Danube Explorer - Munich to Budapest, 18 Jul 2026 (7 nights)


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Passau, a German city on the Austrian border, lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. Known as the Three Rivers City, it's overlooked by the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century hilltop fortress housing a city museum and observation tower. The old town below is known for its baroque architecture, including St. Stephen's Cathedral, featuring distinctive onion-domed towers and an organ with 17,974 pipes.
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. Tonight your captain will be delighted to host the welcome dinner and cocktail reception. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Austria’s third largest city is situated on either side of the Danube River. Your city tour takes in the impressive “Pestsäule”, the high column built to remember the victims of the bubonic plague epidemic of the 14th century, followed by the market squares. The rest of the day is at leisure. Discover More: Tour to Hallein Salt Mines (extra expense) Please note, you can only choose either the Hallein Salt Mines Discover More or the Linz included tour, as both of these tours run at the same time Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Český Krumlov is a city in the South Bohemia region of the Czech Republic. It’s bisected by the Vltava River, and dominated by its 13th-century castle. The castle has Gothic, Renaissance and baroque elements, an 11-hectare garden and an original 17th-century baroque theater. There are panoramic views of the old town and the river from the top of its round belltower.
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. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley 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. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided biking tour along the Danube River from Melk to Durnstein OR EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Durnstein Castle Discover More: Visit to Louisium (extra expense) Meals included: 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. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley 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. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided biking tour along the Danube River from Melk to Durnstein OR EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Durnstein Castle Discover More: Visit to Louisium (extra expense) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today you have a choice of either exploring 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, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Alternatively, join the guided bike tour instead of the drive around and guided walk. Then you have free time to sample the wonderful tastes of Vienna EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike Tour Discover More: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss (extra expense) Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip through the heart of Europe awaits. Once the ancient Roman city of Aquincum, a true hist
Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Hungarian Parliament Building, the Buda Castle and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest or an exciting hike on the Buda Hill. 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 dinner, complete with folk dancing and music. EmeraldACTIVE: A guided hike to Buda Hill (active fitness level recommended) EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian Folklore Show & Budapest Evening Cruise Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. Meals included: Breakfast
What's included
Fare overview
This sailing is shown as a cruise-only guide fare with Emerald Cruises. The fare is linked to the ship, itinerary and cabin category you choose. Drinks packages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, flights, transfers and shore experiences are only treated as included where they are confirmed before booking.

Sailing aboard
Emerald Luna
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Emerald Luna that cruise the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Docking in the heart of some of the most beautiful cities in the world, you’re free to explore them at your leisure. Setting the standard in innovation, our vessels feature a wealth of contemporary design features on board. Over the past few years, we’ve pushed the boundaries of European river cruising, carefully designing our three-tiered atrium and heated pool that seamlessly transforms into a cinema on selected evenings. Choose from our array of suite and stateroom categories, each boasting a wealth of amenities you would expect to find in any world-class hotel. Our suites include ingenious all-weather balcony systems from which you can enjoy views of the passing scenery, a flat screen HDTV and infotainment system, luxurious toiletries and a hotel-style bed. At the top of Emerald Dawn, Emerald Sun and Emerald Luna, the Sun Deck acts as an excellent communal area where you can enjoy the river breeze, raise a toast with new friends and relax as you watch Europe’s stunning natural beauty pass by. Our vessels feature more than ninety generously-sized suites and staterooms, four of which are our Emerald Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites, which include an outdoor private balcony, a separate living room and bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, a complimentary minibar and an invitation to dine in elegance at the Captain’s Table.
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