Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered—Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders; the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos; and the 14th-century Bran Castle, once home to Vlad the Impaler who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Experience the Romans’ influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From imposing capitals—Bucharest, Budapest, Vienna and Prague—to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
Journey along paths forged by conquerors, crusaders and kings through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Austria, Germany and the Czech Republic. Step back in time to explore the history and mystery living in the hillsides while cruising the Danube and through the Iron Gates. Legends of all kinds are waiting to be uncovered—Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders; the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, built into the side of a mountain showcasing well-preserved medieval frescos; and the 14th-century Bran Castle, once home to Vlad the Impaler who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Experience the Romans’ influence firsthand in Pécs, “the city of Mediterranean impressions," and through the taste of wine in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. From imposing capitals—Bucharest, Budapest, Vienna and Prague—to towns lost in time, immerse yourself in the colorful folktales and traditions of the extraordinary people and places you visit along the way.
COUNTRIES:
Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, SlovakiaAustria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Czech Republic
RIVERS:
Danube
Grand Danube Cruise
At A Glance
On our 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.
| Day 1 | Nuremberg | EMBARKATION |
|
Board the ship in Nuremberg for your Grand Danube Cruise. (D)
| Day 2 | Nuremberg | Medieval city tour |
|
Enjoy a guided tour through Nuremberg’s beautiful medieval city, showcasing the
Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. Or turn the pages of a darker
history with a guided tour of the city’s most significant WWII sites, including the Documentation Center Nazi
Party Rally Grounds. Visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, savor traditional Franconian specialties including Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer)
and lebkuchen (gingerbread). En route to Regensburg, cruise through the man-made Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided
walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Alternatively, sample Bavarian specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels, or join a bike tour to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
Enjoy a walking tour along Passau’s cobblestone streets admiring the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. If you’re looking for a more active morning, choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later in the day, set sail for Linz. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein walking tour |
|
| Scenic Cruising | UNESCO Wachau Valley |
|
Cruise to Melk, known for its
magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour that
takes you through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley;
or go on a walking tour along Dürnstein’s cobblestone
streets to the famed Baroque church tower, Stiftskirche.
Later in the day, set sail through the vineyard-rich
Wachau Valley. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Klosterneuburg Abbey bike tour |
|
The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure
trove and your city tour showcases its regal splendors,
including the majestic Opera House and the former
Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour
in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit
St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration,
take a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery.
During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this
iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. Cap the day off with an illumination cruise. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Budapest | Puszta excursion |
|
Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by world-champion carriage-drivers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians’ warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Mohacs | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács and then visit Pécs, founded more than
2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCOdesignated 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. For wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go instead 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 10 | Vukovar | City tour and Eltz Palace |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian wine tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | Evening Petrovaradin Fortress visit |
|
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Palace. 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. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito’s Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress
and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later, choose from three intriguing excursions. Visit the Royal
Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum
of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling
Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a
more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Iron Gates | Full-day scenic cruising |
|
The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik with choice to hike |
|
| | 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. Continue on to
Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations.
Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you
will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches |
|
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. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship and bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
Embark on your cruise in Giurgiu. Tonight gather on board and meet your fellow passengers. (D)
| Day 2 | Giurgiu | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| Rousse | OR Ivanovo Rock Hwen Churches & Rousse Highlights |
|
Step back into ancient history by touring Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, and its legendary medieval fortress and orthodox temples. Or opt to venture to the stunning city of Rousse, sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its breathtaking 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture. Afterwards marvel at the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings and Bulgarian medieval art. (B,L,D) )
| Day 3 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik hike |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
|
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations, and Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria overlooking the Danube. Alternatively, be welcomed into a local home for a demonstration and tasting of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a delicious pastry with filo dough and cheese. Or you can choose to bike through Vidin for a more active adventure and see the castle. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Iron Gates | Full-day 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. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
| Day 5 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito’s Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting & Avala Mountain
Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
Discover the wonders of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour with highlights that include the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, the first President of Yugoslavia. Alternatively, savor a taste of Šlivovitz, Serbian plum brandy, and other delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery, followed by a trip to Avala Mountain with its panoramic views of Belgrade. If you’re seeking a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the River Sava or hike to Kalamegdan Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Ilok | Vukovar City tour with Eltz Palace |
|
Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad to explore why some have called the city the “Serbian Athens.” You’ll see Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. For a more active adventure, join a guided biking tour along the Strand and Danube Park, or a hiking tour to Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, get hands-on with Vojvodina cuisine as you enjoy a lively demonstration and taste your culinary creation. Later in the day, tour the city of Vukovar, with its Franciscan Monastery, Church of St. Philip & Jacob and Eltz Castle, an 18th-century manor that holds the Vukovar City Museum. Or, travel to Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, and sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
|
| | OR Guided bike ride along the Danube |
|
Explore Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. Active travelers will enjoy a guided bike ride along the Danube and through Danube-Drava National Park, a protected flood-plain known for its populations of black storks, white-tailed eagles and grey cattle, a national symbol of medieval Hungary. (B,L,D) )
| Day 8 | Budapest | Pustza excursion |
|
Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the world-champion carriage drivers, the Lazar brothers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians’ warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with typical goulash. During the evening, be treated to a special Illuminations cruise past the capital’s glittering riverfront. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour |
|
| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
|
Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or savor local Slovakian craft beer at a local brew pub along with Slovakian snacks. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Klosterneuburg Abbey bike tour
|
|
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and you have two ways to discover them. Join a city tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, take a guided bike ride along the Danube and to Klosterneuburg Abbey, founded in 1114. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Dürnstein | Walking tour and wine tasting |
|
| | OR Apricots & sweets tasting |
|
| Wachau Valley | UNESCO scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Danube bike tour to Melk |
|
| Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
After reaching the Wachau Valley in the morning, you’ll have a choice of three excursions in Dürnstein. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the luminous blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche, its famed church tower, before enjoying a wine tasting in a local cellar. For a beautiful view of the Wachau Valley, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. Alternatively, visit a local vineyard, where you’ll be treated to the region’s finest apricot products, including jam, liqueur and brandy. After your morning excursions, you have a choice to cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk or join a bike tour along the Danube. Upon reaching Melk, take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
| | OR Passau bike tour to Erlau |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning sailing to the medieval city of Passau. Join a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old “City of Three Rivers,” noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and the impressive pipe organ at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube to Erlau, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress overlooking Passau. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
Explore Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels; or bike to Walhalla where you'll see the neo-Classical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Nuremberg | Medieval city tour |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Explore the medieval city center with a tour that showcases the Imperial Castle and the famous town wall, as well as Albrecht Dürer’s home and Market Square with its legendary fountain. Or you can take a guided tour of the city’s WWII history, including a visit to the infamous Zeppelin Field, a museum built on the site of former Nazi rallies and the site of the Nuremberg Trials when not in session. Alternatively, savor traditional Franconian specialties by sampling famously delicious Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rot bier (red beer) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
|
This morning, disembark your ship in Nuremberg. (B)
| Day 1 | Prague | Hotel check-in |
|
Arrive in Prague and transfer to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
|
Discover fairytale Prague via a city tour or a hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered
one of Europe’s most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. (B)
| Day 3 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
|
Beer has been an important part of the Czech Republic since 993, when the first brewery was
established. Beer is vital to the country’s national identity, so much so that the Czechs are the biggest consumers
of beer in the world. Join a beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes Czech beer some of the best in the
world. (B)
| Day 4 | Prague | Transfer to Pilzen |
|
| Pilzen | Highlights tour; transfer to Nuremberg |
|
Depart from Prague via
motorcoach and enjoy a stop in Pilzen. After a local highlights tour, drive to Nuremberg where you will board
your ship. (B,D)
| Day 5 | Nuremberg | Medieval city tour |
|
Enjoy a guided tour through Nuremberg’s beautiful medieval city, showcasing the
Imperial Castle, famous town wall and the legendary fountain of the Market Square. Or turn the pages of a darker
history with a guided tour of the city’s most significant WWII sites, including the Documentation Center Nazi
Party Rally Grounds. Visit the Nuremberg Trials Memoriam and Courtroom 600, if the courtroom is not in session. Alternatively, savor traditional Franconian specialties including Nuremburger bratwurst, rotbier (red beer)
and lebkuchen (gingerbread). En route to Regensburg, cruise through the man-made Main-Danube Canal. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
|
Explore one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities, Regensburg, on a guided
walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria. Alternatively, sample Bavarian specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels, or join a bike tour to Walhalla where you will see the neoclassical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
|
Enjoy a walking tour along Passau’s cobblestone streets admiring the Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. If you’re looking for a more active morning, choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress. Later in the day, set sail for Linz. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
|
| | OR Dürnstein walking tour |
|
| Scenic Cruising | UNESCO Wachau Valley |
|
Cruise to Melk, known for its
magnificent Benedictine Abbey, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Alternatively, join a guided bike tour that
takes you through the UNESCO-designated Wachau Valley;
or go on a walking tour along Dürnstein’s cobblestone
streets to the famed Baroque church tower, Stiftskirche.
Later in the day, set sail through the vineyard-rich
Wachau Valley. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
|
| | OR Klosterneuburg Abbey bike tour |
|
The “City of Waltzes” is a treasure
trove and your city tour showcases its regal splendors,
including the majestic Opera House and the former
Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs. Conclude your tour
in the UNESCO-designated historic city center and visit
St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration,
take a guided bike ride to Klosterneuburg Monastery.
During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this
iconic city even more. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Budapest | “Queen of the Danube” tour |
|
You cannot help but fall in love with Budapest, known as the “Queen of the Danube.” Your city tour begins with a visit to the Great Market Hall. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. Cap the day off with an illumination cruise. (B,L,D)
| Day 11 | Budapest | Puszta excursion |
|
Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by world-champion carriage-drivers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians’ warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Mohacs | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács and then visit Pécs, founded more than
2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCOdesignated 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. For wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go instead 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 13 | Vukovar | City tour and Eltz Palace |
|
| Ilok | OR Croatian wine tasting |
|
| Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | Evening Petrovaradin Fortress visit |
|
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Palace. 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. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito’s Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress
and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later, choose from three intriguing excursions. Visit the Royal
Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum
of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling
Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a
more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Iron Gates | Full-day scenic cruising |
|
The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. (B,L,D)
| Day 16 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik with choice to hike |
|
| | 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. Continue on to
Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations.
Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you
will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)
| Day 17 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches |
|
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. (B,L,D)
| Day 18 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
| | Transfer to Bran to visit Dracula’s Castle |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and board a motorcoach to journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Afterwards, you’ll travel to the lovely village of Brașovand check into your hotel. (B)
| | “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 20 | Brasov | Transfer to Sinaia |
|
En route to Bucharest, stop in Sinaia to 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. Afterward, head to Snagov for a continuation of the Dracula theme. Snagov is the city where Vlad the Impaler was born and is believed to be laid to rest at the 14th-century Snagov monastery. Later in the day, transfer to Bucharest and check into your hotel. (B)
| Day 21 | Bucharest | “Paris of the East” tour |
|
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, has earned its nickname, the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a visit to the city’s most impressive sites—including the historic city center and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world. (B)
| Day 22 | 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 transfer to your hotel.
| Day 2 | Bucharest | “Paris of the East” tour |
|
Explore Romania’s sophisticated capital Bucharest, sometimes referred to as the “Little Paris of the East” thanks to its wide boulevards and beautiful Arc de Triomphe. Tour the city’s most impressive sites—including the historic city center and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world, as well as the Open Air Village Museum, showcasing traditional Romanian village life. Alternatively, take a walking tour of Bucharest’s Old Town and the Open Air Village Museum. (B)
| Day 3 | Sinaia | Sinaia Excursion and Peles Castle tour |
|
En route to Brașov, stop in the charming town of Sinaia where you will tour Romania’s legendary Peleș Castle, a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture which was once the residence of the royal family. It is considered to be among the most stunning in Europe. Continue on to the lovely village of Brașov, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy a tour. (B)
| Day 4 | Brasov | “Dracula’s Birthplace,” Sighișoara excursion |
|
| Giurgiu | Transfer to Giurgiu |
|
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 | Giurgiu | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
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| Rousse | OR Ivanovo Rock Hwen Churches & Rousse Highlights |
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Step back into ancient history by touring Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, and its legendary medieval fortress and orthodox temples. Or opt to venture to the stunning city of Rousse, sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its breathtaking 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture. Afterwards marvel at the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings and Bulgarian medieval art. (B,L,D) )
| Day 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik hike |
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| | 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 Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations, and Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria overlooking the Danube. Alternatively, be welcomed into a local home for a demonstration and tasting of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a delicious pastry with filo dough and cheese. Or you can choose to bike through Vidin for a more active adventure and see the castle. (B,L,D)
| Day 7 | Iron Gates | Full-day 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. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
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| | Royal Palace and Tito’s Memorial tour |
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| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting & Avala Mountain
Belgrade Fortress hike |
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Discover the wonders of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour with highlights that include the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Or, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, the first President of Yugoslavia. Alternatively, savor a taste of Šlivovitz, Serbian plum brandy, and other delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery, followed by a trip to Avala Mountain with its panoramic views of Belgrade. If you’re seeking a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour along the River Sava or hike to Kalamegdan Fortress. (B,L,D)
| Day 9 | Novi Sad | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
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| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
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| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
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| Ilok | Vukovar City tour with Eltz Palace |
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Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad to explore why some have called the city the “Serbian Athens.” You’ll see Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. For a more active adventure, join a guided biking tour along the Strand and Danube Park, or a hiking tour to Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, get hands-on with Vojvodina cuisine as you enjoy a lively demonstration and taste your culinary creation. Later in the day, tour the city of Vukovar, with its Franciscan Monastery, Church of St. Philip & Jacob and Eltz Castle, an 18th-century manor that holds the Vukovar City Museum. Or, travel to Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, and sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)
| Day 10 | Mohacs | Pécs excursion |
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| | OR Guided bike ride along the Danube |
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Explore Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. Active travelers will enjoy a guided bike ride along the Danube and through Danube-Drava National Park, a protected flood-plain known for its populations of black storks, white-tailed eagles and grey cattle, a national symbol of medieval Hungary. (B,L,D) )
| Day 11 | Budapest | Pustza excursion |
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Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the world-champion carriage drivers, the Lazar brothers. Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians’ warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with typical goulash. During the evening, be treated to a special Illuminations cruise past the capital’s glittering riverfront. (B,L,D)
| Day 12 | Bratislava | “Coronation City” walking tour |
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| | OR Bratislava Castle hike |
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Host to the crowning ceremonies of 11 Hungarian kings and queens between 1536 and 1830, Bratislava certainly has earned the title “Coronation City of Kings” as you’ll discover during your walking tour. Or savor local Slovakian craft beer at a local brew pub along with Slovakian snacks. For a more active adventure, hike up to Bratislava Castle, offering magnificent views of the city. (B,L,D)
| Day 13 | Vienna | “Imperial Vienna” tour |
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| | OR Klosterneuburg Abbey bike tour
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The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems and you have two ways to discover them. Join a city tour showcasing its regal splendors, including the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and then visiting St. Stephen’s Cathedral. For a more active exploration of the area, take a guided bike ride along the Danube and to Klosterneuburg Abbey, founded in 1114. (B,L,D)
| Day 14 | Dürnstein | Walking tour and wine tasting |
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| | OR Apricots & sweets tasting |
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| Wachau Valley | UNESCO scenic cruising |
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| | OR Danube bike tour to Melk |
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| Melk | Benedictine Abbey tour |
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After reaching the Wachau Valley in the morning, you’ll have a choice of three excursions in Dürnstein. Partake in a walking tour along cobblestone streets to the luminous blue facade of the Baroque Stiftskirche, its famed church tower, before enjoying a wine tasting in a local cellar. For a beautiful view of the Wachau Valley, hike up to the fortress where Richard the Lionheart was once held. Alternatively, visit a local vineyard, where you’ll be treated to the region’s finest apricot products, including jam, liqueur and brandy. After your morning excursions, you have a choice to cruise through the Wachau Valley to Melk or join a bike tour along the Danube. Upon reaching Melk, take a tour of the UNESCO-designated Melk Abbey. (B,L,D)
| Day 15 | Passau | “City of Three Rivers” walking tour |
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| | OR Passau bike tour to Erlau |
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Enjoy a scenic morning sailing to the medieval city of Passau. Join a walking tour through this 2,000-year-old “City of Three Rivers,” noted for its Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and the impressive pipe organ at St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Guests looking for a more active morning can choose between a guided bike tour along the Danube to Erlau, or a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus Fortress overlooking Passau. (B,L,D)
| Day 16 | Regensburg | UNESCO city walking tour |
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Explore Regensburg, one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall and the Porta Praetoria, gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 A.D. As an alternate option, sample some of Bavaria’s specialties—beer, sausage and pretzels; or bike to Walhalla where you'll see the neo-Classical white marble temple inspired by the Parthenon in Athens. (B,L,D)
| Day 17 | Nuremberg | Medieval city tour |
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Enjoy a scenic morning cruise as the ship crosses the Continental Divide via the Main-Danube Canal to Nuremberg. Explore the medieval city center with a tour that showcases the Imperial Castle and the famous town wall, as well as Albrecht Dürer’s home and Market Square with its legendary fountain. Or you can take a guided tour of the city’s WWII history, including a visit to the infamous Zeppelin Field, a museum built on the site of former Nazi rallies and the site of the Nuremberg Trials when not in session. Alternatively, savor traditional Franconian specialties by sampling famously delicious Nuremburger Bratwurst, Rot bier (red beer) and Lebkuchen (gingerbread). (B,L,D)
| Day 18 | Nuremberg | DISEMBARKATION |
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Depart the ship after breakfast and drive through the countryside to Pilzen, a city perhaps best known for producing Pilsner beer. You will have free time to explore this lovely town and have lunch before continuing to Prague and checking into your hotel. (B)
| Day 19 | Prague | “Golden City of a Hundred Spires” tour |
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Discover Prague with a choice of a city tour or a castle hike. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe’s most attractive cities, with a historic city center that’s recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See all the key highlights, including the National Museum, Wenceslas Square, the 1,000-year-old Prague Castle and Old Market Square, where you will find the famous Astronomical Clock. (B)
| Day 20 | Prague | Czech beer tasting |
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Beer has a long and illustrious history in the Czech Republic with the first brewery known to have existed in 993. Pilsner Urquell was created in 1842, being the first pilsner ever made, whilst Budweiser came into being in the city of Budweis. Beer is a core part of the country’s national identity, so much so the Czechs are the biggest consumers of beer in the world. The country is home to more than 100 breweries with a combination of big names and micro establishments offering a huge range of styles, so join a Czech beer tasting and discover for yourself what makes the Czech’s beer some of the very best in the world. (B)
| Day 21 | Prague | Return flight home |
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Bid farewell to Prague and prepare for your homeward flight. (B)