13 NIGHTS / 15 DAYS
Day 1: USA – Vienna (Austria)
Flight with a good itinerary.
Day 2: Vienna
Arrival at Vienna airport. You will be greeted by your local representatives after clearing customs and transferred to your hotel in Vienna. The rest of the day is free for you to start your exploration of Austria's capital city.
Day 3: Vienna
Breakfast at the hotel and morning at leisure. In the late afternoon, transfer to the port of Vienna to board the river cruise ship. Upon boarding your ship, settle into your cabin with ease and comfort. Shortly thereafter, join the crew for a welcoming cocktail reception. (Breakfast-Dinner)
Boarding time: 06:00 pm
Day 4: Vienna – Bratislava (Slovakia)
Start your day with a relaxing breakfast onboard. The morning is yours to enjoy at leisure. For those interested in exploring, you can join your guided tour ($) of Vienna and the majestic Schönbrunn Palace. Walking past the famous sights of Ringstraße boulevard, surrounding the historical center of Vienna, you will see the magnificent Vienna State Opera, the Hofburg Palace, the Natural History Museum, the City Hall, and the Burgtheater. From there, you will go to Schönbrunn Palace, the former Imperial summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, where you will get a glimpse of the lives of Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Empress Elisabeth, nicknamed "Sisi," on a guided tour of the State Rooms. After the tour, return on board and cruise towards Bratislava.
In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore Bratislava on your own or choose the optional guided tour ($) of Slovakia's capital city. Well-preserved baroque palaces, paved streets and beautiful shaded squares make the charming Old Town of Bratislava, which Empress Marie-Theresa of Austria used to hold dear. Notable buildings include Bratislava Castle (outside), Michael's Gate, and the Primate's Palace (outside). The afternoon will be spent cruising toward Budapest. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 5: Budapest (Hungary)
After breakfast, free time to explore Budapest, "the Pearl of the Danube," on your own or opt for an optional guided tour ($) to discover this metropolis that was once two distinct cities united only in 1873: Buda, with its rolling hills and valleys, and Pest, with its flatter landscape offering a panoramic view over the banks of the Danube. Known as the "City of Baths," Budapest boasts numerous thermal baths, naturally supplied by over a hundred hot springs. Unwind at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths, one of Europe’s largest, built in 1913 in a striking Neo-Baroque style with elements of Turkish design. Alternatively, take a stroll along the Danube to admire the iconic Parliament building, a stunning blend of Byzantine and Neo-Gothic architecture.
As the evening unfolds, after enjoying a delightful dinner, immerse yourself in the vibrant Hungarian culture. Opt for a traditional evening out ($) to a local theater in the heart of Budapest. There, experience a captivating Hungarian performance, showcasing traditional music and costumes that bring the folklore of this enchanting country to life. Your cruise ship will set sail towards Kalocsa through the night. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 6: Kalocsa (Hungary)
Breakfast on board. Morning free to explore the historical city of Kalocsa on your own or opt for an optional excursion ($) to visit Puszta (featuring a traditional horse show), a characteristic landscape of Central Europe composed of treeless plains, saline steppes, and salt lakes. In the afternoon, navigating the scenic Danube towards Novi Sad. Enjoy the changing landscapes and the tranquil flow of the river as you sail. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
Day 7: Novi Sad – Belgrad (Serbia)
Start your morning with a satisfying breakfast on board before setting off to explore Novi Sad ($), Serbia's second-largest city and a key industrial, financial, and cultural hub. You will explore the Austro-Hungarian old town, visiting baroque buildings, the Episcopal Church, and an Orthodox church before reaching Freedom Square and Town Hall. Then, you will continue to the village of Sremski Karlovci to visit the baroque-style St. Nicholas Cathedral, Serbia's first secondary school, and the Four Lions Fountain. Return to your ship in the afternoon and cruise toward Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
Upon arrival in the evening, you can join an optional excursion ($) for a traditional entertainment evening in Belgrade. Enjoy an hour of enchanting dances and songs from various regions of Serbia, followed by a pleasant walk through the Skadarlija district, a bohemian quarter known as the "Serbian Montmartre". (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 8: Belgrad (Serbia)
Following breakfast on board, enjoy free time to discover Belgrade on your own or opt for an optional guided panoramic tour of Belgrade ($), which highlights its rich history shaped by Eastern, Slavic, and Austrian influences during the Turkish occupation. The city’s unique blend of cultures is reflected in its architecture and vibrant atmosphere, particularly around Terazije Square, the lively heart of Belgrade. Visitors are charmed by Belgrade’s dynamic spirit, where tradition meets modernity in a captivating fusion.
Return to the ship in the afternoon and sail towards Donji Milanovac, a small Serbian town on the right bank of the Danube River. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 9: The Iron Gates of the Danube River
Breakfast on board. You will spend the entire day cruising along the Danube as your ship navigates through the stunning Iron Gates. This breathtaking experience features towering cliffs and spectacular natural landscapes that create a dramatic backdrop. The historic gorge is rich in mythology and history, with landmarks like the Tabula Traiana, which commemorates the ancient Roman road connecting Rome to Dacia. This unique combination of cultural heritage and breathtaking scenery makes your journey through the Iron Gates truly unforgettable. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 10: Ruse (Bulgaria)
Following breakfast, you can choose to join an enriching guided tour ($) to explore the breathtaking Rusenski Valley, shaped by the canyon-like features of the Rusenski Lom River. This stunning landscape is home to the remarkable Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a collection of monolithic churches, chapels, and monasteries carved directly from solid rock. Visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site is worthwhile for its unique architecture, stunning natural beauty, and rich historical significance, providing insight into the region's spiritual heritage and the artistry of its medieval inhabitants.
For those interested in exploring further, you can join a guided tour ($) of Ruse, highlighting the city’s stunning blend of neo-Baroque and neo-Renaissance architecture that reflects its rich cultural history and offers fascinating insights into the region's past. Furthermore, the scenic riverfront along the Danube River presents picturesque views, making it an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and relaxation. In the evening, enjoy dinner and an evening of traditional entertainment on board. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 11: Giurgiu – Cernavoda (Romania)
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast as you approach Giurgiu. Once there, you have the option to join a guided tour ($) of Bucharest, a captivating destination known for its striking combination of architectural styles, including the ruins of Curtea Veche, a 15th-century palace built during the reign of Vlad III Dracula. Visitors can explore beautiful Orthodox churches and view the iconic Parliament building (outside), one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, all of which contribute to Bucharest's unique character and blend of history and culture. Later, return to your ship in Cernavoda and enjoy an evening of dancing. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
For those guests who prefer not to participate in the excursion, you will enjoy the comfort and amenities of the ship during this time.
Day 12: Cernavoda - Danube-Black Sea Canal – Constanta (Romania)
Start your day with a delightful breakfast on board as you sail through the serene Danube-Black Sea Canal, a unique waterway which showcases stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems of the region. This man-made marvel offers insight into the history of engineering in Eastern Europe, connecting the Danube River to the Black Sea.
Upon arrival in Constanta, you can explore the city at your leisure or opt for a guided tour ($) of this famous Black Sea coastal city, once an important Greek trading post. Discover fascinating remnants like the 3rd-century Roman mosaic and the charming streets of the old town, along with the iconic seafront and the stunning rococo façade of the casino. After your tour, enjoy a local wine tasting in Murfatlar, renowned for its award-winning Chardonnay. Return to your boat* and enjoy a delightful folklore evening on board. (Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
Day 13: Constanta - Oltenita (Romania)
Breakfast on board. Enjoy a leisurely day of sailing and take the time to recharge before your next adventure. Relax on the sun deck and make the most of the onboard activities throughout the day.
Tonight is the festive gala evening! While there is no formal dress code, it’s a night to dress up and enjoy. The crew, all in their dress uniforms, will be introduced to the passengers, who are invited to have a pre-dinner drink with the captain. In the evening evening, the chef will serve a banquet paying a special tribute to the world of gastronomy. Dancing follows this gala dinner in the lounge bar. The ship will continue cruising towards Oltenita throughout the night, providing a perfect backdrop for this memorable evening. (Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner)
Day 14: Oltenita - Bucharest (Romania, disembarking)
Start your final day on the cruise with a buffet breakfast before being transferred from Oltenita to Bucharest after disembarking. The rest of the day is free to explore this incredible city.
Bucharest, often referred to as the 'Paris of the East', boasts a captivating blend of architectural styles, including historical landmarks like Curtea Veche and the impressive Parliament building, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world. The city's vibrant cultural scene, complemented by beautiful Orthodox churches and diverse dining options, offers a rich experience of Romania's history and culinary heritage. (Breakfast)
Day 15: Bucharest (Romania) - USA
After enjoying a final breakfast at your hotel, join the transfer to the airport for your flight home, carrying with you memories of a remarkable journey. (Breakfast)
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*We highly recommend pre-booking the 12-excursion package for this itinerary.
**Please note that this itinerary is subject to change without notice, ensuring the best possible experience for all participants.
