From Budapest to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity go to Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighișoara, birthplace of Dracula; and to Bulgaria’s natural wonders, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
From Vienna to Bucharest, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity go to Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighișoara, birthplace of Dracula; and to Bulgaria’s natural wonders, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
From Budapest to Bucharest, touch history in Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the lower Danube. Medieval towns, Roman ruins and the Iron Gate showcase the best of Eastern Europe. Visit Belogradchik, Bulgaria’s natural wonder, and Serbia’s Novi Sad. Taste history from centuries-old vineyards in Ilok, and visit two of Romania’s legendary castles, Bran and Peleș. Throughout your journey, be treated to the flavors and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
From Vienna to Istanbul, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to see Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends; or to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing 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. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
COUNTRIES:
Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, SerbiaBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, SerbiaBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, SerbiaBulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Serbia
RIVERS:
Danube
Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine 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 Limited Edition 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.
Embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city centre. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to 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. 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 to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2000 years ago. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | 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 centre 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 centre. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito's Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which 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 5 | 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. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik hike |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
|
| | 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 overlooking the Danube. 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 7 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches tour |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting 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 and Bulgarian medieval art. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)
Embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city centre. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to 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. 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 to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2000 years ago. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | 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 centre 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 centre. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito's Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which 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 5 | 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. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik hike |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
|
| | 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 overlooking the Danube. 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 7 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches tour |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting 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 and Bulgarian medieval art. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)
Embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city centre. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to 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. 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 to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2000 years ago. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | 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 centre 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 centre. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito's Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which 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 5 | 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. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik hike |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
|
| | 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 overlooking the Danube. 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 7 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches tour |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting 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 and Bulgarian medieval art. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)
Embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city centre. This evening, meet your fellow passengers on board. (D)
| Day 2 | Budapest | Scenic cruising |
|
| | OR Szekszárd wine tasting |
|
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to 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. 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 to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2000 years ago. (B,L,D)
| Day 3 | 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 centre 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 centre. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)
| Day 4 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Belgrade Fortress hike |
|
| | Royal Palace and Tito's Memorial tour |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting |
|
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which 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 5 | 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. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
| Day 6 | Vidin | Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik hike |
|
| | OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting |
|
| | 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 overlooking the Danube. 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 7 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse walking tour and Rock-hewn Churches tour |
|
| | OR Veliko Tarnovo & Wine Tasting 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 and Bulgarian medieval art. (B,L,D)
| Day 8 | Giurgiu | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)