Gems of Southeast Europe from $2,449

Travel Team > Europe - River Cruises > Gems of Southeast Europe from $2,449

DAY 1    Budapest           

EMBARKATION

Welcome Dinner

Illuminations Cruise

Embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises past Budapest’s illuminated riverfront. (D)

DAY 2    Mohacs              

Pecs excursion

Villany wine tasting

Arrive in Mohacs around breakfast time and depart for your excursion to Pécs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, the city was an important cultural base during many centuries of Ottoman rule. You will see St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral, as well as either a mosque that has been converted to a church or the restored synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohács. After lunch, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion to sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Villány. (B,L,D)

DAY 3    Vukovar             

Yugoslav Civil War tour

Ilok

OR Croatian wine tasting

Novi Sad

Walking tour

Visit Petrovaradin Fortress

This morning, enjoy a Yugoslav Civil War tour of Vukovar that will show you the Ovcara Memorial and Cemetery, the monumental cross that serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. Alternatively, choose to take a wine tasting excursion to Ilok instead. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, one of Europe’s greatest historical treasures. After a walking tour of the city, you will later in the evening see the Petrovaradin fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached and that is now home to a hotel, museum and artists’ studios. (B,L,D)

DAY 4    Belgrade             

City tour

Tito’s Memorial tour

OR Quburich Brandy tasting

OR Belgrade bike tour

Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city, that includes visits to Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. This afternoon you will have your choice of one of three excursions. Your first option is a visit to the mausoleum of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, a beloved figure who was the leader of the Yugoslav Partisans during the Second World War and became the first President of Yugoslavia. Your second option is a tasting of Serbian plum brandy and local snacks at the Quburich Distillery. Your third option is a guided bike tour through Belgrade around Ada Ciganlija Island. (B,L,D)

DAY 5    Iron Gates          

Full day cruising

Today, take a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between Serbia and Romania. The banks of the river along this natural border are lined with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead, a sight that will be an unforgettable highlight of your adventure. (B,L,D)

DAY 6    Vidin    

Belogradchik excursion and

Baba Vida Fortress

OR Banitsa pastry & yogurt tasting

OR Vidin bike tour

Your time in Vidin begins with a visit to Belogradchik, a beautifully restored castle located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations, as well as Vidin Castle. Afterwards, you will visit Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, where you will be treated to a fascinating historical re-enactment. You may also opt instead for a Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting, or a guided bike tour on which you will see sights like the Ottoman post office and visit the synagogue. Afterwards, you will have your choice of one of three excursions. The ship departs early afternoon. (B,L,D)

DAY 7    Giurgiu 

Veliko Tarnovo excursion

OR Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches hike

Today, enjoy a visit to the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. You will see the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church, and the Baldwin’s Tower. Or, you may choose to hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a group of monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries built into the side of a mountain. Return to the ship afterward and enjoy a free evening. (B,L,D)

DAY 8    Giurgiu 

DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)