Emerald Waterways introduces Budapest-Bucharest routeEmerald Waterways introduces Budapest-Bucharest route

The July 23 departure travels from Budapest to Bucharest, while April 23 and July 28 sailings go in the reverse direction. Prices range from $3,335 to $5,730 per person, double occupancy. Booking by Oct. 31 reduces those fares by $250.

The voyage includes seven nights aboard one of Emerald’s 'Star-Ships' and two nights' lodging in Bucharest and encompasses some of Eastern Europe’s most historic and enchanting towns. Panoramic views of Budapest and a visit to a horse farm in the historic Hungarian city of Kalocsa to see the riding skills of the local Maygar horsemen are among the highlights.

There will also be a home-hosted lunch with a family in Vukovar, Serbia, a city that suffered heavy damage during the Croatian War of Independence. A tour of the Serbian capital of Belgrade uncovers a turbulent history to this culturally rich city.

Spectacular scenery is in store journeying through the Iron Gate—the narrow gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains, which also forms the Serbia-Romania border—and touring the historic Bulgarian towns of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi. A guided tour of ancient Silistra in Romania takes travelers to a Roman tomb, an Ottoman fort and a medieval fortress, and two days in Bucharest give time to explore historic and cultural landmarks.

The program includes two nights at the Novotel Bucharest or a similar hotel, two shore excursions by foot or first-class coach, two EmeraldPLUS experiences including lunch in the home of a local family, Wi-Fi on board and all port charges and airport transfers within Europe.

Introduced this year, the 182-passenger Emerald Star and Emerald Sky have a heated swimming pool topped by a retractable roof, two restaurants, a hairdresser, massage therapy room and fitness area.

Emerald Waterways is part of the Scenic Tours Group.