RIVER DANUBE CRUISE
Budapest, Bratislava, Vienna, Krems, Dürnstein, Engelhartszell, Passau, Regensburg, Munich
16th - 23rd August 2025
EARLYBIRD PRICES
Embark on a tranquil journey through history and scenic beauty on our River cruise along the majestic River Danube. As we gently glide along the water, we will be treated to breathtaking panoramas of lush vineyards, charming villages, and grand castles nestled along the riverbanks. The Danube, Europe's second-longest river, weaves its way through ten countries, offering a diverse tapestry of landscapes and cultures.
From the iconic cityscape of Budapest with its stunning bridges to the enchanting Wachau Valley's rolling hills dotted with picturesque wineries, each bend in the river reveals a new marvel to behold. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of European heritage as you stop to explore historic towns like Vienna, Bratislava, and Regensburg, where centuries-old architecture and vibrant local cultures beckon. Our River cruise on the Danube promises unforgettable moments of serenity and discovery all in the company of like-minded women.
Kindly note: We don’t take over the whole ship, instead we take small groups on the ship.
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Diva Destinations hosts throughout your cruise
Return flights from London Heathrow & Gatwick (Regional airports available - supplement may apply
7 nights full board accommodation
Overseas transfers to and from the ship
Full Platinum Drinks Package - Soft drinks, juices, mocktails, and non-alcoholic bottled beers - Draft Beers by the glass & a selection of bottled beers - White and Red house wines or sparkling wine and Prosecco by the glass
Guided coach tour of Budapest
Walking tour of Bratislava
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey
Guided tour of Passau
Bavarian sausage tasting or you could join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube
All gratuities onboard and local guides/coach drivers etc included.
Indoor Heated Pool with retractable roof
Evening cinema
Complimentary speciality tea and coffee
Sun Deck with seating area and walking track
Putting Green
Complimentary E bikes (subject to availability)
Fully equipped fitness centre
Wellness Area (treatments addditional extra)
Hairdresser (payable locally)
Al Fresco Dining & BBQ area
Lift (kindly note the lift doesn’t go to the sundeck)
Games Area
100% financial protection
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Dinner daily
Flights to/from Croatia
Gratuities
Drinks from the bar
Beach towel hire
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EARLYBIRD PRICES
Riviera Deck ES Cabin
Sole Occupancy Cabin: £4,384| $5,599
Riviera Deck - E Emerald Cabin
Sole Occupancy: £4,989 | $6,299
Vista Deck - B Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Sole Occupancy: £5,739 | $7,290
Twin/Double Occupancy: £4,428 pp | $5,599 pp
Horizon Deck - A Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite
Twin/Double Occupancy: £4,525pp | $5,799 pp
Please note we reserve the right to alter the USD$ prices based on exchange rate fluctuations
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Day 1 Sat, 16 Aug UK - Budapest (D) Your Diva Destinations hosts will meet you at Heathrow airport. Fly from the UK to Budapest. Welcome to Budapest, where we’ll be met at the airport and transferred to our contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, before enjoying plenty of free time to explore the Hungarian capital at our leisure.
This evening, we’ll enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.
Day 2 Sun, 17 Aug Budapest (B,L,D)
Architecture from across the centuries shines a light on the history of the Hungarian capital. Originally two separate cities, Buda to the west and Pest to the east offer incredibly different views on the culture of one of the liveliest cities in Eastern Europe. Today, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the city during a guided tour, including Heroes’ Square and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Andrássy Avenue and Buda Castle District. Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill for a postcard-worthy panorama view of the Danube banks.
Included Excursion - Guided coach tour of Budapest
Day 3 Mon, 18 Aug Bratislava (B,L,D) This morning, relax on board as we sail to Bratislava. An ancient landscape awaits, where remarkable towers add to a skyline that perfectly encapsulates the history of the city, and preserved medieval fortifications tell tales of a turbulent past. Our local guide will take us through the heart of the city, as we soak in the sights of the lavish Episcopal Summer Palace and the neo-Renaissance façade of the Slovak National Theatre. If you’re feeling more active, you could instead choose to hike around the serene gardens of Bratislava Castle, which provides the perfect setting for the Shakespeare festival that occurs during the summer months. This afternoon, we will be invited into the home of a local family to learn more about their traditions and culture over coffee and cake.
Included Excursion - Walking tour of Bratislava
Day 4 Tue, 19 Aug Vienna (B,L,D)
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and its ornate Baroque palaces. The Austrian capital is an art-lover's dream, and our guided tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide. If you’re feeling more active, then you may opt to explore on two wheels instead, cycling along the riverbanks before touching on Danube Island and Prater, the famous Viennese amusement park, home to the traditional 19th-century Ferris wheel.
Included Excursion - Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
Day 5 Wed, 20 Aug Krems - Dürnstein (B,L,D)
This morning, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley. Visible from great distance, it’s one of Austria's most important Benedictine abbeys and attracts visitors from all over the world and provides epic panorama views. Afterwards, our Star-Ship will sail through the fascinating Wachau Valley, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, and on to Dürnstein. Alternatively, embark on a guided bike tour in the Wachau region, passing terraced vineyards, castles and ruins along the way, before arriving where your Star-Ship is docked in Dürnstein. In the afternoon we arrive in Dürnstein; a small town nestled in the heart of the Wachau wine region. We'll have the chance to hike to the medieval ruins of Dürnstein Castle, the site where King Richard I was held prisoner following his return from the Third Crusade, and part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Cultural Landscape, a place peppered with natural lookout points that highlight the beauty of the region.
Included Excursion - Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey
Day 6 Thu, 21 Aug Engelhartszell - Passau (B,L,D)
After a morning of sailing along the Danube, we will go into the heart of Passau. Nicknamed the Dreiflüssestadt, meaning the ‘the city of three rivers’, it’s situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Our included guided tour of Passau will unveil its noteworthy Gothic and Baroque architecture. If you're feeling active, you could join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau. After our tour, enjoy some free time to explore Passau at our leisure, before spending an evening sailing blissfully towards Regensburg.
Included Excursion - Guided tour of Passau
Day 7 Fri, 22 Aug Regensburg (B,L,D)
This morning, we arrive in Regensburg, a city built on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Our guided walking tour of Regensburg will showcase its UNESCO World Heritage-listed medieval centre, where narrow cobbled lanes and tall façades help to define the character of this enchanting Bavarian city. We will stop for a local Bavarian sausage tasting so you get a real feel of the daily life in Regensburg. Alternatively, you could join a bike tour to the Walhalla monument, which towers high above the slopes of the Danube. From here, you can enjoy a fascinating view of the surrounding landscape and the river.
This evening, we will enjoy a traditional Bavarian band performance on board.
Day 8 Sat, 23 Aug Regensburg Disembarkation - Munich - UK (B)
After breakfast, it’s time to say our fond farewells and disembark our Star-Ship for our transfers to the airport for our flights back to UK the UK, taking memories of Roman architecture and the rich culture of the Danube River with us.
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.
River Danube Cruise | 16th - 23rd August 2025 | £1,500pp Deposit
Important Information about our Hosted Group Holidays:
Kindly note we do require a minimum number to guarantee our hosted group holidays. In the unlikely event we do not reach the numbers required we will refund your deposit in full. In the meantime we request you do not book any other elements for this trip including any additional flights or other transport/accommodation arrangements until we guarantee departure. We cannot guarantee that we will have exclusivity of the ship.
Your Ship - Emerald Star
The Emerald Star has 92 elegantly appointed staterooms and Suites. All staterooms include amenities including ensuite bathroom with shower, free high-speed Internet access, climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe, fridge and complimentary bottled water replenished daily.
Amenities include: Indoor Heated Pool with retractable roof - Evening cinema - Complimentary speciality tea and coffee - Sun Deck with seating area and walking track - Putting Green - Complimentary E bikes (subject to availability) - Fully equipped fitness centre - Wellness Area (treatments payable locally) - Hairdresser (payable locally) - Al Fresco Dining & BBQ area - Lift (kindly note the lift doesn’t go to the sundeck) - Games Area