Touch history and learn about winemaking traditions while sailing along the lower Danube River through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old winegrowing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. Visit local wineries in Vidin and in Szekszárd, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary. With a dedicated wine expert to guide you, indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board. Venture off the beaten path and enjoy an epicurean adventure that includes brandy, and local wines in five distinctive countries.
From Vienna to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, touch history and learn about winemaking traditions while sailing along the lower Danube River through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old winegrowing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. Visit local wineries in the Calafat wine region, and in Szekszárd, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary. With a dedicated wine expert to guide you, indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board. Venture off the beaten path and enjoy an epicurean adventure that includes brandy, and local wines in five distinctive countries.
From Vienna to Istanbul, and countless treasures in between, touch history and learn about winemaking traditions while sailing along the lower Danube River through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old winegrowing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. Visit local wineries in the Calafat wine region, and in Szekszárd, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary. With a dedicated wine expert to guide you, indulge in wine tastings and a specially curated food and wine pairing dinner on board. Venture off the beaten path and enjoy an epicurean adventure that includes brandy, and local wines in five distinctive countries.
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.
Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. (D)
Day 2 | Mohacs | Pecs Excursion |
|
| | Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube |
|
Enjoy an excursion to Pécs and see Szechenyi Square, the Christian Necropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and St. Peter's Basilica with its underground burial chambers. For a more active adventure, delight in a guided bike ride along the Danube River. For wine connoisseurs, you’ll visit the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 3 | Vukovar | City Tour with Eltz Manor House |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian Wine Tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Petrovardin Fortress hiking tour |
|
| | Petrovaradin Fortress Evening Walk |
|
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. 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. For the adventurous, enjoy a hike up and through the Petrovaradin Fortress or join a bike tour through Novi Sad. In the evening, visit 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 |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine tasting |
|
| | “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 Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Iron Gates | Golubac Fortress visit |
|
| | Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates |
|
Visit Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – before cruising through the Iron Gates – one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
Day 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, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi, or 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 Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour |
|
Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Or journey to a Rousse Wine House and the Leventa complex set in a unique fortification structure dating back almost 200 years and be treated to a tasting of three wines while learning about the wine making process of this winery. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Later in the day, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
Day 2 | Rousse | Full-day Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Full-day Bucharest 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, on full-day tours. 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. In the afternoon, journey to a Rousse Wine House and the Leventa complex where you will be treated to a tasting of three wines while learning about the wine making process of this winery. (B,L,D)
*Not available with full-day tours.
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. 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 Vidin. (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 Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Manor House |
|
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 where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. 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 |
|
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. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Budapest and 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 |
|
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered on your city
tour. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in
Vienna’s historic city center. (B)
Day 3 | 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. During the evening, be treated to an Illuminations cruise. (B,D)
Day 4 | Mohacs | Pecs Excursion |
|
| | Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube |
|
Enjoy an excursion to Pécs and see Szechenyi Square, the Christian Necropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and St. Peter's Basilica with its underground burial chambers. For a more active adventure, delight in a guided bike ride along the Danube River. For wine connoisseurs, you’ll visit the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Vukovar | City Tour with Eltz Manor House |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian Wine Tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Petrovardin Fortress hiking tour |
|
| | Petrovaradin Fortress Evening Walk |
|
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. 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. For the adventurous, enjoy a hike up and through the Petrovaradin Fortress or join a bike tour through Novi Sad. In the evening, visit 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 |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine tasting |
|
| | “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 Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Iron Gates | Golubac Fortress visit |
|
| | Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates |
|
Visit Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – before cruising through the Iron Gates – one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Vidin | 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, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi, or 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 Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour |
|
Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Or journey to a Rousse Wine House and the Leventa complex set in a unique fortification structure dating back almost 200 years and be treated to a tasting of three wines while learning about the wine making process of this winery. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Later in the day, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Sinaia | Peleş Royal Castle tour |
|
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 |
|
| | “Dracula’s Birthplace,” Sighișoara excursion |
|
Enjoy a walking tour around Braşov. 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 | Bran Castle tour |
|
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 | Old Town walking tour |
|
This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the historic old town of Bucharest. Observe the many changes this capital city has experienced through a mixture of architectural styles and cultural influences. Your guided tour will take you through the old town and show you the most popular places in Bucharest while hearing stories of its history and getting local insights for shopping and dining opportunities. (B)
Day 14 | Bucharest | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Burcharest as you prepare for your homeward flight. (B)
Day 1 | Bucharest | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Bucharest and check in to your lovely hotel.
Day 2 | Bucharest | Old Town walking tour |
|
This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the historic old town of Bucharest. Observe the many changes this capital city has experienced through a mixture of architectural styles and cultural influences. Your guided tour will take you through the old town and show you the most popular places in Bucharest while hearing stories of its history and getting local insights for shopping and dining opportunities. (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 | Full-day Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Full-day Bucharest 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, on full-day tours. 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. In the afternoon, journey to a Rousse Wine House and the Leventa complex where you will be treated to a tasting of three wines while learning about the wine making process of this winery. (B,L,D)
*Not available with full-day tours.
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. 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 Vidin. (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 Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Manor House |
|
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 where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. 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 |
|
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. (B,L,D)
Day 12 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| | Budapest sightseeing tour |
|
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 | Vienna | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 | 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 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 | Mohacs | Pecs Excursion |
|
| | Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube |
|
Enjoy an excursion to Pécs and see Szechenyi Square, the Christian Necropolis – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and St. Peter's Basilica with its underground burial chambers. For a more active adventure, delight in a guided bike ride along the Danube River. For wine connoisseurs, you’ll visit the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Vukovar | City Tour with Eltz Manor House |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian Wine Tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Petrovardin Fortress hiking tour |
|
| | Petrovaradin Fortress Evening Walk |
|
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. 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. For the adventurous, enjoy a hike up and through the Petrovaradin Fortress or join a bike tour through Novi Sad. In the evening, visit 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 |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine tasting |
|
| | “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 Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Iron Gates | Golubac Fortress visit |
|
| | Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates |
|
Visit Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – before cruising through the Iron Gates – one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
Day 8 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
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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, enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi, or 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 |
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| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
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| | OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour |
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Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Or journey to a Rousse Wine House and the Leventa complex set in a unique fortification structure dating back almost 200 years and be treated to a tasting of three wines while learning about the wine making process of this winery. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Later in the day, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture, followed by a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Giurgiu | Disembarkation |
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| Bucharest | Flight to Istanbul |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Bid farewell to Istanbul as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Day 1 | Istanbul | Hotel check-in |
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Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 | Istanbul | Istanbul Walking Tour |
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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 3 | Istanbul | Topkapi Palace & Harem |
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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 4 | Istanbul | Hotel check-out |
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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 | Full-day Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
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| | OR Full-day Bucharest excursion |
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| | OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churche |
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Experience more of Bucharest or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples, on full-day tours. 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. In the afternoon, journey to a Rousse Wine House and the Leventa complex where you will be treated to a tasting of three wines while learning about the wine making process of this winery. (B,L,D)
*Not available with full-day tours.
Day 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour |
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| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
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Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. Or enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery situated just outside Vidin. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Iron Gates | Scenic cruising |
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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 |
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| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
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| | “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting |
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| | OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade |
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Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. Then, savor the taste of a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
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| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
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| Ilok | Vukovar City Tour with Eltz Manor House |
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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 where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. 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 |
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| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
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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. (B,L,D)
Day 11 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
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| | Budapest sightseeing tour |
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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 |
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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 |
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Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)