EMERALD CRUISES — Budapest to Bucharest

Gems of Eastern Europe Budapest to Bucharest

"Gems of Eastern Europe is the Danube most travelers never get to see — and that is exactly what makes it so special. Sharing lunch in a Serbian family's home, gliding through the breathtaking Iron Gates, tasting wines along the Bulgarian riverbank, and then wandering the castles of Transylvania, from Dracula's Bran to the fairytale Peles. It is a journey full of warmth, history and genuine surprises, and it stays with you long after you're home." — Tracey

Save $1,200-$1,700 per person

Book by December 30, 2026

14
Days
4
Countries
5
Hotel Nights in Romania
28
Included Meals
Route Overview
Budapest to Bucharest — Gems of Eastern Europe
Seven nights on the Danube, three nights in Transylvania & two in Bucharest
Emerald Star-Ship – Only 180 Guests
Sail the lower Danube through Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania on a 14-day journey. Discover the horse-riding traditions of the Hungarian puszta, share a home-hosted lunch with a Serbian family, and cruise the dramatic Iron Gates gorge. Taste Bulgarian wines in Vidin, then continue into Transylvania for Dracula's Bran Castle and the fairytale Peles Castle. All aboard an intimate Star-Ship with just 180 guests. Select departures sail in reverse, from Bucharest to Budapest.

DAY BY DAY

Your complete itinerary — 14 days, with seven nights on the Danube and five hotel nights in Romania

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

1Day

Depart Home

Home airport

â–ľ
Your Eastern European adventure begins today as you board your overnight flight to Budapest. Four captivating countries, the mighty Danube, and the legendary castles of Transylvania await.
2Day

Budapest, Hungary

Hungary · Embarkation

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Dinner includedAirport transfer includedHungarian folklore show
Welcome to Budapest — the glittering “Pearl of the Danube” and Eastern Europe's liveliest city. You'll be met at the airport and transferred directly to your elegant Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew are waiting to greet you. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, and after dark the city is simply breathtaking, with dozens of lights adorning the grand stone bridges that span the river. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show onboard followed by a traditional dinner. The ship stays docked until late, so you can head ashore and experience Budapest's legendary nightlife. Meals: D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included Experience Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard
3Day

Budapest — Ordas

Hungary · Full day

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerPuszta equestrian heritage
This morning the ship docks in Ordas, a tiny village on the left bank of the Danube set in one of Hungary's most fertile farming regions — the heartland of the country's famous paprika. Here you'll discover the proud horse-riding traditions of the Hungarian puszta, the great open plain where skilled horsemen have kept centuries-old customs alive. It is a warm, authentic glimpse of rural Hungary that few travelers ever see. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included Experience Puszta Equestrian Heritage
4Day

Novi Sad, Serbia

Serbia · Full day

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided walking tour includedHome-hosted lunch
Serbia's second-largest city has a relaxed atmosphere and lively spirit all its own. Set out on an easy walking tour with a local guide to see the bustling market, the Orthodox Cathedral, City Hall, and the Catholic Cathedral, along with a visit to the Synagogue. Then comes one of the true highlights of the journey — a home-hosted lunch with a Serbian family, sharing their table, their stories, and their warm hospitality. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included Experience Home-hosted lunch with a Serbian family
Active Option Guided e-bike tour in Novi Sad (included)
5Day

Belgrade

Serbia · Full day

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided city tour includedSerbian folklore show
The Serbian capital is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe, with 2,000 years of history and many lives lived along the way. Relax as your coach takes you through the heart of the city to admire the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava — one of the largest church buildings in the world — along with the Parliament Building, Republic Square, and City Hall. Your tour finishes with a drive through Belgrade's most elegant neighborhoods and past Tito's Mausoleum. This evening, a spirited Serbian folklore show comes onboard. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Included Experience Serbian folklore evening show onboard
Active Option Guided e-bike tour in Belgrade (included)
Optional Add-On Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)
6Day

Golubac — Donji Milanovac

Serbia · Iron Gates scenic cruising

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerLepenski Vir visit included
Today you'll step back more than eight thousand years at Lepenski Vir, the Paleolithic site near Donji Milanovac celebrated as the oldest urban settlement in Europe. Its discovery transformed our understanding of Stone Age life, and it is a fascinating place to explore. As the day draws to a close, relax onboard for one of the most spectacular stretches of river in all of Europe — the Iron Gates, a dramatic narrow gorge winding between the Carpathian Mountains and the Balkan range. Keep your camera ready for the colossal rock carving of Decebalus, the last King of Dacia, gazing out over the water. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Optional Add-On Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)
7Day

Vidin, Bulgaria

Bulgaria · Full day

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerVineyard visit & wine tastingBaba Vida Fortress visit
In Bulgaria's westernmost town, sweeping vineyards line the banks of the Danube and winemaking has flourished for generations. Stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting of the region's wines, including gamza, Vidin's signature pale red varietal. Later, explore Baba Vida, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress whose name translates charmingly as “Granny Vida.” Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress (included)
Optional Add-On Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)
8Day

Rousse, Bulgaria

Bulgaria · Final night onboard

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Breakfast · Lunch · DinnerGuided walking tour included
Today your Star-Ship cruises into Rousse, Bulgaria's most elegant city, affectionately known as “Little Vienna” for its graceful architecture. Wander through its history as you admire the Court House, City Hall, the Opera Building, the lovely main shopping street of Alexandrovska, and St. Trinity Church. Then settle in for coffee and cake at a local restaurant — a delightful way to savor your final full day on the river. Meals: B, L, D
Additional Activities & Experiences
Active Option Guided hike to Ivanovo Church (included)
Optional Add-On Full-day tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (extra expense)
9Day

Giurgiu — Bucharest, Romania

Romania · Disembarkation · Hotel overnight

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Breakfast includedGuided city tour included
This morning you'll disembark in Giurgiu and relax aboard a comfortable coach as the countryside rolls by on the way to Bucharest. A guided tour brings the city's vibrant history to life, passing the vast Palace of Parliament and visiting the Spring Palace, the private residence of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Enjoy free time to explore at leisure, then settle into your stylish hotel. This evening, perhaps take a stroll along one of the wide avenues and leafy boulevards that give Bucharest its distinctly French feel. Overnight at the Radisson Blu or similar. Meals: B
10Day

Bucharest — Brasov

Romania · Transylvania · Hotel overnight

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Breakfast · LunchBran Castle visit included
After breakfast, your Transylvanian adventure begins. On the way to Brasov you'll visit world-famous Bran Castle — better known as Dracula's Castle — perched dramatically on its rocky crag. While there's no clear evidence that Vlad the Impaler ever lived here, the legend is irresistible and the setting is every bit as spectacular as you'd imagine. Continue on to Brasov, a harmonious blend of medieval charm and modern city life in the very heart of Transylvania. Settle into your hotel for a three-night stay, and later enjoy a welcome drink with your tour director and fellow guests. Overnight at the Hotel Ambient or similar. Meals: B, L
11Day

Brasov

Romania · Hotel overnight

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Breakfast includedGuided city tour included
A panoramic city tour reveals Brasov's rich multicultural past, including a visit to the Museum of Urban Civilization, which tells the story of the city's Saxon roots and historic identity. The experience also includes the magnificent Black Church, the largest Gothic church east of Vienna. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Overnight in Brasov. Meals: B
Additional Activities & Experiences
Optional Add-On Prejmer & Harman UNESCO Fortified Churches (extra expense)
12Day

Brasov

Romania · Day at leisure · Hotel overnight

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Breakfast · Lunch
Today is yours to discover Brasov at your own pace. Linger in the Old Town Square, wander the narrow, atmospheric lanes, or hike up Mount Tampa for sweeping views over the terracotta rooftops. Wherever you choose to explore, your tour director is on hand to help with plans and answer any questions along the way. Overnight in Brasov. Meals: B, L
Additional Activities & Experiences
Optional Add-On Sighisoara & Viscri Village (extra expense)
13Day

Brasov — Sinaia — Bucharest

Romania · Hotel overnight

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Breakfast · LunchPeles Castle visit included
After breakfast, board your coach for a picturesque drive across the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia, the “Pearl of the Carpathians.” Here you'll visit Peles Castle, one of Romania's most beautiful palaces, built by the country's first king, Carol I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, as a royal summer residence. Inaugurated in 1883, its 160 rooms overflow with opulent décor and priceless collections of art and furniture — a fairytale finale to your time in Transylvania. Continue on to Bucharest for your final night. Overnight at the Radisson Blu or similar. Meals: B, L
14Day

Bucharest to Home

Romania · Departure

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Breakfast includedAirport transfer included
After a leisurely final breakfast, bid a fond farewell to your fellow travelers and transfer to the airport. Head home carrying wonderful memories of the Great Hungarian Plain, the dramatic Iron Gates, medieval fortresses, and the storybook castles of Transylvania. Meals: B

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 Pricing From:
$6,400
Per person · Before discounts
  • Inclusive luxury journey with a wealth of amenities
  • All prices before savings shown above
10-DAY CRUISE + BUCHAREST · 2028 from $4,795 per person
Contact Rick & Tracey to book
2027 DEPARTURES
Jul 11 Sep 30*
2028 DEPARTURES
14 Days · 3 Nights in Transylvania
May 3 May 5* Jun 3* Sep 7 Oct 7*
10-Day Cruise + Bucharest
Apr 7 Apr 13* May 3 May 9* May 19 May 25* Jun 1 Jun 7* Sep 7 Sep 13* Oct 7 Oct 11*
* Reverse route — sails from Bucharest to Budapest. All other dates sail from Budapest to Bucharest.
Gems of Eastern Europe Map
Click to enlarge
WHAT'S INCLUDED
âś” Spacious outside staterooms
âś” Exceptional dining with a regional flair
âś” Award-winning luxury cabins
âś” Transylvania hotel stay & castle visits (14-day trip)
âś” Wines, beers & soft drinks
âś” Shore excursions with active options
âś” Indoor pool & Gym
âś” Bicycles onboard for use ashore
âś” Personal listening device
âś” Gratuities, taxes & Wi-Fi ($400 value)
WHY BOOK WITH RICK & TRACEY?
âś” Personal service from first call to final travel documents
âś” Expert advice on the right cruise, ship and cabin for you
âś” Rick & Tracey have personally cruised 10+ river voyages across Europe, the Amazon and beyond
âś” Rivers sailed include the Danube, Rhine, Douro, RhĂ´ne, SaĂ´ne, Moselle, Nile and Amazon
✔ Rick & Tracey have visited all seven continents — at least twice
âś” 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

All-inclusive pricing · Exclusive group savings · Singles available

14 days with 3 nights in Transylvania · 10-day cruise with 1 night in Bucharest

Contact Rick & Tracey for single rates

EXCLUSIVE GROUP SAVINGS
Take $1,200 per person off 2027 prices below
Take $1,700 per person off 2028 prices below
Book by December 30, 2026

Cat D / E

IDEAL FOR SOLO TRAVELERS

Picture Window Stateroom

Riviera Deck

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Jul 11 · Sep 30*$6,891

2028 · 14 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

May 3, 5* · Jun 3* · Sep 7 · Oct 7*$6,400

2028 · 10 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 7, 13*$4,795
May 3, 9*, 19, 25* · Jun 1, 7* · Sep 7, 13* · Oct 7, 11*$5,195

Prices shown before savings

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

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Jul 11 · Sep 30*$7,967

2028 · 14 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

May 3, 5* · Jun 3* · Sep 7 · Oct 7*$7,660

2028 · 10 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 7, 13*$6,055
May 3, 9*, 19, 25* · Jun 1, 7* · Sep 7, 13* · Oct 7, 11*$6,455

Prices shown before savings

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

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Jul 11 · Sep 30*$8,480

2028 · 14 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

May 3, 5* · Jun 3* · Sep 7 · Oct 7*$7,870

2028 · 10 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 7, 13*$6,265
May 3, 9*, 19, 25* · Jun 1, 7* · Sep 7, 13* · Oct 7, 11*$6,665

Prices shown before savings

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

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Jul 11 · Sep 30*$9,276

2028 · 14 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

May 3, 5* · Jun 3* · Sep 7 · Oct 7*$8,290

2028 · 10 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 7, 13*$6,685
May 3, 9*, 19, 25* · Jun 1, 7* · Sep 7, 13* · Oct 7, 11*$7,085

Prices shown before savings

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

2027TAKE $1,200 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Jul 11 · Sep 30*$10,378

2028 · 14 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

May 3, 5* · Jun 3* · Sep 7 · Oct 7*$9,480

2028 · 10 daysTAKE $1,700 PP OFF PRICES BELOW

Apr 7, 13*$7,875
May 3, 9*, 19, 25* · Jun 1, 7* · Sep 7, 13* · Oct 7, 11*$8,275

Prices shown before savings

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 ↗

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and are subject to change. Offer subject to change until deposited. * Reverse route — sails from Bucharest to Budapest; all other dates sail from Budapest to Bucharest. The 10-day cruise includes the same seven-night Danube cruise with one hotel night in Bucharest (no Transylvania stay). Itinerary is subject to change. 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

Tulip Time Cruise

Between Lucerne and Amsterdam

Tulip Time · Emerald River Cruise

Incredible Tulip Time Scenes

Emerald River Cruise · Netherlands

Budapest Highlights

Budapest Highlights

UNESCO World Heritage · Pearl of the Danube

Prague & ÄŚeskĂ˝ Krumlov

Prague & ÄŚeskĂ˝ 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