1-800-342-0019 Speak to a River Cruise Expert

Enchantment of Eastern Europe on Emerald Star

From Budapest, Hungary to Bucharest, Romania
Length: 9 Days - Departs: Sat, Jun 21, 2025
Operator
Departure
Jun 21, 2025
Arrival
Jun 29, 2025

Why Pay Retail? Call us or click for a quick quote and save money!

This river cruise qualifies for unpublished pricing.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

All the River Operators Offers & More:

LOW UNPUBLISHED PRICES ON EMERALD CRUISES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

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + More on Emerald River Cruises

Mention Promo Code: PT3444
Promotion Image

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + More on Emerald River Cruises

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + More on Emerald River Cruises

Promotion Details
Enjoy 2-for-1 fares on select Emerald River Cruises. As an added benefit, Emerald is including a Complimentary Flexible Booking Plan to give you extra peace of mind. This offer can be combined with free airfare when you pay in full and exclusive Emerald savings of up to $1,250 per suite on select departures. Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. Not all sailings apply, contact your travel consultant for applicable departures.
Must Book By Sun, Mar 02, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Available for new bookings only made between February 17 - March 2, 2025 on select 2025 Emerald River Cruise 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.

Flash Sale Bonus Savings: Bonus savings of up to $1,250 per suite ($625pp) are available on select river cruise departures. Savings vary by departure. Combinable with 2-for-1 Fares, pay-in-full offers, non-refundable savings, and are capacity controlled. Deposit due at time of booking. Not combinable with Emerald Exclusive Savings or Groups. Guests cannot use Flexible Booking Plan or Platinum Protection Plan to move or cancel/rebook to take advantage of this offer.

Free air when you pay in full: Free air offers available when you pay in full based on suite category. Free premium economy air is available on S, RA, and SA suite categories with a max value of $2,500pp. For Southeast Asia, free premium economy is available for the S and SA categories with a max value of $4,000pp. Free economy air is available on other cabin categories with a max value of $1,500pp. Air offers available when you pay in full 10 months prior to departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers, or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. All flights will be booked on Emerald Cruises choice of airline and routing and are subject to availability. Savings options are available in lieu of airfare with same payment terms. For S, RA, and SA suites receive $1,500pp savings ($3,000 per suite) when you pay in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure; whichever is soonest. Other cabin categories receive $1,000pp savings ($2,000 per suite).

Non-Refundable Savings: Bonus savings of up to $300pp on select departures when you select non-refundable payment terms. Full payment must be received within 48 hours of booking to receive these offers. Once booked, fare is 100% non-refundable however is combinable with the Flexible Booking Plan which allows funds to be moved to a new sailing once in circumstance that your plans have changed. Savings vary by departure. Combinable with 2 for 1 Fares, Flash Sale savings, Flexible Booking Plan and Pay in Full offers; not combinable with any other offers.

Single Supplement: Free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment required. Single supplement is applied to the 2 for 1 Fares; 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. Single supplement offers not applicable on S, RA, or SA categories. Not combinable with any other offers. Offer is capacity controlled.

Complimentary Flexible Booking Plan: We understand you may need to adjust your plans, so we’re offering the flexibility to change your travel arrangements or re-book for a more suitable time if needed. Our Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date, or cancel your journey, until 90 days prior to departure, less third-party fees. We will provide you with a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, which is valid for 24 months. Offer is valued at $125pp. No substitutions; no cash value.

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 emerald-cruises.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.

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + Emerald Exclusive Savings

Mention Promo Code: PT3514
Promotion Image

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + Emerald Exclusive Savings

2-For-1 Fares + Free Air + Emerald Exclusive Savings

Promotion Details
Embark on the luxury river cruise of a lifetime with Emerald Cruises. Enjoy 2-for-1 Fares, Free Airfare, and a Complimentary Flexible Booking Plan on 2025–2026 luxury river cruises. Save even more with up to $1,000 in Emerald Exclusive Savings per suite and an additional 10% with our Non-Refundable Fares on select sailings. Plus as always receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. Not all sailings apply, contact your travel consultant for applicable departures.
Must Book By Mon, Mar 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Available for new bookings only made between February 3 - March 31, 2025 on 2025 - 2026 Emerald River Cruise 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 Bonus Savings: Bonus savings of up to $1,000 per suite ($500pp) are available on select departures. Savings vary by departure. Combinable with 2 for 1 Fares, pay in full offers, non-refundable savings, and are capacity controlled. Deposit due at time of booking. Guests cannot use Flexible Booking Plan or Platinum Protection Plan to move or cancel/rebook to take advantage of this offer. Free air when you pay in full: Free air offers available when you pay in full based on suite category. Free premium economy air is available on S, RA, and SA suite categories with a max value of $2,500pp. For Southeast Asia, free premium economy is available for the S and SA categories with a max value of $4,000pp. Free economy air is available on other cabin categories with a max value of $1,500pp. Air offers available when you pay in full 10 months prior to departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers, or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. All flights will be booked on Emerald Cruises choice of airline and routing and are subject to availability. Savings options are available in lieu of airfare with same payment terms. For S, RA, and SA suites receive $1,500pp savings ($3,000 per suite) when you pay in full within 30 days of booking or 90 days prior to departure; whichever is soonest. Other cabin categories receive $1,000pp savings ($2,000 per suite). Non-Refundable Savings: Bonus savings of up to $300pp on select departures when you select non-refundable payment terms. When booking, please reference code NONREF. Full payment must be received within 48 hours of booking to receive these offers. Once booked, fare is 100% non-refundable however is combinable with the Flexible Booking Plan which allows funds to be moved to a new sailing once in circumstance that your plans have changed. Savings vary by departure. Combinable with 2 for 1 Fares, Emerald Exclusive savings, Flexible Booking Plan and Pay in Full offers; not combinable with any other offers. Single Supplement: Free single supplement is available on select departures. Full payment required. Single supplement is applied to "2 for 1 Cruise Fares" "Emerald Exclusive" "Reduced Single Supplement" "Non Refundable Savings" See excel for details All Standard Standard T&Cs Available for new bookings only made between February 3 - March 31, 2025 on select 2025 - 2026 departures. 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 of up to $1,000 per suite are available on select departures. Air offers available when you pay in full 10 months prior to departure. If sailing is within 10 months, you can pay in full within 30 days to receive these offers, or 90 days prior to departure - whichever is soonest. Amount varies by departure or cabin type. Free single supplement available on select departures. Sailings receive complimentary Flexible Booking Plan where you can defer your booking to an alternative date or cancel up to 90 days prior to departure for a Future Travel Credit valid for 24 months. Non-Refundable Bonus savings of up to $300pp when you select non-refundable payment terms. When booking, please reference code NONREF. Guests cannot use Flexible Booking Plan or Platinum Protection Plan to move or cancel/rebook to take advantage of this offer. 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 complete terms and conditions visit emeraldcruises.com. 2 for 1 Fares; 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. Single supplement offers not applicable on S, RA, or SA categories. Not combinable with any other offers. Offer is capacity controlled. Complimentary Flexible Booking Plan: We understand you may need to adjust your plans, so we’re offering the flexibility to change your travel arrangements or re-book for a more suitable time if needed. Our Flexible Booking Plan allows you to defer your booking to an alternative date, or cancel your journey, until 90 days prior to departure, less third-party fees. We will provide you with a Future Travel Credit to use on an alternate tour/cruise, which is valid for 24 months. Offer is valued at $125pp. No substitutions; no cash value. 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 emerald-cruises.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.

Up to $300 Group Savings

Mention Promo Code: PT3278
Promotion Image

Up to $300 Group Savings

Up to $300 Group Savings

Promotion Details
Don't miss out on this incredible group savings to reserve your 2026 river cruise with 2025 pricing. Reserve your 2026 group space and receive $300 per person group savings. Have an interest in a 2025 group? Reserve today and receive $200 per person group savings. Hurry as space is limited. Plus as always, receive our AffordableTours.com 5% extra savings. Whether you're planning a family reunion or a friends getaway, there's never been a better time to explore the world together. Contact your travel consultant for more details.
Must Book By Mon, Mar 31, 2025
View Promotion Terms & Conditions ›

Available for new group agreements between January 1, 2025 - March 31, 2025. Book a new group and receive Group Savings of $200 per person on 2026 river destinations for Emerald Cruises with 2025 pricing. Plus receive an additional bonus savings of $100 per person, available to all 8 day+ departures. Douro departures only receive the standard group savings of $200 per person. Group savings are available for the life of the agreement based on availability and standard review dates. Exclusive Travel Advisor Rates and Extra Tour Conductor Earnings are for departures designated with 4 amenity points. Combinable with current offers, Emerald Exclusive, travel advisor exclusives, show vouchers, trade incentive programs, loyalty savings, and future travel credits. Wave, Flash Sales and quarterly offers are excluded. 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 without notice. Emerald Cruises reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any fares and promotions at any time. Offers apply tor residents of the 50 United States of America & Washington D.C., and Latin America. For complete terms and conditions, visit emeraldcruises.com.


River Cruise Itinerary

  1. Day 1
    Budapest
    Sat, Jun 21, 2025

    Welcome to Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship to be greeted by your friendly captain and crew.  
    This afternoon, enjoy plenty of free time to explore Eastern Europe’s liveliest city at your leisure. The ‘Pearl on the Danube’ is a truly breathtaking sight, where dozens of lights adorn the stone bridges that cross the mighty Danube, separating both sides of the city. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. 

    EmeraldPLUS
    Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

    Please book your flight to arrive into Budapest prior to 05:00 PM.


    Meals: Dinner
  2. Day 2
    Kalocsa
    Sun, Jun 22, 2025

    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 Equestrian Heritage


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  3. Day 3
    Vukovar
    Mon, Jun 23, 2025

    This morning, you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, 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

    DiscoverMORE
    Vucedol Culture Museum (extra expense, please note; this will not be available on Mondays as the Museum will be closed)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Day 4
    Belgrade
    Tue, Jun 24, 2025

    The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities. 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. 

    Included Excursion
    Highlights of Belgrade

    EmeraldPLUS
    Serbian folklore evening show on board

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided bike tour in Belgrade

    DiscoverMORE
    Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Day 5
    Golubac – Donji Milanovac
    Wed, Jun 25, 2025

    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
  6. Day 6
    Vidin
    Thu, Jun 26, 2025

    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. 

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

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress 

    DiscoverMORE
    Traditional Bulgarian pastry making demo (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Day 7
    Rousse 
    Fri, Jun 27, 2025

    Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to explore the timeless charm of its  elegant architecture and cultural heritage of the city that many call “The Little Vienna”.  
    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. 

    Included Excursion
    Walking tour of Rousse 

    EmeraldPLUS
    Choir performance

    EmeraldACTIVE
    Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

    DiscoverMORE
    Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi (extra expense)


    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Day 8
    Giurgiu – Bucharest
    Sat, Jun 28, 2025

    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
  9. Day 9
    Bucharest 
    Sun, Jun 29, 2025

    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

Ship Information

Loading...

Cabins

Loading...

Life on Board

Loading...

Questions & Answers
  Ask A Question

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
4.2
Accommodations
3.8
Itinerary
4.5
Professional Staff
4.5
Repeat with Operator
4
Value for Money
4.3

Ratings based off 8 reviews - currently showing 3 reviews with comments only

Although this is my first river cruise, so I cannot compare with other companies, I was very happy with Emerald with a few exceptions. They advertise that it is all inclusive and do offer several free tour options at each port, but that also sell Discovery options that are more money. We did 4 of those which increased the cost for 2 by $600. If you like to workout, forget the gym, which had one rowing machine, an exercise bike and some dumbbells with enough room for 3 people at most. The staff were all great, the food was very good and the itinerary was excellent. They have a small swimming pool and late night activities. Good diversity with most people from US, Canada, Australia and new Zealand.

Our third river cruise but found the baths on this particular ship to be very small. The crew, though, was excellent, especially the director!

I absolutely loved the cities and towns we visited. I met mant new friends on this trip. The staff were very friendly, professional and attentive to my needs.

You May Also Like

  • Itinerary Map
    Cruise Line
    Gate1
    Ship
    MS Monarch Queen
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Budapest
    Days
    11
    From
    $3,799
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Viking
    Ship
    Viking Gullveig
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Regensburg
    Days
    8
    From
    $2,799
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    AmaWaterways
    Ship
    AmaMagna
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Giurgiu
    Days
    8
    From
    $4,639
  • Ship Image
    Cruise Line
    Viking
    Ship
    Viking Aegir
    Starts
    Budapest
    Ends
    Passau
    Days
    8
    From
    $2,899

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.

Call Us Now 1-800-342-0019

How It Works

Vacationing has never been easier or cheaper with the help of a dedicated travel consultant from AffordableTours.com

Freq Quote 1. Free Quote

Find your perfect trip on our website and simply request a free quote. Need to speak to a live person? Call us 7 days a week at 1-800-342-0019. No robots here!

Dedicated Travel Consultant 2. Dedicated Travel Consultant

Your personal travel consultant will reach out and be your point of contact for your entire travel experience from start to finish. Did we mention you'll be working with an award winning team? Sweet!

Low Price Guaranteed 3. Low Price Guaranteed

Because we're one of the largest sellers of travel, we're able to give you a discount on your vacation package. No one beats our prices!

Stress Free Travel 4. Stress Free Travel

Knowing you got a great deal, all that's left is for you to pack your bags and enjoy your vacation!


AffordableTours.com BBB Business Review

Better Business Bureau

AffordableTours.com is a proud recipient of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) awards 2006-2024 with A+ Rating.

It Pays To Refer! Earn Up To $200!

It's simple: Sign up your friends, family, and anyone to us and when they book you will receive an American Express gift card worth up to $200 in the mail for simply referring.

Read More

Get discounts by Email!