Danube Explorer on Emerald Dawn
Munich to Budapest - October 26-November 2, 2025
The iconic Danube river guides you on a gentle journey, enabling you to soak up Europe’s cultural wonders at leisure. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to enchanting Dürnstein. Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, drive around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to view the city’s marvelous architecture, and let inspiring Budapest tell tales of its past, while proudly looking forward to the future.
Where are we going?
Day 1 Munich – Passau
Day 2 Passau
Day 3 Linz – Ceský Krumlov
Day 4 Melk – Weissenkirchen
Day 5 Vienna
Day 6 Vienna - Bratislava
Day 7 Budapest
Day 8 Budapest

What's on our itinerary?
Day 1 Munich – Passau
Welcome to Munich, where we will be transferred to our contemporary Star-Ship, the Emerald Dawn, in Passau. A warm welcome awaits us from the captain and crew. This evening, we'll join fellow guests for dinner on board.
Day 2 Passau
Today, we will gain a fascinating insight into the life of local Bavarian farmers during a visit to a farm, where we’ll also be able to try their homemade specialties. Alternatively, you can set off on a hike, catching sights such as the Mariahilf and St. Severin, an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.
Day 3 Linz – Ceský Krumlov
Today, we will visit the UNESCO World Heritagelisted
town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint town has one of the best-preserved ancient centers in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the
15th century St. Vitus’ Church and a series of delightful Gothic façades,
Day 4 Melk – Weissenkirchen
Relax as we cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing some of the world’s best wine-producing vineyards, before arriving in Melk. On your included tour today, walk the goldleaf halls of Melk Abbey. Afterwards, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley to Weissenkirchen. When we arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to Weissenkirchen. Alternatively, you can stay in Melk and cycle to
Weissenkirchen, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region’s viticulture.
Day 5 Vienna
Discover the classical charms of Vienna today, as we take you through the heart of the city, pointing out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its imperial grandeur. A drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on the Danube Island.
Day 6 Vienna - Bratislava
Enjoy a short but tranquil sailing between Vienna and Bratislava, marveling at the
everchanging scenery of the Danube. This afternoon, enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle. Its silhouette looks as though it has been pulled from the pages of a fairytale. Alternatively, explore the city’s historic architecture on an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theater.
Day 7 Budapest
Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip awaits. Explore the city’s cobbled medieval quarter today, as you embark on a coach tour through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city center. Your guide will teach you about the Hungarian capital’s culinary scene and the tour will finish at the neo-Gothic Grand
Market, Budapest’s largest and most expansive indoor market, where you’ll have time to explore on your own. If you are feeling more active, you can instead
choose to hike to Buda Hill. The surrounding area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII. Some 18th-century Baroque houses still stand, best explored from the medieval paths and alleyways in the area around
Buda Castle. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board.
Day 8 Budapest
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities with you.

What's included in the Emerald Experience
- Airport transfers to and from the Emerald Dawn
- 7 Nights in Stylish Accommodations
- 19 delectable meals including 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks to accompany lunch & dinner on board
- Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water on board
- Guided english speaking tours in each port with the optional upgragrades.
- Hiking and biking tour options.
- A variety of onboard evening entertainment
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- All port charges and overseas transfers
- All gratuities are included
Pricing and Details
Pricing is per person based on double occupancy per stateroom
Pricing does not include flights, pre or post night hotels, travel insurance or optional excursions.
- Emerald Stateroom (1st Deck Window) - Starting from $2,970 per person
- Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite - Starting from $3,920 - SOLD OUT
- Grand Balcony Suite (3rd Deck Balcony) - Starting from $5,320 per person
- Owner's One-Bedroom Suite (3rd Deck Balcony) - Starting from $6,420 per person
Save an additional $1,000 per person off your booking when you opt to pay in full within 30 days of booking.
Additional Information to Note
- A $500 per person, non-refundable deposit is due 48 hours after booking confirmation.
- Final payment is due within 30 days of booking with the $1,000 per person savings.
- It is strongly encouraged to arrive in Munich no later than October 25, one day prior to sailing.
- Airfare will be available in January 2025.