EMERALD WATERWAYS
17 Days | Treasures of the Danube
Westbound

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BUCHAREST TO NUREMBERG

Day 1 | Bucharest, Romania. Embark. Welcome to Romania - a country with a unique and powerful history, enveloped in natural beauty. On arrival at the airport you’ll be met by an Emerald Waterways representative and transferred to the Novotel Bucharest or similar in the city centre for a two night stay. After settling in, you’re invited to meet your Tour Director and fellow guests at a special Welcome Dinner. (D)

Day 2 | Bucharest. Today you’ll explore Romania’s capital and largest city - Bucharest. Your included guided tour takes you to the magnificent Palace of the Parliament, Europe’s largest building constructed by former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. As you walk the city’s wide avenues, you’ll notice that they have a distinctly French feel, which is why the city is often referred to as the Paris of the East. On a remote island outside of Bucharest lies the Snagov Monastery which is the supposed burial site of Vlad the Impaler, more commonly known as Count Dracula. Here you’ll board a coach to Snagov where you’ll take a boat out to visit the monastery, learning about the mysteries of bygone eras as you sail. Included excursions: a guided tour of Bucharest and the Snagov Monastery. (B)

Day 3 | Bucharest. After breakfast this morning, you’ll board your coach to be transferred to your deluxe Emerald Waterways ship waiting for you on the Danube River. You’ll be welcomed on-board by your Captain and crew and guided to your stylish suite or stateroom. Once you’ve settled into your cabin, you’ll enjoy lunch before you get ready to visit to a local village and experience the traditional farming community. Included excursions: visit to a Bucharest village. (B,L,D)

Day 4 | Silistra. Relax in the riverside city of Silistra which was once a Roman fort under the Byzantine Empire and later part of the Ottoman conquest. On your guided tour, you’ll get to see the city’s many historical landmarks including a Roman tomb, remains of the Medieval fortress, an Ottoman fort, and an art gallery. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can replace today’s included excursion by booking an DIscover More excursion to the Black Sea. Included excursions: a guided tour of Silistra. (B,L,D)

Day 5 | Veliko Tarnovo. Arbanassi. Svishtov. This morning you’ll board your coach and travel to the impressive cliff top town of Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Bulgarian empire known once as the ‘City of the Tsars’. As well as being famous for its historical hills, the city is home to multiple emblematic medieval churches. And the streets are filled with 200 year old houses, crafts workshops, souvenir shops and galleries. After your tour you’ll visit the historic town of Arbanassi, which is perched high on a plateau overlooking the Yantra Valley and lined with traditional houses. You’ll board your ship in the former Roman town of Svishtov. Included excursions: a guided tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | Iron Gate. Relax on-board your deluxe Emerald Waterways ship as you sail through the narrow gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains known as the Iron Gate. The narrow and once dangerous passage boasts spectacular scenery forming the border between Serbia and Romania. You can view the fantastic scenery from the Sun Deck or in the spacious lounge. Or why not unwind in the heated swimming pool? (B,L,D)

Day 7 | Belgrade, Serbia. Today you’ll explore Serbia’s vibrant capital of Belgrade. Your guided city tour takes you back in time to discover Belgrade’s turbulent history. You’ll visit Tito’s Memorial, the impressive Fortress Kalemegdan - a defensive structure overlooking the confluence of the Sava and the Danube rivers - and St Sava Church which is the world’s largest orthodox cathedral. This afternoon you can book a Discover More excursion to Novi Sad - Serbia’s second largest city. Here lies the Petrovaradin fortress which is home to artists’ studios and a museum, and offers a beautiful view of the city. Included excursions: a guided tour of Belgrade. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | Vukovar, Croatia. Today you’ll cruise into the border region of Croatia to Vukovar, a city that was heavily damaged during the Croatian War of Independence at the end of the communist era. Here you’ll enjoy a different kind of excursion - a more authentic experience - as you meet a local family who will tell you tales of their everyday life and welcome you into their home for a traditional lunch, specially prepared for you. Back on-board your ship, you can enjoy swapping stories of the day’s events and an evening of relaxing sailing. EmeraldPLUS: a home-hosted lunch with a local family. (B,L,D)

Day 9 | Kalocsa, Hungary. Early this morning you’ll sail out of Budapest towards Kalocsa, one of the oldest towns in Hungary, famous for the production of paprika. Make the most of your time relaxing on-board this morning, because this afternoon you’ll visit a local Puszta Horse Farm and enjoy a performance showcasing the exceptional riding skills of Magyar horseman. Included excursions: a visit to a local Puszta Horse Farm. (B,L,D)

Day 10 | Budapest. Today you have a full day to spend at your leisure in the spectacular city of Budapest. Your Cruise Director will be on hand to help you plan your day. Perhaps visit the city market or enjoy relaxing at the local thermal baths? This evening you’ll enjoy a nighttime cruise along the Danube, passing under the city’s numerous bridges, while enjoying a traditional Hungarian Dinner complete with folk dancing and music. Rather than enjoy a day free to spend as you wish, you can always book a Discover More excursion to Szentendre - a riverside town in Pest county known for its museums, galleries and artists. EmeraldPLUS: a traditional Hungarian Dinner with entertainment. (B,L,D)

Day 11 | Budapest. Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. And you’ll get to explore its highlights on a guided tour including the Royal Palace of Buda, the hilltop castle complex and Fisherman’s Bastion, the Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. This afternoon you have free time to further explore Budapest at your own pace, or to relax on-board your ship before you depart for Bratislava. Included excursions: a guided tour of Budapest. (B,L,D)

Day 12 | Bratislava, Slovakia. Welcome to Bratislava, capital of the Republic of Slovakia. Today you’ll enjoy a sightseeing tour to the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. Afterwards, you’re invited to enjoy afternoon tea in the home of a local Slovakian family, where you’ll gain a more authentic insight into life in Bratislava and its traditional culture. EmeraldPLUS: home-hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family. Included excursions: a guided tour of Bratislava. (B,L,D)

Day 13 | Vienna, Austria. Austria’s vibrant city of Vienna is a fantastic fusion of old and new. 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 the Hofburg Imperial Palace before hopping off to explore the city on foot. This afternoon you’re free to discover Vienna for yourself or take an optional tour of Schönbrunn Palace. In the evening, you can book an optional trip to watch a Viennese concert. Included excursions: a sightseeing drive along the Ringstrasse and walking tour of Vienna. (B,L,D)

Day 14 | Dürnstein. Melk. This morning you arrive in Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region and home of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Here you’ll board your coach which takes you through the picturesque landscape of this district and on to the 900-year old Benedictine Melk Abbey which boasts the finest Italian architecture, a 640ft Imperial Corridor and fabulous fresco ceilings. Included excursions: a guided tour of Melk Abbey. (B,L,D)

Day 15 | Passau, Germany. Situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, is Passau - the “Three Rivers City”. On this morning’s walking tour, you’ll stroll through the cobblestone streets to find the perfect view of the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress before admiring the wonderfully ornate architecture of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. As an alternative to your included visit to Passau, you may book a Discover More full day tour to Salzburg or Ceský Krumlov. Included excursions: a guided tour of Passau. (B,L,D)

Day 16 | Regensburg. Kelheim. After breakfast you’ll arrive in magnificent Regensburg - one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. On your guided walking tour you’ll have the chance to see one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. To replace your guided tour of Regensburg, you can book a Discover More boat cruise along the Danube Gorge and a tour of Weltenburg Abbey. This evening’s on-board entertainment is a traditional Bavarian Oompah Band, playing a mix of contemporary and folk music to accompany your Farewell Dinner. EmeraldPLUS: evening entertainment with a traditional Bavarian Oompah Band. Included excursions: a guided tour of Regensburg. (B,L,D)

Day 17 | Nuremberg. Disembark. Munich. After breakfast, it’s time to say your goodbyes before you’re transferred to Munich airport. (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 ITINERARY 17 DAYS | BUCHAREST TO NUREMBERG