Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest from Budapest

The Danube Explorer & highlights of Budapest from Budapest is a 9-night Europe cruise aboard Emerald Xara, operated by Emerald Yacht Cruises. Departing Budapest on April 8, 2027, the voyage visits 9 ports. Fares start from $4,363 per person.

Length: 9 nights
Departs: Apr 8, 2027
Returns: Apr 17, 2027
Ports of call: 9

from $4,363

$484 / night per person, incl. taxes & fees

See prices

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from $4,363 pp

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Itinerary

Day 1 Apr 8, 2027 Budapest On one bank of the Danube is hilly Buda with its Fisherman’s Bastion and Castle Hill; on the other, there’s flat Pest with its House of Parliament. These two beautiful districts couldn’t be more different. Perhaps that’s why it took until 1873 for the two cities on opposite sides of the river to merge and form Budapest. Right from the start, the landmark of this new metropolis was Buda Castle, a monumental structure that rises high above Budapest and provides mesmerising views across the city. In terms of monumental grandeur, the House of Parliament is certainly on a par with Buda Castle. Erected to mark the millennium celebrations of 1896, this gigantic building was completed in just 22 years. Considering it is 96 metres high, 268 metres long and 118 meters wide, with a total of 691 rooms, that’s an incredible achievement. Budapest is a place where you keep coming across echoes from days gone by. There are traces of Ottoman rule, the extravagant Habsburg era and Soviet socialism – different cultural influences that have combined to create a vibrant, lively city that’s a must-see destination. Budapest port guide Search cruises visiting Budapest

Day 5 Apr 12, 2027 Bratislava Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages. And it almost seems as though the music of the Habsburg era still echoes through the city. Bratislava port guide Search cruises visiting Bratislava

Bratislava photo — Day 5 Apr 12, 2027 Bratislava Slovakia’s capital is situated exactly at the point where the country meets Austria and Hungary. This makes it the only capital city in the world that borders more than one neighbouring country. Due to its location, Bratislava has been an ethnic melting pot since ancient times. This influence can be seen in every corner of the city. Cultures meet and merge together. The streets of the old town – lined with well-preserved baroque and rococo city palaces – are filled with the sound of people speaking different languages. And it almost seems as though the music of the Habsburg era still echoes through the city. Bratislava port guide Search cruises visiting Bratislava

Day 6 Apr 13, 2027 Vienna, Austria The Viennese have a special aura about them. They come across as a bit arrogant, but underneath it all they’re warm-hearted. You could say the same about the city itself. Once you’ve been there a few hours and settled in, you won’t want to leave again anytime soon. There are all those cafes to visit, where the traditional Viennese coffee-house culture is still very much alive and well. The city’s history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adds to its fascination. Then there’s the music of the First Viennese School – this city brought out the best in its composers, making its own special contribution to great masterpieces. What’s more, the Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine. It’s no coincidence that the city’s famous Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte became popular all around the world. Vienna, Austria port guide Search cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria photo — Day 6 Apr 13, 2027 Vienna, Austria The Viennese have a special aura about them. They come across as a bit arrogant, but underneath it all they’re warm-hearted. You could say the same about the city itself. Once you’ve been there a few hours and settled in, you won’t want to leave again anytime soon. There are all those cafes to visit, where the traditional Viennese coffee-house culture is still very much alive and well. The city’s history, with its emperors, Elisabeth of Austria and the ostentatious Habsburgs, adds to its fascination. Then there’s the music of the First Viennese School – this city brought out the best in its composers, making its own special contribution to great masterpieces. What’s more, the Austrian capital also produces excellent cuisine. It’s no coincidence that the city’s famous Wiener schnitzel and Sachertorte became popular all around the world. Vienna, Austria port guide Search cruises visiting Vienna, Austria

Day 7 Apr 14, 2027 Melk Melk has acquired a nice name: The gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching the historic city on the Danube will see Melk Abbey very early on, towering high above the river. This is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive baroque ensemble has been looked after by the monks of the Benedictine order since 1089. Culture, faith and science come together in the splendid rooms of the monastery. Melk port guide Search cruises visiting Melk

Melk photo — Day 7 Apr 14, 2027 Melk Melk has acquired a nice name: The gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching the historic city on the Danube will see Melk Abbey very early on, towering high above the river. This is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive baroque ensemble has been looked after by the monks of the Benedictine order since 1089. Culture, faith and science come together in the splendid rooms of the monastery. Melk port guide Search cruises visiting Melk

Day 8 Apr 15, 2027 Linz (Salzburg) Baroque facades, numerous churches and, at the centre, the river. As you can see, it’s possible to describe Linz, Austria’s largest port city, in a single sentence. But that would be doing it an injustice, since there’s a whole lot more to Linz than buildings and water. In recent years, this former industrial hub has morphed into a European cultural stronghold. No matter whether it’s theatre, cinema, art or music, there’s both great demand and great support for culture here. The city also provides magnificent views – particularly in the evening – from the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingberg hill. Linz (Salzburg) port guide Search cruises visiting Linz (Salzburg)

Linz (Salzburg) photo — Day 8 Apr 15, 2027 Linz (Salzburg) Baroque facades, numerous churches and, at the centre, the river. As you can see, it’s possible to describe Linz, Austria’s largest port city, in a single sentence. But that would be doing it an injustice, since there’s a whole lot more to Linz than buildings and water. In recent years, this former industrial hub has morphed into a European cultural stronghold. No matter whether it’s theatre, cinema, art or music, there’s both great demand and great support for culture here. The city also provides magnificent views – particularly in the evening – from the pilgrimage church on the Pöstlingberg hill. Linz (Salzburg) port guide Search cruises visiting Linz (Salzburg)

Day 9 Apr 16, 2027 Passau (Munich) Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephen's Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside. Passau (Munich) port guide Search cruises visiting Passau (Munich)

Passau (Munich) photo — Day 9 Apr 16, 2027 Passau (Munich) Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephen's Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside. Passau (Munich) port guide Search cruises visiting Passau (Munich)

Day 10 Apr 17, 2027 Munich Munich, Bavaria’s capital, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. In the Altstadt (Old Town), central Marienplatz square contains landmarks such as Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall), with a popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century Munich port guide Search cruises visiting Munich

Munich photo — Day 10 Apr 17, 2027 Munich Munich, Bavaria’s capital, is home to centuries-old buildings and numerous museums. The city is known for its annual Oktoberfest celebration and its beer halls, including the famed Hofbräuhaus, founded in 1589. In the Altstadt (Old Town), central Marienplatz square contains landmarks such as Neo-Gothic Neues Rathaus (town hall), with a popular glockenspiel show that chimes and reenacts stories from the 16th century Munich port guide Search cruises visiting Munich

Pricing

Lowest fare we've tracked over the observed 86-day span: $4,363 · range $4,363–$4,363

Lower than 95% of peers This longer-duration sailing's from-price per night is lower than 95% of comparable sailings.

same cruise line, destination, duration, and departure window · from-price per night · as of Jun 30, 2026

Current prices

Per person · 2 guests · incl. taxes & fees

Inside

Not available

Oceanview

from $4,363

$484 / night

Fare rows

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,363

$484 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,363

$484 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,652

$516 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $4,652

$516 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,895

$655 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,180

$686 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $9,595

$1,066 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Oceanview Stateroom

Cabin grade

Available

from $10,275

$1,141 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony

Not available

Suite

from $5,413

$601 / night

Fare rows

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,413

$601 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,413

$601 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,545

$616 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,545

$616 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,613

$623 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $5,613

$623 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,212

$690 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $6,212

$690 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,100

$788 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $7,100

$788 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,065

$1,340 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,375

$1,375 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $12,535

$1,392 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Deluxe Balcony Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $13,945

$1,549 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Owner's Suite

Cabin grade

Available

from $16,035

$1,781 / night

per person · incl. taxes

Prices verified Jun 30, 2026

Prices come from third-party data feeds via Emerald Yacht Cruises and may differ from the cruise line's current fare. Confirm the final price before booking. How our pricing works

Show all 14 cabin grades

Cabin grades and pricing
Name	Supplier code	Type
Oceanview Stateroom	D	Oceanview
Emerald Stateroom	E	Oceanview
Emerald Stateroom	ES	Oceanview
Balcony Suite	A	Suite
Balcony Suite	AB	Suite
Panorama Balcony Suite	AP	Suite
Balcony Suite	B	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	C	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	P	Suite
Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite	R	Suite
Deluxe Balcony Suite	S	Suite
Owner's Suite	SA	Suite
Terrace Suite	T	Suite
Yacht Suite	Y	Suite

Ship

Your ship Emerald Xara 5★ **5,755** GT **128** guests Built **2014** The 2028-built superyacht Emerald Xara features 64 passenger cabins, 4 dining venues, a wellness complex (gym, 3 saunas, spa with 3 massage rooms), an aft Marina Platform (for watersports), and a Marina Deck with a sundeck served by the Marina Lounge & Bar. The yacht is equipped with 3 tender boats, 2 lifeboats, 2 Zodiacs (RIBs), an infinity swimming pool, and a Pool Deck with an infinity spa pool, sunbathing area, and bar. Additional venues include the Amici Bar Lounge (main lounge), Observation Lounge (bow-facing indoor lounge), Aqua Café (outdoor bar lounge), Sky Bar (outdoor poolside bar), and a Medical Center (Infirmary/Hospital). The vessel has 7 decks, 6 of which are passenger-accessible, with cabins located on 4 decks. Two midship elevators (lifts) provide access between all decks. Emerald Xara’s sisterships of the same class/design are Kaia (2026) and Raiya (2027). Emerald Xara ship guide Search cruises on Emerald Xara

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Other sailing dates

Same itinerary, different dates. Prices per person · incl. taxes & fees.

Other available sailing dates
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	from $3,895 $432 / night	Nov 8, 2026Voyage ECPN081126.2
	from $4,363 $484 / night	Jul 17, 2027Voyage ECPN170727.2

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from $4,363 pp

Continues on Emerald Yacht Cruises's site

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Itinerary

Pricing

Current prices

Inside

Oceanview

Balcony

Suite

Price history

Ship

Similar cruises

Other sailing dates

Compare similar cruises