Emerald Cruises
Danube Explorer & Prague
A classic journey on the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers promises spectacular landscapes, rich culture, and fascinating history, where world-class cities are complemented by romantic towns.
The iconic Danube river guides you on a gentle journey, enabling you to soak up Europe’s cultural wonders at leisure. Let Budapest inspire you with its rich history and drive around Vienna’s Ringstrasse, marvelling at the city’s classical architecture. Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, before sailing to Melk Abbey.
| Day 1 |
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture. A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater. |
| Day 2 |
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture. A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater. |
| Day 3 |
Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital, sits along the Danube River at the crossroads of Central Europe. It's the only capital in the world bordering Austria and Hungary, which makes it an easy stop on many European itineraries. Yet Bratislava is more than a waypoint; it offers a compact city center filled with centuries of history. The Old Town’s cobbled lanes lead past Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces, and buildings once used by Habsburg royalty. St. Martin’s Cathedral, for example, hosted 11 coronations of Hungarian kings and queens during the time when Bratislava was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary. Bratislava Castle is one of the city's most visible landmarks, perched above the river on a strategic hilltop. Its current form dates to the 18th century, but the site has been occupied since Roman times. Today, visitors can explore its restored halls and exhibitions, then step outside to panoramic views stretching across three countries. Not far from the castle, the UFO Observation Deck atop the SNP Bridge offers a completely different perspective, along with a restaurant suspended above the river that rotates slowly while guests dine. |
| Day 4 |
Vienna has a long memory. Once the capital of the Habsburg Empire, the city still carries signs of its imperial past in its palaces, concert halls, and wide boulevards. Visitors can walk through the Hofburg complex, where emperors once ruled, or tour the opulent rooms of Schönbrunn Palace, which features 1,441 rooms and a maze in its gardens. But Vienna’s many historic buildings now house contemporary art museums, cafés, and institutions that reflect the city’s modern identity. Music is woven into Vienna’s streets and daily life. The city was home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss, and still hosts over 15,000 concerts a year. The Vienna State Opera stages performances nearly every evening from September to June, and tickets can be surprisingly accessible. For something different, visitors can attend a summer open-air film screening at Rathausplatz or hear a string quartet perform in one of the city’s many Baroque churches. Vienna’s coffeehouse culture is recognized by UNESCO and is less about the drink and more about the experience. A single order often comes with a glass of water and permission to linger for hours. Traditional spots like Café Central or Café Sperl serve layered cakes like Sachertortz and Topfentorte alongside newspapers and marble tabletops. It’s not unusual to see locals reading or writing for hours, as these cafés were once gathering places for thinkers like Freud, Trotsky, and Zweig. |
| Day 5 |
Weissenkirchen (or Weißenkirchen) is a charming Austrian town on the banks of the Danube. Surrounded by vineyards and wineries, Weissenkirchen is a delightful stop for European river cruises. |
| Day 6 |
Midway between Salzburg and Vienna, Linz boasts beautiful Baroque buildings, including Old Town Hall and the Old Cathedral, Alter Dom. Lentos Kunstmuseum Linz has a major modern art collection and across the river, the striking Ars Electronica Center focuses on society, technology, and the future. Some of Austria's most iconic figures, including Adalbert Stifter, composers Wolfgang Mozart and Anton Bruckner, and the famous scientist Johannes Kepler, once called Linz home. |
| Day 7 |
This popular river cruise stop sits at the German-Austrian border and is the last major German city on the Danube before entering Austria. Passau sits on the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, so it is fitting that it is known as "the Dreiflüssestadt", which means the “City of Three Rivers.” The historical center offers a cathedral, churches and museums to explore, and the embankment is perfect for a romantic stroll. For those looking to get the blood pumping, there is a cycling path from Passau all the way to Vienna. |
| Day 8 |
This popular river cruise stop sits at the German-Austrian border and is the last major German city on the Danube before entering Austria. Passau sits on the confluence of the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz, so it is fitting that it is known as "the Dreiflüssestadt", which means the “City of Three Rivers.” The historical center offers a cathedral, churches and museums to explore, and the embankment is perfect for a romantic stroll. For those looking to get the blood pumping, there is a cycling path from Passau all the way to Vienna. |
| Day 9 |
The dazzling capital of the Czech Republic, the explorable Prague has fittingly been nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires." Halved by the Vltava River and notable for architecture Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic, visitors will find much to take in here. Stroll Old Town Square, bear witness to Astronomical clock's hourly show, marvel at the immense Prague Castle, and be sure to cross the Charles Bridge, with its continuous alley of Catholic statues. And don't miss the breathtaking stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral.
When in Prague, a cruise on the picturesque Vltava provides great views of the city from a new perspective. Nightlife is plentiful, with many jazz music venues, clubs and pubs to choose from. Beer has also become a great reason to be in Prague, with excellent regional and microbrewed libations delighting thirsty travelers. Medieval streets, stunning monuments, historic gardens and gorgeous views everywhere you look... Prague is everything a traveler could hope for! |
| Day 10 |
The dazzling capital of the Czech Republic, the explorable Prague has fittingly been nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires." Halved by the Vltava River and notable for architecture Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic, visitors will find much to take in here. Stroll Old Town Square, bear witness to Astronomical clock's hourly show, marvel at the immense Prague Castle, and be sure to cross the Charles Bridge, with its continuous alley of Catholic statues. And don't miss the breathtaking stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral.
When in Prague, a cruise on the picturesque Vltava provides great views of the city from a new perspective. Nightlife is plentiful, with many jazz music venues, clubs and pubs to choose from. Beer has also become a great reason to be in Prague, with excellent regional and microbrewed libations delighting thirsty travelers. Medieval streets, stunning monuments, historic gardens and gorgeous views everywhere you look... Prague is everything a traveler could hope for! |
| Day 11 |
The dazzling capital of the Czech Republic, the explorable Prague has fittingly been nicknamed "the City of a Hundred Spires." Halved by the Vltava River and notable for architecture Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic, visitors will find much to take in here. Stroll Old Town Square, bear witness to Astronomical clock's hourly show, marvel at the immense Prague Castle, and be sure to cross the Charles Bridge, with its continuous alley of Catholic statues. And don't miss the breathtaking stained glass at St. Vitus Cathedral.
When in Prague, a cruise on the picturesque Vltava provides great views of the city from a new perspective. Nightlife is plentiful, with many jazz music venues, clubs and pubs to choose from. Beer has also become a great reason to be in Prague, with excellent regional and microbrewed libations delighting thirsty travelers. Medieval streets, stunning monuments, historic gardens and gorgeous views everywhere you look... Prague is everything a traveler could hope for! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
07/25/26 - 08/04/26 |
Starting At $4,900 |
Get A Quote | |
|
07/25/26 - 08/04/26 |
Starting At $4,976 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/14/26 - 08/24/26 |
Starting At $4,240 |
Get A Quote | |
|
08/14/26 - 08/24/26 |
Starting At $4,700 |
Get A Quote |
All our holidays are subject to availability. The prices shown are correct at the time of going to print – with all prices and upgrades per person for twin share (excluding ES Single Stateroom) in US$. Please call for details on single supplements (there is no supplement for ES Single Stateroom). The deposit required is $500 per person, with full payment required 90 days prior to departure. Itineraries, inclusions and ships operating a particular cruise are subject to change.