Gems of the Southeast Wine cruise

7 night cruise between Budapest to Giurgui

2 nights pre cruise land tour of Vienna

and 3 nights post land tour of Brasov and Bucharest

or 3 nights in Instanbul (instead of Brasov and Bucharest)

From Vienna to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, touch history and learn about winemaking traditions while sailing along the lower Danube River through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old winegrowing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. Visit local wineries in the Calafat wine region, and in Szekszárd, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary. With a dedicated wine expert to guide you, indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board. Venture off the beaten path and enjoy an epicurean adventure that includes brandy, and local wines in five distinctive countries.

Day 1 ARRIVE IN VIENNA AUSTRIA

Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel.

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- EMBARKATION

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

Enjoy an excursion to Pacs and see Szechenyi Square, the Christian Necropolis a UNESCO World Heritage Site and St. Peter's Basilica with its underground burial chambers. For a more active adventure, delight in a guided bike ride along the Danube River. For wine connoisseurs, you'll visit the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 5 NOVI SAD, SERBIA

Learn about the history of the Balkan Wars as you visit the Ovara Memorial and explore Eltz Manor House, with its collection of artifacts, paintings and clothing - both located in Vukovar. Or, ride through Vukovar and the picturesque vineyards surrounding Ilok and stop at the Principovac Wine Estate for panoramic views of the area before arriving at the Old Cellars of Ilok for a wine tasting and tour. Once 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. 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 Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)

Day 7 SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES

Visit Golubac Fortress - one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe - before cruising through the Iron Gates - 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 - BULGARIA

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. 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. Or enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, situated in the Calafat region. (B,L,D)

Day 9 ROUSSE - GIURGIU, ROMANIA

Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Or journey to a Rousse Wine House and the Leventa complex set in a unique fortification structure dating back almost 200 years and be treated to a tasting of three wines while learning about the wine making process of this winery. 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 - DISEMBARKATION - BRASOV (or ISTANBUL listed below)

Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and continue to the legendary region of Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history. Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia you will visit Peles Castle. Peles Castle is considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe and a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance with 160 rooms filled with priceless European art. After your tour of Peles Castle you will depart for Brasov. (B)

Day 11 BRASOV - SIGHISOARA

Enjoy a walking tour around Brasov. Afterward, 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 BRAN - BUCHAREST

En route to Bucharest, you'll visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Later in the day, transfer to Bucharest and check into your hotel. (B)

Day 13 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. Alternatively, you can choose a walking tour the historic old town. (B)

Day 13 DEPART BUCHAREST

Bid farewell to Bucharest and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

 

OR 3 NIGHT LAND PROGRAM IN ISTANBUL TURKEY

Day 10 GIURGIU - DISEMBARKATION - BUCHAREST - ISTANBUL, TURKEY

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

Day 11 ISTANBUL

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 12 ISTANBUL

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 13 DEPART ISTANBUL

Bid farewell to Istanbul and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)

2023 - 2024 Per Person Cruise Fares

Cruise Departure	Ship:	Piano Deck - Cat E w/window	Piano Deck - Cat D w/window	Violin/Cello Deck - Cat C w/ French balcony aft	Cello Deck - Cat BB w/twin balconies fwd & mid	Violin Deck - Cat BA aft w/twin balconies	Cello Deck - Cat AB w/twin balconies	Violinr Deck - Cat AA w/twin balconies	Violin Deck - Suite w/twin balconies
Budapest to Giurgiu
18-Mar-24	AmaVerde	$2,999	$3,298	$4,298	$4,898	$5,098	$5,298	$5,498	$6,798
08-Aug-24	AmaVerde	$3,999	$4,298	$5,298	$5,898	$6,098	$6,298	$6,498	$7,798

 

2023 - 2024 Per Person Cruise Fares

Cruise Departure	Ship:	Piano Deck - Cat E w/window	Piano Deck - Cat D w/window	Violin/Cello Deck - Cat C w/ French balcony aft	Cello Deck - Cat BB w/twin balconies fwd & mid	Violin Deck - Cat BA aft w/twin balconies	Cello Deck - Cat AB w/twin balconies	Violinr Deck - Cat AA w/twin balconies	Violin Deck - Suite w/twin balconies
Giurgiu to Budapest
14-Aug-23	AmaVerde	$3,899	$4,198	$4,998	$5,598	$5,798	$5,998	$6,198	$7,498
6-Nov-23	AmaVerde	$3,599	$3,898	$4,698	$5,298	$5,498	$5,698	$5,898	$7,198
18-Mar-24	AmaVerde	$3,799	$4,098	$4,898	$5,498	$5,698	$5,898	$6,098	$7,398
25-Mar-24	AmaVerde	$3,799	$4,098	$4,898	$5,498	$5,698	$5,898	$6,098	$7,398