Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Imperial Charms of Russia

When you arrive in Bucharest, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your perfectly situated hotel, including a one-night stay in Bucharest.
Welcome to the “Paris of the East”. The centre of Bucharest perfectly encapsulates a distinctive Parisian atmosphere, with wide avenues adorned by famous landmarks and quaint leafy boulevards that cross the city.

After enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you will get the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic highlights during your guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace, before enjoying some time to explore the leafy boulevards at leisure.
After your insightful tour, you will be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome awaits you from your captain and crew on board your Emerald Waterways Star-Ship.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, you will have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history as you explore the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire with your local guide, an ancient city that was strategically positioned overlooking the surrounding area. On your included tour, you will have the opportunity to traverse its cobbled streets and witness its medieval fortifications.
Afterwards, you will be taken to neighbouring Arbanasi, situated overlooking the Yantra River, a tributary of the Danube that is known for its many scenic gorges. Your local guide will enable you to explore the past, as your tour touches on a number of traditional houses and ancient churches.
If you would prefer to do something more active, then you could instead choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes.
Tonight, your crew will welcome you back on board for a welcome reception and dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and the region has prospered from winemaking for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting. Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century; known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country.
If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to embark on a guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress, located on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. It’s easy to imagine how this stronghold would have offered the Romans a perfect lookout point. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than 8 millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today, as your local guide takes you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks and the iconic Belgrade Fortress. Your coach will pass through the centre, where you will be able to catch glimpses of Serbia’s turbulent recent past, set amongst now quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you are feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour.
This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge to watch a traditional Serbian folklore show.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you will have the opportunity to explore one of Croatia’s postcard-worthy historic university towns, full of delightful waterfront promenades and quaint cobbled streets. As you walk around the city, you will notice that damage from the Homeland War is still visible, but it’s difficult to imagine turbulent times in this peaceful area.
Embark on a guided walk around Osijek Fortress, a true icon in the romantic old town. This traditional star fort houses a number of different buildings, including a military hospital and armouries, making it perfect for times of conflict. Your EmeraldPLUS experiences today are certain to be a highlight of your trip, as you dine on traditional cuisine with a local Croatian family and meet some students from a local village.
Enjoy an evening of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we will sail away from Osijek and on to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.
Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you will have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first hand, as they perform for you during their horse parade and showcase some of their memorable exercise drills.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, for your included flight to St Petersburg. 
Founded by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years. Nicknamed ‘Venice of the North’, the historic centre, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You will start your exploration of St. Petersburg with a bus city tour passing by Smolny convent, Tavrichesky palace, Summer Garden, Palace embankment as well as the Winter palace. Your tour will include a visit to the world famous Hermitage Museum. Rival to the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Formerly the Winter Palace and home of the Tsars, the museum’s collection comprises of nearly three million exhibits including the largest collection of paintings in the world and early collections dating back to Catherine II. After your included lunch in the city, the guided bus tour will take you along the Spire of the Basil Island (buildings of Stock Exchange, Kunstkamera, Zoo Museum), pass by the buildings of the Senate and the Synod, St. Isaac´s cathedral and drive along Nevsky prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg. One cannot miss the splendid of the church of the Savior on spilled blood, emblematic for St. Petersburg. Your tour will conclude with a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress: the Boat house, Peter I monument, Commandant´s house, Nevsky Gate and St. Peter and Paul´s Cathedral. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day is yours to continue exploring the main sights and attractions of St. Petersburg or just enjoy and relax on board of MS Nizhni Novgorod. We have also prepared various optional tours for you to choose from. Tonight, your Captain is delighted to host a welcome cocktail with sparkling wine.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your next stop is the picturesque village of Mandrogi located on the River Svir. The charming landscape is dotted with colourful “izbas” – wooden houses with finely carved roofs and window frames. The town also offers many of opportunities for you to admire items of Russian handicrafts, such as pottery and the famous “matryioshka” dolls. You will also have free time to enjoy some of Mandrogi’s other attractions, like the Vodka Museum, which contains thousands of different brands and types of one of Russia’s most famous exports. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will cruise Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake, and arrive at the small island of Kizhi. You will be taken on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, housing a collection of restored 18th century Russian wooden buildings, including the breath-taking Church of the Transfiguration. Built in 1714, the structure of the Church was built without a single nail. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Goritsy is a typical Russian village set in the most scenic countryside. Take a coach from the ship to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Founded in 1397, by Cyril, one of the most honoured saints in the Russian Orthodox Church, the monastery houses the Assumption Cathedral and many ancient icons, which were loved by Ivan the Terrible. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Founded in the 11th century by Yaroslav the Wise, the ancient city of Yaroslavl retains many monuments of its noteworthy and colourful past. Your tour will include a stop at the 17th century Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, as well as an inside visit to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and an interactive tour to former Governor’s House (Art Gallery).

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day starts with a visit to Uglich, one of most beloved towns in Old Russia, which is part of the Golden Ring around Moscow. Throughout its 1000 year history, the town has been used by various Monarchs including Ivan the Terrible as a base for attacks on the Tatars and Poles. During your walking tour you will get to see the renowned green-domed Cathedral of Transfiguration. Your walk will also include a stop at the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, which was built on the site where Dmitry, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible was murdered. This evening the Captain will host a farewell dinner. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Moscow, Russia’s capital city on the banks of the Moskva River. The city’s architecture is a reflection of its 860-year old history with many reminders of both its imperial and Soviet past. A sprawling metropolis, Moscow is the financial and political centre of Russia with a population of around 13 million inhabitants. During your included city tour today you will drive along Leningradskaya Street, Tverskaya Street, Novodevichy convent and have a chance to see Moscow’s main highlights, including the sights of KGB, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, inside visit to the famous department store GUM and enjoy some free time at the Red square. The evening is yours to explore on own or take part in our carefully planned optional tours.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have one of the biggest highlights to your journey, a visit to the Kremlin Grounds. For many people the symbol of Moscow and indeed Russia, the Kremlin is the former seat of the Russian Government and a unique historical, architectural and artistic reserve. During a stroll around the Kremlin Grounds you will see the majestic Cathedral Square which still retains its original form, the Palace of Congresses, Senate square with the Arsenal and Senate buildings, residence of the President of the Russian Federation. This afternoon, don’t miss the chance to discover more of Moscow either on your own or on our many optional tours planned for this day.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.

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.

Meals Included: Breakfast