| Day 1 | DEPART USA/CANADA
Board your overnight flight to Vienna, Austria. |
| Day 2 | ARRIVE IN VIENNA
Arrive in Vienna and check-in to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. |
| Day 3 | VIENNA
This morning, your city tour takes you around the Burgring, the circular road around Vienna’s historic center. You will also take a walking tour through Vienna’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Highlights of your tour will include the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse, and the awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore on your own or join an optional tour to the Imperial Schonbrunn Palace. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own or attend an optional Mozart and Strauss concert. (B) |
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| Day 4 | VIENNA - BUDAPEST - EMBARKATION
Bid farewell to Vienna as you check out of the hotel and transfer to Budapest, where you will have free time for lunch followed by a sightseeing tour of Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle, enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features a visit to the Fisherman’s Bastion. Afterwards, board your ship which is docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. (B,D) |
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| Day 5 | MOHACS - PECS - VILLANY
Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast and then depart for your excursion to Pecs, the 2010 European Union Cultural Capital. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian diocese and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival, visit the Mosque Church, the largest structure surviving from the Ottoman period, as well as the underground burial chambers that date back to the 4th century. You will also see St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral, as well as the restored Synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohacs. After lunch, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion to sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilany. As an alternative, take a guided bicycle tour to Mohacs in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | VUKOVAR, CROATIA - NOVI SAD, SERBIA
This morning, choose either a “Yugoslav Civil War” tour of Vukovar or wine tasting in the town of Ilok. Your city tour of Vukovar includes the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that is a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. As an alternative, travel to the town of Ilok, which is famous for its wines. Here, you will visit a local winery and sample their vintages before your walking tour of the town. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad in the afternoon, beginning at Danube Park, then stroll through the Old Town district. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | BELGRADE
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of some of the city’s 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. You will also see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava as part of your tour. As an alternative, take the “Tito’s Memorial” tour, which includes a visit to the House of Flowers, where the tomb of Josip Tito is located. You will also see some of the many gifts Tito received during his presidency. You will have free time in the city center after your tour to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the city’s main pedestrian and shopping area. A guided bicycle tour is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES - VIDIN, BULGARIA
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern Balkan Mountains. This natural border between Serbia and Romania will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. Late this evening, the ship cruises to Vidin. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | VIDIN
The Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, stands guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th- century castle has massive walls and four imposing towers, a stark contrast to the bucolic park that surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradchik, a beautifully restored 6th- century castle, located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | GIURGIU - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - ROUSSE, BULGARIA
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” Begin your day with a visit to the Palace of the Parliament or opt for a city tour with a visit to the Open Air Museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture of rural Romania. After lunch take a tour of the newly renovated Lipscani district, the historical city center of Bucharest. The evening is yours to spend however you wish. (B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | ROUSSE – DISEMBARKATION – VELIKO TARNOVO – PLOVDIV, BULGARIA
Disembark the ship in Rousse and continue your tour by motor coach. Your first stop is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo, where you will visit Samovodska Charshia, a traditional market. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a hotel in Veliko Tarnovo, where you will sample a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing on to Plovdiv. This evening, see the main highlights of Plovdiv Old Town on a walking tour before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D) |
| Day 12 | PLOVDIV - ISTANBUL, TURKEY
After breakfast, continue on to exotic Istanbul for the grand three-night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage. You will stop for lunch in Erdine, and then continue on to Istanbul where you will check into your hotel. The rest of the evening is free to explore on your own. (B,L) |
| Day 13 | ISTANBUL
A comprehensive city tour will take you through its Old City, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the beautiful and historic Blue Mosque, so named for the blue tiles adorning its interior. This afternoon is free to explore the town on your own or join the optional “Turkish Delight” tour, an in-depth look at some of Istanbul’s most unique sights. (B) |
| Day 14 | ISTANBUL
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the spectacular Ottoman Sultans’ Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th century. During your tour, admire 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. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise to Istanbul’s chic, trendy neighborhood of Ortaköy, or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at a tea house or café. (B) |
| Day 15 | DEPART ISTANBUL
Prepare for your homeward flight. (B) |
| Day 1 | DEPART USA/CANADA
Board overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey. |
| Day 2 | ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul and check-in to your hotel. The balance of the day is free to start exploring this beautiful city. |
| Day 3 | ISTANBUL
This morning's comprehensive city tour will take you through the Old City, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the Hippodrome built by Emperor Constantine the Great, and the Galata Tower, which provides a spectacular view of the Golden Horn, a natural harbor. You will also visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Turkey’s National Mosque, also known as the “Blue Mosque” because of the blue tiles adorning its interior. Later, you can explore the town on your own or join an optional “Turkish Delight” tour, which offers an in-depth look at some of Istanbul’s most unique sights. (B) |
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| Day 4 | ISTANBUL
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th- 19th-century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the Harem (women’s quarters), and see the Imperial Treasury’s vast collection – including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosphorus cruise to Istanbul’s trendy neighborhood of Ortakoy, or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at a charming tea house or restaurant. (B) |
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| Day 5 | ISTANBUL - PLOVDIV, BULGARIA
You will leave Istanbul this morning and continue your tour by motorcoach. After lunch in Erdine, enjoy a scenic journey through the Bulgarian countryside en route to Plovdiv. You will have a panoramic tour of the city after checking into your hotel. The remainder of the evening is yours to explore this quaint Bulgarian town. (B) |
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| Day 6 | PLOVDIV - VELIKO TURNAVO - ROUSSE - EMBARKATION
This afternoon, enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before touring the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. You will see the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church, and the Baldwin’s Tower. Passengers who wish to shop may instead visit Samovodska Charshia, a traditional market street. Tonight, gather on board for a Welcome Dinner. (B,L,D) |
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| Day 7 | GIURGIU – BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” Begin your day with a visit to the Palace of the Parliament or opt for a city tour with a visit to the Open Air Museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture of rural Romania. After lunch take a tour of the newly renovated Lipscani district, the historical city center of Bucharest. The evening is yours to spend however you wish. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | VIDIN, BULGARIA
Today, you will enjoy a leisurely day of cruising the Danube, arriving in the late afternoon in Vidin. The Bada Vida fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, stands guard over this Bulgarian frontier town. The 14th-century structure has thick walls and imposing towers, a stark contrast to the bucolic park that surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th century castle, located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9 | CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES
Today is a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern Balkan Mountains. This natural border between Serbia and Romania will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. (B,L,D) |
| Day 10 | BELGRADE, SERBIA
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of some of the city’s 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. You will also see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava as part of your tour. As an alternative, take the “Tito’s Memorial” tour, which includes a visit to the House of Flowers, where the tomb of Josip Tito is located. You will also see some of the many gifts Tito received during his presidency. You will have free time in the city center after your tour to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the city’s main pedestrian and shopping area. A guided bicycle tour is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) |
| Day 11 | NOVI SAD - VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Arrive in Novi Sad in the morning and enjoy a walking tour from Danube Park to the old town center. After your tour, the ship continues on to Ilok, Croatia. Choose between an excursion to Ilok with a wine tasting or a city tour of Vukovar. Vukovar’s rich history bears the influence of the Austrians, Ottoman Turks, Germans, Croatians and Serbians. See Vukovar’s Baroque town center, the Franciscan Monastery, the Castle of the former ruling Eltz family, and the monumental cross that is a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. (B,L,D) |
| Day 12 | MOHÁCS - PÉCS, HUNGARY
This morning the ship arrives in Mohács, where you depart for your excursion to Pécs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pécs became an important early Christian diocese and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. The area around Pécs is made up of rolling hills, vine clad slopes and a modest climate that give the city a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival, you will take a city tour that includes UNESCO underground excavations, St. Peter’s Basilica, the main Catholic Cathedral in the city, as well as the restored Synagogue. You will return to the ship in Mohács. (B,L,D) |
| Day 13 | BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION
Bid farewell to your ship as you disembark for your tour of Buda and Pest. From historic Buda Castle, enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities below. Your tour also includes the Fisherman’s Bastion, the Royal Palace, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Heroes’ Square, and much more. (B,L,D) |
| Day 14 | VIENNA
This morning, enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Vienna, the music capital of the world. You will see such sights as the Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The remainder of the day is yours to explore this romantic city. Tonight, you may experience an optional Mozart and Strauss concert in one of the great formal concert houses of Imperial Vienna. (B) |
| Day 15 | DEPART VIENNA
Say farewell to Austria and prepare for your flight home. (B) |
| Day 1 | BUDAPEST - EMBARKATION
Embark on your cruise in Budapest. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner. (B,D) |
| Day 2 | MOHACS - PECS - VILLANY
Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast and then depart for your excursion to Pecs, the 2010 European Union Cultural Capital. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian diocese and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival, visit the Mosque Church, the largest structure surviving from the Ottoman period, as well as the underground burial chambers that date back to the 4th century. You will also see St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral, as well as the restored Synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohacs. After lunch, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion to sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilany. As an alternative, take a guided bicycle tour to Mohacs in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | VUKOVAR, CROATIA - NOVI SAD, SERBIA
This morning, choose either a “Yugoslav Civil War” tour of Vukovar or wine tasting in the town of Ilok. Your city tour of Vukovar includes the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that is a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. As an alternative, travel to the town of Ilok, which is famous for its wines. Here, you will visit a local winery and sample their vintages before your walking tour of the town. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad in the afternoon, beginning at Danube Park, then stroll through the Old Town district. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | BELGRADE
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of some of the city’s 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. You will also see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava as part of your tour. As an alternative, take the “Tito’s Memorial” tour, which includes a visit to the House of Flowers, where the tomb of Josip Tito is located. You will also see some of the many gifts Tito received during his presidency. You will have free time in the city center after your tour to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the city’s main pedestrian and shopping area. A guided bicycle tour is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES - VIDIN, BULGARIA
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern Balkan Mountains. This natural border between Serbia and Romania will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. Late this evening, the ship cruises to Vidin. (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | VIDIN
The Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, stands guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th- century castle has massive walls and four imposing towers, a stark contrast to the bucolic park that surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradchik, a beautifully restored 6th- century castle, located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | GIURGIU - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - ROUSSE, BULGARIA
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” Begin your day with a visit to the Palace of the Parliament or opt for a city tour with a visit to the Open Air Museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture of rural Romania. After lunch take a tour of the newly renovated Lipscani district, the historical city center of Bucharest. The evening is yours to spend however you wish. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | ROUSSE - DISEMBARKATION
Disembark the ship in Rousse. (B) |
| Day 1 | ROUSSE - EMBARKATION
Embark your ship in Rousse. Tonight gather on board for a Welcome Cocktail and Dinner. (B,L,D) |
| Day 2 | GIURGIU – BUCHAREST, ROMANIA
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” Begin your day with a visit to the Palace of the Parliament or opt for a city tour with a visit to the Open Air Museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture of rural Romania. After lunch take a tour of the newly renovated Lipscani district, the historical city center of Bucharest. The evening is yours to spend however you wish. (B,L,D) |
| Day 3 | VIDIN, BULGARIA
Today, you will enjoy a leisurely day of cruising the Danube, arriving in the late afternoon in Vidin. The Bada Vida fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, stands guard over this Bulgarian frontier town. The 14th-century structure has thick walls and imposing towers, a stark contrast to the bucolic park that surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th century castle, located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4 | CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES
Today is a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern Balkan Mountains. This natural border between Serbia and Romania will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5 | BELGRADE, SERBIA
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of some of the city’s 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. You will also see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava as part of your tour. As an alternative, take the “Tito’s Memorial” tour, which includes a visit to the House of Flowers, where the tomb of Josip Tito is located. You will also see some of the many gifts Tito received during his presidency. You will have free time in the city center after your tour to stroll along Prince Michael Street, the city’s main pedestrian and shopping area. A guided bicycle tour is available in the afternoon (capacity controlled). (B,L,D) |
| Day 6 | NOVI SAD - VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Arrive in Novi Sad in the morning and enjoy a walking tour from Danube Park to the old town center. After your tour, the ship continues on to Ilok, Croatia. Choose between an excursion to Ilok with a wine tasting or a city tour of Vukovar. Vukovar’s rich history bears the influence of the Austrians, Ottoman Turks, Germans, Croatians and Serbians. See Vukovar’s Baroque town center, the Franciscan Monastery, the Castle of the former ruling Eltz family, and the monumental cross that is a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. (B,L,D) |
| Day 7 | MOHÁCS - PÉCS, HUNGARY
This morning the ship arrives in Mohács, where you depart for your excursion to Pécs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pécs became an important early Christian diocese and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. The area around Pécs is made up of rolling hills, vine clad slopes and a modest climate that give the city a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival, you will take a city tour that includes UNESCO underground excavations, St. Peter’s Basilica, the main Catholic Cathedral in the city, as well as the restored Synagogue. You will return to the ship in Mohács. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8 | BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION
Disembark your cruise in Budapest. (B) |
