Compare Danube Delights River Cruise by Emerald Waterways vs The Beautiful Blue Danube from Passau to Budapest by CroisiEurope
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
|
4.5 | Great
|
| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 1,945 | $ 3,861 |
| Price Per Day | $ 243 | $ 351 |
| Highlights |
|
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
|
| Trip Style | River cruise | River cruise |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Internal airfare and ground transport included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
7 Breakfast, 6 Lunches and 7 Dinners |
N/A |
| Description |
As you cruise along one of Europe’s most romantic rivers, you leave behind busy western life and sail into a world that’s filled with authentic architecture and steeped in tradition. Our 8-day Nuremberg to Budapest cruise takes you on a journey of discovery into ‘Old Europe’, uncovering ancient Abbeys, beautiful palaces, and historic landmarks left in the wake of WWII. An invitation to a homehosted afternoon tea provides a truly authentic insight into Slovakian life and the chance to try traditional fare, while vibrant cities such as Vienna and Budapest fill your European exploration with trips to iconic sights and bustling city streets. |
Embark on a cruise to the heart of Germany, Austria and Hungary and take advantage of 11 days to discover cities with historic and authentic cultural treasures. Between the Artsetten Castle and the Gödöllö Palace, enjoy a royal journey that will take you back in time. Visit the Sisi Museum for a peek into her private life highlighted by her poems, and the Imperial Capuchin Crypt. |
Day 1: Nuremberg
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to Nuremberg. Transfer to your river cruise ship and be welcomed by your Captain and crew. The city is situated along the Main–Danube canal, an engineering masterpiece linking the rivers of Germany with the mighty Danube which flows from the Alps to the Black Sea. Some of the locks are as high as 25 metres, with only inches on each side, the navigation of them showcases the Captain's skill. This evening enjoy your first dinner on board.
Day 2: Kelheim - Regensburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning takes you through the final stretch of the fascinating Main–Danube Canal to Kelheim. Continue cruising along the Danube River to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. On our guided walking tour you’ll have the chance to stroll across one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. EmeraldPLUS: Tonight, enjoy a Bavarian Band on board.
Discover More: Danube Gorge Cruise and Weltenburg Abbey (additional cost)
Day 3: Passau
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Return for lunch and an afternoon cruising along the Danube River.
Discover More: Enjoy a day tour to Salzburg, the home of ‘The Sound of Music’ and the birth place of Mozart; or Cesky Krumlov a UNESCO World Heritage site which has been preserved as an example of medieval life (additional cost)
Day 4: Melk - Durnstein
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Situated within Austria’s wine–growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900–year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and fresco ceilings. Be guided through the artistic corridors by one of the local students for an insight into Abbey life. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley lined with medieval castles, and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Stroll along the cobbled streets or perhaps join Emerald Active for a guided biking tour along the Danube River.
Day 5: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Welcome to Vienna, the “City of Waltzes”. Today we explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna’s world famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. On foot your guide will take you through the grounds of the palace which once was home to over 1000 nobles. Pass the training stable of the Spanish Riding School into the centre of Vienna where St Stephen's Cathedral stands proud in the main square. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Vienna, perhaps try some chocolate cake and coffee that the city is famous for.
Discover More: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss and/or Schonbrunn Palace tour (additional cost)
Day 6: Bratislava
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava the capital of Slovakia, embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. EmeraldPLUS: The highlight will be a home hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family. This evening the Captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Captain’s Gala Dinner.
Day 7: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex with Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. Later, there is free time to visit the city markets or the famous thermal baths. This evening the ship will take you for a night–time cruise along the Danube, passing under the city’s numerous bridges, whilst enjoying a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner, complete with folk dancing and music.
Day 8: Disembarkation - Depart Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.
Day 1 PASSAU
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 4:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins. At 5.00 p.m. we'll set off cruising along the Danube towards the border between Austria and Germany through the attractive region of Engelhartszell. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail and evening.
Day 2 PASSAU - MELK - VIENNA
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. We'll return to the ship and cruise on to Dürnstein. Enjoy some free time exploring this picturesque village, and its Baroque-style church - the most famous in the Wachau region thanks to the legend of King Richard the Lionheart. We'll return on board in the afternoon before cruising on to Vienna. After our arrival, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour the illuminated sights of Vienna by night.
Day 2 PASSAU - MELK - VIENNA
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit the Melk Abbey. We'll return to the ship and cruise on to Dürnstein. Enjoy some free time exploring this picturesque village, and its Baroque-style church - the most famous in the Wachau region thanks to the legend of King Richard the Lionheart. We'll return on board in the afternoon before cruising on to Vienna. After our arrival, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour the illuminated sights of Vienna by night.
Day 3 VIENNA - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit Schönbrunn Palace.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion (not included in packages): Horse-drawn carriage ride though Vienna. We'll return to the ship and cruise to Budapest, passing Bratislava on the way.
Day 3 VIENNA - ESZTERGOM
Join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Visit Schönbrunn Palace.Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this marvelous city at your own pace or take part in our optional excursion (not included in packages): Horse-drawn carriage ride though Vienna. We'll return to the ship and cruise to Budapest, passing Bratislava on the way.
Day 4 ESZTERGOM - BUDAPEST
Enjoy some time on your own exploring Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. We'll then spend the afternoon cruising to Budapest. The Hungarian capital lies along the banks of the Danube and is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Enjoy some free time sightseeing the city before returning to the ship. After dinner, join us for the excursion: Budapest by night.
Day 4 ESZTERGOM - BUDAPEST
Enjoy some time on your own exploring Esztergom, the former capital of Hungary. We'll then spend the afternoon cruising to Budapest. The Hungarian capital lies along the banks of the Danube and is one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Enjoy some free time sightseeing the city before returning to the ship. After dinner, join us for the excursion: Budapest by night.
Day 5 BUDAPEST
Enjoy a day on your own or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.In the afternoon, free time or take part in an optional excursion to discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (1) (not included in the packages). After dinner, enjoy another free evening on your own or join us for an evening of traditional dancing in the city.
Day 5 BUDAPEST
Enjoy a day on your own or join us for on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Guided tour of Budapest.In the afternoon, free time or take part in an optional excursion to discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (1) (not included in the packages). After dinner, enjoy another free evening on your own or join us for an evening of traditional dancing in the city.
Day 6 BUDAPEST
Enjoy this day as you please (lunch not included) or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : the Puszta. We'll return to the ship early evening.
Day 6 BUDAPEST
Enjoy this day as you please (lunch not included) or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : the Puszta. We'll return to the ship early evening.
Day 7 BUDAPEST
Enjoy this morning at leisure in Budapest or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour to Gödöllö Royal Palace, summer residence of Sissi Empress. We'll then return on board and cruising at towards Bratislava. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.
Day 7 BUDAPEST
Enjoy this morning at leisure in Budapest or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Tour to Gödöllö Royal Palace, summer residence of Sissi Empress. We'll then return on board and cruising at towards Bratislava. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.
Day 8 BRATISLAVA - VIENNA
We'll arrive in Bratislava in the early morning, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava.DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava.Our ship will cruise to Vienna.In the evening, join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Concert of Viennese music (optional and subject to availability.)
Day 8 BRATISLAVA - VIENNA
We'll arrive in Bratislava in the early morning, join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava.DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava.Our ship will cruise to Vienna.In the evening, join us on an optional CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Concert of Viennese music (optional and subject to availability.)
Day 9 VIENNA
Enjoy some free time this morning for individual sightseeing around Vienna, the imperial city, or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Vienna, the Capuchin Church, and the Austrian National Library. We'll return to the ship. Enjoy a free afternoon, or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion to Hofburg to visit the former palace of the Habsburgs and admire the crown jewels and splendid imperial apartments.Our ship will cruise to Melk.
Day 9 VIENNA
Enjoy some free time this morning for individual sightseeing around Vienna, the imperial city, or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : Vienna, the Capuchin Church, and the Austrian National Library. We'll return to the ship. Enjoy a free afternoon, or join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion to Hofburg Palace, the Hapsburg's winter residence and its Sisi Museum.Our ship will cruise to Melk.
Day 10 MELK - PASSAU
This morning will be spent cruising along the most beautiful stretch of the Wachau region. Then enjoy some free time in Melk. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : to Arstetten Castle, last residence of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand and his wife. We'll return to the ship in Ybbs before cruising off towards Passau. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.
Day 10 MELK - PASSAU
This morning will be spent cruising along the most beautiful stretch of the Wachau region. Then enjoy some free time in Melk. In the afternoon, join us on an CLASSIC/DISCOVERY excursion : to Arstetten Castle, last residence of Archduke Franz-Ferdinand and his wife. We'll return to the ship in Ybbs before cruising off towards Passau. Tonight's our gala dinner and evening.
Day 11 PASSAU
Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
