convivial welcome drink.

Soak in the sights of Prague on your included morning tour. Later, you may continue exploring the city at leisure.

Included Excursion
Guided city tour of Prague
This morning, join a guided walking tour of Prague, exploring its vivid history through its Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with each style encapsulating a slice of the city’s past. After passing through castle courtyards, you'll visit St. Vitus Cathedral, walking down the Castle steps, where you can enjoy wonderful views across the city of Prague. Continue to Charles Bridge to reach the charming Old Town of Prague. You'll conclude your enthralling city tour in front of the famous Astronomical Clock at Old Town Square. Afterwards, enjoy time at leisure to explore more of Prague.

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Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
Enjoy a moment of sheer indulgence at Lobkowicz Palace, one of the most significant cultural sites in the Czech Republic. Here, freshly brewed coffee and delicate pastries are served against a backdrop of aristocratic charm and history.

You may choose to continue exploring independently today or join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion. Your tour director will be on hand to help you plan a day of discovery in Prague; a city often regarded as one of Europe’s most magical. Perhaps sample some delicious Czech treats or immerse yourself in the rich culture that surrounds you, from the elegant Baroque Quarter to Malá Strana, one of the capital’s most historic districts.

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Tastes of Czechia
During this fascinating tour, you’ll learn all about the wonderful variety of Czech wines. A short walk from your hotel will take you through some of the city's most interesting hidden corners, before arriving at a local restaurant. Meet your sommelier and enjoy a welcome drink of Czech sparkling wine, followed by a selection of red, white and Rosé wines; each one comes accompanied by traditional charcuterie and cheeses carefully selected to complement every glass.
Activity level: Easy, Duration: 2.5 hours

This morning, after breakfast, it's time to say farewell to beautiful Prague as you're transferred from your hotel to the airport. As you depart, you'll take with you cherished memories of ancient wonders, the flavours of Prague and panoramic views of World Heritage-listed sites.