Day 1 - Thursday - Sep 26, 2024
Arrive in Bucharest and check into your lovely hotel.
Day 2 - Friday - Sep 27, 2024
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. Or take a walking tour of Bucharest's Old Town. (B)
Day 3 - Saturday - Sep 28, 2024
Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you'll visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Later, head to Brasov for a walking tour and check into your hotel. (B)
Day 4 - Sunday - Sep 29, 2024
Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighisoara, birthplace to Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, 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 - Monday - Sep 30, 2024
Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you'll visit Peles 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. Later in the day, transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. (B,D)
Embark your ship in Giurgiu. Tonight gather onboard and meet your fellow passengers. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Tuesday - Oct 1, 2024
Experience the best of Bucharest, Romania's capital, known as the "Little Paris of the East", with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Then visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Wednesday - Oct 2, 2024
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 8 - Thursday - Oct 3, 2024
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, forming a 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 9 - Friday - Oct 4, 2024
Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and 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, Slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery, followed by a panoramic tour of Avala Mountain. Later in the day, choose from a hike to Kalemegdan Fortress, known for its winding walking paths and incredible river views, or join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - Saturday - Oct 5, 2024
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 tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. Visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. 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. (B,L,D)
Day 11 - Sunday - Oct 6, 2024
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs. You'll then visit Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or, for wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohacs. (B,L,D)
Day 12 - Monday - Oct 7, 2024
Disembark your ship in Budapest. (B)
Enjoy a city tour of the Hungarian capital. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Chain Bridge. Afterward, transfer to Vienna via motorcoach and check into your hotel. (B)
Day 13 - Tuesday - Oct 8, 2024
The "City of Waltzes" offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered on your city tour. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. (B)
Day 14 - Wednesday - Oct 9, 2024
Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)
