Danube Delights River Cruise

Day 1: Nuremberg

Meals: Dinner

Welcome to Nuremberg. Transfer to your river cruise ship and be welcomed by your Captain and crew. The city is situated along the Main–Danube canal, an engineering masterpiece linking the rivers of Germany with the mighty Danube which flows from the Alps to the Black Sea. Some of the locks are as high as 25 metres, with only inches on each side, the navigation of them showcases the Captain's skill. This evening enjoy your first dinner on board.

Day 2: Kelheim - Regensburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning takes you through the final stretch of the fascinating Main–Danube Canal to Kelheim. Continue cruising along the Danube River to Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. On our guided walking tour you’ll have the chance to stroll across one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube and see the city’s architectural highlights including the Old Town Hall. EmeraldPLUS: Tonight, enjoy a Bavarian Band on board.

Discover More: Danube Gorge Cruise and Weltenburg Abbey (additional cost)

Day 3: Passau

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cobblestone streets and graceful arcades welcome you in the beautiful city of Passau. On this morning’s walking tour, stroll through the old town’s narrow alleys and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress from the town below. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a wonderful example of Baroque architecture and home to Europe’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. Return for lunch and an afternoon cruising along the Danube River.

Discover More: Enjoy a day tour to Salzburg, the home of ‘The Sound of Music’ and the birth place of Mozart; or Cesky Krumlov a UNESCO World Heritage site which has been preserved as an example of medieval life (additional cost)

Day 4: Melk - Durnstein

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Situated within Austria’s wine–growing region, Melk is home to an imposing 900–year old Benedictine Abbey which features Austria’s finest Italian baroque architecture, with its ornate gold leaf walls, 640ft Imperial Corridor and fresco ceilings. Be guided through the artistic corridors by one of the local students for an insight into Abbey life. Later the ship sails through the spectacular Wachau Valley lined with medieval castles, and on to Dürnstein, one of the most enchanting villages of the Wachau wine region. This is the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned after returning from the crusades in the 12th century. Stroll along the cobbled streets or perhaps join Emerald Active for a guided biking tour along the Danube River.

Day 5: Vienna

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Vienna, the “City of Waltzes”. Today we explore Austria’s capital beginning with a drive along the Ringstrasse, where we will see Vienna’s world famous Opera House, Burgtheatre, Spanish Riding School, Town Hall and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. On foot your guide will take you through the grounds of the palace which once was home to over 1000 nobles. Pass the training stable of the Spanish Riding School into the centre of Vienna where St Stephen's Cathedral stands proud in the main square. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore Vienna, perhaps try some chocolate cake and coffee that the city is famous for.

Discover More: Exclusive Viennese concert with music from Mozart and Strauss and/or Schonbrunn Palace tour (additional cost)

Day 6: Bratislava

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set on the crossroads of ancient trade routes in the heart of Europe, Bratislava the capital of Slovakia, embodies various cultures – primarily Celtic, Roman and Slavic. Enjoy a sightseeing tour including the enchanting Old City with its Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic Cathedral of St Martin. EmeraldPLUS: The highlight will be a home hosted afternoon tea with a local Slovakian family. This evening the Captain will be delighted to welcome you to the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Day 7: Budapest

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city sights including the Royal Palace of Buda, hilltop castle complex with Fisherman’s Bastion and the Matthias Church, and the Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. Later, there is free time to visit the city markets or the famous thermal baths. This evening the ship will take you for a night–time cruise along the Danube, passing under the city’s numerous bridges, whilst enjoying a traditional Hungarian farewell dinner, complete with folk dancing and music.

Day 8: Disembarkation - Depart Budapest

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, it’s time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.