Danube River Cruise
Prague + Passau to Budapest
From Martha
Hello, dear friends!
I wanted this page to reflect the actual Danube Explorer flyer more closely, because the rhythm of this trip is part of its charm: two nights in Prague, then onboard life from Passau through Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
What I love here is the balance. You'll have guided touring in storybook places like Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest, but you'll also have those river-cruise pleasures: unpacking once, watching vineyard hillsides and village church towers slide by, and sitting down to lunch or dinner with the river just outside.
I've also taken the fixed pricing off this page, because cabin choice really matters on this sailing. If you want help deciding between Riviera, Vista, or Horizon deck categories, I'm happy to walk through it with you personally.
All aboard for the journey,
Martha
Tour Details
Day 1
Depart the USA
Overnight flightDepart the USA on your overnight flight to Prague, Czech Republic, and settle in for the start of your Danube journey.
- •Overnight transatlantic flight to Prague
- •Have travel documents and a small arrival-day bag handy
Day 2
Arrive in Prague
Prague, Czech RepublicWelcome to the Czech Republic. Upon arrival you are met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Prague. The rest of the day is at leisure to rest, stroll, and begin discovering the city at your own pace.
- •Airport transfer to the Prague hotel
- •Free time to ease into the city
- •Overnight in Prague
Day 3
Prague city touring
PragueAfter breakfast, enjoy the included city tour of Prague. Highlights include Old Town Square, the famous astronomical clock, and the medieval Charles Bridge. The afternoon is free for your own discoveries, with an optional excursion to Terezin available at extra expense.
- •Included city tour of Prague
- •Old Town Square and astronomical clock
- •Charles Bridge on foot
- •Free afternoon or optional Terezin excursion
- •Meal included: breakfast
Day 4
Prague to Passau and embark
Passau, GermanyLeave Prague by motorcoach and travel to Passau, Germany, where the captain and crew welcome you aboard your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Use the afternoon to settle in, explore the ship, and get acquainted with life onboard before dinner.
- •Motorcoach transfer from Prague to Passau
- •Embarkation on the Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
- •Time to explore the ship and onboard amenities
- •Welcome dinner onboard
- •Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 5
Passau and the Bavarian countryside
Passau, GermanyPassau's narrow cobblestone streets and river setting welcome you today. The included excursion ventures into the Bavarian countryside for insight into local farm life and homemade specialties. Guests wanting a more active option may choose the guided hike to Veste Oberhaus instead.
- •Included Bavarian Countryside Experience
- •Alternative active option: guided hike to Veste Oberhaus
- •Optional Bavaria Live experience available at extra cost
- •Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 6
Linz and Cesky Krumlov
Austria / Czech RepublicToday centers on the UNESCO World Heritage town of Cesky Krumlov. With a local guide, walk the medieval lanes, castle complex, and St. Vitus Church. Alternatively, guests may choose the optional full-day Salzburg tour or an optional Linz walking tour with Linzer Torte tasting.
- •Included guided walking tour of Cesky Krumlov
- •Castle complex and medieval center
- •Optional Salzburg excursion or Linz town experience
- •Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Day 7
Melk and Weissenkirchen
AustriaCruise the Wachau early this morning past apricot orchards and terraced vineyards before arriving in Melk. Visit the magnificent Melk Abbey, then continue through the Wachau Valley toward Weissenkirchen. Active guests may choose a bike ride from Melk or a hike in Weissenkirchen.
- •Scenic morning cruise through the Wachau Valley
- •Included tour of Melk Abbey
- •Choice of active bike or hike options
- •Optional Wachau Experience at extra cost
- •Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8
Vienna
Vienna, AustriaIn Vienna, the city's imperial architecture and musical heritage take center stage. The included city tour combines coach sightseeing along the Ringstrasse with a guided walk through the UNESCO-listed center, including St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg area. An active bike option and an evening Mozart and Strauss concert are available.
- •Included city tour of Vienna
- •Ringstrasse drive and guided walk in the city center
- •See St. Stephen's Cathedral and the Hofburg district
- •Alternative active bike tour available
- •Optional evening concert at extra cost
- •Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 9
Bratislava
Bratislava, SlovakiaSail into the Slovak capital and explore its graceful old town with a local guide. Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings, the Slovak National Theatre, and historic lanes shape the day. Guests wanting more uphill activity may choose the guided hike to Bratislava Castle.
- •Included walking tour of Bratislava old town
- •Alternative active hike to Bratislava Castle
- •Optional Carpathian Wine Route or Skoda tour available
- •Local Slovak entertainment onboard
- •Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10
Budapest
Budapest, HungaryArrive in Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube. The included coach and walking tour introduces the UNESCO-listed center and ends at the Grand Market Hall for time on your own. In the evening, enjoy a Hungarian folklore performance onboard and a traditional Hungarian dinner while the city glows outside.
- •Included Budapest sightseeing by coach and on foot
- •Time at the Grand Market Hall
- •Alternative active hike to Gellert Hill
- •Optional Szentendre excursion available
- •Hungarian folklore performance onboard
- •Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 11
Budapest departure
BudapestBid a fond farewell to Europe and begin your journey home, carrying memories of Prague and the Danube through Germany, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.
- •Disembark after breakfast
- •Return flights home from Budapest
- •Meal included: breakfast
Practical Information
Travel logistics
Getting there
Fly into Prague for the start of the trip and home from Budapest. The flyer notes airport transfers on tour dates when air is provided through Mayflower Cruises & Tours. If you would like to add post-cruise nights in Budapest, Martha can help with that too.
Best time to pack
Late August and early September usually bring pleasant sightseeing weather. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobbles, layers for cool mornings and air-conditioned interiors, and smart-casual clothing for evenings onboard.
Activity level
Easy to moderate overall, with optional active choices on several days such as biking or guided hikes. If you prefer a gentler pace, the standard included touring still covers the highlights beautifully.
Booking notes
Cabin selection: Riviera, Vista, and Horizon deck categories are available, with pricing tied to category and current inventory.
Flyer details: The PDF linked above is now available right on the page so you can review the published cabin chart and itinerary.
Best next step: Reach out to Martha for current category pricing, airfare promotions, and cabin holds before making your final choice.
Our Route Along the Danube
Updated to match the attached flyer: Prague hotel stay, embarkation in Passau, then Linz / Cesky Krumlov, Melk and the Wachau, Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest.
Ready to Cruise the Danube?
For pricing and cabin availability, contact Martha. The flyer PDF is also linked above if you want to review the categories first.
