❮ Back
iCruise.com iCruise.com
Speak to a Cruise Agent: J 1-888-766-6420
International Callers Click Here
☰
J

12 Night Transylvania and Enchantment of Eastern Europe and Land Tour

From Bucharest to Budapest
  • Emerald Sky
Previous
Next
Next
Previous

Emerald Sky

Emerald Cruises
4 Stars
  • Cruise #: 14267412
  • Departs: Wed, May 5, 2027
  • Returns: Mon, May 17, 2027
    Track this Cruise and Get Price Alerts.

    Rates

    Includes

    Other Dates

    Riverview
    Call to Book1-800-427-8473
    Suite
    Call to Book1-800-427-8473
    *Prices are per person based on double occupancy
    Includes taxes & fees
    Tap the "Request A Quote" button to get a quote include unadvertised prices including Senior, Military and Resident promotions.
    Request A Quote

    Itinerary Summary

    Tour Features and Highlights

    Day by Day Details

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Wednesday - May 5, 2027
    Day
    1
    Bucharest, Romania
    • Bucharest, Romania
    Upon arrival in Bucharest, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally-located hotel for your included one-night stay in the vibrant capital of Hungary. Later, enjoy a welcome drink with your tour director and fellow guests.

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Thursday - May 6, 2027
    Day
    2
    Bucharest, Romania
    • Bucharest, Romania
    • Bus Travel
    • Bran Castle, Romania
    • Bus Travel
    • Brasov, Romania
    This morning, after breakfast, your Transylvanian adventure will begin. A legendary region in Romania, Transylvania is famed for its picturesque landscapes, medieval castles, rich history, and charming towns. It comes steeped in folklore, most notably associated with the legend of Dracula - otherwise known as Vlad the Impaler. You'll be transferred by motorcoach for your drive to Brasov, a harmonious mixture of traditional medieval charm and modern city life, located at the heart of Transylvania. In Brasov, enjoy an included hotel stay for three nights. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Bran Castle with lunch: On your way to Brasov, for today's included excursion, you'll visit the world-famous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle - a spectacular setting for a vampire lord. Although there is no clear evidence that links Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) to Bran Castle, much of the myth surrounding Prince Vlad is true. Dracula ruled this extraordinarily beautiful place for a couple of decades during the 15th century. Soaring high on a rocky hilltop, Bran Castle visit is sure to amaze with its remarkable architecture and mystical history. ...
    Read More

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Friday - May 7, 2027
    Day
    3
    Brasov, Romania
    • Brasov, Romania
    Soak in the sights of Brasov on your included morning tour. Later, you may choose to join an optional Emerald DiscoverMORE excursion or continue exploring the city at leisure. Included Excursion: Guided city tour of Brasov: Your panoramic city tour of Brasov will explore its rich multicultural past with a visit to the Museum of Urban Civilizations, highlighting the city's Saxon roots and historic urban identity. The largest Gothic church east of Vienna, Black Church, is also part of this immersive experience. DiscoverMORE: Prejmer & Harman UNESCO-listed Fortified Churches (Duration: 3 hours, Activity level: moderate, extra expense): With their famous Saxon fortified churches, the Transylvanian villages of Prejmer and Harman you'll visit today provide you with a vivid picture of the rich cultural landscape of southern Transylvania. Founded by the Transylvanian Saxons, these are characterized by a specific land-use system, settlement pattern, and organization of the family farmsteads that have been preserved since the late Middle Ages. The villages are dominated by their fortified churches, which illustrate striking building styles from the 13th to the 16th centuries. ...
    Read More

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Saturday - May 8, 2027
    Day
    4
    Brasov, Romania
    • Brasov, Romania
    While based in the heart of Transylvania, you may wish to explore some of the key sights in Brasov at your own pace. Perhaps visiting the Old Town Square, wandering through the narrow, atmospheric streets, or hiking up Mount Tampa. Wherever you choose to explore, your tour director will be available to assist you with your plans and answer any questions you have that may arise. DiscoverMORE: Sighisoara & Viscri Village (Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes (incl. free time for lunch), Activity level: Moderate, extra expense): Nowadays designated a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Sighisoara was founded by German craftsmen and merchants known as the Saxons of Transylvania. This is a fine example of a small, fortified medieval town which played an important strategic and commercial role on the fringes of Central Europe for several centuries. Stroll through the hilly streets of this well-preserved, 16th-century gem before visiting Viscri Village and enjoying a delicious lunch with the locals. ...
    Read More

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Sunday - May 9, 2027
    Day
    5
    Brasov, Romania
    • Brasov, Romania
    • Bus Travel
    • Sinaia, Romania
    • Bus Travel
    • Bucharest, Romania
    This morning, after breakfast, you'll check out of your hotel and board your motorcoach for the picturesque drive back to Bucharest, where you'll enjoy an included hotel stay for one night before embarking on your luxury river cruise. Included Excursion: Peles Castle visit with lunch: En route to Bucharest, you'll cross the Carpathian Mountains to reach Sinaia. Known as the 'Pearl of the Carpathians', Sinaia is home to one of Romania's most beautiful palaces, Peles Castle, which you'll visit for today's included excursion. This stunning building was built by the first King of Romania, Carol I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen and used as a summer residence. Inaugurated in 1883, the castle contains 160 rooms with opulent decor and priceless collections of art and furniture. ...
    Read More

    Land Segment of Itinerary

    Monday - May 10, 2027
    Day
    6
    Bucharest, Romania
    • Bucharest, Romania
    • Bus Travel

    Cruise Segment of Itinerary

    Day 6 - Monday - May 10, 2027
    Day
    6
    Cruise Begins
    • Cruise Begins
    • Giurgiu, Romania
    Explore Bucharest this morning. After your insightful tour, you'll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits onboard your Emerald Star-Ship. Included Excursion: Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace: Learn about Bucharest's vibrant history on a guided motorcoach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu. ...
    Read More
    Tuesday - May 11, 2027
    Day
    7
    Rousse, Bulgaria
    • Rousse, Bulgaria
    Today, your Emerald Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, Bulgaria's most elegant city. This important port on the Danube is often called 'Little Vienna' thanks to its elegant Belle Epoque and Neo Baroque architecture, leafy squares, and wide boulevards. Included Excursion: Walking tour of Rousse: Be immersed in history as you wander through Bulgaria's 'Little Vienna'. Admire the Court House, City Hall, Opera Building, the main shopping street Alexandrovska, and St. Trinity Church, then enjoy coffee and cake at a local restaurant. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Ivanovo Church: Transfer to the River Lom Nature Park for an active hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, these remarkable structures are lined with exquisite frescoes representing biblical scenes. DiscoverMORE: Full-day Tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi (Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 8.5 hours, extra expense): Visit Veliko Tarnovo and learn about its rich history as the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. This medieval city was built atop three hills, and its fortifications and cobbled streets will delight history lovers. Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra. Each street in the area is lined with traditional houses, and old churches offer centuries of exploration. ...
    Read More
    Wednesday - May 12, 2027
    Day
    8
    • Vidin, Bulgaria
    Viticulture is at the heart of the most western town in Bulgaria, where sweeping vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Vidin is one of Bulgaria's oldest riverside towns, beginning life as a Thracian settlement more than 2,000 years ago, and is home to Baba Vida, a preserved medieval fortress in the country. Included Excursion: Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress: Get an introduction to the best of Vidin's viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session of their local wines like Gamza, the region's signature pale red varietal. Later, visit Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean 'Granny Vida'. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress: Transfer to Belogradchik Rock Fortress Park for a guided hike to its ancient mountaintop fortress. First built when the region was part of the Roman Empire, it has been used and extended in the 14th century and by the Ottomans in the 19th century, right up until the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885. DiscoverMORE: Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (Activity level: Easy, Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes, extra expense): Watch your host prepare a traditional Bulgarian banitsa pastry, before joining a demonstration and learning to make your own. Banitsa is a very popular Bulgarian dish, consisting of dough sheets with various fillings, the most popular being white cheese and eggs. Afterwards, enjoy a tasting, served with a bowl of the famous Lactobacillus bulgaricus yoghurt. ...
    Read More
    Thursday - May 13, 2027
    Day
    9
    Iron Gates
    • Iron Gates
    • Donji Milanovac, Serbia
    • Golubac Fortress, Serbia
    Relax onboard as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps. Look out for the huge rock carving of Decebalus, the last King of Dacia. Later, cross into Serbia and dock in the town of Donji Milanovac, set on the right bank of the Danube. Surrounded by spectacular landscapes and with a rich heritage, it's the gateway to one of Europe's most important archaeological sites. Included Excursion: Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum: Visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir, the oldest urban settlement in Europe. Enjoy learning about the significance of this archaeological site, which changed modern understandings of the early Stone Age, and its illustrious history, spanning over eight millennia. DiscoverMORE: Golubac Castle Visit (Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2 hours, extra expense): Take a walking tour of the medieval Golubac Fortress. The castle was built at the entrance to the Iron Gates, at the point where the Danube is the widest and then runs into the gorge of the Carpathian Mountains. An exceptional strategic point, it enabled easy control of all the land and waterways that connected the East and the West, whereas the steep and inaccessible cliffs on which the fortress was built offered natural protection. ...
    Read More
    Friday - May 14, 2027
    Day
    10
    Belgrade, Serbia
    • Belgrade, Serbia
    The Serbian capital Belgrade is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in Europe and has lived a multitude of lives over the last 2,000 years. It has been shaped by conflict and still bears the scars of bombings from World War II through to the 1990s. At the same time, this gritty center is filled with beautiful architecture, engaging street art, and a legendary cafe culture that can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire. This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge, where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide spectacular entertainment. Included Excursion: Highlights of Belgrade: This city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe's oldest cities. Relax as your motorcoach takes you through the center of this peaceful city to see the symmetrical facade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world's largest church buildings, the Parliament Building, Republic Square, City Hall, and more. Finish with a drive through Belgrade's wealthiest neighborhoods and past Tito's Mausoleum. EmeraldPLUS: Serbian folklore evening show onboard: Watch local musicians and dancers perform traditional dances from around Serbia while wearing authentic, colorful costumes. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour in Belgrade: Cycle through Belgrade with a local guide to experience the city's landmarks and natural beauty along the Danube. Learn about the diversity of the local area as well as the history of the city and its people, including the former country of Yugoslavia. Highlights include the Belgrade Waterfront, Staro Sajmiste (former concentration camp), and Ada Island. DiscoverMORE: Routes of Nikola Tesla (Activity level: Moderate, Duration: 2.5 hours, extra expense): Learn the story of Serbian-American Nikola Tesla at the intriguing museum dedicated to the life and work of one of the world's most famous inventors. You'll see magnificent working models of Tesla's machines, his various personal items, and his visions of the future. ...
    Read More
    Saturday - May 15, 2027
    Day
    11
    Novi Sad, Serbia
    • Novi Sad, Serbia
    The second-largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad, has a relaxed atmosphere and lively spirit that sets it apart from other major cities in the region. You'll find the locals relaxing in leafy parks, swimming in the river, and sharing drinks in busy laneway bars. It's compact and easily walkable, dotted with grand public buildings, excellent museums, and the striking Petrovaradin Fortress. Included Excursion: Guided tour of Novi Sad: Set out on an easy walking tour of the city with a local guide. See the market, Orthodox Cathedral, City Hall, Catholic Cathedral, and enjoy a visit to the Synagogue. EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted lunch with a Serbian family: Visit the home of a local Serbian family and join them for a traditional lunch. During the meal, you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss Serbian traditions and the daily life of the people. EmeraldACTIVE: Guided e-bike tour in Novi Sad: Discover Novi Sad on two wheels with this guided e-bike tour. Ride along the Danube promenade and pass iconic landmarks. Learn about the city's history, culture, and local life from your guide while enjoying a leisurely cycling pace. ...
    Read More
    Sunday - May 16, 2027
    Day
    12
    • Ordas, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    This afternoon, dock in Ordas. This tiny village on the left bank of the Danube is in one of Hungary's most fertile agricultural regions, which is famous for its paprika. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show and dinner onboard as you cruise towards Budapest. EmeraldPLUS: Puszta Equestrian Heritage: Travel to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Relax as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills, most of which were practiced in preparation for wartime. EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard: Enjoy a traditional Hungarian dinner, then a Hungarian folk dancing and music performance onboard. ...
    Read More
    Monday - May 17, 2027
    Day
    13
    Budapest, Hungary
    • Budapest, Hungary
    After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of traditional equestrian performances and ancient viticulture on the banks of the Danube with you.; Notes: 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. ...
    Read More
    Request A Quote


    Get FREE Price Alerts

    Subscribe to our weekly cruise deals email and enjoy FREE price change alerts and updates for this cruise and others like it.

    Track this Cruise

    We promise to protect your privacy and personal data. You can review our privacy policy here.

    Complete the form below and we will send this cruise and a message to your friends on your behalf.

    Enter up to 5 emails separated by commas:

    Your First Name

    Your Last Name

    Your Email Address:

    Optional Message to Your Friend(s):

    Send Email

    Please enter your email address to Add to Favorites. You can then access this cruise from other devices.


    Email Address:

    Save to Favorites

    This cruise line does not offer live online pricing. Please complete the form below for a quote on this cruise or call for rates.


    How many are traveling
    Adults (Age 18 and over)
    Kids (6 months to 17 years)
    First NameLast NameState of Residence

    Phone NumberEmail AddressAny special request or comments?

    Submit Request >