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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, Aug 28, 2024

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Special Offers

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Exclusive Offer, $150 Savings on River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3084
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Exclusive Offer, $150 Savings on River Cruises

Exclusive Offer, $150 Savings on River Cruises

Promotion Details
Take advantage of this exclusive offer when you book on 8+ day river cruise and enjoy bonus savings of $75 per person ($150 per couple). Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings.
Must Book By Sun, Dec 31, 2023
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Exclusive offers are available for new bookings only on 8+ day itineraries across the river product lines. Exclusive offers are combinable with 2-for-1 fares, pay-in-full offers, Emerald Exclusive savings, Flash sales, Military discounts, Show Vouchers and Loyalty offers unless otherwise specified. Combinable with groups. Not combinable with any other offers. All offers are inventory-controlled and may be extended, cancelled or withdrawn at any time without notice.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. For the most up-to-date pricing, availability and offers, please call your Professional Travel Advisor. Offers applicable for legal residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C. Additional restrictions may apply.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Budapest
    Wed, Aug 28, 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, Aug 29, 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, Aug 30, 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, Aug 31, 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 horse show


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Vukovar
    Sun, Sep 01, 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, Sep 02, 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
    National Opera Theatre tour (extra expense)

    DiscoverMORE
    Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Golubac – Donji Milanovac
    Tue, Sep 03, 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, Sep 04, 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, Sep 05, 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

    DiscoverMORE
    Wine tasting at Leventa Complex (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Day 10
    Giurgiu – Bucharest
    Fri, Sep 06, 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, Sep 07, 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

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

Inclusions

Health and Safety Protocols for Emerald

The world may have changed, however, our commitment to our guests and crew, the guest experience and their health, safety and wellbeing remains our key priority. We are working closely with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), local and international Government Health agencies, to ensure our protocols exceed the latest regulatory requirements. Our Health & Safety Steering Committee oversees all health and safety policies and training with Emerald Cruises, ensuring you can travel with complete confidence that your wellbeing and safety are taken care of to the highest standard. In addition, we are implementing the most recent insights and technologies, with our Emerald Cruises team dedicated to exceeding the levels of cleanliness required in today’s travel climate.

We are continuously updating our protocols to safeguard both the health, safety and the experience of our valued guests. You will be informed about these important procedures, well in advance of your journey departure, which may include the following information and guidelines:

Medical Evaluation & Test
To ensure all of our guests are safe and well before your journey with us begins, we will require you to complete a pre-departure medical health evaluation. During the phased embarkation process you, and your fellow passengers, will be tested for COVID-19 by a medical specialist. This will allow you to relax with complete peace-of-mind when you board our Star-Ships, in the company of other like-minded travelers.

Our Dedicated Team
Our Captains, Hotel Managers and Cruise Directors, alongside their exceptional teams, will deliver a first-class level of service during your time traveling with us. You can enjoy the same exciting program of on board and on shore experiences, tailored to smaller groups to allow for safe social distancing. The team are readily available to ensure every detail of your journey with us is memorable, for all the right reasons. They will ensure health and safety protocols are followed on a daily basis.

Healthy Crew
Having the best crew to look after you is at the heart of our core values at Emerald Cruises, and we will go the extra mile to ensure our crew is healthy in doing so. All crew will be regularly tested for COVID-19 and will have daily temperature and health checks. They will also be trained and regularly briefed on all aspects in preventing COVID-19 amongst themselves as well as our guests. They will go beyond the ordinary to make your cruise a truly exceptional experience.

Contact-Free Check In & Check Out
We have adjusted the various touchpoints of your journey, allowing you to check in and check out in a completely contact-free way. Through a phased embarkation you will be able to arrive and depart from your Star-Ship smoothly and with safe social proximity in mind. And, of course, every time you return to your Star-Ship, our crew will be there to greet you with a warm smile.

Briefings & Screenings
Our medical expert will host mandatory briefings and screenings. These events are designed to ensure every member of our guests and crew are healthy, and also offer an opportunity to allay any concerns or ask any questions you may have about our safety protocols.

Enhanced Cleaning Commitment
Our on board crew will be increasing and enhancing our already frequent and high standard cleaning protocols in public areas and suites, leaving surfaces and spaces spotless. Additional care and attention will be paid to high contact zones, such as communal restrooms and dining facilities.

Socially Aware Dining
You can expect the same delightful dining experiences when you travel with us, savoring a choice of dishes inspired by regional cuisine and local produce. We are adapting and redesigning our on board food and beverage service to ensure extra care is taken in order to minimize social contact. We will serve our delicious food a la carte or via served buffets.

Contact-Free Movement
The spacious surrounds of our ships in combination with the guest numbers provide ample room for you to relax, allowing for an abundance of personal space. We are introducing contact-free movement across our Star-Ships to further reduce risks. Contact-free hand sanitizer dispensers will be readily available in all public spaces and guest corridors on board, whilst automated doors and contact-free guest servicing will minimize the number of touchpoints.

Air Circulation
Our Star-Ships are equipped with air circulation systems. These systems ensure there is no re-circulation of inside air on board the ship. When you are relaxing in your suite you will be breathing air from outside the ship that is channeled directly to your suite. The air will also be released from your suite directly to the outside.

Smaller Groups & Social Proximity
Discovering the local culture of your destination is the highlight of every river cruise. Create memories to cherish during our choice of on shore excursions. You will travel in smaller groups, allowing for a more intimate travel experience, whilst respecting social proximity and destination specific regulations. To enhance your sightseeing, you can utilize our digital headsets, which will act as your personal tour guide and travel map.

Carefully Selected Local Partners
As well as enhancing our health and safety protocols on board and with our crew, we’re working closely with our local partners. We have forged long-standing relationships with our local partners, all of whom have been carefully selected for their expertise and high levels of service, and are committed to ensuring your safety. They will receive extensive training to adhere with our enhanced protocols. We will also introduce strict control and screening procedures for anyone boarding our Star-Ships.

Wellness Throughout Your Journey
Your wellbeing is our number one priority, both during your time on board and on shore. Journey to and from your destination with complete peace-of-mind. All transport vehicles will be equipped with hand sanitizer and will undergo deep cleaning after every journey, surpassing the high industry standards required. You can also rest assured that we will monitor social proximity, allowing you to travel safely, with plenty of personal space.

We are committed to continually reviewing and updating our protocols and guidelines as new information becomes available, to ensure that our guests can travel safely in the many destinations we operate in.

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-342-0019

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
4.4
Accommodations
4.4
Itinerary
4.2
Professional Staff
5
Repeat with Operator
4.4
Value for Money
4

Ratings based off 10 reviews - currently showing 4 reviews with comments only

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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