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Enchantment of Eastern Europe | Bucharest to Budapest

From £2,995pp

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Shore excursions included*

Included drinks*

Included Gratuities & FREE Wi-Fi*


Cruise Overview

  • Duration 8 nights
  • Departs 09 May 2026
  • Sails from Bucharest, Romania
  • Ship Emerald Astra
  • Flights and transfersYes
  • Cruise code ‍2189711

Your Itinerary

View of Old Town Bucharest

Bucharest, Romania Sat 09 May 2026

View of Old Town Bucharest

Upon arrival, transfer to a hotel for your overnight stay

View of Old Town Bucharest

Bucharest – Giurgiu, Romania Sun 10 May 2026

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 – Arbanasi & Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria Mon 11 May 2026

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)
EmeraldPLUS: Choir concert in Arbanasi
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Ivanovo Church

Aerial view of Baba Vida fortress in Vidin

Vidin, Bulgaria Tue 12 May 2026

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 Wed 13 May 2026

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 Thu 14 May 2026

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 Fri 15 May 2026

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 Sat 16 May 2026

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 Sun 17 May 2026

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)

What's included *

  • 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

Book today and earn up to £110.10 off your next ROL Cruise booking

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Cabins & Prices

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* 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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Emerald Stateroom

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D Riviera Deck

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E Riviera Deck

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Emerald Stateroom

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ES Riviera Deck

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Emerald Single Stateroom

Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

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Emerald Panorama Balcony Suite

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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 Panorama Balcony Suite

Grand Balcony Suite

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S Horizon Deck

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Grand Balcony Suite

Owner's One Bedroom Suite

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SA Horizon Deck

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Owner's One Bedroom Suite

The Ship - Emerald Astra

Emerald Astra

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 over 25 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

What amenities are provided in my stateroom/suite with Emerald Cruises?

Bathrobes and slippers are provided in all staterooms and suites as well as a mini fridge, air conditioning, toiletries, a hairdryer, a safe, double bed (or twin beds on request) with luscious linens, a phone and a wardrobe with coat hangers.

A complimentary mini-bar is provided in the Owner’s Suite, Owner’s One-Bedroom Suites and Riverview Suites, these are restocked daily with wine, beer and soft drinks.

The Terrace, Yacht Suite and Grand Balcony Suites also benefit from a mini-bar available at a supplement.


What plug sockets are in my cabin on a Emerald ship?

Provided in all European Emerald Cruises cabins are European plug sockets with a voltage of 220V, you will need to bring a European plug adaptor with you.

In Southeast Asia sailings the cabins are equipped with Universal plug sockets at a voltage of 220V.

Emerald Cruises do not provide adaptors.


Is smoking permitted onboard Emerald Cruises Star-Ship?

Smoking is permitted in designated external areas. It is prohibited in inside areas including your stateroom.


What language is spoken on board a Emerald ship?

English is spoken on board all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships.


What is the currency on board a Emerald ship?

The currency on board all Emerald Cruises Star-Ships is the Euro.


What currency do I need to take with me on a Emerald cruise?

The currency varies depending on location, the Star-Ships reception will have a small amount of each currency on board, but they do advise bringing some with you.

The Euro is used in the following destinations: Belgium, Austria, France, Germany, Netherlands, Portugal and Slovakia.

Other destinations will have specific currencies:

Bulgaria: Bulgarian Lev | Cambodia: Cambodian Riel | Croatia: Croatian Kuna | Hungary: Hungarian Forint | Romania: Romanian Leu | Serbia: Serbian Dinar | Vietnam: Vietnamese Dong


What do I need to pack on a Emerald cruise?

On board the dress code is a relaxed and comfortable country club style, smart shoes, shirts, dresses etc. Feel free to dress up for dinner but its not compulsory.

When going ashore it is recommended that you take comfortable walking shoes and dress for the weather in comfortable clothing.


Can I bring alcohol on board with Emerald Cruises?

Yes, you may take alcohol on board, however it must be consumed in your stateroom, you will not be permitted to consume it in communal areas on board the ship.


What drinks are included in my Emerald River cruise?

A complimentary selection of wines, beers and soft drinks are served during lunch and dinner.

A selection of complimentary hot drinks, speciality teas and coffees are available in the Horizon Bar and Lounge throughout the day.


Are drinks packages available with Emerlad Cruises?

Yes, there are several drinks packages available at a supplement.

The Non-Alcoholic Package offers unlimited access to a range of soft drinks, juices and mocktails.

Extended Package offers a daily selection of wine by the glass, soft drinks and beers throughout the day.

Premium Package allows you to drink anything from the beverage menu, international beers, cocktails, wine and prosecco are available all day.


Are Emerald Cruises able to cater to specific dietary needs/intolerances?

Yes, they offer vegetarian options and can cater to most dietary needs if given advanced notice. Please inform your ROL Cruise Specialist of any dietary needs.


What are the dining times on board a Emerald cruise?

In the Reflections Restaurant the dining times are as follows: Breakfast 7am – 9am | Lunch 12pm – 2pm | Dinner 7pm – 9pm. (Dining times may vary).


What shore excursions are included in my Emerald River cruise?

Included excursions are EmeraldPLUS and EmeraldACTIVE experiences and activities. A selection of DicvoerMORE excursions are available to book on board at a supplement.


Do the excursions with Emerald Cruises require a certain level of mobility?

Some excursions are conducted from coaches, guests must be able to walk up and down the steps.

Walking tours of towns and cities may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.

Guests with limited mobility will need to be travelling with a companion to assist them as there is limited amount of crew members during shore excursions.


Are Emerald Cruises Star-Ships accessible?

There are lifts providing access to three out of four decks on Emerald Cruises Star-Ships, the Sun Deck is reached via stairs.

Under appropriate circumstances guests are permitted to use a collapsible wheelchair on-board, please advise your ROL Cruise Specialist of any mobility issues in advance.


Is there a shop on my Emerald Cruises Star-Ship?

No, there are no shops on board, but reception will have a small supply of toiletries, gifts and souvenirs available at a supplement.


Is Wi-Fi included on my Emerald cruise?

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship, public spaces, staterooms and suites, however it cannot be guaranteed.


What is the baggage allowance on board a Emerald cruise?

Each guest is permitted one piece of checked (hold) baggage with the width and height not exceeding 62” Inches/160cm and the weight not exceeding 20kg/44lbs.

Additional baggage may be permitted at a supplement.


Is there an Emerald Cruises loyalty club?

Yes, as soon as you return you will be enrolled into the EmeraldEXPLORER loyalty club. This includes exclusive benefits, savings, advance notice of new itineraries and more. You will earn point every time you travel with Emerald Cruises and the more points you have the higher the tier, and more benefits.


Is there a pool on board my Emerald Cruises Star-Ship?

Yes, the pool is open from 6am until 6pm every day and on selected evenings it will be transformed into a cinema.

The Emerald Radiance sailing on the Douro River has a serenity pool on the sun deck, it does not have a cinema or Riverview Lounge.


Last Updated: 10/08/2022

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