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.
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 Istanbul to Vienna, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Turkey, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you journey 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.
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 your ship in Giurgiu. Tonight gather on board and meet your fellow guests. (B,L,D)
Day 2 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse Highlights & Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches hike |
|
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 and then 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 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, 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 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. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travellers. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting |
|
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. 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, the first President of Yugoslavia. Or savour a taste of Šlivovitz, Serbian plum brandy, and other delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Or join a guided bike tour for those wishing a more active adventure. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vukovar | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Novi Sad | OR Novi Sad bike tour |
|
Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad to explore why some have called the city the “Serbian Athens” and see Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Or join a guided biking or hiking tour and enjoy a more active exploration. In the evening, you’ll be captivated by the legendary Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Back on board, cruise to Vukovar which is a Croatian symbol of resistance. See history come to life as you visit the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Palace. Or you could indulge in a Croatian wine tasting by choosing to visit 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 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 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark your cruise in Budapest. (B)
Embark your ship in Giurgiu. Tonight gather on board and meet your fellow guests. (B,L,D)
Day 2 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse Highlights & Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches hike |
|
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 and then 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 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, 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 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. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travellers. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting |
|
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. 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, the first President of Yugoslavia. Or savour a taste of Šlivovitz, Serbian plum brandy, and other delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Or join a guided bike tour for those wishing a more active adventure. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vukovar | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Novi Sad | OR Novi Sad bike tour |
|
Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad to explore why some have called the city the “Serbian Athens” and see Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Or join a guided biking or hiking tour and enjoy a more active exploration. In the evening, you’ll be captivated by the legendary Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Back on board, cruise to Vukovar which is a Croatian symbol of resistance. See history come to life as you visit the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Palace. Or you could indulge in a Croatian wine tasting by choosing to visit 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 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 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark your cruise in Budapest. (B)
Embark your ship in Giurgiu. Tonight gather on board and meet your fellow guests. (B,L,D)
Day 2 | Rousse | Veliko Tarnovo excursion |
|
| | OR Rousse Highlights & Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches hike |
|
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 and then 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 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, 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 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. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travellers. (B,L,D)
Day 5 | Belgrade | “The City by Two Rivers” tour |
|
| | OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting |
|
| | OR Quburich Brandy tasting |
|
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. 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, the first President of Yugoslavia. Or savour a taste of Šlivovitz, Serbian plum brandy, and other delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Or join a guided bike tour for those wishing a more active adventure. (B,L,D)
Day 6 | Vukovar | “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour |
|
| | OR Serbian Specialties Tasting |
|
| | OR Petrovaradin Fortress hike |
|
| Novi Sad | OR Novi Sad bike tour |
|
Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad to explore why some have called the city the “Serbian Athens” and see Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Or join a guided biking or hiking tour and enjoy a more active exploration. In the evening, you’ll be captivated by the legendary Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Back on board, cruise to Vukovar which is a Croatian symbol of resistance. See history come to life as you visit the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Palace. Or you could indulge in a Croatian wine tasting by choosing to visit 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 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 8 | Budapest | DISEMBARKATION |
|
Disembark your cruise in Budapest. (B)