Bucharest

Welcome to Bucharest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, perfectly situated in the centre of the city, for your overnight stay.Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, the centre of Bucharest exudes a d... Welcome to Bucharest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, perfectly situated in the centre of the city, for your overnight stay.Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, the centre of Bucharest exudes a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city. With free time this evening, you can set out to explore the city on your own. Read More

Bucharest

Explore Bucharest this morning. After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Star-Ship.Included ExcursionGuided drive through B... Explore Bucharest this morning. After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Star-Ship.Included ExcursionGuided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring PalaceLearn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu. Read More

Giurgiu

Ruse

Today, your Emerald Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, Bulgaria’s most elegant city. This important port on the Danube is often called ‘Little Vienna’ thanks to its elegant Belle Epoque and Neo Baroque architecture, leafy squares and wide boulevar... Today, your Emerald Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, Bulgaria’s most elegant city. This important port on the Danube is often called ‘Little Vienna’ thanks to its elegant Belle Epoque and Neo Baroque architecture, leafy squares and wide boulevards. Included ExcursionWalking tour of RousseBe immersed in history as you wander through Bulgari’s ‘Little Vienna’. Admire the Court House, City Hall, Opera Building, the main shopping street Alexandrovska and St. Trinity Church, then enjoy coffee and cake at a local restaurant.EmeraldACTIVEGuided hike to Ivanovo ChurchTransfer to the River Lom Nature Park for an active hike to the World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, these remarkable structures are lined with exquisite frescoes representing biblical scenes.DiscoverMOREFull day Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi extra expense)Visit Veliko Tarnovo and learn about its rich history as the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. This medieval city was built atop three hills, and its fortifications and cobbled streets will delight history lovers. Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration.Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 8.5 hours  Read More

Vidin

Viticulture is at the heart of the most western town in Bulgaria, where sweeping vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Vidin is one of Bulgaria’s oldest riverside towns, beginning life as a Thrac... Viticulture is at the heart of the most western town in Bulgaria, where sweeping vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Vidin is one of Bulgaria’s oldest riverside towns, beginning life as a Thracian settlement more than 2,000 years ago, and is home to Baba Vida, a preserved medieval fortress in the country.Included ExcursionVisit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida FortressGet an introduction to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session of their local wines like gamza, the region’s signature pale red varietal.Later, visit Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean ‘Granny Vida’.EmeraldACTIVEGuided hike to Belogradchik FortressTransfer to Belogradchick Rock Fortress Park for a guided hike to its ancient mountaintop fortress. First built when the region was part of the Roman Empire, it has been used and extended in the 14th century and by the Ottomans in the 19th century, right up until the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885.DiscoverMORETraditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)Watch your host prepare a traditional Bulgarian banitsa pastry, before joining a demonstration and learning to make your own. Banitsa is a very popular Bulgarian dish, consisting of dough sheets with various fillings, the most popular being white cheese and eggs. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting, served with a bowl of the famous Lactobacillus Bulgaricus yoghurt.Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes Read More

Donji Milanovac

Relax on board as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps. Look out for the huge rock carving of Decebalus, the last King of Dacia.Later, cross into Serbia and dock in the town of Donji&nbs... Relax on board as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps. Look out for the huge rock carving of Decebalus, the last King of Dacia.Later, cross into Serbia and dock in the town of Donji Milanovac, set on the right bank of the Danube. Surrounded by spectacular landscapes and with a rich heritage, it’s the gateway to one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites.Included ExcursionVisit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museumVisit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir, the oldest urban settlement in Europe. Enjoy learning about the significance of this archaeological site, which changed modern understandings of the early Stone Age, and its illustrious history, spanning over eight millennia.DiscoverMOREGolubac Castle Visit (extra expense)Take a walking tour of the medieval Golubac Fortress. The castle was built at the entrance to the Iron Gates, at the point where the Danube is the widest and then runs into the gorge of the Carpathian Mountains. An exceptional strategic point, it enabled easy control of all the land and waterways that connected the East and the West, whereas the steep and inaccessible cliffs on which the fortress was built offered natural protection.Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours Read More

Golubac

Belgrade

The Serbian capital Belgrade is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe and has lived a multitude of lives over the last 2,000 years. It has been shaped by conflict and still bears the scars of bombings from World War II through to the 1990s. At the same time, this gr... The Serbian capital Belgrade is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe and has lived a multitude of lives over the last 2,000 years. It has been shaped by conflict and still bears the scars of bombings from World War II through to the 1990s. At the same time, this gritty centre is filled with beautiful architecture, engaging street art and a legendary cafe culture that can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire.This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge, where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment.Included ExcursionHighlights of BelgradeThis 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 to see the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings, the Parliament Building, Republic Square, City Hall and more. Finish with a drive through Belgrade’s wealthiest neighbourhoods and past Tito’s Mausoleum. EmeraldPLUSSerbian folklore evening show on boardWatch local musicians and dancers perform traditional dances from around Serbia while wearing authentic, colourful costumes. EmeraldACTIVEGuided e-bike tour in BelgradeCycle through Belgrade with a local guide to experience the city’s landmarks and natural beauty along the Danube. Learn about the diversity of the local area as well as the history of the city and its people, including the former country of Yugoslavia. Highlights include the Belgrade Waterfront, Staro Sajmiste (former concentration camp), and Ada Island. DiscoverMORERoutes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)Learn the story of Serbian-American Nikola Tesla at the intriguing museum dedicated to the life and work of one of the world's most famous inventors. You’ll see magnificent working models of Tesla's machines, his various personal items and his visions of the future.Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours Read More

Novi Sad

The second-largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad, has a relaxed atmosphere and lively spirit that sets it apart from other major cities in the region. You’ll find the locals relaxing in leafy parks, swimming in the river and sharing drinks in b... The second-largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad, has a relaxed atmosphere and lively spirit that sets it apart from other major cities in the region. You’ll find the locals relaxing in leafy parks, swimming in the river and sharing drinks in busy laneway bars. It’s compact and easily walkable, dotted with grand public buildings, excellent museums and the striking Petrovaradin Fortress. Included ExcursionGuided tour of Novi SadSet out on an easy walking tour of the city with a local guide. See the market, Orthodox Cathedral, City Hall, Catholic Cathedral, and enjoy a visit to the Synagogue.EmeraldPLUSHome-hosted lunch with a Serbian familyVisit the home of a local Serbian family and join them for a traditional lunch. During the meal, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss Serbian traditions and the daily life of the people. EmeraldACTIVEGuided e-bike tour in Novi SadDiscover Novi Sad on two wheels with this guided e-bike tour. Ride along the Danube promenade and pass iconic landmarks. Learn about the city’s history, culture and local life from your guide while enjoying a leisurely cycling pace. Read More

Ordas

This afternoon, dock in Ordas. This tiny village on the left bank of the Danube is in one of Hungary’s most fertile agricultural regions, which is famous for its paprika.This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show and dinner on board as you cruise towards Budapest.E... This afternoon, dock in Ordas. This tiny village on the left bank of the Danube is in one of Hungary’s most fertile agricultural regions, which is famous for its paprika.This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show and dinner on board as you cruise towards Budapest.EmeraldPLUSPuszta Equestrian HeritageTravel to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Relax as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills, most of which were practised in preparation for wartime. EmeraldPLUSTraditional Hungarian folklore show on boardEnjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, then a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance on board. Read More

Budapest

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the... Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find. Read More

Budapest

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of traditional equestrian performances and ancient viticulture on the banks of the Danube with you.This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational... After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of traditional equestrian performances and ancient viticulture on the banks of the Danube 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. Read More