Discover some of the continent’s best-kept secrets on this river cruise through Eastern and Central Europe, from Bucharest to Prague. Guided sightseeing in each city shows you the highlights, with inside visits of the National Art Museum in Bucharest, Patriarch’s Church in Veliko Târnovo, Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, and Melk’s awe-inspiring Benedictine Abbey. Also enjoy an organ concert in Kalocsa, cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and Main Danube Canal, and visit the diverse rock formations of Belogradchik. Enjoy three overnights in Prague, with guided sightseeing of the city’s main sights, plenty of free time, and the conclusion of your incredible cruise vacation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Arrive in Bucharest, Romania. Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name “Paris of the East.”
Day #2 Bucharest–Oltenita (Embarkation). During your included tour of Romania’s capital, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. This afternoon a motorcoach ride takes you to Oltenita, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D)
Day #3 Rousse, Bulgaria. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi. A comfortable ride from the port city of Rousse is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo. 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. Rejoin your ship in Svistov. (B,L,D)
Day #4 Vidin. Excursion to Belogradchik. Vidin is an important Danube port, situated in northwestern Bulgaria. Its medieval FORTRESS known as “Baba Vidin” and is the town’s primary landmark. It served as Vidin’s main defensive installation during the course of the Middle Ages and is the only entirely preserved medieval fortress in the country. It is now a fortress museum and has been restored to its former appearance. In the afternoon, drive to nearby Belogradchik to view the eclectic group of ROCK FORMATIONS on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. (B,L,D)
Day #5 Iron Gates. The Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia and the Serbian fortresses of Golubac and Smederevo are impressive sights on the left bank of the Danube. The dramatic gorge of the IRON GATES, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast,forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
Day #6 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. (B,L,D)
Day #7 Pecs, Hungary–Kalocsa. Pecs is Hungary’s fifth-largest city and its richest in terms of Turkish architecture. Enjoy an orientation and some free time before proceeding to Kalocsa. Founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric, Kalocsa has a most turbulent history. This quiet town, which is best known for paprika and folklore art, is dominated by the Archbishop’s Palace and Kalocsa Cathedral, where you will be treated to an ORGAN CONCERT. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Budapest. 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. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
Day #9 Budapest–Vienna, Austria. A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (B,L,D)
Day #10 Vienna. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna 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 city tour. 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 #11 Dürnstein–Melk. Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque Stiftskirche with its blue facade, is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon, a stop in Melk with its splendid BENEDICTINE ABBEY that dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. This evening, sample some of the Wachau Valley’s FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D)
Day #12 Linz–Passau, Germany. Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses one of the world’s largest church organs with more than 17,000 pipes. (B,L,D)
Day #13 Regensburg. 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. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)
Day #14 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. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
Day #15 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic. Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (B)
Day #16 Prague. Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its treasures such as Old Town’s Astronomical Clock, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE GROUNDS, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)
Day #17 Prague. A free day to explore the city at your own pace. (B)
Day #18 Prague. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)