EMERALD CRUISES — DANUBE RIVER

Danube Delights

Prague to Budapest with Oktoberfest option

"Four overnight stays means you actually get to live in these cities, not just glimpse them from a tour bus. Prague, Vienna, Dürnstein, and Budapest each left me with memories I still talk about." — Tracey

Save $1,400 pp for 2026 & 2027 Cruises -

Book by Aug 31

11
Days
5
Countries
4
Overnight City Stays
23
Included Meals
Route Overview
Prague, Budapest, Vienna & Beyond – Discover Central Europe across five UNESCO-listed cities
Five overnight city stays – Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Regensburg & Prague
Emerald Star-Ship – Only 182 Guests
Sail the Danube aboard an award-winning Emerald Cruises Star-Ship through five stunning countries over 11 days. From the grand boulevards of Budapest to the cobblestone lanes of Prague, Danube Delights gives you time to truly live in each city — not just pass through it. Glide through the fairy-tale Wachau Valley with its medieval castles and vine-covered hillsides, explore baroque Bratislava, and wander the UNESCO World Heritage centres of Vienna and Regensburg. Expert English-speaking guides bring each destination to life through included shore excursions, with active hiking and biking options available. Every meal, all wines, beers and soft drinks, gratuities, and port charges are included — so there's nothing left to think about but the scenery.

DAY BY DAY

Your complete itinerary — 11 days, five countries & four overnight city stays

Click the ▾ arrow on any day to see full details, shore excursions, and included meals

1Day

Depart Home

Home airport

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Your Grand European adventure begins today as you depart for Budapest. Sit back, relax, and let the anticipation build — the Danube awaits.
2Day

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary · Embarkation · Overnight

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Dinner included Airport transfer included
A warm welcome awaits as you arrive in Budapest, one of Europe's most breathtaking capitals. You'll be met at the airport and transferred directly to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship — your elegant floating home for the next seven nights. Please plan flights to arrive before 5:00 pm. This evening, settle in and enjoy a festive folklore performance followed by a delicious traditional Hungarian dinner onboard. Afterward, step out to the Sun Deck and take in the city's spectacular skyline glittering across the water. First of two overnight stays in Budapest. Meals: D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included Experience Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard
Pre-cruise hotel stays are available in Budapest — contact Rick & Tracey for details.
3Day

Budapest

Hungary · Full day · Overnight

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Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Guided city tour included
Today you'll discover why Budapest captivates every traveler. A comfortable coach tour takes you through the UNESCO World Heritage city center, where your guide brings centuries of history vividly to life. The tour ends at the magnificent Grand Market Hall — a feast for the eyes and the senses — where you can browse local crafts and sample Hungarian treats at your own pace. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Guided hike to Gellért Hill (included)
Optional Add-On Szentendre village excursion (additional expense)
4Day

Bratislava, Slovakia

Slovakia · Overnight

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Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Guided walking tour included
Relax onboard with a coffee as the ship glides into Bratislava, one of Europe's most charming and underrated capitals. Since gaining independence in 1993, this graceful city has blossomed into a vibrant cultural gem. A leisurely walking tour through its romantic cobblestone lanes reveals the Slovak National Theater and a wonderful mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture. Overnight in Bratislava. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Guided hike to Bratislava Castle (included)
Included Experience Local Slovakian entertainment onboard
Optional Add-On Carpathian Wine Route (additional expense)
5Day

Vienna, Austria

Austria · Overnight

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Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Guided city tour included
Vienna needs no introduction — it is one of the world's truly great cities, and today it is all yours. A comfortable coach tour along the grand Ringstrasse sets the scene before a guided walk brings you into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage city center. You'll marvel at St. Stephen's Cathedral and the magnificent Hofburg Palace, two of the great landmarks of European civilization. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Vienna. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Guided bike tour through Vienna (included)
Optional Add-On Exclusive evening concert — Mozart & Strauss (additional expense)
6Day

Dürnstein

Austria · Wachau Valley

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Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Göttweig Abbey visit included Active hiking & biking options
This morning's sail through the UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley is simply one of the most beautiful stretches of river in all of Europe — castles on the hillsides, vineyards rolling down to the water's edge. In the postcard-perfect village of Dürnstein, known as "The Pearl of the Wachau Valley," enjoy time to stroll at your own pace before a guided visit to the magnificent Göttweig Abbey, perched high above the valley. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle (included)
Active Option Guided bike tour along the Danube (included)
Note: Active Options overlap — only one may be selected.
7Day

Passau, Germany

Germany

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Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Guided walking tour included
Passau is a delight — a city of graceful arcades, cobblestone streets, and a dramatic setting where three rivers meet. On an included walking tour, your guide leads you through the charming old town to St. Stephen's Cathedral, a Baroque masterpiece that houses Europe's largest pipe organ with more than 17,000 pipes. After some free time to explore the city at your own pace, the ship sets sail for Regensburg. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Guided bike tour along the River Inn (included)
Optional Add-On Bavarian Forest excursion (additional expense)
Optional Add-On Schuetz Museum Engelhartszell (additional expense)
Note: Optional Add-Ons overlap — only one may be selected.
8Day

Regensburg, Germany

Germany · Overnight

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Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner Guided walking tour included Bavarian Band onboard
Regensburg is Germany at its most authentic — a beautifully preserved medieval city where you can almost feel the weight of history in every stone. A walking tour through the UNESCO World Heritage city center reveals remarkable architecture, and a Bavarian sausage tasting along the way adds a delicious local flavor. This evening, a live Bavarian band performs onboard for a festive, memorable night. The ship stays docked overnight in Regensburg — a wonderful opportunity to linger in this magnificent city after dark. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Bike tour to the Walhalla Monument (included)
Included Experience Traditional Bavarian Band onboard
9Day

Regensburg to Prague / Munich*

Czech Republic / Germany · *Oktoberfest departures

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Breakfast included Coach transfer included Guided city tour included
After a fond farewell to your Captain and crew, you'll travel by comfortable motorcoach to the magnificent city of Prague. On arrival, enjoy a guided city tour of the highlights before a relaxed evening at leisure. First of two overnight stays in Prague. Meals: B
* Oktoberfest Departures Only — Sept 12, 18, 23 (2026) · Sept 10, 14, 19 (2027) After breakfast and a fond farewell to the crew, travel by motorcoach to Munich. An included panoramic city tour takes in the former Olympic site, Nymphenburg Palace, Maximilianstrasse, and the grand Residenz. A guided walk through Marienplatz brings you face to face with the famous Glockenspiel, before heading to the Oktoberfest fairgrounds — where an included entrance to one of the famous beer tents awaits. Raise a stein, enjoy local food, and soak up one of the world's great festivals. Meals: B, snack at Oktoberfest
Included Panoramic Munich city tour
Included Oktoberfest beer tent entry
10Day

Prague / Munich*

Czech Republic / Germany · *Oktoberfest departures

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Breakfast included
Your final full day in Prague is yours to enjoy at your own pace — perfect for revisiting a favourite café, browsing local shops, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of one of Europe's most enchanting cities. Few cities reward slow exploration the way Prague does. Overnight in Prague. Meals: B
Additional Activities & Experiences
Optional Add-On Terezín Concentration Camp Memorial (additional expense)
* Oktoberfest Departures Only — Sept 12, 18, 23 (2026) · Sept 10, 14, 19 (2027) Your final full day in Munich is yours to enjoy at your own pace — explore the city's shops and cafés, revisit a favourite spot, or head back to the Oktoberfest fairgrounds independently for more of the legendary festival atmosphere. Meals: B
11Day

Prague / Munich* to Home

Czech Republic / Germany · Flight home

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Breakfast included Airport transfer included
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, taking with you lasting memories — new friendships, magnificent scenery, and the satisfaction of having truly explored the heart of Europe. Ask Rick and Tracey about extended stays in Prague or Munich — both cities reward an extra day or two. Meals: B

Itinerary is subject to change and may operate in reverse order.

Have a Question or Ready to Reserve Your Cabin?

Rick and Tracey answer every enquiry personally — usually within a few hours

Email Rick & Tracey to Book

— or —

We're cruise specialists, not a call center — you'll always speak with Rick or Tracey directly

Special Group Discount Pricing From:
$6,020
Per person
  • Inclusive luxury journey with a wealth of amenities
  • All prices before promotions shown above
Contact Rick & Tracey to book
2026 DEPARTURES
Sep 12* Sep 18* Sep 23*
2027 DEPARTURES
May 21 Jun 9 Aug 31 Sep 10 Sep 14* Sep 15 Sep 19*
* Oktoberfest departure — Munich stay included in place of Prague
Danube Delights Map
Click to enlarge
GENEROUS INCLUSIONS
✔ Spacious outside staterooms
✔ Exceptional dining with a regional flair
✔ Award-winning luxury cabins
✔ Two nights in Prague
✔ Wines, beers & soft drinks
✔ Shore excursions with active options
✔ Indoor pool & Gym
✔ Bicycles onboard for use ashore
✔ Personal listening device
✔ Gratuities, port charges & Wi-Fi ($400 value)
WHY BOOK WITH RICK & TRACEY?
✔ Personal service from first call to final travel documents
✔ Expert advice on the right cruise, ship and cabin for you
✔ Rick & Tracey have personally cruised 10+ river voyages across Europe, the Amazon and beyond
✔ Rivers sailed include the Danube, Rhine, Douro, Rhône, Saône, Moselle, Nile and Amazon
✔ Rick & Tracey have visited all seven continents — at least twice
✔ Access to exclusive offers and added value not available to the public
✔ We're available before, during and after your trip — always a real person
Rick and Tracey
Rick & Tracey
Your Travel Experts
✔ Special exclusive group pricing · No fees, no markups!

SPECIAL GROUP PRICING & CABINS

Inclusive pricing prior to any promotional discounts · Singles available

Contact Rick & Tracey for single rates

Save $1,400 each off prices below
Book by May 30

Cat D / E

Picture Window Stateroom

Riviera Deck

2027 - Price Before Discount$6,020

Inclusive pricing prior to any promotional discounts

Cabin features

Large panoramic picture window
Approx. 160 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat B / C

Panorama Balcony Suite

Vista Deck · Middle Deck

2027 - Price Before Discount$6,985

Inclusive pricing prior to any promotional discounts

Cabin features

Floor-to-ceiling panorama balcony window
Approx. 170 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat A

MOST POPULAR

Panorama Balcony Suite

Horizon Deck · Upper Deck · Prime Views

2027 - Price Before Discount$7,260

Inclusive pricing prior to any promotional discounts

Cabin features

Floor-to-ceiling panorama balcony window
Approx. 170 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat S

Grand Balcony Suite

Horizon Deck · Upper Deck · Extra Spacious

2027 - Price Before Discount$8,253

Inclusive pricing prior to any promotional discounts

Cabin features

Full-width panorama balcony window
Approx. 210 sq ft · two twin or one large bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Climate control · flat-screen TV · lounge area
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)

Cat SA

Owner's One Bedroom Suite

Horizon Deck · Upper Deck · Ship's Largest Suite

2027 - Price Before Discount$9,465

Inclusive pricing prior to any promotional discounts

Cabin features

Full-width panorama balcony window
Approx. 300 sq ft · separate living room
Private bedroom · king bed
Stylish en-suite bathroom with upscale amenities
Indulgent toiletries, hair dryer & bathrobes
Safe, umbrella & walking sticks
WiFi & daily water bottle per person
Gratuities & port charges (approx. $400 value pp)
Panorama Balcony Suite · Emerald Star-Ship

Panorama Balcony Suite   Click to enlarge ↗

Grand Balcony Suite · Emerald Star-Ship

Grand Balcony Suite   Click to enlarge ↗

For the August cruise, deduct $500 pp. For 2027 Oktoberfest departures, the cabins are $665 additional pp from the price shown. Call for the 2026 Oktoberfest price. Prices are pp based on double occupancy & are subject to change. Itinerary is subject to change and may operate in reverse order. We reserve the right to correct errors. Single supplement available — contact Rick & Tracey for details.

Ship & Deck Plan

Emerald Luxury Star-Ship

Award-winning river cruising · Maximum 182 guests · Built for discovery and comfort

Only 182 Guests Indoor Heated Pool Sky DeckCinema Wellness Spa & Gym Active Excursions Available Terrace Alfresco Bar
Emerald Star-Ship Deck Plan
Emerald Star-Ship · Deck Plan  Click to enlarge ↗

What's on board

Dining & Drinks

Reflections Restaurant · inspired regional cuisine
Sheltered alfresco dining at the front of the ship
Horizon Bar · cocktails & river views
All meals, wines & soft drinks included with lunch and dinner

Wellness & Leisure

Indoor heated swimming pool
Wellness spa, fitness centre & library
Open Sky Deck for scenic cruising
Cinema & extra-special included excursions and events

Activities & Service

Active touring options such as biking & hiking
Personal listening devices while touring
Onboard cultural talks & lectures
All gratuities & port charges included (a $400 pp value)
Delectable Cuisine and Beverages
Delectable Cuisine & Beverages · Click to enlarge ↗
Indoor heated pool
Indoor Heated Pool · River View · Click to enlarge ↗
Horizon Bar & Lounge
Horizon Bar & Lounge · Click to enlarge ↗

Videos

See the Danube come alive

Watch the destinations, the ship, and the experience — then decide for yourself

Danube River Overview

Danube River Overview

Budapest to Prague · 11 days

Budapest Highlights

Budapest Highlights

UNESCO World Heritage · Pearl of the Danube

Prague & Český Krumlov

Prague & Český Krumlov

City of a Hundred Spires · UNESCO gem

Emerald Star-Ship Experience

Emerald Star-Ship Experience

River Cruise Life on Board

River Cruise Life on Board

Have a Question or Ready to Reserve Your Cabin?

Rick and Tracey answer every enquiry personally — usually within a few hours

Email Rick & Tracey to Book

— or —

Prefer to talk? Call us at 224-285-7476

We're cruise specialists, not a call center — you'll always speak with Rick or Tracey directly