Description:

Visit Bucharest, Oltenita, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi, Vidin, Belogradchik, Iron Gate & Kostolac, Belgrade, Osijek, Kalocsa, Budapest.

PASSAGE TO EASTERN EUROPE

Let us take you to the cities, towns and natural wonders of Eastern Europe, where so many fairy tales began. Experience two nights in bustling Budapest, cosmopolitan capital of Hungary; sail past dramatic natural wonders like the soaring white cliffs of the Iron Gate region; visit the Serbian capital of Belgrade and the Croatian town of Osijek; discover historical treasures of Bulgaria; and admire the graceful charms of the Romanian capital of Bucharest where you will enjoy one overnight stay. This itinerary is, quite simply, a revelation.

Day 1 Bucharest

Arrive at the Bucharest airport and transfer to the superior first class Athenee Palace Hilton (or similar) in the heart of the city for a 1-night stay.* Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or begin doing a bit of exploring on your own.

Day 2 Bucharest & Oltenita

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and take a morning tour of the city. See the Arch of Triumph, the Antim Monastery and the iconic Palace of Justice, completing your tour at the Palace of Parliament. You then proceed to Oltenita to board your ship and enjoy a welcome dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

Today you disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. There you will see Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Proceed to Arbanasi for lunch in a local restaurant and a guided tour of the Nativity Church with its intricate floor-to-ceiling murals and icons. Rejoin your ship at Nikopol/Svishtov and dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Vidin & Belogradchik

Arrive in the picturesque Bulgarian port of Vidin during breakfast, then take an excursion to see Belogradchik Fortress, built right into the striking Belogradchik Rocks. See the fortress’s amazing construction, begun in Roman times and greatly extended by Bulgarian czars and the Ottomans, and enjoy breathtaking views. Lunch aboard is followed by free time to explore Vidin’s city center, Orthodox churches and the ruins of the city’s once-grand synagogue. Depart during dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Scenic Cruising & Iron Gate

Today, enjoy scenic cruising as you travel through one of the most picturesque areas of the Lower Danube. The Iron Gate is one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders, a spectacular narrow gorge with enormous white limestone cliffs. Your cruise director will provide commentary about the region and scenic points of interest as you sail toward Belgrade. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Belgrade

Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress, now a beautiful park; also see the Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. Lunch aboard, then free time to explore Belgrade’s gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums, like the Nikola Tesla Museum. Dine aboard or experience some of Belgrade’s nightlife—we depart very late this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Osijek

Cruise along the Danube, arriving at Vukovar around noon. Disembark for an afternoon excursion to the charming Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited by humans since Neolithic times, this area has had several heydays under the Romans, the Ottomans and the Habsburgs; now it is a pleasant town popular for its baroque buildings, parks and monuments. Return aboard for dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Kalocsa

Sail into Hungary this morning, arriving in Kalocsa after lunch. Take a guided city tour including a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return to the ship and enjoy a festive final dinner aboard as we depart for Budapest. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Budapest

Disembark after breakfast and take a tour of Hungary’s capital, exploring both the “Buda” and “Pest” sides. Begin in Pest, where you see the National Opera House and visit historic Heroes’ Square. Cross the Chain Bridge to Buda, where you stroll Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Check in to the moderate deluxe Budapest Hilton (or similar) for a 2-night stay, then take the rest of the day to sightsee on your own—explore a museum, do some shopping or peek inside one of the Art Deco spas. (B)

Day 10 Budapest

Take a full day to explore Budapest on your own—ride around the city on its wonderful subway system, walk through the City Park or along the Pest embankment for views of the Buda Castle District, explore the Buda Castle Labyrinth, visit the Jewish Quarter and tour the beautifully restored Dohány Street Synagogue. Or, take an optional morning excursion to Visegrád. With a population of less than 2,000, Visegrád was used as a royal retreat, and it has no fewer than three castles. Enjoy the view of the Danube Bend before returning to the city in the early afternoon. (B)

Day 11 Budapest

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in a different country’s gracious capital: Vienna, Austria or Prague, Czech Republic. (B)

The following meals are included:

B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

*Transfers are not included. Let us know if you would like help arranging your airport transfers.