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. Taste Bulgarian wine in Vidin and visit one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Szekszárd. 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. Taste Bulgarian wine in Vidin, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Szekszárd. 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 |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
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 | Full-day Novi Sad Tour |
|
| | OR Vukovar Guided Bike Tour |
|
Explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on a full-day 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. You will also have the option to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress. Or enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House, Vukovar’s famous water tower, and the Vucedol Museum. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. In the afternoon, travel to Ilok, situated in the easternmost part of Croatia, to enjoy a wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars of Ilok, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
Day 4 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine 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. 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 making |
|
| | 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. 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 boutique winery just outside of Vidin. (B,L,D)
Day 7 | Rousse | Full-day Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Bucharest 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. Alternatively, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East,” for a full day tour. 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. In the afternoon, 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. (B,L,D)
*Not available with full-day excursions
Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
*Not available with full-day excursions
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 |
|
| | 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. 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 boutique winery situated just outside of 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. For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vukovar | Highlights of Vukovar walking tour |
|
| Novi Sad | OR Novi Sad walking tour |
|
Enjoy an afternoon in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings and clothing. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Wine connoisseurs will want to travel to Ilok, situated in the easternmost part of Croatia, to enjoy a wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars of Ilok, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour. Stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. You will also have the option to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress. (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 |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
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 | Full-day Novi Sad Tour |
|
| | OR Vukovar Guided Bike Tour |
|
Explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on a full-day 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. You will also have the option to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress. Or enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House, Vukovar’s famous water tower, and the Vucedol Museum. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. In the afternoon, travel to Ilok, situated in the easternmost part of Croatia, to enjoy a wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars of Ilok, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine 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. 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 making |
|
| | 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. 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 boutique winery just outside of Vidin. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Rousse | Full-day Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Bucharest 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. Alternatively, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East,” for a full day tour. 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. In the afternoon, 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. (B,L,D)
*Not available with full-day excursions
Day 10 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| Bran | Dracula’s Castle visit |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and continue to the legendary region of Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history. Arrive in the quaint mountain town of Bran where you will have lunch and visit the famous Bran castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle. After your tour of Bran Castle, you will continue to Braşov. Considered the heart of Romania and surrounded by the beautiful Southern Carpathians, Braşov is one of the most visited cities in Romania. (B)
Day 11 | Brasov | “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.” Considered the heart of Romania and surrounded by the beautiful Southern Carpathians, Brasov is one of the most visited cities in Romania. After returning from your excursion to Sighisoara you will enjoy a walk through history as you take a tour of Braşov’s Old town before ending at your hotel. (B)
Day 12 | Brasov | Peleş Royal Castle tour |
|
En route to Bucharest, you’ll visit 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 Romania’s capital city of Bucharest. (B)
Day 13 | Bucharest | Old Town walking tour |
|
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, has earned its nickname, the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the historic old town of Bucharest. You will observe the many changes this capital city has experienced through a mixture of architectural styles and cultural influences. Bucharest’s eclectic architecture is a mix of historical, neo-classical, communist-era and modern buildings. 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. The afternoon is free for you to explore the city on your own. (B)
Day 14 | Bucharest | Return flight home |
|
Bid farewell to Bucharest 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. 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 |
|
| | 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. 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 boutique winery situated just outside of 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. For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 10 | Vukovar | Highlights of Vukovar walking tour |
|
| Novi Sad | OR Novi Sad walking tour |
|
Enjoy an afternoon in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings and clothing. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Wine connoisseurs will want to travel to Ilok, situated in the easternmost part of Croatia, to enjoy a wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars of Ilok, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour. Stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. You will also have the option to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress. (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 |
|
| | OR Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
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 | Full-day Novi Sad Tour |
|
| | OR Vukovar Guided Bike Tour |
|
Explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on a full-day 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. You will also have the option to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress. Or enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House, Vukovar’s famous water tower, and the Vucedol Museum. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. In the afternoon, travel to Ilok, situated in the easternmost part of Croatia, to enjoy a wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars of Ilok, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotović wine 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. 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 making |
|
| | 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. 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 boutique winery just outside of Vidin. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Rousse | Full-day Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting excursion |
|
| | OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights Tour |
|
| | OR Full-day Bucharest 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. Alternatively, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East,” for a full day tour. 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. In the afternoon, 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. (B,L,D)
*Not available with full-day excursions
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 | 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 12 | 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 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 | Veliko Tarnovo 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. 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 |
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| | OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making |
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| | OR Dos Alamos wine 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, 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 boutique winery situated just outside of 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. For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 9 | Vukovar | Highlights of Vukovar walking tour |
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| Novi Sad | OR Novi Sad walking tour |
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Enjoy an afternoon in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings and clothing. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Wine connoisseurs will want to travel to Ilok, situated in the easternmost part of Croatia, to enjoy a wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars of Ilok, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour. Stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. You will also have the option to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress. (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)