Itinerary Details
Day 1 Bucharest.
Fly to Bucharest where you will be met and transferred to the Athene Palace Hilton hotel (or similar) for one night.
Day 2 Bucharest – Fetesti. ( Embarkation )
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s capital city, and its wide, tree-lined boulevards and Arc de Triomphebuilt in 1922 to honor the bravery of Romanian soldiers who fought in WWIhave gained it the name ‘Paris of the East’. During your INCLUDED TOUR this morning, see the main sights including Royal Palace Square, was the scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. Later, a coach ride takes you to Oltenita, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B, D)
Day 3 St. Gheorghe.
Excursion to Danube Delta; Km 0 celebration; on-board lecture
This morning during breakfast, dock in St. Gheorghe, from where the excursion into the DELTA will start. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best preserved of Europe’s deltas, this area hosts over 300 species of birds as well as 45 species of freshwater fish. From its source in the Black Forest to its delta at the Black Sea, the Danube measures 2,845 kilometres in length. The Km markings can be clearly seen on the river banks the length of the river. Depart St. Gheorghe during lunch and enjoy a small CELEBRATION to mark Km “0”the end of the Danube’s journey. This afternoon a chance to relax and to learn more about the fascinating Delta at an ON-BOARD LECTURE. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Cernavoda.
Included today: Excursion to Constanta; guided sightseeing, visit the National History & Archaeological Museum;
From Cernavoda this morning, an excursion takes you to Constanta, the most important commercial centre in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. A CERTIFIED LOCAL GUIDE shows you the highlights of this city and a visit of the NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM is included. This afternoon relax on board as you cruise westward to Rousse (B, L, D)
Day 5 Rousse, Bulgaria.
Included today: guided sightseeing, visit Tsarevet’s Fortress in Veliko Trnovo, and the Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi; or guided sightseeing of Rousse
Dock this morning in Rousse, Bulgaria’s largest inland port. A comfortable coach ride away is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Trnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the ROYAL FORTRESS, and the Patriarch’s Church. With your Local Guide, discover this town that played an important role in Bulgaria’s history. Then, journey to Arbanassi. Founded in the 15th century, the historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its examples of Bulgarian Revival architecture and its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM, a 400-year-old house preserved as a museum. Visit the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY, one of the oldest churches in Arbanassi, and see its outstanding collection of frescoes. If you do not wish to participate in the full-day excursion, you may choose to remain on board and join an INCLUDED SIGHTSEEING TOUR of Rousse after breakfast. At lunchtime, sail for Svistov, where excursion participants will rejoin the ship. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Vidin, Bulgaria. Excursion to Belogradchik
Included today: Guided sightseeing.
Today, enjoy a leisurely day morning of sailing before arriving in Vidin, an important Danube port in northwestern Bulgaria. Its medieval FORTRESS, known as ‘Baba Vidin’, is the town’s primary landmark. It served as Vidin’s main defensive installation during the course of the Middle Ages and is the only entirely preserved medieval fortress in the country. It is now a fortress museum and has been restored to its former appearance. In nearby Belogradchik, view the eclectic group of ROCK FORMATIONS on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Sculpted by natural elements for more than 200 million years and with a variety of sizes and shapes, the Belogradchik Rocks are spectacular. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Iron Gates.
Included today: Cruise through the Iron Gates gorge; visit Lepenski Vir archaeological exhibition
The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the IRON GATES, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the Northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. After lunch dock at Donji Milanovac from where a short drive takes you to the impressive LEPENSKI VIR EXHIBITION CENTRE housing archaeological artefacts found in this area and from where you have unique views of the Danube Gorge. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Belgrade, Serbia
Included today: Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
Early today, arrive in Belgrade. One of the oldest cities in Europe, the capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A Local Guide will be proud to show you its main sights, including St. Sava, the world’s largest orthodox church. Also visit the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS, which showcases the history of Belgrade. Built in stages between the 1st and 18th centuries, the fortress witnessed many battles and observed the courage of those trying to defend the city from conquerors. The surrounding park is the most beautiful and largest park in Belgrade. In your free time, be sure to check out the city’s lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafs. Perhaps visit one of the many art galleries or museums, relax in the park, or walk along the city streets and browse the local shops. Late tonight, depart for Vukovar in Croatia. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Mohcs, Hungary. Excursion to Pcs
Relax on board this morning before arriving in Mohcs, the first stop in Hungary. After lunch, an included excursion takes you to Pcs. Established by the Romans in the 2nd century, this was a flourishing and important town for Christianity by the 4th century. These early Christians left behind many underground burial chambers with memorial chapels above ground. With a Local Guide, visit the UNDERGROUND TOMBSnow part of a UNESCO World Heritage Sitemany of which have splendidly decorated murals with Christian themes. Later, enjoy an ORGAN CONCERT. Pcs is also a rich showcase of Turkish architecture and home to Turkish mosques, striking churches, and an enjoyable atmosphere around its restaurants and cafs. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Budapest
Included today: Guided sightseeing, see Fishermens Bastion.
This morning you arrive in Budapest. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Hungary’s capital is one of Eastern Europes liveliest cities. Whether youre seeing the sights, shopping for hand crafted embroidery or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Caf, Budapests unique energy is positively palatable. On an INCLUDED TOUR with your Local Guide, see Heroes Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermens Bastionwith spectacular views of the cityand 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the citys eight bridgesmany famous sights in and of themselveswhich connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Budapest – Vienna, Austria
Enjoy a day of relaxation on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. This evening, arrive in Vienna, Austria’s capital. Known as the ‘City of Music’, it inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Vienna
Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Austrias magical capital on the blue Danube is a showcase of gilded architecture. This is home to the lavish Hofburg Imperial Palace complex with its Vienna Boys Choir and dazzling Lipizzaner stallions; the neo-renaissance Vienna Opera House; and awe-inspiring St. Stephens Cathedralplus, countless other sights your LOCAL GUIDE will show you during an included CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR. Stroll through the delightful pedestrian Krntnerstrasse, and be sure to take a break and enjoy a piece of decadent Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in one of the classic Viennese coffee houses, historic institutions that helped shape Viennese culture! (B, L, D)
Day 13 Drnstein – Melk
Included today: guided walk in Drnstein, see the Stiftskirche; guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey and wine tasting.
Drnstein, known for the magnificent baroque, blue Stiftskirche built in the 1700s, is right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. The main street of this small townwith a population of less than 1,000 peopleis lined with 16th-century homes and charming cobblestone streets. This morning your Local Guide will take you on an included WALKING TOUR and tell you the tale of England’s King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the castle whose ruins still stand above the town. During lunchtime, sail the picturesque Wachau Valley and arrive in Melk in the early afternoon. Here, enjoy a GUIDED VISIT of the magnificent 11th-century BENEDICTINE ABBEY, one of Europe’s largest monasteries. The abbey houses an ornate library with over 80,000 printed books and 2,000 manuscripts. You’ll be captivated by the splendour of the church with its frescoed ceilings, stunning high altar, marble statues, and 210-foot-high cupola. The view from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, sample some of the Wachau Valley’s famous wines. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Passau, Germany
Included today: Guided walk
Today, you might wish to choose from a couple of full-day optional excursions: to Salzburg, taking in some of The Sound of Music sights or to medieval Cesk Krumlov in the Czech Republic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, you may choose to stay on the ship and relax as you cruise to Passau, uniquely located where the Inn, Ilz, and Danube Rivers converge. Passau is a maze of narrow cobblestone streets lined with beautiful patrician houses. St. Stephen’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian baroque architecture, houses one of the world’s largest church organs with 17,774 pipes. Take in the highlights on the included GUIDED WALK. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Regensburg
Included today: Guided walk; enjoy a snack at the Historische Wurstkche; beer tasting.
Dating back to the time of the Celts around 500 BC, Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Established during the Holy Roman Empire and the only German city not bombed during WWII, Regensburg has at least 1,300 listed buildings of historic interest. Architectural highlights of your GUIDED WALK include the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), built in the 13th century, and Porta Pretoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Wander through the city’s lanes and alleys to discover the many mansions with high towers. Wealthy families built these towers to emphasize their status and wealth during the Middle Ages, and many still remain today. Walk across the 12th-century Steinerne Brcke (Stone Bridge), the oldest of its kind in Germany. Grab a beer and enjoy an included SNACK at the 17th-century Historische Wurstkche (Old Sausage Kitchen), one of Germany’s oldest restaurants. Herewhere the locals congregatefeel the vibrant atmosphere and take in the remarkable views along the river. After dinner, we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s famous beers. (B, L, D)
Day 16 Roth – Nuremberg
Included today: choice of guided sightseeing in Roth with visit to the Industrial Museum, or guided sightseeing in Nuremberg.
This morning the choice is yoursjoin a Local Guide for GUIDED SIGHTSEEING of nearby Nuremberg. Although 90% of Nurembergs Old Town suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it has been restored to the glory it once knew as the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Marvel at this thousand-year-old citys medieval fortifications, extraordinary gothic churches, and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle). Alternatively, join a Local Expert for a GUIDED SIGHTSEEING of Roth.This delightful Bavarian town, with its half-timbered houses and market square, is also an industrial center for textile manufacturing. Visit the interesting INDUSTRIAL MUSEUM and then in contrast, take pictures of Schloss Ratibor, an ancient hunting lodge, built in 1535, with a most picturesque inner courtyard. (B, L, D)
Day 17 Nuremberg ( Disembarkation ) – Prague
After breakfast, say goodbye to your crew and travel by coach to Prague, the ‘Golden City’. (B)
Day 18 Prague.
Prague is a 1,200-year-old city preserved in time, and, unlike other Central European capitals, it was not bombed during the 20th-century wars. A LOCAL GUIDE shows you its best-known treasures, such as the Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, built in 1410 and once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge, the oldest bridge in Prague. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square, an important meeting point where people demonstrated against the communist regime; or watch performers on Charles Bridge. (B)
Day 19 Prague
Enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Communist Museum or take an optional excursion around the Jewish Quarter. Sample the local plum dumplings and Pilsner; stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have other suggestions for things to do. (B)
Day 20 Prague
Return travel to the UK. (B)
