The Black Sea, the North Sea, and the rivers in between are the focus of this memorable river cruise along the magnificent Danube, Main, and Rhine Rivers. Your vacation begins with three overnights in exciting Istanbul, Turkey. Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, you will visit Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. Next: fly to Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital, then travel to Oltenita to embark your ship for a 22-night cruise from Romania to Holland. On board, relax and enjoy as you cruise past quaint villages, taking in the enchanting scenery and learning about the history. Enjoy included guided sightseeing in each city, with inside visits of the National Art Museum in Bucharest, the Natural History & Archaeological Museum in Constanta, Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress, and the stunning Bishop’s Residenz in Würzburg. Cruise through the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates, along the Main Danube Canal, and past the legendary rock of the Lorelei. Sample Hungary’s wines in Villány and learn how to bake a traditional local cookie while docked in Miltenberg. In Amsterdam, cruise through the lovely canals and enjoy the conclusion of your wonderful European river cruise vacation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey. Free time to relax and begin soaking up the unique atmosphere of this city built on two continents. At 6 pm, meet your Local Host for a welcome get-together.
Day #2 Istanbul. Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago, renamed Constantinople in the year 330, and finally called Istanbul, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between the Orient and the Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, predestined it for a turbulent history. Guided sightseeing includes Emperor Justinian’s HAGIA SOPHIA and Sultan Ahmet’s BLUE MOSQUE, magnificent monuments to two competing world religions that stand peacefully side by side; TOPKAPI SERAGLIO, residence of the Ottoman Sultans; and the GRAND BAZAAR. (B)
Day #3 Istanbul. A free day in Istanbul to explore on your own. Or, why not join a full-day optional excursion to the fabulous archaeological site of Ephesus? Fly to Izmir, then travel to the city which later became the capital of Roman Asia Minor. When St. Paul arrived here he was so awestruck that he asked, “Is there a greater city?” Visit the Library of Celsus, the Amphitheater, and listen to exciting “inside stories” of life in ancient Ephesus as you walk down its “Champs Elysees.” Also visit the House of the Virgin Mary before returning to Istanbul for a final evening in Turkey. (B)
Day #4 Istanbul–Bucharest, Romania. Fly to Bucharest, its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name “Paris of the East.” (B)
Day #5 Bucharest–Fetesti (Embarkation). Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s capital city. During your included tour this morning, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which finally led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. This afternoon a motorcoach ride takes you to Fetesti, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D)
Day #6 St. Gheorghe–Danube Delta. This morning during breakfast dock in St. Gheorghe from where the excursion into the DELTA will start. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best preserved of Europe’s deltas, this area hosts over 300 species of birds as well as 45 species of freshwater fish. From its source in the Black Forest, to its delta at the Black Sea, the Danube measures 2,845 kilometers in length. The Km markings can be clearly seen on the river banks the length of the river., Enjoy a small celebration to mark Km “0” - the end of the Danube’s journey, before departing St. Gheorghe during lunch. A peaceful afternoon to relax as you sail to Tulcea, and a chance to learn more about the fascinating Delta at an onboard lecture. In the early evening visit Tulcea’s DELTA MUSEUM. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Harsova. Excursion to Constanta. Arrive in Harsova after breakfast. From here you may choose to take either a full-day or a half-day excursion to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. A Certified Local Guide shows you the highlights of this city and a visit of the NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM is included. Then there is free time to enjoy this resort town on your own, rejoining your vessel in Harsova in the late afternoon. Alternatively you may want to relax on board in the morning and visit Constanta in the afternoon only. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Rousse, Bulgaria. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi. A comfortable ride from Rousse is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces, and the PATRIARCH’S CHURCH. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY. Those who do not wish to participate in the full day excursion, may remain on board, and join an included sightseeing of Rousse after breakfast. At lunchtime sail for Svistov where excursion participants will rejoin the ship. (B,L,D)
Day #9 Iron Gates. Today enjoy a leisurely day of sailing. At first the river separates Romania on the right bank from Bulgaria on the left and is relatively wide. Later, it carves a path through the lower Carpathian Mountains to the north and the Balkan Mountains to the south, creating a series of four steep gorges, known as the Iron Gates. Until the Iron Gate Dam (which houses a hydro-electric power station) was completed in 1972, this section of the Danube presented great hazards to the shipping trade.. (B,L,D)
Day #10 Iron Gates. More spectacular scenery as you continue through the Iron Gates, passing through the Small and Great Kazan gorges. This afternoon dock at. Donji Milanovac from where a short drive takes you to the impressive EXHIBITION CENTER housing archaeological artifacts found in this area and from where you have unique views of the Danube Gorge .(B,L,D)
Day #11 Belgrade, Serbia. The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox church; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafes. (B,L,D)
Day #12 Vukovar, Croatia. Excursion to Osijek. Today, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. A Certified Local Guide shows you both Vukovar, Croatia’s largest river port located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers, and Osijek, an important economic and cultural center. Vukovar was scene to an 87-day siege in 1991, known as the Battle of Vukovar. This and other dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region. (B,L,D)
Day #13 Mohács, Hungary. Excursion to Pecs and the Villány Wine District. This morning, a guided excursion takes you to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture . Then into the Villany district, where some of Hungary’s best red wines are produced. Learn more about which varietals are grown, and why the climate and soil conditions here are ideal for the production of excellent wines, as you enjoy a WINE TASTING. Relax on board this afternoon as you sail toward Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day #14 Budapest. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Eight bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. (B,L,D)
Day #15 Bratislava, Slovakia–Vienna, Austria. A leisurely morning before you arrive in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. A Certified Local Guide will show you the charming Old Town with its Town Hall and views of Mirbach Palace, as well as gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL. Return to your ship in time for lunch and cruise to Vienna, where you arrive in the late afternoon. (B,L,D)
Day #16 Vienna. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B,L,D)
Day #17 Dürnstein–Grein. Standing on the banks of the Danube, the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade is without a doubt the landmark of Durnstein. A Certified Local Guide will take you on a walking tour of this town, which lies right in the heart of the Wachau wine region, and will tell you the tale of England’s King Richard the Lionheart, who was imprisoned in the castle whose ruins still stand above the town. In the late afternoon, arrive in the attractive country resort of Grein, nestled at the foot of a bluff in the shadow of its castle. Enjoy a guided walk and take pictures of the turreted houses on the main square. (B,L,D)
Day #18 Grein–Linz. In the early morning hours, depart Grein for Linz, where you arrive before lunch. A Certified Local Guide will acquaint you with the highlights of this, Austria’s third-largest city and an important river port. Culture is an important part of life in Linz. Composer Anton Bruckner lived here and Mozart’s Linzer Symphony was composed in the city. Alternatively, you may opt for a full-day optional excursion to Salzburg or Cesky Krumlov in the CzechRepublic. (B,L,D)
Day #19 Regensburg, Germany. Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall, and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria’s cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)
Day #20 Nuremberg. Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses—all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. (B,L,D)
Day #21 Bamberg. Another beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site is medieval Bamberg. Your walking tour takes in its breathtaking cathedral, the Old Town Hall straddling the River Regnitz, and serpentine streets with charming houses and 18th-century mansions. (B,L,D)
Day #22 Würzburg. Known as the “Pearl of the Romantic Road,” Wurzburg is surrounded by sloping hills covered with vineyards. The magnificent BISHOP’S RESIDENZ is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,L,D)
Day #23 Miltenberg. Located on the Main River, Miltenberg is a picturesque Bavarian village that thrived on income from river traffic. Its cultural wealth and affluence are reflected in the beautiful medieval and renaissance houses and the gothic splendor of the Merchant Hall. This afternoon, learn how to bake a local SOFT COOKIE specialty. (B,L,D)
Day #24 Rüdesheim–Rhine Gorge. Visit SIEGFRIED’S MECHANICAL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM in pretty Rudesheim. Enjoy a SPECIAL TREAT, then there’s free time to explore the Drosselgasse and pick up some souvenirs. The dramatic RHINE GORGE is the most beautiful stretch of river. Pass the legendary rock of the Lorelei, where sweet songs of local beauties lured enchanted sailors to their doom. (B,L,D)
Day #25 Cologne. Cologne is one of Germany’s largest cities, with a river skyline dominated by the soaring twin spires of its magnificent gothic cathedral. The Germano-Roman Museum located next to the cathedral is a must for history buffs! Try a Kölsch in one of the many taverns and shop for a bottle of “4711,” the original eau de cologne. (B,L,D)
Day #26 Amsterdam, Holland. Holland’s delightful 700-year-old capital is sophisticated and modern, with a rich and fascinating history. The works of famous Dutch masters can be seen in world-renowned museums such as the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh. There is no better way to see Amsterdam than by CANAL BOAT, cruising through the elegant grachten lined with stately homes. (B,L,D)
Day #27 Amsterdam (Disembarkation). Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)