River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Budapest

   Thu, Sep 25, 2025

   Welcome to Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship to be greeted by your friendly captain and crew.  
   This afternoon, enjoy plenty of free time to explore Eastern Europe’s liveliest city at your leisure. The ‘Pearl on the Danube’ is a truly breathtaking sight, where dozens of lights adorn the stone bridges that cross the mighty Danube, separating both sides of the city. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. 

   EmeraldPLUS
   Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

   Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.

   
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Kalocsa

   Fri, Sep 26, 2025

   This morning, we’ll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. You’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Sit back and enjoy the show, as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills. Tonight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner & reception. 

   EmeraldPLUS
   Puszta Equestrian Heritage

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Vukovar

   Sat, Sep 27, 2025

   This morning,you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, Our EmeraldPLUS excursion will bring you to the home of a Croatian family to share a typical meal from the area while getting to know the local culture and customs. 

   EmeraldPLUS
   Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

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   Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Belgrade

   Sun, Sep 28, 2025

   The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city. 
   This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge with a traditional Serbian folklore show providing spectacular entertainment. 

   Included Excursion
   Highlights of Belgrade

   EmeraldPLUS
   Serbian folklore evening show on board

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided bike tour in Belgrade

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   Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Golubac – Donji Milanovac

   Mon, Sep 29, 2025

   In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps. 

   Included Excursion
   Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

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   Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Vidin

   Tue, Sep 30, 2025

   This morning, we’ll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session of their produce. 
   Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean ‘Granny Vida’. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations. 

   Included Excursion
   Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress 

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   Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Rousse 

   Wed, Oct 01, 2025

   Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to explore the timeless charm of its  elegant architecture and cultural heritage of the city that many call “The Little Vienna”.  
   Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a farewell dinner. 

   Included Excursion
   Walking tour of Rousse 

   EmeraldPLUS
   Choir performance

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

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   Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Giurgiu – Bucharest

   Thu, Oct 02, 2025

   This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. 
   This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel before you consider going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel. 

   Included Excursion
   Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace

   
   Meals: Breakfast
9. Day 9
   Bucharest - Brasov

   Fri, Oct 03, 2025

   After breakfast, your Transylvanian adventure will begin. You will board coaches to the town of Brasov, a harmonious mixture of traditional medieval charm and modern city life, located in the centre of Transylvania. On your way you will visit the world-famous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle - the perfect setting for a vampire lord. Although there is no clear evidence that links Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) to Bran Castle, much of the myth surrounding?Prince Vlad?is true. Dracula ruled this extraordinarily beautiful place for a couple of decades in the 15th century. 

   Included Excursion
   Visit of Bran Castle en route to Brasov 

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
10. Day 10
    Brasov

    Sat, Oct 04, 2025

    Join us today in a panoramic city tour of Brasov, including a visit of the First Romanian School Museum and the St. Nicholas Church, leading learning centers of the Romanian community for centuries. The museum has been a centre for Romanian teaching and book printing for centuries. The oldest Romanian bible (printed on goats’ skin) is one of the many fascinating discoveries included in your visit. You will continue with a guided walk in Brasov's historical medieval downtown learning about its German heritage. The largest Gothic church east of Vienna, Black Church, is part of this immersive experience as well.

    Included Excursion
    City tour of Brasov

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    The UNESCO fortified Church Prejmer (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast
11. Day 11
    Brasov

    Sun, Oct 05, 2025

    While being in the heart of Transylvania, you may want to explore on own some downtime in Brasov, visiting the Old Town Square, wander through the narrow colourful streets, or hike up Mount Tampa.

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    Sighisoara & Viscri Village (extra expense)

    
    Meals: Breakfast
12. Day 12
    Brasov - Bucharest

    Mon, Oct 06, 2025

    After breakfast, check out at the hotel and board coaches for a scenic drive back to Bucharest crossing south the Carpathian Mountains to reach Sinaia. Known as “Pearl of the Carpathians”, it is also the home of one of Romania’s most beautiful palaces - Peles Castle. This stunning building was built by the first King of Romania, Carol I of Hohenzollern – Sigmaringen, and used as summer residence. Inaugurated in 1883 the castle has 160 rooms with opulent decor and invaluable collections of art and furniture.

    Included Excursion
    Peles Castle visit with lunch

    
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
13. Day 13
    Bucharest

    Tue, Oct 07, 2025

    After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain and medieval fortresses with you. 

    This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

    
    Meals: Breakfast

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