Enchantment of Eastern Europe

Day 1 - Budapest

Welcome to Budapest, the capital of Hungary and the perfect introduction to Eastern Europe. You will be met at the airport in Hungary and taken to your centrally-located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

Day 2 - Budapest

This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Budapest, introducing you to sights that include the ornate Hungarian Parliament Building and the Buda Castle district, where a string of historic buildings line cobblestone streets leading up to the castle. 

• Included Excursion: A guided tour of Budapest
• Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Budapest

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.

• Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Kalocsa

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 horse show
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 - Vukovar:

This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Today, you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, before you embark on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town. 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.EmeraldPLUSHome-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

• Included Excursion: Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress
• DiscoverMORE: Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 - Belgrade:

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities, including Belgrade Fortress. 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.

• EmeraldPLUS: Serbian folklore evening show on board
• EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour in Belgrade
• Included Excursion: Guided tour of Belgrade
• DiscoverMORE: National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)
• DiscoverMORE: Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Golubac – Donji Milanovac

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
• EmeraldACTIVE: Donji Milanovac by bike
• DiscoverMORE: Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 - Vidin

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.

• EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress
• Included Excursion: Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
• DiscoverMORE: Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 - Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo. The former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this medieval city was built atop three hills and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers.Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour. 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.

• EmeraldPLUS: Choir concert in Arbanasi
• EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
• Included Excursion: Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
• DiscoverMORE: Wine tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense)
• Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Giurgiu – Bucharest

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 Included: Breakfast

Day 11 - Bucharest

After breakfast, it’s 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 Included: Breakfast