
Veneto River Romance: Budapest to Venice Cruise
Discover the romance of the Adriatic on a journey from Budapest to Venice, through grand capitals, riverside towns, and stunning landscapes.
Discover the splendour of the Adriatic coast on this unforgettable 18-day journey from Budapest to Venice. Begin in Hungary’s vibrant capital, where grand architecture and rich history set the tone for your voyage. Cruise through picturesque riverside towns and cultural gems nestled along the Danube, before venturing into the heart of Central Europe. After your river cruise concludes in Munich, you’ll fly to Venice for a 3-night hotel stay, giving you ample time to explore the city's timeless beauty and iconic canals. Then, embark on your luxury yacht cruise along the stunning Adriatic coast, discovering charming towns and elegant cities.
Thoughtfully designed to blend iconic highlights with lesser-known treasures, this itinerary offers the perfect balance of discovery, relaxation, and indulgence.
Call 0161 516 4027 to secure your booking today.
18 Days | Budapest > Venice | Departing 3 June 2026 | From £8,999 per person
Fly from the UK to Budapest where you’ll be met at the airport by an Emerald Cruises representative and transferred to your contemporary Star-Ship, where your friendly captain and crew will be waiting to greet you.
Inclusions: Dinner
Welcome to Budapest, a city generously steeped in history and culture, where ancient architecture exists alongside contemporary buildings. Enjoy a guided city tour, covering some of the highlights of Budapest and learn more about its stunning landscape and architecture. The history of the Hungarian capital shows a unique blend of cultures, cuisines and vibrant lifestyle. There is so much to take in while you pass through the bustling city, which is an attractive destination for visitors from all over the world.
Alternatively, enjoy a hike to Gellert Hill and gaze over the Danube.
Included Excursion:
Guided coach tour of Budapest
EmeraldPLUS
Traditional Hugarian folklore show on board
EmeraldACTIVE
Hike to Gellert Hill
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Jewish Heritage tour (extra response) (Please note: This is not available on Saturday’s due to the museum being closed)
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Excursion to Szentendre (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A delightful scattering of Baroque palaces and Gothic architecture that tell tales of a communist past are yours to uncover as we sail towards Bratislava. Enjoy a guided tour of the city’s enchanting history, taking in the neo-Renaissance glory of the Slovak National Theatre and the Episcopal Summer Palace.
Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to Bratislava Castle and its idyllic Baroque gardens, offering the perfect backdrop to the Shakespeare festival that takes place during the summer months.
This afternoon, enjoy one of the cruise highlights: coffee and cake in the home of a Slovakian family before being welcomed to your farewell dinner.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Bratislava
EmeraldPLUS
Home-hosted coffee and cake with a Slovakian family
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Bratislava Castle
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Skoda tour of post-Communist Bratislava (extra expense)
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Carpathian wine route (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Sweeping boulevards and world-famous art exhibitions welcome you to Vienna, a city which perfectly encapsulates the opulence of the Habsburg Monarchy and their ornate Baroque palaces. For art-lovers, there’s no other place like the Austrian capital, not just because the city is packed with museums and artwork but also because of its variety. Your tour will include a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, the largest art museum in the country and one of the most important museums worldwide.
Alternatively, embark on a guided cycling tour from where your Star-Ship is docked to the idyllic Danube Island.
Included Excursion
Vienna art tour with a visit to the Kunsthistorisches Museum
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour in Vienna
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Viennese evening concert (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we will sail through the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wachau Valley.
This morning, you can embark on a guided bike tour from Melk to Dürnstein, cycling past terraced vineyards, castles, and charming villages along the way. Once in Dürnstein, you’ll have the opportunity to hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where delightful panoramic views of the surrounding medieval landscape await.
This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Göttweig Abbey, a true treasure overlooking the Wachau Valley from its hilltop perch surrounded by vineyards and forests. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape since 2001, it is one of Austria's most significant Benedictine abbeys. Built in 1083, it continues to serve as a spiritual centre and is home to a community of about 45 monks. Visible from a great distance, the abbey offers epic panoramic views of the Wachau Valley during your visit.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Göttweig Abbey
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the Danube River
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided hike to Dürnstein Castle
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, we’ll cruise into the heart of Passau, where three of Europe’s main rivers converge in the shadows of the castle. Your guided tour of this illustrious city will unveil how it was rebuilt following fires in the 17th century. Italian architects left their mark with an array of Baroque architecture that still stands today, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Alternatively, if you’re feeling active, you can join a bike tour along the River Inn, one of the three rivers converging in Passau. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing along the Danube River.
Included Excursion
Guided tour of Passau
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour along the River Inn
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Bavarian Traditions (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore the medieval centre of Regensburg with a local guide, walking the cobblestone streets, passing the patrician houses of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, and stopping by to sample the traditional Bavarian sausage just as the locals enjoy in this region. Alternatively, 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 river and the surrounding landscape.
EmeraldPLUS
Walking tour of Regensburg with Bavarian sausage tasting
EmeraldACTIVE
Guided bike tour to the Walhalla monument
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, it’s time to say farewell to your fellow guests and disembark your Star-Ship for your transfer to the airport for your flight from Munich to Venice, taking wonderful memories of the Viennese skyline and architectural masterpieces with you.
As part of your Epic Voyage enjoy a 3-night stay at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice, a historic former flour mill transformed into a stylish waterfront hotel. Located on Giudecca Island, it offers stunning views of the city and easy boat access to St. Mark’s Square. Relax at the rooftop pool, dine on Venetian cuisine, or unwind at the spa - an ideal way to begin or end your cruise in comfort and elegance.
Your Adriatic cruise begins in the centuries-old, Italian city of Venice and legendary ‘City of Canals.’ You’ll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht for a memorable journey, cruising through the traditional passage past St. Mark’s Square—an exclusive route reserved for only a few cruise vessels.
Please book your flight to arrive into Venice prior to 04:00 PM.
Inclusions: Dinner
Your first stop is Piran, a pretty town of red-tiled, whitewashed buildings clustered on the tip of the Piran peninsula and Slovenia’s glamorous yachting destination. Part of the Venetian empire from the late 13th century to the end of the 18th century, this Slovenian town is esteemed for its gothic-style, Venetian architecture.
EmeraldPLUS
Slovenia’s alluring Lipica Stud
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Postoina cave and Predjana Castle with Home Hosted Experience (extra expense, must be pre-booked
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Welcome to Croatia. Set at the apex of a long natural harbour and ringed by elegant yet gently weathered, townhouses and verdant hills, this fascinating Croatian town straddles both coasts on the narrowest section of the island. As you’ll discover today, Mali Lošinj boasts countless natural wonders, as well as historical sites that testify to its turbulent and storied past.
Included Excursion
Walking tour of Mali Losinj
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Losinj Archipelago Speedboat Adventure (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you’ll first enjoy a brief, scenic stop in the charming town of Senj, gateway to the renowned Plitvice National Park and breathtaking natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage Site will leave you in awe, as you wander along wooden walkways and winding paths, passing cascading waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. Later you will re-join your cruise in Baška, a picturesque resort town on the Croatian island of Krk, famous for its Old Town, containing centuries-old stone houses and atmospheric narrow streets. While here, you can also appreciate the beautiful local beaches and stunning nature of this scenic island.
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Plitvice Lake National Park tour (extra expense)
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Walking tour of Krk and Vrbnik (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Located on the western peninsula of Croatia, Opatija boasts alluring views across the Adriatic towards the Kvarner Islands and distant Istrian mountains. Known as the ‘Nice of Croatia,’ this resort town is home to lovely seaside promenades and fairy-tale villas from the Habsburg-era. During your time in Opatija, be sure to sample some of the traditional local specialities, mussels with pršut, or fish stew.
EmeraldACTIVE
Hiking to Kamacnik Spink
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Picturesque Opatija & Moscenice (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Resting on Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula, the delightful town of Rovinj is intertwined with a myriad of Italian influences. Here, you’ll have time to admire the Old Town and its meandering streets, colourful façades of old buildings, as well as the picturesque harbour dotted with fishing boats. Rovinj is a quaint and easily walkable town, where you can also discover plenty of art galleries and small, historic squares.
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Pula and Roman Amphitheatre (extra expense)
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Motovun & Grozjan villages with Wine and Olive Oil tasting (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Venice is an enchanting city that exudes an atmosphere not found anywhere else in the world. Established in the 5th century, this historic Italian city stretches across 118 small islands in the marshy Venetian Lagoon along the Adriatic. Among the many highlights in Venice, admire the grandeur of the city’s iconic canals and magnificent St. Marks Basilica.
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Walking tour of Venice with Doge's Palace (extra expense)
Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Your Adriatic discovery and Emerald Cruises Epic Voyage concludes in Venice. From here, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your journey home, or to continue your holiday.
Please book your flight to depart out of Venice after 11:00 AM.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.
Inclusions: Breakfast
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