River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   Bucharest

   Thu, Sep 05, 2024

   Welcome to Bucharest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, perfectly situated in the city, for your overnight stay.

   Nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’, the centre of Bucharest encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city.

2. Day 2
   Bucharest - Giurgiu

   Fri, Sep 06, 2024

   After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at your leisure.
   After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship.

   Included Excursion
   Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
3. Day 3
   Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

   Sat, Sep 07, 2024

   Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide. On your included tour, you’ll have the chance to traverse its cobbled streets and observe its impressive medieval fortifications.

   Afterwards, you’ll be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges. Explore the past with your local guide, as your tour visits a number of traditional houses and ancient churches. If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes.
   Tonight, you’ll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner.

   EmeraldPLUS
   Choir concert in Arbanasi

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

   Included Excursion
   Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Vidin

   Sun, Sep 08, 2024

   Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting session. Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country.
   If you’re feeling more active, you can instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress

   Included Excursion
   Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress

   DiscoverMORE
   Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Donji Milanovac - Golubac

   Mon, Sep 09, 2024

   This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe.

   Included Excursion
   Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

   DiscoverMORE
   Golubac Castle Visit (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Belgrade

   Tue, Sep 10, 2024

   Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. The coach will pass through the centre, where you’ll notice reminders of the country’s turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour.
   This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment.

   EmeraldPLUS
   Serbian folklore evening show on board

   EmeraldACTIVE
   Guided bike tour in Belgrade

   Included Excursion
   Guided tour of Belgrade

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   Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

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   National Opera Theatre (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Vukovar – Osijek

   Wed, Sep 11, 2024

   Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets.

   Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic Old Town, before a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch.
   Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

   EmeraldPLUS
   Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

   Included Excursion
   Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

   DiscoverMORE
   Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense)

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Kalocsa

   Thu, Sep 12, 2024

   In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.

   Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

   This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.

   EmeraldPLUS
   Puszta Equestrian Heritage

   EmeraldPLUS
   Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

   
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   Budapest

   Fri, Sep 13, 2024

   After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of a traditional Puszta equestrian performance and viticulture on the banks of the Danube with you.

   This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

   
   Meals: Breakfast

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