Gems of Southeast Europe River Cruise

Journey on the Danube River

7 night Budapest to Giurgui
and 2 nights in Vienna and 1 night Brasov
and 2 nights Bucharest / or 3 nights Istanbul (instead of Brasov and Bucharest)

 

 

 

DAY 1,ARRIVE IN VIENNA

Arrive in Vienna and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

DAY 2, VIENNA

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered on your city tour. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center. (B)

DAY 3, VIENNA – BUDAPEST – EMBARK SHIP

Transfer from Vienna via motorcoach to Budapest where you'll be taken on a city tour. Visit the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica and the Chain Bridge. During the evening, be treated to an Illuminations cruise. (B,D)

DAY 4, MOHACS – PECS

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs. You'll then visit Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohacs. (B,L,D)

DAY 5, VUKOVAR, CROATIA – NOVI SAD, SERBIA

Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)

DAY 6, BELGRADE

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later, choose from three intriguing excursions. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, 'livovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D

DAY 7, CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES – VIDIN, BULGARIA

The Iron Gates is one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)

DAY 8, VIDIN

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)

DAY 9, ROUSSE, BULGARIA - GIURGIU, ROMANIA

Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Later in the day, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. (B,L,D)

DAY 10, GIURGIU – DISEMBARK SHIP - BUCHAREST - BRASOV, ROMANIA OR INSTANBUL, TURKEY

Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and board a motorcoach to journey through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest where you'll board your flight to Istanbul. (B)

OPTIONAL POST CRUISE LAND PROGRAMS

 

BUCHAREST

DAY 10, BRASOV

Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and board a motorcoach to journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you'll visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, which is forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Afterwards, you'll travel to the lovely village of Brasov. Enjoy a tour of the town and then check into your hotel. (B)

DAY 11, BRASOV - SIGHISOARA

Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighisoara, birthplace to Transylvania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula. It’s hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called “Casa Dracula.” (B))

DAY 12, BRASOV - BUCHAREST

Bucharest, Romania’s capital, has earned its nickname, the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a visit to the city’s most impressive sites - including the historic city center and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world. (B)

DAY 13, BUCHAREST

En route to Bucharest, stop in Sinaia to visit Pele Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Afterward, head to Snagov for a continuation of the Dracula theme. Snagov is the city where Vlad the Impaler is believed to be laid to rest at the 14th-century Snagov monastery. Later in the day, transfer to Bucharest and check into your hotel. (B)

DAY 14, DEPART BUCHAREST

Bid farewell to Burcharest as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

 

 

INSTANBUL

DAY 10, INSTANBUL, TURKEY

En route to Bucharest, stop in Sinaia to visit Peleș Castle, Transylvania's other enchanting castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Later in the day, cboard your flight to Istanbul, where you will check into your hotel. (B)

DAY 11, INSTANBUL

Depart your hotel for an enriching guided walking tour, during which you will explore the Hagia Sophia, formerly a church before becoming a mosque and finally a museum. A beautiful example of Old-World architecture, this museum showcases lovely Christian murals and Islamic symbols throughout. After the Hagia Sophia, visit Istanbul's similarly beautiful Blue Mosque, named for the Blue Iznik tiles that cover its interior. For those who are interested, be guided to the lively Grand Bazaar and venture through the market before returning to your hotel. (B)

DAY 12, INSTANBUL

Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women's quarters) and the Imperial Treasury's vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond. (B)

DAY 13, INSTANBUL

Bid farewell to Istanbul as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

 

 

 

2024 Per Person Cruise Fares