9-Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe

From Budapest to Bucharest, explore five countries, all unique in their own way.

Five countries accompany the Danube on its journey towards the furthest reaches of Eastern Europe. In Kalocsa, visit a Puszta Horse Show, enjoy lunch in the home of a local Croatian family in Osijek and, in Belgrade, take a guided city tour before a Serbian folklore show on board. Taste Bulgarian wine in Vidin, attend an Orthodox choir concert in Arbanasi, and journey by road to Bucharest.

Budapest to Bucharest

Departing: April – September 2024

Day 1 Budapest

Day 2 Kalocsa

Day 3 Vukovar – Osijek

Day 4 Belgrade

Day 5 Golubac – Donji Milanovac

Day 6 Vidin

Day 7 Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

Day 8 Giurgiu – Bucharest

Day 9 Bucharest

Our suite of generous inclusions: n Airport transfers to and from your Star-Ship n 7 nights in a suite or stateroom of your choice, all with a river view n 1 night city stay in Bucharest n 21 meals: 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners including a Welcome and Farewell Reception & Dinner n Complimentary wine, beer & soft drinks to accompany lunch & dinner on board n Complimentary tea & coffee on board n Complimentary bottled water in your suite or stateroom, restocked daily n A variety of on board evening entertainment n Complimentary Wi-Fi on board n Complimentary bicycles on board n First-class service from English-speaking crew and knowledgeable local guides n Earn EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty points n Complimentary River Cruise Cover n All port charges and airport taxes n All gratuities on board and onshore

Cruise Facts

n Distance covered (approx): 1150km on the Danube n UNESCO sites: 4 n Countries visited: 5 n Ports: 8 n Locks: 2 n Bridges: 17

Number of nights 8

River cruise Coach transfer Map is a guide only

EmeraldDISCOVERY highlights unique to your itinerary:

EmeraldPLUS

Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Puszta horse show

Meet the local students

Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

Serbian folklore evening show on board

Choir concert in Arbanasi

EmeraldACTIVE

Trek to Adica Park

Guided bike tour in Belgrade

Donji Milanovac by bike

Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress

Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

Included Excursions

6 excursions, including visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites

DiscoverMORE

6 optional excursions, available at an additional cost

– see pages 118-121

See page 10 for EmeraldACTIVE difficulty level details your travel agent

Day 1 Budapest

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

Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 Kalocsa

This morning, we’ll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. Venture to the Puszta for a traditional equestrian performance. Tonight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome reception & dinner.

Day 3 Vukovar – Osijek

This morning, we will drive to Osijek, a historic university town of leafy boulevards. Today, you’ll meet students from a local village who will then perform for you during your EmeraldPLUS excursion, before you embark on a walk around Osijek Fortress, nestled in the centre of the romantic Old Town. Later, sail further down the Danube and into Serbia, where untouched natural beauty can be seen on the riverbanks.

EmeraldPLUS

Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family

Delve into the flavours of Osijek with a home-hosted lunch with a local Croatian family. With each region of Croatia boasting a distinct culinary tradition, flavour profiles are selected and inspired by local ingredients. A truly authentic experience, locals open their doors and hearts to you for this culinary adventure.

Meet the local students

Trek to Adica Park

Guided walking tour of Osijek Fortress

Vucedol Culture Museum

Puszta horse show

Experience the horse-herdsman of Hungary's Puszta landscape, a great terrain of sweeping grassland plains, salt lakes, and ranches. In Kalocsa, the skilful cowboys showcase their equestrian abilities in the beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Puszta.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 Belgrade

The capital of Serbia awaits, 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. 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.

Serbian folklore evening show on board

Guided bike tour in Belgrade

Guided tour of Belgrade

National Opera Theatre tour

Routes of Nikola Tesla

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 5 Golubac – Donji Milanovac

In eastern Serbia, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the banks of the Danube. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir. Enjoy learning the importance of this archaeological site and its 8-millennia-spanning history. Sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque gorge meandering between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.

Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum

Donji Milanovac by bike

Golubac Castle visit

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 Vidin

Arrive in Vidin, the beautiful town of northwestern Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to Vidin’s viticulture as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session. Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name translates to ‘Granny Vida’. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold sitting against a series of impressive rock formations.

Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress

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

Traditional Bulgarian pastry making

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 7 Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo &

Arbanasi

In Rousse, visit the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo. Nearby, Arbanasi sits high on a plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Alternatively, hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries. In Arbanasi, Bulgaria, enjoy a local choral performance following the nation’s rich singing tradition.

Arbanasi choral performance

Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi

Wine tasting at Leventa Complex

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8 Giurgiu – Bucharest

This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu. 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 history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. This evening, settle into the comfortable surroundings 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.

Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 Bucharest

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.

Meals: Breakfast

This itinerary is only a guide. Our itineraries are regularly reviewed by our journey planners and may be revised once the brochure is published. Due to operational reasons, such as high and low water or local restrictions, cruise inclusions may change from those advertised. For the latest information on this itinerary please visit our website. Our full terms and conditions can be found on pages 142-145.

11-Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest from $5,135 per person*

Extend your Enchantment of Eastern Europe river cruise and enjoy…

§ Two nights at a centrally located hotel

§ Breakfast daily

§ Guided city tour of Budapest

§ Transfers to and from the airport

2024 Pricing And Special Offers

Journey Code: EMBB

12-Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Istanbul from $6,360 per person*

Extend your Enchantment of Eastern Europe river cruise and enjoy…

§ Flight between Istanbul and Bucharest

§ Three nights at a centrally located hotel

§ Breakfast daily

§ Guided tour of Istanbul

§ Bosphorus cruise

§ Transfers to and from the airport

Journey Code: EWBI

13-Day Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Transylvania from $6,075 per person*

Extend your Enchantment of Eastern Europe river cruise and enjoy…

§ Four nights at centrally located hotels: 3 nights in Brasov & 1 night in Bucharest

§ Breakfast daily

§ Two lunches

§ Guided City Tour of Brasov

§ Guided tour of Bran Castle

§ Peles Castle visit

§ Transfer to and from Brasov

§ Transfers to and from the airport

Journey Code: EWBT