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Enchantment of Eastern Europe | Bucharest to Budapest

From £2,649pp

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Expert-led Shore Excursions Included*

Gratuities & Wi-Fi Included*

Exclusive SAVINGS - Only available with ROL Cruise*

Exclusive FREE platinum drinks package for ALL bookings*


Cruise Overview

  • Duration 8 nights
  • Departs 16 May 2025
  • Sails from Bucharest, Romania
  • Ship Emerald Star
  • Flights and transfersYes
  • Cruise code ‍2097979
  • Voyage code ‍EWBB160525.2

Your Itinerary

Fly from London

Fly from London Fri 16 May 2025

Fly from London

(regional flights may be available on request)

View of Old Town Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania Fri 16 May 2025

View of Old Town Bucharest

Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel for your overnight stay

View of Old Town Bucharest

Bucharest – Giurgiu, Romania Sat 17 May 2025

View of Old Town Bucharest

This morning, drive through the streets and boulevards of Bucharest on a guided city tour, which includes the enormous Palace of the Parliament. Later, transfer to Giurgiu, where you’ll board your award-winning Emerald Waterways Star-Ship (B,D)

Old stone bridge in the Ruse region

Rousse, Bulgaria Sun 18 May 2025

Old stone bridge in the Ruse region

Today, cruise to Rousse and take a coach ride to the town of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi. Veliko Tarnovo was the former capital of the Bulgarian empire known once as the ‘city of the Tsars’. Visit the historic town of Arbanasi perched on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River and lined with traditional houses. Tonight, join your Captain for a welcome reception and dinner (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Ivanovo Church

Aerial view of Baba Vida fortress in Vidin

Vidin, Bulgaria Mon 19 May 2025

Aerial view of Baba Vida fortress in Vidin

Sail upstream and dock on the most Western town in Bulgaria, Vidin. Enjoy a tour visiting a local vineyard with wine tasting. Later, visit the medieval Baba Vida Fortress (B,L,D)
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Belogradchik

Kostolac's castle on the banks of the Danube River

Kostolac, Serbia Tue 20 May 2025

Kostolac's castle on the banks of the Danube River

Today, visit the first and biggest architectural archaeological excavation in Eastern Europe, the Viminacium Archaeological Excavation Site and Museum. This site was one of the most important Roman cities and military camps from 1st to 4th centuries. Return to your ship and spend the afternoon sailing the narrow gorge known as the Iron Gates (B,L,D)

A panoramic view of Belgrade at dusk

Belgrade, Serbia Wed 21 May 2025

A panoramic view of Belgrade at dusk

Enjoy a city tour including a visit to Tito’s Memorial, the impressive Fortress Kalemegdan and St. Sava Church which is the world’s largest Orthodox Cathedral (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Serbian folklore evening show
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided biking tour

A view of Osijek from the water

Osijek, Croatia Thu 22 May 2025

A view of Osijek from the water

Cruise into the border region of Croatia, an area heavily damaged during the Croatian War of Independence. Enjoy an evening of sailing further upstream towards Hungary. Tonight, join your Captain for a farewell reception and dinner (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian Family
EmeraldPLUS: Meet students from the local village

Kalocsa's St Mary Cathedral

Kalocsa - Budapest, Hungary Fri 23 May 2025

Kalocsa's St Mary Cathedral

Arrive in Kalocsa, famous for the production of paprika. This morning, visit a local Puszta Horse Farm and enjoy a performance showcasing the exceptional riding skills of Magyar horseman (B,L,D)
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Puszta Horse Farm
EmeraldPLUS: Evening cruise of Budapest

A panoramic view of Chain Bridge in Budapest

Budapest, Hungary Sat 24 May 2025

A panoramic view of Chain Bridge in Budapest

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to London

(regional flights may be available on request) (B)

Fly to London

Transfer to the airport for your flight to London Sat 24 May 2025

Fly to London

(regional flights may be available on request)

Arrive in London

Arrive in London Sat 24 May 2025

Arrive in London

What's included *

  • Exclusive Savings - Only available with ROL Cruise
  • Book with the top partner for Emerald Cruises
  • Award-winning All-Inclusive river cruising on board your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, including:
  • Spacious full board accommodation on board Europe’s most innovative cruise ships
  • All meals throughout your river cruise from a healthy buffet breakfast to a five-course à la carte menu
  • Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • FREE tea and coffee available throughout your cruise
  • Shore excursions INCLUDED
  • Gratuities are INCLUDED
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
  • Extra special included excursions with EmeraldPLUS & EmeraldACTIVE
  • First-class service from English-speaking crew and knowledgeable guides
  • Complimentary bicycles for use ashore in select destinations
  • Bottled water restocked daily in your cabin
  • Overseas transfers
  • Book with ROL Cruise and earn exclusive Cruise Miles® + your EmeraldEXPLORER rewards
  • Return flights from London (regional and premium class flights may be available at a supplement) and all overseas transfers
  • We offer Interest Free Payment Plans, please contact us for more information
  • Plus, book an Ocean View Stateroom or above by 8pm 22nd January 2025 and receive a FREE Champagne Gift Box

2025 All-Inclusive European River Cruise Sale

Book today and earn up to £63.98 off your next ROL Cruise booking

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Booking Enquiry

Cabins & Prices

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Per Person Pricing

* Prices shown are per person, based on two adults sharing a twin cabin and include all cruise offer discounts and savings.

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Emerald Stateroom

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All Emerald Staterooms feature picture windows and the same high quality facilities as all other cabins. Plus, they’re bigger than other standard staterooms, providing excellent value for money. Included in your stateroom: Picture window (approximately 1500mm L X 340mm H) | Bathroom with shower, indulgent toiletries and hair dryer | Complimentary bathrobes and slippers | Complimentary bottled water, restocked daily | Complimentary WiFi | Queen-size hotel-style bed | Safe for your valuables | Individual climate control | Flat screen TV and infotainment system | Mini-fridge

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D Riviera Deck

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E Riviera Deck

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ES Riviera Deck

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Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

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Your Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite offers everything you could possibly need throughout your cruise, and more. You’ll be surrounded by elegant décor and opulent, comfortable furnishings, as you unwind in your home-away-from-home. Relax on your balcony as the stunning landscapes pass by, and transform it from an indoor to an outdoor space with ease, as the floor-to-ceiling window lowers to a halfway point at the touch of a button. Enjoy the river breeze from your comfortable chair, enjoying a good book or the unfolding vistas. Treat yourself to a drink from your suite’s minibar, or use it to keep your complimentary bottle of water chilled, or for any souvenirs that require it. When it’s time to retire to bed, you can look forward to the exceptional comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, complete with luxurious linens. Treat yourself to an indulgent shower with luxury toiletries, to really prepare yourself for an excellent night’s sleep. Of course, keeping in touch with your loved ones is really easy. Every suite has its own telephone, as well as complimentary Wi-Fi being available throughout the Star-Ship.

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A Horizon Deck

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B Vista Deck

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C Vista Deck

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Emerald Grand Balcony Suite

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Staying in the Emerald Grand Balcony Suite makes waking up and going to sleep a dream. Open your balcony, with the simple press of a button, to let in the river breeze on a lazy morning, as the unrivalled comfort of your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed, dressed with luxurious linens, encourages you to lie in that little bit longer. Wake up to the luxurious surrounds of your stylish bathroom, enjoying a revitalising shower, complete with sumptuous toiletries. Then, what could be better than having a continental breakfast brought to your door to enjoy on your own private balcony? Complimentary bathrobes and slippers make lounging comfortable, and your own in-suite Nespresso™ machine means you can sip a fresh coffee as you ponder your itinerary and what the day has to offer. Select your preferred pillow from our extensive menu and enjoy an exceptionally comfortable night’s sleep, or simply relax as you watch a film on your suite’s flat screen TV and infotainment system, during some down time. Individual climate control enables your room to stay at the right temperature to suit you, whether you’re sailing in the warmer summer months, or the cooler winter. And, stay in touch with family and friends using your in-suite telephone or make the most of complimentary Wi-Fi for contacting them by your preferred method.

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S Horizon Deck

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Owner's One-bedroom Suite

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Some of the most sumptuous suites on European waterways, our Owners One-Bedroom Suite has it all. A separate lounge and bedroom area allows the luxury of space, from which to enjoy your complimentary continental breakfast in the morning, a drink from your fully stocked minibar or after-dinner sweet treats before bed. Your queen-size or twin hotel-style bed will be draped in high quality linens, for the perfect night’s sleep, plus you’ll have the pleasure of selecting your preferred pillow from our extensive menu. Get comfortable for the night after a busy day exploring, and prepare for the next as you unwind with a film on your flat screen TV and infotainment system in true comfort. A walk-in wardrobe makes unpacking even more of a dream. A great space to keep all your belongings and outfits for special occasions, such as your exclusive dinner at the Captain’s Table. You’ll even have the option to have four items laundered a day to ensure that favourite dress or suit is in the best possible condition for your event. In the morning, enjoy the perfect wake-up call with a fresh coffee from your in-suite Nespresso™ machine. Sip it on the balcony, wrapped in the comfort of your Emerald Cruises bathrobe and slippers after a refreshing shower in your stylish in-suite bathroom, enhanced by luxurious toiletries. You’ll have so much to tell your loved ones back home, so we’ve made keeping in contact really easy. Not only will you have an in-suite telephone, but complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the Star-Ship and an iPad means you can choose your favourite method of communication, whenever the moment suits.

Deck Price Enquire
SA Horizon Deck

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The Ship - Emerald Star

  • Occupancy182
  • Length443 ft (135.03 m)
  • Star RatingCrown IconCrown IconCrown IconCrown Icon

Blessed with a selection of wonderful amenities and features, the award-winning Star-Ship Emerald Star will guide you past some of Europe’s most beautiful stretches of countryside and through some of the continent's most vibrant and enchanting cities.

What’s onboard: Daytime Pool & Bar, Evening Cinema, Fitness Area, Games Area, Golf Putting Green, Hair Salon, Horizon Bar & Lounge, Navigation Bridge, Reception, Reflections Restaurant, Retractable Glass Roof, Sky BBQ, Sun Deck, The Terrace, Walking Track, Wellness Area and much, much more.

Emerald Star

Experience the Difference

  • Our ABTA membership & ATOL licence protects all our packages or tailor-made holidays booked through ROL Cruise, so you can book with confidence knowing you are fully protected
  • Award-winning Cruise Miles® loyalty programme; with over 400,000 UK members
  • Winners of more than 50 Cruise Awards over the last 5 years
  • The UK's No.1 Independent Cruise Specialist; delivering impartial advice
  • Customer satisfaction at 98% and a Feefo score of 4.9/5.
  • Expert staff with over 1,000 years of combined travel expertise offering 5★ service
  • Flexible Payment Options Available
  • Celebrating 30 years as a cruise-only specialist
  • Insurance Guidance - ROL Cruise will assist you with obtaining insurance cover, including Covid-cover.
  • Key strategic partner with the major cruise lines
  • Ambassadors representing us and guiding our customers onboard and at key locations on their holidays

Emerald Cruises FAQs

Are drinks packages available with Emerald Cruises?

A selection of drinks packages are available onboard.


Can I access the internet while onboard a Emerald cruise?

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available onboard all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships in the public spaces, cabins and suites.


Can I smoke onboard a Emerald cruise ship?

Smoking is not permitted in cabins or any indoor parts onboard. There are areas on the Star-Ships’ external decks where smoking is permitted.


Can I take alcohol onboard a Emerald cruise ship?

Emerald Cruises welcomes guests purchasing alcohol for consumption in their rooms. However, they do ask that personal drinks are not consumed in the communal areas of the cruises.


Do Emerald Cruises cater to allergies, intolerances or specific diets?

Emerald Cruises endeavours to cater for all dietary requirements and requests. The cruise line asks that you inform them of any requirements or requests at the time of booking.


What currency is used onboard a Emerald ship?

The onboard currency on all European Emerald voyages is the Euro. In South East Asia, the currency onboard is primarily US Dollars.


* Terms & Conditions

View cruise line T&Cs

Terms and conditions: Booking conditions of Emerald cruise line and Reader Offers Limited Agency Terms of Business apply. Fares are per person based on two adults sharing, except single cabins and may increase or be withdrawn at any time. Offer applies to new bookings only. Ports may require a tender. Savings are based on two adults sharing and apply to the cruise element only. Drinks package is subject to T&Cs. Itineraries are subject to change and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruises may operate altered from that stated. Offers apply to new bookings only. Regional flights may incur supplementary costs and may require an additional overnight stay. Flight credit included for economy flights, flight supplement may apply if the flight prices are above the flight credit amount. Flights may not be a direct service. If the required air fare exceeds the set credit amount, additional charges will apply. Payment must be made in full at least 10 months prior to departure to receive the advertised fares. Wi-Fi cannot be guaranteed as is subject to T&Cs. Tours are subject to change and may not be suitable for guests with mobility restrictions. Offers are strictly limited, subject to availability, until sold out or withdrawn. Meals are included as stated: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. Cruise Miles T&Cs apply. E&OE.

*Please note full payment will be required at the time of booking to receive these incredible fares and the savings is on the cruise element ONLY*

Champagne Gift Box is one per booking, for Ocean View Staterooms & above on cruises of 7 nights & above, for Mainland UK addresses only.

View ROL Cruise Payment Methods HERE

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