Season's greetings from the breathtaking Lower Danube, whose natural beauty and rich histories inspire wonder in travelers worldwide! Celebrate the holidays aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube, visiting historic sites and cultural events free from the holiday crowds. 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. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. On your exploration of Europe’s grandest cities, keep your eye out for Christmas Markets that delight locals and world travelers alike.
Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city.
Season's greetings from the breathtaking Lower Danube, whose natural beauty and rich histories inspire wonder in travelers worldwide! Celebrate the holidays aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube, visiting historic sites and cultural events ahead of the holiday crowds. 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. On your exploration of Europe’s grandest cities, keep your eye out for Christmas Markets that delight locals and world travelers alike. Plus, celebrate the holidays in Bucharest, "the Little Paris of the East," and Brasov, where Dracula lovers can visit Vlad the Impaler's legendary hometown. Combined with your extended stay in Vienna, you will experience a fascinating and diverse range of seasonal celebrations along the Danube, ensuring this will be a holiday season to remember!
Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city.
Season's greetings from the breathtaking Lower Danube, whose natural beauty and rich histories inspire wonder in travelers worldwide! Celebrate the holidays aboard one of the most elegantly decorated ships on the Danube, visiting historic sites and cultural events ahead of the holiday crowds. 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. On your exploration of Europe’s grandest cities, keep your eye out for Christmas Markets that delight locals and world travelers alike. Plus, celebrate the holidays in Bucharest, "the Little Paris of the East," and Brasov, where Dracula lovers can visit Vlad the Impaler's legendary hometown. Combined with your extended stay in Vienna, you will experience a fascinating and diverse range of seasonal celebrations along the Danube, ensuring this will be a holiday season to remember!
Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city.
Gems of Southeast Europe (Taste of Christmas)
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.
Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube |
|
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 Manor House |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian wine tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | Petrovaradin Fortress Evening Walk |
|
Enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower or enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. In the afternoon, explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on a guided walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. In the evening, join a walk to the Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting |
|
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 Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling 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 a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Iron Gates | Golubac Fortress visit |
|
| | Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates |
|
Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. 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 Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt 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. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour |
|
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. As a third choice, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Vienna | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour and Christmas Markets |
|
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. Following your city tour, spend your afternoon enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets. (B)
Day 3 | Budapest | Transfer to Budapest |
|
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. (B,D)
Day 4 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube |
|
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 5 | Vukovar | City tour and Eltz Manor House |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian wine tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | Petrovaradin Fortress Evening Walk |
|
Enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower or enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. In the afternoon, explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on a guided walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. In the evening, join a walk to the Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting |
|
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 Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling 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 a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Iron Gates | Golubac Fortress visit |
|
| | Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates |
|
Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt 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. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour |
|
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. As a third choice, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
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 | Braşov walking tour with Christmas Markets |
|
| | “Dracula’s Birthplace,” Sighișoara excursion |
|
Enjoy a walking tour around Braşov where the fairytale-like old town transforms into a beautiful Christmas Market. Afterward, 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 12 | Brasov | Transfer to Bran |
|
| Bran | Dracula’s Castle visit |
|
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 | “Paris of the East” tour |
|
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. Alternatively, you can choose a walking tour the historic old town. Explore the Romanian Christmas traditions as you stroll through the Bucharest Christmas Market where there will be plenty of holiday festivities to enjoy such as sipping on hot mulled wine or shopping for handcrafted gifts. (B)
Day 14 | Bucharest | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Burcharest as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Day 1 | Vienna | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 | Vienna | Imperial Vienna tour and Christmas Markets |
|
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. Following your city tour, spend your afternoon enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets. (B)
Day 3 | Budapest | Transfer to Budapest |
|
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. (B,D)
Day 4 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube |
|
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 5 | Vukovar | City tour and Eltz Manor House |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian wine tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | Petrovaradin Fortress Evening Walk |
|
Enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower or enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. In the afternoon, explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on a guided walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. In the evening, join a walk to the Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting |
|
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 Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling 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 a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Iron Gates | Golubac Fortress visit |
|
| | Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates |
|
Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt 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. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour |
|
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. As a third choice, 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. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Giurgiu | Disembarkation |
|
| Bucharest | Flight to Istanbul |
|
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 | Istanbul 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 12 | Istanbul | Topkapi Palace & Harem |
|
Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans’ Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women’s quarters) and the Imperial Treasury’s vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond. (B)
Day 13 | Istanbul | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Istanbul as you prepare for your flight home. (B)