Capture the Danube with Photographer Tom Story
August 28 -
September 5, 2027
Emerald Dawn
AUSTRIA, HUNGARY, SLOVENIA, GERMANY
Some vacations create memories. This one helps you capture them. Join award-winning photographer Tom Story aboard Emerald Cruises for an unforgettable journey along the legendary Danube River. From the glowing skyline of Budapest to the imperial grandeur of Vienna and the fairy-tale streets of Regensburg and Passau, you'll experience some of Europe's most photogenic destinations while learning to create images you'll be proud to display for years to come.
QUICK HIGHLIGHTS
Travel with acclaimed photographer Tom Story
Luxury Emerald River Cruises
Germany • Austria • Slovakia • Hungary
Photography tips & informal coaching
Camera and smartphone photography welcome
Stunning architecture, landscapes & culture
Why This Journey is Special
Every destination has a story. Every photograph helps tell it.
The Danube has inspired artists, musicians, and travelers for centuries. This journey invites you to experience it through a different lens.
Traveling alongside acclaimed landscape and travel photographer Tom Story, whose award-winning images helped define the visual style of Sunset Magazine for decades, you'll have the opportunity to sharpen your photography skills while exploring some of Europe's most captivating destinations. Tom has spent a lifetime capturing extraordinary places in ways that inspire others to experience them for themselves—and now he'll share that perspective with you.
Whether you're carrying a professional camera, a mirrorless system, or simply your smartphone, Tom's approachable teaching style helps photographers of every experience level create stronger, more meaningful images.
Imagine standing on the Sun Deck as Budapest begins to glow, finally understanding why your evening photos have never looked the way you wanted them to.
Tom is standing beside you, showing you exactly what to look for—not changing camera settings, but changing the way you see light of course, participation is entirely optional. If you'd simply like to relax and enjoy one of Europe's most beautiful river cruises, you'll fit right in.
Meet Your Hosts
Tom Story
For more than two decades, Tom Story has traveled the world creating compelling images of landscapes, architecture, wildlife, and people. As a longtime staff photographer for the iconic Sunset Magazine, his photography helped inspire generations of travelers to discover the beauty of the American West and destinations around the globe. His award-winning images have also appeared in books, galleries, and private collections throughout the United States. www.thomasjstoryphoto.com IG @sunsetphoto
Known for making photography approachable and enjoyable, Tom has a gift for helping photographers see scenes differently. Rather than focusing solely on camera settings, he teaches guests how to recognize light, composition, and storytelling—skills that improve every photograph, regardless of the camera in your hands.
Throughout the cruise, Tom will be available for casual conversations, photography tips, image reviews, and optional coaching while exploring ashore. Whether you're hoping to master your DSLR, simply take better smartphone photos, or something in between Tom's encouraging style makes learning enjoyable and accessible.
Highlights
Longtime Lifestyle Photographer, Sunset Magazine
Award-winning travel & landscape photographer
Published in books, magazines, and private collections
Photography educator and mentor
Expert in composition, storytelling, and natural light
"The best camera is the one you're excited to use. Great photographs begin with curiosity."
Journey Highlights
INCLUDES
Guests can enjoy:
Casual photography coaching
Smartphone photography tips
Camera technique discussions
Landscape and architecture photography
Street photography opportunities
Optional image reviews
EmeraldPLUS cultural experiences
Travel with fellow photography enthusiasts
Your Ship
EMERALD STAR-SHIP
Your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship, the Emerald Dawn combines contemporary luxury with exceptional comfort, creating the perfect base for exploring the heart of Europe.
Spacious public areas, panoramic windows, inviting lounges, and an open-air Sun Deck provide endless opportunities to relax—or simply watch incredible scenery drift by while searching for your next great photograph.
As a special gift from Ultimate Travels, our guests will also enjoy Emerald's Platinum Drinks Package, allowing you to enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks, and more throughout the day.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
