The Danube River travels nearly 1,800 miles through Eastern and Central Europe, from the lush Black Forest in Germany to the coast of Romania where it empties into the Black Sea. Along the way, it traverses eight countries, touches four capital cities and provides arresting views—just a few of the many reasons this waterway has become one of the most popular for river cruising. New for 2019, Emerald Waterways has added two distinctive new Danube river itineraries that allow guests to spend more time in favorite ports or visit new destinations along this classic route.
The eight-day Classic Danube river cruise, which sails between Nuremberg and Vienna, offers a slower-pace than the popular Nuremberg to Budapest route, which translates to more time to explore the larger ports that bookend the itinerary. A full day and overnight in Nuremberg allows guests to learn about the fascinating military history through a tour of the WWII Documentation Center and rally grounds, as well as to take in the charming and well-preserved medieval old town with its cobbled streets lined with biergartens and cafes selling the tiny but tasty namesake Nürnberger sausages. In Vienna, where guests also have a full day and overnight to get familiar with Austria’s delightful capital city, a drive along the magnificent Ringstrasse showcases some of the city’s world-famous sights such as the Opera House, Burgtheater, Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Hofburg Imperial Palace. Guests who want to get active can opt to join the guided bike tour instead—and earn the delicious pastries the city is famous for. In between, the sailing pays call on the German cities of Regensberg and Passau as well as the beautiful Austrian towns of Melk and Dürnstein.
Because of its long reach, many river cruise lines split Danube sailings into “upper Danube” itineraries that include Germany, Austria and Hungary, and “lower Danube” itineraries to include Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania. For guests who want to sample the best of both, Emerald Waterways’ eight-day Lower Danube Waltz travels from Vienna to Belgrade and calls on three of the four capital cities along this mighty river. In addition to a full day spent in both Vienna and the always popular Eastern European city of Budapest, this sailing calls on the rural Croatian town of Osijek. Here, guests will enjoy a traditional Croatian lunch in the home of a local family and learn about their way of life, as well as visit with students from a nearby school. From there, the sailing calls on the culturally rich Serbian town of Novi Sad, considered a hidden gem on the banks of the Danube and tour its old quarter, Stari Grad, site of the Gothic Revival Name of Mary Church and the neo-Renaissance City Hall. In Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital that reveals some of the country’s past strife, a city tour includes a visit to Tito’s Memorial, the impressive Fortress Kalemegdan and St Sava Church, which is the world’s largest orthodox cathedral.
Guests booking any 2019 European river cruise by August 15, 2018 will receive free or reduced airfare depending on stateroom selection. Guest booking a suite on Horizon Deck will receive free, round trip airfare to Europe; guests on the Vista Deck will receive round trip air for $295; and guests on the Riviera Deck will receive round trip air for $495. In lieu of air, guests may opt to receive a discount on their booking, with $1,000, $700 and $500 off per person, respectively
The Classic Danube and Lower Danube Waltz are in addition to three existing Danube sailings available on Emerald Waterways: Danube Delights, between Budapest and Nuremberg, Danube Explorer, between Passau and Budapest, and Enchantments of Eastern Europe, between Budapest and Bucharest.
Emerald Waterways’ European river cruises offer contemporary, deluxe ships, outstanding service and an incredibly inclusive pricing plan. Cruise fares include all transfers; all port charges; all onboard (and some on-shore) meals; unlimited specialty tea and coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner; bottled water in the cabins replenished daily; continental breakfast, pre-dinner canapés and after-dinner sweet treats served in the top suites; complimentary Wi-Fi onboard the ship; most shore excursions as well as all onboard and excursion gratuities.
Part of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Emerald Waterways’ seven Star-Ships offer river sailings in Europe and exclusive charters on the RV Mekong Navigator and Irrawaddy Explorer in South East Asia; the MS Rossia along the Volga River in Russia; the Adriatic Princess II yacht in Croatia; and theMS Hamees on the Nile. Scenic’s 15 Space-Ships offer truly all-inclusive, five-star river cruises in many of the same destinations. In 2018, Scenic is introducing the world’s first Discovery Yachts,Scenic Eclipse, which will launch in August and take 228 guests on polar adventures as well as the Mediterranean, Caribbean, the Americas and Europe; and a sister ship to launch in 2020.
Additional information can be found by contacting your local travel agent; on Emerald Waterways’ website, www.emeraldwaterways.com; or by calling the US consumer/travel agent reservations line (844-428-8389). Brochure orders may be placed on the website, or a digital downloadable version is available.
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