EMERALD WATERWAYS
8 Days | Danube Delights
Westbound

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BUDAPEST TO NUREMBERG
(Click here to view all departure dates for this itinerary.)

Day 1 Budapest, Hungary. On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a friendly representative and transferred by coach to your deluxe Emerald Waterways ship. Here, you’ll have the chance to unpack, relax in your room and explore all of the ship’s fantastic facilities, like the onboard swimming pool and bar, and the spacious Sun Deck. This evening, you have a special invitation to a Cocktail Reception and Welcome Dinner where you’ll be able to meet other guests, crew and the captain, and acquaint yourself with life on the river. (D)

Day 2 | Budapest. Today you’ll get to explore Budapest – Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Widely known as one of the continent’s most beautiful cities, Budapest is home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Buda Castle Quarter, Andrássy Avenue, Heroes’ Square and the Millennium Underground Railway – the second oldest railway in the world. Your private guided tour takes you past the Royal Palace of Buda – home to the Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest History Museum, the National Library, Lion Courtyard, Matthias Well, and the statue of the Turul Bird; the mythological bird of the Magyars. The tour then continues to Fisherman’s Bastion situated on Castle Hill, where you’re free to admire the most breath-taking panoramic views of the city, before moving on to see Matthias Church and the iconic Chain Bridge that links Buda and Pest. One of Budapest’s most symbolic landmarks, the Chain Bridge was originally worked on by English engineer, William Tierney Clark, and the construction supervised by Scottish engineer, Adam Clark. (B,L,D)

Included Excursion. Guided tour of Budapest.

Day 3 | Bratislava, Slovakia. Today you’ll experience the bustling pedestrian plazas and stylish street cafés of Bratislava. And for a more profound insight, you’ll be taken on a sightseeing tour of the Old Town – home to a plethora of historical buildings. Must-see sights include the sobering Holocaust Memorial, the Museum of Jewish Culture and Slavin War Memorial, the magnificent Mirbach Palace and the Gothic cathedral of St Martin. Here, you’ll also find Bratislava’s Town Hall – a complex of three buildings erected in the 14th and 15th centuries, Michael’s Gate – one of the oldest of the town’s structures, and nearby resides the narrowest house in Europe. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a special home-hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family, providing you with a truly authentic insight into Slovakian culture. Once you’ve been welcomed into their home, you’ll feast on traditional fare in the company of new friends, and discover what everyday life is like in Slovakia’s largest city. This evening, you have an extra special invite to the Captain’s Gala Dinner, where you’ll have the chance to join your fellow guests. (B,L,D)

EmeraldPLUS. Home-hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family.
Included Excursions. Sightseeing tour of Bratislava.

Day 4 | Vienna, Austria. Austria’s vibrant city of Vienna is a fantastic fusion of old and new. As well as being known as ‘The City of Music’ because of its musical legacy, Vienna is also regarded as ‘The City of Dreams’ as it was home to Sigmund Freud – the world’s first psychoanalyst. Today, we take you on an icon-filled coach tour along the Ringstrasse where you’ll see Vienna’s world-famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Town Hall and Hofburg Imperial Palace, before hopping off to explore on foot. This afternoon you’re free to explore the city, which is home to over 27 castles and a record-breaking 150 palaces. For a view of Vienna that simply can’t be beaten, why not take a ride on the Riesenrad – the main square’s giant Ferris Wheel? From its dizzy heights, you’ll be able to take in the city’s fabulous sights from a truly unique vantage point. Alternatively, you can swap your free time this afternoon for an optional visit to Schönbrunn Palace – Empress Sisi’s former summer residence, complete with an enchanting park, zoo and labyrinth. And in the evening, you can book an optional trip to watch a Viennese concert. (B,L,D)

Included Excursion. Sightseeing drive along the Ringstrasse and a walking tour of Vienna.

Day 5 | Dürnstein. Melk. Today you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of Dürnstein and free time to explore its breath-taking scenery, rolling hillsides, and places of historic interest. Afterwards, you’ll sail through the great Wachau Valley – home to the 12th century castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades and onto Melk where your tour of Austria’s wine-growing region begins. In this pretty town situated on the south bank of the Danube River you’ll explore a 900-year old Benedictine Abbey which is located above the town on a splendid rocky outcrop, overlooking where the Danube joins the Wachau Valley – an Austrian valley with a picturesque landscape. Boasting the finest Italian architecture, elaborate gold leaf walls, a 640ft imperial corridor and fabulous fresco ceilings, Melk Abbey is a beautiful sight to behold. (B,L,D)EmeraldPLUS. Guided tour of Melk Abbey.
Included Excursion. Guided tour of Dürnstein.

Day 6 | Linz. Passau, Germany. his morning you’ll set sail for the town of Linz where you’ll have free time to explore its vibrant music and arts scene, museums, parks and many inner courtyards discretely hidden behind arched gates. Later, you’ll journey to Passau – the “Three Rivers City” situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. On your guided walking tour, you’ll stroll through the cobblestone streets and narrow alleys before emerging to find the perfect view of the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress. Originally designed to serve the Bishop of Passau in 1219, it’s today home to a fascinating museum, restaurant and open-air theatre. You’ll then have the chance to appreciate the wonderfully ornate architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral which contains a wealth of treasures, including Europe’s largest church organ, 18 amazing authentic alters, the tomb of Emperor Frederick III, and the Maria Pötsch Icon – a Byzantine style icon of St. Mary with the child Jesus. As an alternative, you may book an optional full day tour (including lunch) to Salzburg in Austria – one of the best-preserved city centres north of the Alps and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or you may prefer to visit Ceský Krumlov – a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. Tonight you’ll join your fellow guests for a special Farewell Dinner. (B,L,D)

Included Excursions. Walking tour of Passau.

Day 7 | Regensburg. Weltenburg. Today you’ll take a guided tour of Regensburg – Germany’s best preserved medieval city, where architectural highlights include the Old Town Hall and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. You’ll then move on to explore Weltenburg Abbey. Founded by monks in 602 AD, Weltenburg Abbey is the oldest monastery in Bavaria and today boasts a courtyard surrounded by Baroque buildings. After exploring this ancient church and its grounds, you’ll have the chance to sample Weltenburg’s famous dark beer. Back onboard your ship you’ll enjoy a relaxing sail along the delightful Danube Gorge which carves through magnificent 300ft cliffs. And tonight, you’ll be entertained by a traditional Bavarian Oompah Band, playing a selection of fantastic folk music into the night while you relax with a drink. (B,L,D)

EmeraldPLUS. Evening entertainment with a traditional Bavarian Oompah Band.
Included Excursion. Guided tour of Regensburg and Weltenburg Abbey.

Day 8 | Nuremberg. After a delicious buffet breakfast to prepare you for the day ahead, it’s time to say your goodbyes to your fellow guests, the crew and your captain before you’re transferred to the airport and your journey home begins. (B)

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

WESTBOUND DEPARTURES 8 DAYS | BUDAPEST TO NUREMBERG Click HERE to view 8-day EASTBOUND departures.