Day 1 Bucharest. Fly to Bucharest where you will be met and transferred to the Athénée Palace Hilton hotel for one night.
Day 2 Bucharest - Fetesti. During your included morning tour of Bucharest, Romania's lively capital, enjoy a photo stop at the colossal 6,000 room Palace of Parliament, and a visit to the Royal Palace, which now houses the National Art Museum. This afternoon, a coach ride takes you to Fetesti where your cruise ship is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B, D)
Day 3 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 4 Harsova. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi. Arrive in Harsova after breakfast. From here you may choose to take either a full-day or half day excursion to Constanta, the most important commercial centre 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 on your own, rejoining your cruise ship 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 5 Rousse. 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 Patriach's Church. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its Ethnographical Museum and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the church of 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 6 Iron Gates. Today enjoy a leisurely day of sailing. At first the river seperates Romania on the right bank from Bulgaria on the left and it 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 presented great hazards to the shipping trade. (B, L, D)
Day 7 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 Milnaovac from where a short drive takes you to a impressive Exhibition Center housing an archaelogical artifacts found in this area and from where you have unique views of the Danube Gorge. (B, L, D)
Day 8 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 9 Osijek & Vukovar. Today, learn about Croatia's complex history and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. Accompanied by local experts, explore Osijek and Vukovar, Croatia's largest river port. Located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers, Vukovar was the scene of 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 future of this region. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Mohács. Excursion to Villány Wine District. This morning, a guided excursion takes you to Pecs, Hungarys fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture. Then into the Villâny 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 teh production of excellent wines. Relax on board this afternoon as you sail towards Budapest. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Budapest. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s 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, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church, is among the sights your Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure. (B, L, D)
Day 12 Bratislava – Vienna. This morning, bid farewell to your ship’s crew as you arrive in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. A Local Guide will show you the charming Old Town with its Town Hall and views of Mirbach Palace, as well as the gothic cathedral of St Martin. Later, drive to Vienna, where you have free time to start exploring Austria’s capital on your own. (B, L, D)
Day 13 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 Hofburg Palace, Vienna Opera House, the Ring Boulevard, and St Stephen’s Cathedral are just a few of the sights you will see on your included tour. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B)
Day 14 Vienna. Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)
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