River Danube Explorer 7 night Cruise Only - from £2595

7 night - Cruise Only

from £2595pp

Itinerary Prices Ship

Discover the captivating wonders and elegant cities of Austria on this delightful 7-night cruise along the Danube river from Budapest to Passau. Includes shore excursions and complimentary drinks with lunch and dinner

Enjoy a Hungarian Folk Dance and music performance and discover the highlights of Budapest before cruising to the vibrant city of Vienna. Spend two days exploring Austria's capital; see world-famous attractions such as St Stephens Cathedral and enjoy a leisurely drive along the Ringstrasse.

In the enchanting village of Durnstein, witness the site of the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned and journey through the beautiful landscapes to the 900-year-old Benedictine Abbey of Melk. Here you can admire Austria's finest Italian Baroque architecture.

Uncover the eventful history of Linz which is often reflected in the city's stunning architecture then head to the German town of Passau. Stroll through picturesque cobblestone streets and see the hilltop Oberhaus Fortress or perhaps enjoy a guided hike.

EM183 Operated by Emerald Waterways

Cruise Includes

Overseas transfers

Complimentary Wi-Fi

All tipping and gratuities

Up to 3 EmeraldPLUS activities

Evening entertainment on board

Port charges and airport taxes

Up to 6 EmeraldACTIVE activities

Guided excursions with English-speaking guide

Captain's Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner

English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides

7-night full-board cruise on Emerald Waterways Star-Ship

Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board

Complimentary tea and coffee available at all times and complimentary bottled water in your cabin, restocked daily

Itinerary

Day 1 Budapest

Welcome to the ‘Pearl of the Danube’. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the contemporary surrounds of your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to welcome you. This evening, join your fellow guests for a traditional Hungarian folklore show.EmeraldPLUSTraditional Hungarian folklore show on boardPlease book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.
Day 2 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 centre. 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.EmeraldACTIVEHike to Buda HillIncluded ExcursionCulinary tour of Budapest with Grand Market visitDiscoverMOREExcursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Day 3 Bratislava

Relax on board as we sail into the capital of Slovakia this morning. This graceful nation of leafy avenues became an independent country in 1993, and since then, has flourished as a new capital and made a name for itself as a cultural centre. The romantic cobblestone lanes that weave through the city are yours to explore with your local guide, as you enjoy a walking tour of the ancient town centre, including the Slovak National Theatre and a range of Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings.Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, a landmark steeped in legend, that looks as though it has been plucked from the pages of a fairytale. This striking building has been rebuilt several times, most recently in a Renaissance style.Tonight, enjoy some local Slovakian entertainment on board.EmeraldPLUSLocal Slovakian entertainment on boardEmeraldACTIVEGuided hike to Bratislava CastleIncluded ExcursionWalking tour of Bratislava
Day 4 Vienna

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, the birthplace of revolutionary breakthroughs in the fields of music and psychology. The city perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces, some of which you will be able to see during your guided coach tour of the Ringstrasse, followed by a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed city centre and its surrounding classical architectural styles, evidence of the melting pot of artistic influences that existed here at the turn of the 20th century. If you are feeling more active, then perhaps choose to explore on two wheels, cycling along the river to the Danube Island.EmeraldACTIVEBike tour in ViennaIncluded ExcursionGuided tour of ViennaDiscoverMOREArt tour of Vienna including Kunsthistorisches Museum (extra expense)DiscoverMOREExclusive Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
Day 5 Dürnstein - Melk

Effortlessly suspended in time, Dürnstein is one of the most frequented parts of the Wachau wine region, where the delightful warm weather creates the perfect setting for viticulture. Today, you will have the opportunity to walk around and discover the hidden charms of this small Wachau town.Later, sail through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Melk Abbey. Originally a lavish castle that was gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century, this opulent Baroque building is home to some of the most important collections of medieval manuscripts in the world.EmeraldACTIVEGuided bike tour along the Danube RiverIncluded ExcursionTour of Melk AbbeyDiscoverMOREVisit to Schallaburg Castle (extra expense)
Day 6 Linz – Ceský Krumlov

This morning, your Star-Ship will dock in Linz and you will be transferred by coach to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre of Ceský Krumlov, a town built around a 13th century castle. Join your local guide on a walk along the labyrinth of winding cobblestone streets, passing the colourful façades of buildings, as you learn about how they have survived the test of time. The town surrounds the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ceský Krumlov Castle, and your guided tour will include the 15th-century St. Vitus Church and a number of delightful Gothic façades. EmeraldPLUSGuided tour of Ceský KrumlovDiscoverMORELinzer torte making workshop (extra expense, not available on all departures)
Day 7 Passau

Narrow cobblestone streets and the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread welcome you to Passau, a town nestled on the confluence of three of Europe’s main waterways. This important historic trading centre borders Austria and boasts a distinctive blend of cultures.Experience a typical Bavarian farm for some interesting insights into the life of local farmers and livestock farming, then 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 dynastyEmeraldACTIVEHike to Veste Oberhaus EmeraldPLUSBavarian brunchDiscoverMOREBavaria Live (extra expense)
Day 8 Passau

After breakfast, it’s time to disembark the Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of Europe’s iconic skylines with you. Please book your flight to depart out of Munich after 01:00 PM.

Date and Prices

Select a month and year from the dropdown to display prices for specific cruise departures and cabin categories

March 2026 Depatures & Prices	Cat E	Cat D	Cat C	Cat B	Cat A	Cat S	Cat SA
Sat 07 Mar *Best Price Emerald Dawn	£1989pp	£2165pp	£2652pp	£2818pp	£2885pp	£3522pp	£4086pp
Sat 14 Mar *Best Price Emerald Dawn	£2169pp	£2363pp	-	£2818pp	£2885pp	£3522pp	£4086pp
Wed 25 Mar Emerald Destiny	£2367pp	£2574pp	£2824pp	£2892pp	£2961pp	£3602pp	£4166pp
Sat 28 Mar Emerald Dawn	£2410pp	£2617pp	£2860pp	£2929pp	£2999pp	£3642pp	£4206pp

May 2026 Depatures & Prices	Cat E	Cat D	Cat C	Cat B	Cat A	Cat S	Cat SA
Wed 06 May Emerald Star	£2911pp	£3139pp	-	£3946pp	£3946pp	-	£5214pp
Wed 13 May Emerald Star	£2911pp	£3139pp	-	£3946pp	-	£4545pp	-

July 2026 Depatures & Prices	Cat E	Cat D	Cat C	Cat B	Cat A	Cat S	Cat SA
Sat 18 Jul Emerald Luna	£2626pp	£2854pp	£3661pp	£3661pp	£3661pp	£4260pp	£4929pp
Sat 25 Jul Emerald Luna	£2626pp	£2854pp	£3661pp	£3661pp	£3661pp	£4260pp	£4929pp

August 2026 Depatures & Prices	Cat E	Cat D	Cat C	Cat B	Cat A	Cat S	Cat SA
Sat 01 Aug Emerald Luna	£2290pp	£2485pp	£3034pp	£3104pp	£3173pp	£3848pp	£4447pp
Fri 14 Aug Emerald Sky	£2290pp	£2485pp	£3034pp	£3104pp	£3173pp	£3848pp	£4447pp
Sat 29 Aug Emerald Star	£2290pp	£2485pp	£3034pp	£3104pp	£3173pp	£3848pp	£4447pp

October 2026 Depatures & Prices	Cat E	Cat D	Cat C	Cat B	Cat A	Cat S	Cat SA
Sat 03 Oct Emerald Luna	-	£2854pp	-	-	£3661pp	£4260pp	£4929pp

November 2026 Depatures & Prices	Cat E	Cat D	Cat C	Cat B	Cat A	Cat S	Cat SA
Tue 17 Nov Emerald Sky	-	£2165pp	£2918pp	£2985pp	£3052pp	£3721pp	£4320pp

Ship Details