From Budapest to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, 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 Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity go to Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighi?oara, birthplace of Dracula; and to Bulgaria’s natural wonders, 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. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
From Vienna to Istanbul, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey 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; or to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. 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 Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
From Vienna to Bucharest, 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 Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity go to
Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighișoara, birthplace of Dracula; and to Bulgaria’s natural wonders, 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. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
From Budapest to Bucharest, touch history in Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the lower Danube. Medieval towns, Roman ruins and the Iron Gate showcase the best of Eastern Europe. Visit Belogradchik, Bulgaria’s natural wonder, and Serbia’s Novi Sad. Taste history from centuries-old vineyards in Ilok, and visit two of Romania’s legendary castles, Bran and Peleș. Throughout your journey, be treated to the flavors and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
COUNTRIES:
Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, SerbiaBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, SerbiaBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, SerbiaBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia
RIVERS:
Danube
Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise)
At A Glance
On our 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 upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, 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 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 around Mohács. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Vukovar | City tour and Eltz Castle |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian wine tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | Fruska Gora National Park hike |
|
| | Evening Petrovaradin Fortress visit |
|
Vukovar is 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. 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 4 | Belgrade | Belgrade “City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito's Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine tasting |
|
Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of history at Cellar Panajotović, owned by the Panajotović family for over 90 years. Descend underground to the Roman-era passages beneath Belgrade’s Senjak Hill, which boast the ideal temperature for storing and tasting the wine. Delve into the complexities of Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the family’s most popular blend, a semi-sweet white known as Śeherezada.
| Day 5 | Iron Gates | Full-day scenic cruising |
|
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 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik with choice to hike |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
|
| | OR Dos Alamos wine tasting |
|
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. Or enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches tour |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
|
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. 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)
Embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, 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 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 around Mohács. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Vukovar | City tour and Eltz Castle |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian wine tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | Fruska Gora National Park hike |
|
| | Evening Petrovaradin Fortress visit |
|
Vukovar is 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. 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 4 | Belgrade | Belgrade “City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito's Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine tasting |
|
Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of history at Cellar Panajotović, owned by the Panajotović family for over 90 years. Descend underground to the Roman-era passages beneath Belgrade’s Senjak Hill, which boast the ideal temperature for storing and tasting the wine. Delve into the complexities of Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the family’s most popular blend, a semi-sweet white known as Śeherezada.
| Day 5 | Iron Gates | Full-day scenic cruising |
|
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 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik with choice to hike |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
|
| | OR Dos Alamos wine tasting |
|
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. Or enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches tour |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
|
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. 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)
Embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, 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 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 around Mohács. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Vukovar | City tour and Eltz Castle |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian wine tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | Fruska Gora National Park hike |
|
| | Evening Petrovaradin Fortress visit |
|
Vukovar is 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. 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 4 | Belgrade | Belgrade “City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito's Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine tasting |
|
Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of history at Cellar Panajotović, owned by the Panajotović family for over 90 years. Descend underground to the Roman-era passages beneath Belgrade’s Senjak Hill, which boast the ideal temperature for storing and tasting the wine. Delve into the complexities of Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the family’s most popular blend, a semi-sweet white known as Śeherezada.
| Day 5 | Iron Gates | Full-day scenic cruising |
|
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 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik with choice to hike |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
|
| | OR Dos Alamos wine tasting |
|
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. Or enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches tour |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
|
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. 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)
Embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, 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 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 around Mohács. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Vukovar | City tour and Eltz Castle |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian wine tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | Fruska Gora National Park hike |
|
| | Evening Petrovaradin Fortress visit |
|
Vukovar is 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. 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 4 | Belgrade | Belgrade “City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito's Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine tasting |
|
Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of history at Cellar Panajotović, owned by the Panajotović family for over 90 years. Descend underground to the Roman-era passages beneath Belgrade’s Senjak Hill, which boast the ideal temperature for storing and tasting the wine. Delve into the complexities of Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the family’s most popular blend, a semi-sweet white known as Śeherezada.
| Day 5 | Iron Gates | Full-day scenic cruising |
|
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 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik with choice to hike |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
|
| | OR Dos Alamos wine tasting |
|
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. Or enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches tour |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
|
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. 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. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)