Discover Danube Delights & the Seine: 15 days Budapest to Paris

Welcome to Budapest, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, before enjoying plenty of free time to explore the Hungarian capital at your leisure.

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

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Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

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

Architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda to the west and Pest to the east offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the liveliest cities in Eastern Europe. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama view of the Danube banks.

Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Budapest

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill

This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Your local guide will take you through the heart of the city, as you soak in the sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre.

If you’re feeling more active, you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, which provides the perfect setting for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months.

This afternoon, you will be invited into the home of a local family to learn more about their traditions and culture over coffee and cake.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava

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Home-hosted coffee and cake with a local family

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Guided hike to Bratislava Castle

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Skoda tour of Post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)

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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)

Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. The Austrian capital is an art-lover's dream, and your guided tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.

If you’re feeling more active, then you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.

Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Vienna

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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)

This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting, a true treasure overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. Visible from great distance, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world and provides epic panorama views.

Afterwards, your Star-Ship will sail through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Dürnstein.

Alternatively, join our Guided hike to Dürnstein castle or embark on a guided bike touring the Wachau region, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before arriving where your Star-Ship is docked in Dürnstein.

In the afternoon we arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. You'll have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region.

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Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey with wine tasting

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Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle

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Guided bike tour along the Danube

After a morning of sailing along the Danube, we will take you into the heart of Passau. Nicknamed the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the ‘the city of three rivers’, it’s situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.

Your included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. If you're feeling active, you could join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau.

After your tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at your leisure, before spending an evening sailing blissfully towards Regensburg.

Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the River Inn

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Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)

This morning, we arrive in Regensburg, a city built on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Your guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval centre, where narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. We will stop for a local Bavarian sausage tasting so you get a real feel of the daily life in Regensburg.

Alternatively, you could join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape and the river.
This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.

EmeraldPLUS
Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting

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Traditional Bavarian band performance on board

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument

After breakfast, disembark your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship in Regensburg and transfer to Munich for your flight to Paris where your river cruising journey will continue.

Today, you’ll visit Giverny, a picturesque village near Vernon on the banks of the Seine, where celebrated impressionist artist, Claude Monet, lived for over forty years. Experience an early morning tour of Giverny Gardens and Monet’s former home until his death in 1926. Explore the beautifully preserved house, walking through the rooms where he lived and worked and the restored, elaborate gardens, which inspired some of his most iconic works.

Included Excursion
In the footsteps of Claude Mone

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided e-bike tour of Giverny

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Paint like Monet (extra expense)

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Rouen by Night (extra expense)

Welcome to Rouen, a beautiful city set along the Seine and steeped in history and heritage – from Vikings and saints to renowned artists. In the morning, join a guided walk through Rouen’s medieval centre. Learn how this former Roman settlement emerged as a major stronghold of Viking invaders during the 9th century. Alternatively, join a guided EmeraldACTIVE walk through Rouen, discovering more of this ‘City of a Hundred Spires.’

Later, on board your Star-Ship, gain deeper insight into history with EmeraldPLUS World War II lecture that sets the stage for your visit to the legendary D-Day beaches the following day.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Rouen

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World War II lecture on board

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Active walk in Rouen

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Camembert Cheese farm visit with tasting (extra expense)

The success of the historical ‘D-Day’ was a turning point in World War II, opening a crucial Western front and accelerating the defeat of Nazi Germany. Normandy’s role in this extraordinary military operation makes it one of the most important regions in World War II history. Remembered today for its strategic importance, Normandy was a turning point in the war and the beginnings of liberation for occupied Europe.

Today, you’ll join a remarkable full-day experience and war-themed tour, focused on this highly significant time in World War II. Visit the key sites of the historical D-Day landings by the Allied forces and subsequent battles – one of Normandy’s major highlights. Experience first-hand the Normandy beaches where the Allied vessels landed, as well as the memorials and museum, which honour the bravery of those involved and their ultimate sacrifice.

Included Excursion
Historic Normandy: Allied Landing Sites

Enjoy a leisurely day discovering Honfleur, a popular harbour town best known for its picturesque old port and well-preserved, timber-framed houses. Your morning walking tour presents a fascinating snapshot of Honfleur’s unique character and Normandy seaside charm. Stroll around the bustling quay, enjoying the delightful views of colourful fishing boats, scenes that inspired the Impressionist artists. Explore the town’s quaint streets and admire the striking St. Catherine Church, the largest wooden church in France rebuilt entirely of wood from the nearby forest.

As Honfleur is also renowned for its premium fresh seafood, your tour includes a fresh oyster tasting – savouring authentic local flavours. Alternatively, for a different pace, join an EmeraldACTIVE guided bike tour of Honfleur.

Included Excursion
Walking tour of Honfleur with oyster tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour of Honfleur

While enjoying a serene cruise along the River Seine, take part in an exclusive EmeraldPLUS cheese tasting on board your Star-Ship. As you take in the bucolic riverine views, relish the delicious, rich and authentic flavours that are connected to the timeless rural lands and traditions of Normandy.

In the afternoon, discover the heart of Normandy’s countryside with a visit to a traditional cider farm. On this EmeraldPLUS you’ll learn how the region’s crisp, refreshing cider is crafted from locally-grown apples using age-old methods. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting of authentic local products that celebrate the renowned flavours of Normandy.

Alternatively, for those seeking a more energetic pace, join an EmeraldACTIVE guided hike up to Château Gaillard – the storied remnants of a medieval fortress built by Richard the Lionheart. From the clifftops, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views across the River Seine and an area of outstanding beauty.

EmeraldPLUS
Cheese tasting on board

EmeraldPLUS
Exclusive local cider farm visit with tasting

EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Château Gaillard

With your Star-Ship docked in La Roche Guyon this morning, you’re in close walking distance to Château de La Roche-Guyon, a beautifully preserved estate steeped in centuries of history. Enjoy a morning tour to immerse yourself in the rich history and serene beauty of this riverside gem.

Château de La Roche-Guyon served as a strategic stronghold during the Anglo-French Hundred Years’ War and evolved as a favourite country retreat for Normandy’s nobility. Originally built as a fortified castle in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 15th century, the Château majestically stands as a testament to French architectural heritage.

Wander along tranquil pathways through the meticulously maintained gardens. Within the Château, discover elegant period rooms adorned with antique furnishings and artwork – offering a rare glimpse into the refined lifestyle of past centuries.

For those seeking a more active morning experience, kayak along the Seine for a different perspective of this iconic river.

Included Excursion
Visit to Château Guyon & Gardens

EmeraldACTIVE
Kayak on the Seine

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In the footsteps of Van Gogh (extra expense)

Today, after breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to your fellow guests and your luxury Star-Ship, leaving with memories of Normandy’s timeless landscapes, authentic flavours and compelling historical sites. From here, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

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.

Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change.