Blue Danube to the Black Sea (Bucharest to Vienna)

Day 1 (Sat) Bucharest. Fly to Bucharest where you will be met and transferred to the Athenee Palace Hilton hotel for one night.

Day 2 (Sun) Bucharest – Oltenita. During your included morning tour of Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, see the colossal 6,000 room Palace of Parliament, the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon and the Royal Palace, which now houses the National Art Museum. This afternoon, a short drive takes you to Oltenita where your cruise ship is docked. (B,D)

Day 3 (Mon) Silistra. Excursion to Varna. Located in north-eastern Bulgaria at the country’s border with Romania, Silistra is a port and the capital of an important agricultural region. After breakfast, travel by road to Varna. This city on the Black Sea is not only an important naval base and sea resort, but also has a long history dating back to pre-historic times. During your sightseeing you will visit the National Archaeological Museum, home of the Gold of Varna. (B,L,D)

Day 4 (Tue) Svistov. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi. Travel by coach from the river port of Svistov to 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 to the Royal Fortress, palaces and 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 5 (Wed) Cruising – Iron Gates. The Trajan Tablet, 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 most spectacular scenery is surely 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, which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)

Day 6 (Thu) Belgrade. The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, Kalemegdan Fortress, St Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church, and the tomb and monument of Marshal Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia. The city centre has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (B,L,D)

Day 7 (Fri) Novi Sad. Overlooking the city of Novi Sad, with a spectacular view of the Danube and surrounding area, is Marshal Vauban’s unconquerable Petrovaradin Fortress. Dramatic events in the recent past have shaped this region, resplendent with natural beauty and a proud history. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this interesting town before relaxing on board this afternoon as you cruise upstream. (B,L,D)

Day 8 (Sat) Kalocsa. Kalocsa is a charming Hungarian town renowned for its paprika production and strong folklore traditions. Founded as an archbishopric by St Stephen in 1009, the serenity of this old town belies its turbulent past of relentless Ottoman attack. See the majestic Archbishop’s Palace and fine Kalocsa Cathedral, and learn how paprika has been grown and prepared throughout the ages at the Paprika Museum. Today you’ll have a chance to taste some of Hungary’s fine wines. (B,L,D)

Day 9 (Sun) Budapest. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan city. Seven 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 Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free for you to explore on your own. Your Cruise Director will suggest things to do. (B,L,D)

Day 10 (Mon) Budapest. A free morning in Budapest before cruising to Vienna. Time to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery along the banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upstream and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58 mile stretch, with the border in the middle of the river. (B,L,D)

Day 11 (Tue) Vienna. Vienna is known as the ‘City of Music’ and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Disembark after breakfast and enjoy an included tour of Austria’s capital. Once the centre of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring
 St Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. Take time to savour each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighbourhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. Enjoy a two night stay at the Hilton Stadtpark Hotel. (B)

Day 12 (Wed) Vienna. A free day in this fascinating city, with time to browse the shops and pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things for you to do. (B)

Day 13 (Thu) Vienna. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)