Delights of the Danube

As you cruise along one of the 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 hosted 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 sighs and bustling city streets.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

Nuremberg

On arrival at the airport, you'll be met by an Emerald Waterways representative and transferred by coach to your award-winning ship in Nuremberg. Here, you'll have the chance to unpack, relax in your room and explore all the ship's fantastic facilities.

Day 2:

Kelheim - Regensburg

This morning's sailing takes you through the final stretch of the fascinating Main-Danube Canal to Kelheim. As you cruise along the Danube River, you'll reach Regensburg, one of Germany's best preserved Medieval cities. On your guided walking tour you'll have the chance to admire one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube as well as the city's architectural highlights. Before your guided tour of Regensburg, you can book a Discover More tour to a local brewery for a tour and beer tasting. This evening, enjoy a Captain's Welcome reception, followed by dinner where you'll be able to meet other guests, crew and Captain, and acquaint yourself with life on the river. Entertainment comes courtesy of a traditional Bavarian Band, playing a selection of fantastic folk music into the night where you relax with a drink.

Day 3:

Passau

Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, today you're visiting Passau - the 'Three Rivers City.' On this morning's walking tour, you'll stroll through the cobblestone streets and narrow alleys before emerging to find the perfect view of the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress. Return to your ship for lunch on board and an afternoon of leisurely sailing. As an alternative, you may book a Discover More full-day excursion (including lunch) to Salzburg in Austria - one of the best-preserved city centers north of the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 4:

Melk - Dürnstein

Your tour of Austria's wine-growing region begins in Melk - a pretty town situated on the south bank of the Danube River. Here you'll explore a 900-year-old Benedictine abbey overlooking the town on a rocky outcrop. Boasting the finest Italian architecture, elaborate gold leaf walls, a 640ft Imperial Corridor and fabulous fresco ceilings, Melk Abbey is a beautiful sight. Later, you'll sail to Dürnstein through the great Wachau Valley - home to the 12th-century castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades.

Day 5:

Vienna

Austria's vibrant city of Vienna is a fantastic fusion of old and new. As well as being known as 'The City of Music' because of its musical legacy, Vienna is also regarded as 'The City of Dreams', as it is home to Sigmund Freud - the world's first psychoanalyst. Today, we take you on a coach tour along the Ringstrasse, where you'll see Vienna's world famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Town Hall and Hofburg Imperial Palace before hopping off to explore on foot. You'll then head to the center of Vienna where St. Stephen's cathedral stands proud and majestic in the main square where you can take the city's fabulous sights from a truly unique vantage point. If you feel active, join the guided bike tour instead of the coach tour and guided walk. This afternoon, book a Discover More visit to Belvedere Museum. This evening, you have the choice to book an exclusive Discover More excursion to enjoy a Viennese concert. This is an exclusive Discover More excursion to enjoy a Viennese concert. This is an exclusive event performed only for Emerald Waterways guests.

Day 6:

Bratislava

Today you'll experience the bustling pedestrian plazas and stylish street cafés of Bratislava, including the sightseeing tour of the Old Town - home to many historical buildings, including the magnificent Mirbach Palace and the Gothic cathedral of St. Martin. Afterwards, you'll enjoy a hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family, providing you with a truly authentic insight into Slovakian culture. You'll sample traditional fare in the company of new friends and discover what everyday life is like in a Slovakian village. This evening, you have an extra special invite to the Captain's Farewell reception followed by dinner.

Day 7:

Budapest

Widely known as one of Europe's most beautiful cities, Budapest is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle Quarterm Andrssy Avenue, Heroes' Square and the Millennium Underground Railway - the second oldest underground electric metro system in the world. Whether you choose our motor coach tour, or join our EmeraldACTIVE group for the hike to Castle Hill, both tours will visit Fisherman's Bastion for sightseeing and views, or see Matthias Church and the iconic and the iconic Chain Bridge that links Buda and Pest. Conclude the day with an evening cruise and see the heart of the city lit up at night while enjoying a traditional Hungarian dinner and folklore show.

Day 8:

Budapest

After a delicious buffet breakfast to prepare you for the day ahead, it's time to say your goodbyes to your fellow guests, the crew and your Captain before you're transferred to the airport and your journey home begins, or extend your stay with two additional nights in Budapest.

Testimonials

I started working with Quest Travel Adventures a few years ago, they have been amazing to work with. Erika in particular is efficient, always available and very knowledgeable about their products!

Maureen S, Germany and Austria - 2023

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