Blue Danube to the Black Sea (Vienna to Bucharest)

Day 1 (Wed) Vienna. Fly to Vienna where you will be met and transferred to the Hilton Stadtpark Hotel for two nights.

Day 2 (Thu) Vienna. 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 included tour. Take your time to savour each classic sight and sound. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)

Day 3 (Fri) Vienna. Spend time today browsing the shops along the Kärntnerstrasse and perhaps enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighbourhood café. This afternoon, you will be transferred to your cruise ship. (B,D)

Day 4 (Sat) 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. (B,L,D)

Day 5 (Sun) Budapest. A free day to explore Budapest at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will suggest things to do. (B,L,D)

Day 6 (Mon) 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 and the terrible fire of 1875, which saw much of its centre destroyed. See the majestic, Baroque style Archbishop’s Palace and the fine Kalocsa Cathedral and learn how paprika has been grown and prepared throughout the ages at the Paprika Museum. (B,L,D)

Day 7 (Tue) Novi Sad. Overlooking the city of Novi Sad, with a spectacular view of the Danube and surroundings, 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 of struggle, victory and defeat alike. (B,L,D)

Day 8 (Wed) 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, including 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 9 (Thu) Cruising – Iron Gates. The Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac, and the Trajan Tablet, marking the Roman conquest of Dacia, make impressive sights on the right 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 10 (Fri) Svistov – Rousse. 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 Rousse. (B,L,D)

Day 11 (Sat) 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 12 (Sun) Oltenita - Bucharest. Disembark and travel to Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, just a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have earned it the name ‘Paris of the East’. During the included tour, 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. Your hotel for the night is the Athenee Palace Hilton. (B)

Day 13 (Mon) Bucharest. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)