Danube Explorer

7 nights from £2,945pp departing Sunday 9th Oct 2022

The iconic Danube river guides you on a gentle journey, enabling you to soak up Europe’s cultural wonders at leisure. Sail the picturesque Wachau Valley to enchanting Dürnstein. Visit the castle where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned, drive around Vienna’s famous Ringstrasse to view the city’s marvellous architecture, and let inspiring Budapest tell tales of its past, while proudly looking forward to the future.

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	9th09	OctOct	202222	Passau, Germany, embark on the Emerald Sun
Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen's Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce. Return economy flights from one of up to 16 UK regional airports are included in the price of your holiday. Upon your arrival in Munich, you will be greeted by one of our Emerald Cruises representatives and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where a warm welcome awaits you from the captain and crew. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board.
	10th10	OctOct	202222	Passau, Germany
Passau is a German city located in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. It is situated at the confluence of the rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz. The Three Rivers City, as it’s also known, is unique for its three contrasting currents of blue, green and black. Old Town of Passau is home to towering buildings of striking architecture: the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus, the Pilgrimage Church Mariahilf and St Stephen's Cathedral. Many of Passau’s attractions can be found in this area, including the New Bishop’s Residence, the Gothic Town Hall, as well as many churches and museums. Visitors can stroll along the riverfront promenades and romantic lanes whilst enjoying the picturesque landscape. For modern art, The Museum of Modern Art and Glass Museum Passau are recommended as they offer something a bit different. Theatre and cabaret are a popular evening pastime, with performances at the former Prince Bishopric Theatre or some lively cabaret and Jazz at the Scharfrichterhaus. Visitors will also find many traditional local Bavarian and Austrian cafes and restaurants offering a cosy atmosphere with home cooked food from local produce. Today will be a memorable part of your river cruise along the mighty Danube, as Passau's atmosphere effortlessly reflects the work that was undertaken in the city by Italian architects, who brought a little piece of Venice with them to Germany. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the ornate exterior of St. Stephen's Cathedral, perfectly mirroring the beautifully restored interior, and the Altes Rathaus, or Town Hall, which comprises of an ensemble of eight historic patrician houses. Alternatively, set off on a hike around Passau, catching sights of the Mariahilf, a place of pilgrimage, and St. Severin, an ancient church that can be dated back to the Ottonian dynasty. EmeraldACTIVE A hike to Veste Oberhaus Included Excursion A guided tour of Passau DiscoverMORE Bavaria Live (extra expense)
	11th11	OctOct	202222	Linz, Austria
Linz is a city in northern Austria located on both banks of the Danube River and is a short distance from Salzburg and Vienna. Linz has been awarded UNESCO City of Media Arts status and prides itself on offering a broad spectrum of events, activities and cultural institutions. Enjoy popular open air concert such as Klassik am Dom and extravagant street performances, which attract large crowds and popular international artists. Art galleries and centres are in abundance around the city as well as many museums housing international collections and depictions of the history and heritage of Linz. The architecture of the city also plays an important role in Linz’s cultural heritage with Main Square, Old Town and Mariendom Cathedral being some key attractions. Families will enjoy a trip to Postlingberg, located high up in the mountains and featuring a zoo, the Grottenbahn and spectacular views of the river and city below. Today, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Ceský Krumlov. This quaint town has one of the best-preserved ancient centres in Europe, with more than three hundred protected medieval buildings and an iconic castle complex. Enjoy a guided tour of the area, including the 15th-century St. Vitus' Church and a series of delightful High Gothic façades, each taking you back to the heart of the Middle Ages. EmeraldPLUS A guided tour of Ceský Krumlov
	12th12	OctOct	202222	Dürnstein, Austria
Dürnstein is a town located in the Northeast of Austria, situated on the Danube river. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site and wine region of Wachauer. It is a popular destination for wine lovers as many wineries offer accommodation. In addition to wine tasting and vineyard tours, visitors will find exploring the area on foot is easy and enjoyable. Take one of the many beautiful hiking trails across ancient rocks and admire the impressive views across the Danube valley. Children will enjoy exploring the outdoors of Dürnstein too, with outdoor playgrounds and theme trails available to keep them entertained. In addition, children and adults will enjoy Austria’s only outdoor biological swimming pool, Kuenringerbad, with an average temperature of 23 degrees celsius. Enjoy views of the town from overhead helicopter tours, leisurely river excursions, or hike up into the mountains and explore some of Dürnstein’s ruins. The mountains offer the ruins of Dürnstein castle and city wall as well as beautiful flora and fauna to spot. Relax as we cruise down the Danube River early this morning, passing beautiful terraced vineyards that produce some of the world's best wine and delightful apricot orchards before arriving in Melk. On your included tour today, walk the halls of the magnificent Benedictine abbey of Melk, gazing upon ornate gold leaf walls. After your tour, enjoy sailing through the idyllic Wachau Valley. When you arrive in charming Dürnstein, you will have the opportunity to hike to Dürnstein Castle. Alternatively, stay in Melk to cycle from Melk to Dürnstein, traversing a route that offers a different perspective on the region's viticulture. EmeraldACTIVE A guided bike ride along the Danube EmeraldACTIVE A guided hike to Dürnstein Castle Included Excursion A tour of Melk Abbey DiscoverMORE Visit to Schallaburg castle (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Vineyards hike & tasting in Weissenkirchen (extra expense)
	13th13	OctOct	202222	Vienna, Austria
Vienna is the capital and largest city of Austria. Located on the Danube River in the East of the country, the city is renowned for its strong music heritage and rich culture, and is the largest German speaking city in the world, outside of Berlin. In 2001, Vienna was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts magnificent architecture. The city is home to over 27 castles and 150 palaces including the symbolic Gothic St Stephen’s Cathedral and the iconic Schönbrunn Palace. Art and music are in abundance and all tastes are catered for. Live music venues offer everything from Rock to Opera. Enjoy world class performances at Vienna State Opera and experience the epicentre of international concert life at Musikverein. Modern and historical art can be found in indoor and outdoor spaces around the city, and a visit to the famous Kunsthistorisches Museum (KHM) is highly recommended. Enjoy views of the city from the Danube Tower and the Giant Ferris Wheel, then relax in the ample cosy coffee houses, cafes, bars and restaurants where traditional and international cuisines are served, as well as the locally produced wines. Discover the classical charms of Vienna today, as we take you through the heart of the city, pointing out all of the best cafés and artisan studios as you discover its imperial grandeur. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre was once a fortified Roman frontier city, and a drive around the Ringstrasse will introduce you to architecture from across the last millennia. Alternatively, enjoy a bike tour along the serene trails on the Danube Island. EmeraldACTIVE A bike tour in Vienna Included Excursion A guided tour of Vienna DiscoverMORE Tastes of Vienna (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
	14th14	OctOct	202222	Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and is located along the Danube a river on the borders of Austria and Hungary. The city is surrounded by the Little Carpathians Mountains and vineyards as well as its iconic reconstructed Bratislava Castle overlooking Old Town. The castle offers a picturesque view of the city, the neighbouring countries and is home to the Museum of History. Bratislava offers a blend of historic and modern attractions including the Old Town Hall, now home to the Bratislava City Museum, the UFO Bridge, Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and Blue Church St Elizabeth’s. Bratislava is home to one of the oldest city parks in Central Europe and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists as is the city forest park and foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. The city is popular for its locally brewed beers and has many micro-breweries and underground beer cellars. The local cuisine of Bratislava is an eclectic influence of European cultures including Slovak, Hungarian, Austrian and German and serves as a reminder of the history of this cosmopolitan city. However, visitors will find an array of offerings to suit all tastes with lunch being the main meal of the day and roast goose with lokse considered a signature dish of the area. Cobbled streets pave the course for daily life in Bratislava, where winding alleys and gothic architecture blend together to create a truly distinctive Slovakian capital. Enjoy a guided hike to Bratislava Castle, with a silhouette that looks as though it was pulled from the pages of a fairytale. This striking landmark was most recently rebuilt in a Renaissance style, but it still retains some of its original features. Alternatively, explore the historic architecture in the compact town centre during an included guided tour, where everything is in walking distance, including the ornate exterior of the Slovak National Theatre. EmeraldPLUS Local Slovakian entertainment on board EmeraldACTIVE A guided hike to Bratislava Castle Included Excursion A walking tour of Bratislava
	15th15	OctOct	202222	Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find. Welcome to Budapest, where an amazing end to a fantastic trip through the heart of Europe awaits. Once the ancient Roman city of Aquincum, a true historic marvel, with bathhouses and homes with heated floors thanks to the surrounding hot springs. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed centre will enable you to follow the chapters of architecture through the ages as you set off on a coach tour of Budapest, passing Romanesque, Baroque and Classical façades. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board. EmeraldPLUS A traditional Hungarian folklore show EmeraldACTIVE A hike to Buda Hill Included Excursion A guided coach tour of Budapest DiscoverMORE Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense) DiscoverMORE Jewish Heritage Tour (extra expense)
	16th16	OctOct	202222	Budapest, Hungary, disembark the Emerald Sun
Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find. After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of apricot orchards and ancient Roman cities with you. Your flight home is included in the price of your holiday. 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.

Emerald Sun

Launch Year

2015

Capacity

180

Cabins

Accessible

Sun Deck

Horizon Deck

Vista Deck

Riviera Deck

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Emerald Grand Balcony Suite

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
S	Grand Balcony Suite	£4,545	£4,545

Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivalled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer.

Wake up to the luxurious surrounds of your stylish bathroom, enjoying a revitalising shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Then, what could be better than having a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony? Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable, and your own in-suite Nespresso™ machine means you can sip a fresh coffee as you ponder your itinerary and what the day has to offer.

Select your preferred pillow from our extensive menu and enjoy an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, or simply relax as you watch a film on your suite’s flat screen TV and infotainment system, during some down time. Individual climate control enables your room to stay at the right temperature to suit you, whether you’re sailing in the warmer summer months, or the cooler winter.

And, stay in touch with family and friends using your in-suite telephone or make the most of complimentary Wi-Fi for contacting them by your preferred method.

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
C	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£3,645	£3,645
B	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£3,845	£3,845
A	Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	£3,895	£3,895

Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it.

When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep.

Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship.

Emerald Stateroom

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
E	Emerald Stateroom	£2,945	£2,945
D	Emerald Stateroom	£3,145	£3,145

An Emerald Stateroom is home to all the amenities you need to settle into your home-away-from-home. A great size picture window lets in the perfect amount of light, welcoming in the golden summer sunshine, or the winter sun during cooler months.

Comfort is of the highest importance, so each room features individual climate control, allowing you to personalise your room’s temperature to suit your preferences and the time of year you’re cruising.

We’ve designed our bathrooms as a relaxing retreat to retire to after an exciting day exploring. Enjoy a sumptuous shower complete with indulgent toiletries, as well as a hairdryer, all before settling into your queen or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luscious linens, as you enjoy a movie on your flat screen TV and infotainment system with, perhaps, a nightcap from your mini-bar.

If you wish to stay in contact with loved ones throughout your trip, you can do so using your in-suite telephone or our free Wi-Fi available throughout the ship.

Emerald Stateroom Single

We make solo travel easy and comfortable as all of our Star-Ships, except Emerald Radiance, boast two Emerald Single Staterooms. Home to a deluxe single bed, a bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hairdryer, you’ll have all the comforts you need at your fingertips. Your picture window welcomes in a lovely amount of light and individual climate control ensures you can keep at a comfortable temperature regardless of which season you’re travelling in.

A flat screen TV and infotainment system shows films and television programmes, so you can spend mornings and evenings relaxing in comfort before an exciting day ahead. Catch up with loved ones, using the suite’s telephone or the free Wi-Fi, and enjoy a drink from your minibar.

Owner's One-bedroom Suite

Price guides

Grade Code		From	To
SA	Owner's One Bedroom Suite	£5,145	£5,145

Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed.

Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort.

A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event.

In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries.

You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Reflections Restaurant

Reflections Restaurant is the centre-point of our dining experience on-board the Emerald Sun and Emerald Dawn, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in relaxing, contemporary surroundings. All the dishes served in Reflections Restaurant are chef-prepared and inspired by the local region, so you can look forward to some excellent cuisine during your time on-board, as well as some much-loved favourites from home.

The Terrace

A beautifully decked area at the front of the Star-Ship, The Terrace provides a lovely retreat from which to enjoy a light snack or refreshing drink. Depending on the Star-Ship, this partly indoor and outdoor space is a spectacular vantage point from which to soak up the scenery, whatever the weather. This peaceful setting is also a great spot to enjoy a glass of local wine or beer with your loved ones or new-found companions.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Horizon Bar and Lounge

The Horizon Bar & Lounge is the social heartbeat of our Star-Ships. Surprisingly spacious and exceedingly modern, this contemporary and comfortable haven is one of the most popular areas of our vessels day or night.

There's a fully stocked bar with attentive bartenders, help-yourself to a selection of coffees from out high-tech coffee-machine, or try one of our speciality teas, and take a seat in our plush and spacious sofas and chairs. In the day it's a place to catch up with new friends and unwind.

Each evening before dinner, your Cruise Director welcomes you to the Horizon Bar and Lounge for an informal yet fascinating talk on your forthcoming ports of call. With tips on what you'll see and things to look out for, this is an ideal opportunity to plan for the day ahead. When the evening arrives, we have a medley of entertainment planned especially for you.

Onboard cinema

Lights, camera, action - grab your popcorn and take your seat in our evening cinema

Make your way to the back of the ship where our indoor heated pool is situated. When the evening arrives this oasis of calm is transformed into a hub of entertainment.

Watch in awe as the floor rises through the pool's surface and a screen is lowered from above. In a matter of minutes the area is converted from a swimming pool into a cosy cinema where a selection of classic and contemporary films are shown throughout your cruise.

On selected evenings the cinema will play host to a variety of iconic concerts performed by some of the world's most significant musicians. Popular music, classical and jazz are just some of the genres you can expect to see on the big screen.

New for 2017, our live music showcase is just another was to ensure you enjoy an unforgettable river cruise. We're always looking for exciting and unexpected ways to entertain our guests and we're sure that you will love our collection of fun and inspirational performances.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

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Holiday Summary

	Return flights including luggage allowance
	Overseas Transfers
	7 nights cruising on the Danube
	Return airport transfers
	Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner
	Gratuities Included
	One complimentary shore excursion in every port
	Bikes for passenger use
	Free Wi-Fi included
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

	Oceanview	Balcony	Suite
	(All prices are £GBP per person)
Mon 10th Apr 202310 Apr 23	1,682	2,447	2,627
Mon 5th Jun 202305 Jun 23	1,871		3,122
Mon 14th Aug 202314 Aug 23	1,772	2,537	2,717
Mon 9th Oct 202309 Oct 23	1,772	2,537	2,717