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Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest on Emerald Destiny

From Budapest, Hungary to Bucharest, Romania
Length: 11 Days - Departs: Wed, May 22, 2024
Operator
Departure
May 22, 2024
Arrival
Jun 01, 2024

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This river cruise qualifies for unpublished pricing. Please call us or Click Here To Get Our Low Price

Special Offers

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON EMERALD CRUISES
We have Low Prices on Emerald - Guaranteed!

Spring Savings Sale, up to $4000 Off + 2-For-1 Fares

Mention Promo Code: PT3365
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Spring Savings Sale, up to $4000 Off + 2-For-1 Fares

Spring Savings Sale, up to $4000 Off + 2-For-1 Fares

Promotion Details
Embark on a luxury river cruise with Emerald during this limited-time Spring Savings Sale and enjoy 2-for-1 fares and savings of up to $4000 per suite on select departures. Plus as always, receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. (Not all itineraries quality, contact your Travel Consultant for applicable sailings).
Must Book By Sun, Apr 28, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Spring into Savings Sale is available for new bookings only made between April 15-28, 2024 on select 2024 - 2025 departures. 2 for 1 Fares are displayed as a per person rate in a double occupancy cabin. Fares are based on brochure pricing and may not have resulted in a sale. Offer applies to cruise pricing only; does not apply on land extensions, air or any other add-ons. Exclusive Spring Into Savings bonus of up to $1,000 per suite are available on select departures. Receive up to $3,000 in FlexCredit savings when you pay in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure; whichever is sooner. Savings amount varies by departure or cabin type. Free single supplement available on select departures. All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, canceled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserve the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. Full Terms & Conditions available at emerladcruises.com.

2-For-1 Fares + up to $3000 in FlexCredit + Bonus Savings

Mention Promo Code: PT3357
Promotion Image

2-For-1 Fares + up to $3000 in FlexCredit + Bonus Savings

2-For-1 Fares + up to $3000 in FlexCredit + Bonus Savings

Promotion Details
Enjoy 2-for-1 fares on 2024-2025 departures and up to $3000 in FlexCredit per suite when you pay in full. With FlexCredit, you have the flexibility to use your savings towards your cruise fare or airfare, giving you more options to tailor your dream vacation. Receive a bonus savings of up to $500 per suite on select 2024 departures. Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. Whether you choose to explore the charming streets of Budapest, sample wine in the vineyards of Bordeaux, or marvel at the majestic castles along the Rhine, your journey with Emerald River Cruises will be unforgettable. (Not all dates/itineraries qualify, contact your Travel Consultant for applicable sailings).
Must Book By Sun, Jun 30, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Available for new bookings only made between April 1 - June 30, 2024 on 2024 & 2025 Emerald Cruises Europe River cruise and 2024, 2025 South East Asia departures.

2-for-1 Fares: 2-for-1 fares are displayed as a per-person rate in a double occupancy cabin. Fares are based on full fare pricing and may not have resulted in a sale. Offer applies to cruise pricing only; does not apply on land extensions, air or any other add-ons.

Emerald Exclusive Savings: Bonus savings of up to $500 per suite ($250pp) are available on select departures. Savings vary by departure. Combinable with 2-for-1 fares and FlexCredit offers, and are capacity controlled.

Pay in full - FlexCredit: For S, RA and SA categories receive a choice of $1500pp savings or $1500pp air credit when you pay in full within 30 days of booking or at 90 days prior to departure, whichever is soonest. Other cabin categories receive the choice of $1000pp savings or $1000pp air credit for the same payment window. Guest must choose savings or air credit selection at time of booking. Departures outside of 11 months can pay in full at 10 months prior to departure to receive these benefits. Air credit offers are only valid 61 or more days prior to departure. All flights will be booked on Emerald Cruises' choice of airline and routing, and are subject to availability.

Single Supplement: Free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment required. Single supplement is appled to the 2-for-1 fare; single guest pays one guest fare. Free single supplement is not combinable with any other offers. Other dates may have a 45% single supplement; can be converted to a 25% supplement when paid in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure, whichever is soonest. Departures outside of 11 months can pay in full at 10 months prior to departure to receive these benefits. Single supplement offers not applicable on S, RA or SA categories. Not combinable with any other offers. Offer is capacity controlled.

All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. Port charges are included in the price shown. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please visit emeraldcruises.com or contact your Professional Travel Advisor. Offers applicable for residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. For complete terms and conditions visit emeraldcruises.com.

Single Supplements From Just 45%

Mention Promo Code: PT3209
Promotion Image

Single Supplements From Just 45%

Single Supplements From Just 45%

Promotion Details
Traveling solo on a river cruise has become one of the easiest ways to enjoy a relaxing voyage entirely in your own way. With single supplements from just 45% on selected sailings. From the moment you step foot on board, you have the freedom to do as much or as little as you please. Whether you want to tour each stunning destination in depth, or simply unwind in the contemporary surrounds of your award-winning Star-Ship, you'll revel in the delights of cruising solo. (Not all dates may apply, contact your Travel Consultant for applicable sailings)
Must Book By Tue, Apr 30, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Reduced Single Supplement offer is available for new bookings only made after Go Live date for the sailing in question. Pay in full required 12 months from departure; if within 12 months, full payment is due 72 hours from booking. Savings are based on the cruise + upgrade element only, excludes air fares, port charges, taxes, any pre- or post land touring, hotel stays and other additional items. These offers are combinable with trade vouchers and future travel credits only; not combinable with any other offers. Not combinable with groups.

Offer is available globally on selected dates and cabin categories. All Top Suites are excluded from the Offer. Offer is inventory controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares and promotions at any time. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please call your Professional Travel Advisor.

$200 Group Savings

Mention Promo Code: PT3278
Promotion Image

$200 Group Savings

$200 Group Savings

Promotion Details
Don't miss out on this incredible group savings of $200 per person on 2024 and 2025 river cruise departures. Plus as always, receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. Contact your travel consultant for more details.
Must Book By Tue, Apr 30, 2024
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Available for new group agreements made between April 1 - April 30, 2024. Book a new group and receive group savings of $200 per person on 2024 and 2025 Emerald Cruises river cruise departures. Group savings are available for the life of the agreement based on availability and standard review dates. Combinable with current offers, Emerald Exclusive, loyalty savings, and future travel credits. Excludes Flash Sale offers.

Group policies and benefits are subject to change at any time. Refer to Emerald Cruises Guide to Group Benefits for amenity selections. All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, canceled, or withdrawn at any time without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any fares and promotions at any time. Offer applicable for residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. For complete terms and conditions visit www.emeraldcruises.com.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Budapest
    Wed, May 22, 2024

    Welcome to Budapest, the capital of Hungary and the perfect introduction to Eastern Europe. You will be met at the airport in Hungary and taken to your centrally-located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

  2. Day 2
    Budapest
    Thu, May 23, 2024

    This morning, your local guide will take you on a tour of Budapest, introducing you to sights that include the ornate Hungarian Parliament Building and the Buda Castle district, where a string of historic buildings line cobblestone streets leading up to the castle. 

    Included Excursion
    A guided tour of Budapest


    Meals: Breakfast
  3. Day 3
    Budapest
    Fri, May 24, 2024

    Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.


    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Kalocsa
    Sat, May 25, 2024

    This morning, we’ll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. You’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Sit back and enjoy the show, as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills. Tonight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner & reception.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Puszta Equestian Heritage


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Vukovar
    Sun, May 26, 2024

    This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Today, you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, before you embark on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic old town. Our EmeraldPLUS excursion will bring you to the home of a Croatian family to share a typical meal from the area while getting to know the local culture and customs.

    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
  6. Day 6
    Belgrade
    Mon, May 27, 2024

    The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities, including Belgrade Fortress. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city.

    This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge with a traditional Serbian folklore show providing spectacular entertainment.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Serbian folklore evening show on board

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided bike tour in Belgrade

    Included Excursion
    Guided tour of Belgrade

    DiscoverMORE
    Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    National Opera Theatre (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Golubac – Donji Milanovac
    Tue, May 28, 2024

    In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.

    Included Excursion
    Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

    DiscoverMORE
    Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Vidin
    Wed, May 29, 2024

    This morning, we’ll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session of their produce.

    Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean ‘Granny Vida’. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations.

    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
  9. Day 9
    Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
    Thu, May 30, 2024

    Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo. The former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, this medieval city was built atop three hills and its fortifications and cobbled streets are certain to delight history lovers.

    Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration during your guided tour. Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a farewell dinner.

    EmeraldPLUS
    Choir concert in Arbanasi

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

    Included Excursion
    Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Day 10
    Giurgiu – Bucharest
    Fri, May 31, 2024

    This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament.

    This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel before you consider going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel.

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


    Meals: Breakfast
  11. Day 11
    Bucharest
    Sat, Jun 01, 2024

    After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain and medieval fortresses 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

Countries Visited

Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia

Rivers Visited

Danube

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Ship Information

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Cabins

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Life on Board

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Questions & Answers

Question: Will the day-by-day itinerary change?

Yes, the river cruise itineraries may change due to reasons such as inclement weather or unforeseen events. Your safety is the number one concern aboard and all precautions necessary will be taken in order to ensure passenger safety, including changing itineraries. Please note that when itineraries do change, the ship staff will do their best to substitute any missed port with an alternative destination.

Question: In what language is the river cruise conducted?

The river cruise will be conducted in English only.

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
4.5
Accommodations
4.5
Itinerary
4.3
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
4.5
Value for Money
4.1

Ratings based off 11 reviews - currently showing 5 reviews with comments only

We had a great cruise with no issues whatsoever.

We had an outstanding trip down the Danube on Emerald Waterways. The food was amazing, the service was absolutely top-notch, the places we stopped (Passau, Linz and Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest) were all wonderful in their own way. The options provided by Emerald (active vs. included, and the add-on activities) were just right. Our Cruise Director and the Activity Manager were very knowledgeable and attentive throughout our trip. As alway, Affordable Tours helped us book, and provided great follow-up care when we needed it. 

This trip was wonderful, with only 160 passengers we were treated royally. Everyone on board the ship worked with only one thing in mind to please the customers.

Derek was very thorough and easy to work with. Our trip was what we expected.

We were fortunate the trip went as planned. A lock was damaged and the ship we were scheduled for was unavailable. Emerald provided a different ship and we completed our full itinerary. Great job Emerald. The trip wonderful. Great staff, tours and food. Our Affordable agent Allyson fulfilled all our needs efficiently providing excellent customer care.

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AffordableTours.com is a travel agent for Emerald. Brochure Price is based on the itinerary's highest brochure price. Our price reflects our base price for the same departure as Brochure Price. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time. All prices are USD per person and based on double occupancy. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. All prices change frequently and our website prices are not guaranteed until a deposit has been received by us. The prices on our website are intended to serve as a guide only and may not accurately reflect current prices. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in these prices until a booking has been confirmed by one of our agents. Please call us toll free at 1-800-342-0019 to confirm current prices and availability. Prices listed are per person, cruise only, and based on double occupancy.

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