Explore the World

Visit five (5) countries enjoying a nine (9) day cruise aboard the Emerald Waterways Starship.   Your trip begins with a tour of Prague where you will enjoy a two (2) night stay before embarking on your cruise.  

Each day presents opportunities for shore excursions - some more active than others - and  would be included in your tour cost.  There will be additional options with an additional charge should you wish to schedule these. 

Trip Itinerary 

• Wednesday, September 3: Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic. 

• Thursday, September 4: Welcome to the Czech Republic!  You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Prague.  The day will be at leisure to begin discovering your new surroundings. 

• Friday, September 5: After breakfast, enjoy a city tour on a brief panoramic drive.  The heart of the city will be explored on a walking tour.  Breakfast included.  *Optional at Add'l Cost* Join an excursion to the Terezin Concentration Camp. 

• Saturday, September 6: Depart Prague via motorcoach to Passau, Germany where you will board a Luxurious Emerald Cruise Star-Ship.  Spend the afternoon exploring the ship and joining your fellow travelers for dinner onboard.  Breakfast & Dinner included. 

• Sunday, September 7: Visit Passau nestled on the confluence of three of Europe's main waterways.  Visit a local Bavarian farm, meeting the farmers and sample some homemade specialities.  OR participate in a guided hike to Veste Oberhaus catching site of an ancient church dating back to the Ottonian dynasty.  Breakfast Lunch & Dinner included.   *Optional at Add'l Cost*  Join a local guide and learn about the 800-year old history  of Passau beer and Bavarian Tavern traditions in fun way; includes tastings.

• Monday, September 8: Visit a 13th-century castle, meandering river and a maze of quaint alleyways in the town of Cesky Krumlov.  Visit the 15th-century St. Vitus' Church.  Breakfast & Dinner included.  *Optional at Add'l Cost* Join a Linzer Torte-making workshop. 

• Tuesday, September 9: Cruise along the Danube River in the morning before arriving in Melk.  Enjoy a tour of Melk Abbey, a lavish castle gifted to Benedictine monks during the 11th century.  In the evening,  upon arrival in Weissenkirchen, you may join a hike or a cycle ride traversing the region's culture.  Breakfast Lunch & Dinner included.  *Optional at Add'l Cost* Weissenkirchen vineyard hike with wine tasting. 

• Wednesday, September 10: Welcome to Vienna, Austria's capital!  See monuments and grand buildings as the coach drives along the famous Ringstrasse.  You may enjoy a walking tour or opt to explore on two wheels, cycling along the serene trails.   Breakfast Lunch & Dinner included.  *Optional at Add'l Cost* Enjoy an exclusive Viennese evening concert with the music Mozart and Strauss.  

• Thursday, September 11: Today you sail into the capital of Slovakia.  The romantic cobblestone lanes that weave  through the city are explored with your local guide.  OR you may embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle.   Breakfast Lunch & Dinner included.   *Optional at Add'l Cost* Take a Skoda tour of post-communist Bratislava. 

• Friday, September 12: Welcome to the "Pearl of the Danube" - Budapest's cobbled medieval quarter.  The tour ends at the Grand Market Hall, the city's most expansive indoor food and craft market.  You may opt for a hike to Gellert Hill.  This surround area has been rebuilt several times, most recently following the air raids of WWII.  This final evening, enjoy a folklore performance onboard and a traditional Hungarian dinner.   Breakfast Lunch & Dinner included.   *Optional at Add'l Cost* Tour of Szentendre OR Hungarian Bath Experience. 

• Saturday, September 13: Bid a fond farewell to Europe, returning home with the many wonderful memories.   Breakfast included.