Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to see Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing 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.
From Bucharest to Vienna, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to see Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing 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. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Vidin’s Baba Vida castle.
From Istanbul to Vienna, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Turkey, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you journey along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to see Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing 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. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Vidin’s Baba Vida castle.
COUNTRIES:
Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, SerbiaBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, SerbiaBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
RIVERS:
Danube
Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise)
At A Glance
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
| Day 2 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churche |
|
Experience more of Bucharest, or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
|
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. Later, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in the city of Calafat. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Iron Gates | Scenic cruising |
|
The Iron Gates are some 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. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Royal Palace & Tito’s Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | Quburich Brandy Tasting & Avala Mountain |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family – and tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia; or hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Alternatively, journey to the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade, and enjoy perfectly paired wine and snacks as you learn ancient uses of wine and get expert advice on balancing wine and food. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Castle |
|
Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” 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 to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Or, learn how to prepare traditional Vojvodina cuisine by a chef and local homemakers and enjoy a taste of your culinary creation. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike ride along the Danube |
|
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. 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 Szekszárd 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 from Mohács through Danube-Drava National Park. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
| Day 2 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churche |
|
Experience more of Bucharest, or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
|
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. Later, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in the city of Calafat. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Iron Gates | Scenic cruising |
|
The Iron Gates are some 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. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Royal Palace & Tito’s Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | Quburich Brandy Tasting & Avala Mountain |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family – and tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia; or hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Alternatively, journey to the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade, and enjoy perfectly paired wine and snacks as you learn ancient uses of wine and get expert advice on balancing wine and food. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Castle |
|
Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” 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 to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Or, learn how to prepare traditional Vojvodina cuisine by a chef and local homemakers and enjoy a taste of your culinary creation. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike ride along the Danube |
|
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. 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 Szekszárd 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 from Mohács through Danube-Drava National Park. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Bucharest | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Bucharest and check in to your lovely hotel.
| Day 2 | Bucharest | Bucharest City Tour & Parliament Palace Visit |
|
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. Or take a walking tour of Bucharest’s Old Town. (B)
| Day 3 | Brasov | Transfer to Brasov |
|
| | Bran Castle visit and Brasov tour |
|
Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour around Braşov. Later, head to Braşov for a tour and check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 4 | Brasov | Sighișoara excursion |
|
Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighişoara, birthplace to Transylvania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Ţepeş, 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 5 | Sinaia | Transfer to Sinaia |
|
Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you’ll visit Peleș 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. Later in the day, transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. (B,D)
| Day 6 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churche |
|
Experience more of Bucharest, or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
|
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. Later, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in the city of Calafat. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Iron Gates | Scenic cruising |
|
The Iron Gates are some 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. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Royal Palace & Tito’s Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | Quburich Brandy Tasting & Avala Mountain |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family – and tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia; or hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Alternatively, journey to the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade, and enjoy perfectly paired wine and snacks as you learn ancient uses of wine and get expert advice on balancing wine and food. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Castle |
|
Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” 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 to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Or, learn how to prepare traditional Vojvodina cuisine by a chef and local homemakers and enjoy a taste of your culinary creation. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike ride along the Danube |
|
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. 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 Szekszárd 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 from Mohács through Danube-Drava National Park. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to your ship and take a
sighteeing tour of Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with visit to the vibrant Great
Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes
you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes
views from historic Buda Castle, a visit to Fishermen’s Bastion and the beautifully colored Matthias Church. Later
in the day, travel to Vienna where you will check into your hotel and enjoy some free time. (B)
| Day 13 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
Savor the imperial elegance of romantic Vienna during a guided sightseeing tour past the city’s
most famous and beautiful locales, including the UNESCO-designated historice city center. See the regal Vienna
State Opera house, towering St. Stpehen’s Cathedral with its fascinating eagle mosaics and geometric patterned
roof, and the majestic Ringstrasse, Vienna’s famed ring road, lined with incredible architecture, monuments and
parks. You’ll also have some free time to explore Vienna on your own. (B)
| Day 14 | Vienna | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Bucharest | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Bucharest and check in to your lovely hotel.
| Day 2 | Bucharest | Bucharest City Tour & Parliament Palace Visit |
|
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. Or take a walking tour of Bucharest’s Old Town. (B)
| Day 3 | Brasov | Transfer to Brasov |
|
| | Bran Castle visit and Brasov tour |
|
Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Afterwards, enjoy a walking tour around Braşov. Later, head to Braşov for a tour and check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 4 | Brasov | Sighișoara excursion |
|
Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighişoara, birthplace to Transylvania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Ţepeş, 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 5 | Sinaia | Transfer to Sinaia |
|
Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you’ll visit Peleș 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. Later in the day, transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. (B,D)
| Day 6 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churche |
|
Experience more of Bucharest, or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
|
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. Later, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in the city of Calafat. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Iron Gates | Scenic cruising |
|
The Iron Gates are some 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. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Royal Palace & Tito’s Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | Quburich Brandy Tasting & Avala Mountain |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family – and tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia; or hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Alternatively, journey to the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade, and enjoy perfectly paired wine and snacks as you learn ancient uses of wine and get expert advice on balancing wine and food. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Castle |
|
Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” 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 to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Or, learn how to prepare traditional Vojvodina cuisine by a chef and local homemakers and enjoy a taste of your culinary creation. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike ride along the Danube |
|
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. 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 Szekszárd 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 from Mohács through Danube-Drava National Park. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to your ship and take a
sighteeing tour of Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with visit to the vibrant Great
Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes
you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes
views from historic Buda Castle, a visit to Fishermen’s Bastion and the beautifully colored Matthias Church. Later
in the day, travel to Vienna where you will check into your hotel and enjoy some free time. (B)
| Day 13 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
Savor the imperial elegance of romantic Vienna during a guided sightseeing tour past the city’s
most famous and beautiful locales, including the UNESCO-designated historice city center. See the regal Vienna
State Opera house, towering St. Stpehen’s Cathedral with its fascinating eagle mosaics and geometric patterned
roof, and the majestic Ringstrasse, Vienna’s famed ring road, lined with incredible architecture, monuments and
parks. You’ll also have some free time to explore Vienna on your own. (B)
| Day 14 | Vienna | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Istanbul | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Istanbul | Topkapi Palace tour |
|
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 3 | Istanbul | Istanbul City walking tour |
|
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 İznik 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 4 | Istanbul | Hotel check-out |
|
Check out of your Istanbul hotel and fly to Bucharest. Transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark your ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
| Day 5 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churche |
|
Experience more of Bucharest, or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
|
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. Later, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in the city of Calafat. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Iron Gates | Scenic cruising |
|
The Iron Gates are some 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. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Royal Palace & Tito’s Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | Quburich Brandy Tasting & Avala Mountain |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family – and tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia; or hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Alternatively, journey to the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade, and enjoy perfectly paired wine and snacks as you learn ancient uses of wine and get expert advice on balancing wine and food. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Castle |
|
Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” 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 to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Or, learn how to prepare traditional Vojvodina cuisine by a chef and local homemakers and enjoy a taste of your culinary creation. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike ride along the Danube |
|
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. 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 Szekszárd 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 from Mohács through Danube-Drava National Park. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| | Budapest sightseeing tour |
|
Disembark the ship and enjoy a city tour of Budapest where you will see the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Chain Bridge. Check into your Vienna hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city. (B)
| Day 12 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
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 13 | Vienna | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
| Day 1 | Istanbul | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Istanbul | Topkapi Palace tour |
|
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 3 | Istanbul | Istanbul City walking tour |
|
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 İznik 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 4 | Istanbul | Hotel check-out |
|
Check out of your Istanbul hotel and fly to Bucharest. Transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark your ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
| Day 5 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churche |
|
Experience more of Bucharest, or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
|
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. Later, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery in the city of Calafat. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Iron Gates | Scenic cruising |
|
The Iron Gates are some 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. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Royal Palace & Tito’s Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | Quburich Brandy Tasting & Avala Mountain |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or visit the Royal Palace – the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family – and tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia; or hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Alternatively, journey to the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade, and enjoy perfectly paired wine and snacks as you learn ancient uses of wine and get expert advice on balancing wine and food. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Castle |
|
Discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” 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 to Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Or, learn how to prepare traditional Vojvodina cuisine by a chef and local homemakers and enjoy a taste of your culinary creation. Later in the day, cruise to Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike ride along the Danube |
|
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. 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 Szekszárd 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 from Mohács through Danube-Drava National Park. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| | Budapest sightseeing tour |
|
Disembark the ship and enjoy a city tour of Budapest where you will see the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica and the Chain Bridge. Check into your Vienna hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city. (B)
| Day 12 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
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 13 | Vienna | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)