Sailing through four countries along the Danube River, enjoy a deeper look into the culture, history and cuisine of Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and Germany on Emerald Cruises’ 8 or 10 days Danube itineraries. Explore the captivating capital cities of Vienna, Budapest and Bratislava, where history and culture intertwine, and architectural gems await at every turn. Delve into the region’s fascinating past with guided tours to medieval castles, baroque palaces, and UNESCO World Heritage – listed sites, plus enjoy a free three night Prague city stay available on select departures.

Your 3-Night Prague Extension Includes:
• A relaxing 3-night stay in a centrally-located hotel in Prague including breakfast
• A guided city tour of Prague
• Coffee & Cake at Lobkowicz Palace
• Services of a tour director
• Airport transfers

Emerald Cruises’ Complimentary 3-night Prague Stay is available on the following itineraries and must be booked by November 15th, 2024:

Danube Delights and Classic Prague
Passau to Budapest
April 10, 24, May 4, 24, June 15, July 5, 19, 27, August 16, 24, September 6 & October 18, 2025

Danube Explorer & Prague
Budapest to Passau
June 7, August 2 & August 30, 2025

Danube Explorer & Budapest with Prague
Budapest to Passau
July 9, September 7 & October 9, 2025

Your cruise starts or ends in the city of Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, before enjoying plenty of free time to explore the Hungarian capital over the next couple of days. Originally two separate cities, Buda to the west and Pest to the east, you will enjoy different views on the culture of this lovely city. Your guided culinary tour of the city will take you to the Grand Market, Budapest’s oldest and most expansive indoor market, where you will have time to explore on your own. You will also have time to hike Gellért Hill, a 235 metre high limestone outcrop of the Buda Hills for panoramic views of the city or take one of the ship’s bicycles for a ride along the river.

In Bratislava, the city’s well-preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Walk through the heart of the city, soaking in the sights of the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre and the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace. Take a guided hike to Bratislava Castle or enjoy home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family.

Sweeping boulevards, great coffee houses and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city of classical music, city of Mozart and Strauss, Sigmund Freud and Gustav Klimt, a city of Spanish Riding School, a must see for any horse lover. Your ship will dock right in the city thanks to the Viennese Danube river front, an artificial structure created in the 19th century. Visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide. If you’re feeling more active, you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.

Sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley, a synthesis of nature’s arts with terraces for fruit and wine growing, producing the best apricots you have ever tasted; with steep slopes and mountains reaching 3,000 feet (900 metres) and castles and churches dotting the skyline before you arrive in Melk, with its magnificent Abbey perched on a rock nearly 200 feet (60 metres) above ground. Visit its breathtaking library with 12 rooms and 100,000 volumes which so fascinated Adso of Melk, of the Name of the Rose fame.

Explore Linz with its magnificent old town and many farmers markets or take a full-day coach tour across the border into the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic and visit the UNESCO World-Heritage-listed town of Český Krumlov, built around a 13th-century castle. Walk the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, enjoy great views and delightful traditional snacks as you learn how the local architecture survived the test of time.

Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly baked goods welcome you to Passau, a vibrant university town nestled on the confluence of three waterways, the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Experience a typical Bavarian farm for some interesting insights into the life of local farmers and livestock farming, then try their homemade specialities. Alternatively, you can set off on a guided hike to Veste Oberhaus, a fortress established in 1219.

Next day, after breakfast, disembark your Star-Ship and transfer by coach to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, and home to some of the world’s most pristine collections of architecture from across the ages. Over the next few days, explore Prague Castle and its three courtyards, visit St. Vitus Cathedral, cross the famous Charles Bridge over the Vltava river, and into the Old Town of Prague where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock. While visiting the Prague Castle, enjoy Coffee and Cake at Lobkowicz Palace, a 16th-century palace boasting breathtaking panoramic city views that enhance the unique, cultural experiences housed within the palace, one of Europe’s oldest and finest private collections, comprising of items dating back 2,000 years.
Next day, Prague is yours to explore independently, perhaps enjoying some delicious Czech treats, local beer or immersing yourself in the culture that surrounds you. Your tour director will be available to help plan your day’s exploring and to answer any questions that you may have.

Designed to dock directly in the heart of cities, towns and villages that line the banks of the Danube, Emerald Cruises’ Star-Ships boast spacious staterooms and suites, including the line’s innovative balconies complete with decked area and open-air system. Featuring three-tier atriums, comfortable lounges and heated swimming pools that transform into a cinema, the vessels have been meticulously designed to maximize space and guarantee comfort, ensuring your journey is as memorable as the destination you are visiting. Emerald Cruises has included everything you need to get the most out of your cruise, so you won’t have to spend a penny extra if you don’t want to. From included excursions and transfers to delicious onboard dining with complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner, their inclusive promise ensures complete peace of mind. Even all gratuities are taken care of.

Your Emerald Cruises Inclusions:

•Stylish accommodation onboard a fleet of Star-Ships
• All meals on board
• Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch and dinner
• Complimentary bottled water and state-of-the-art coffee machines and tea stations
• An included excursion in every port of call escorted by knowledgeable local guides
• EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities
• Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
• All airport taxes and port charges
• All gratuities onboard
• Airport transfers

Contact your Travel Professional for complete details or visit here. Book by November 15th, 2024 and make sure to mention promo code EXBY25.