DAY 1 – MALTA - MUNICH – PASSAU

Meet your Tour Leader at Malta International Airport for your flight to Munich. 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. Meals: Dinner.

DAY 2 - PASSAU

Today, you will gain a fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarian farmers during a visit to a farm, where you’ll also be able to try their homemade specialties. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin. an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3 - LINZ – CESKÝ KRUMLOV

Today, 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. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4 - MELK – DÜRNSTEIN

Relax as we cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s best wine-producing vineyards, before arriving in Melk. On your included tour today, walk the gold-leaf halls of Melk Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Dürnstein. You can stay in Melk and cycle to Dürnstein, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 5 - VIENNA

Discover the classical charms of Vienna today, as we take you through the heart of the city, pointing out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its 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 the Danube Island. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 6 - VIENNA - BRATISLAVA

Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marvelling at the everchanging scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle. Its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairy-tale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 7 - BUDAPEST

Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, 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 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. If you are feeling more active, you can instead choose to hike to Buda 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 in the area around Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 8 - BUDAPEST

After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities with you. Meals: Breakfast.