Day-By-Day
Itinerary
Day
1 Flight Vancouver to Bucharest
Day 2 Arrive in Bucharest,
Romania
Welcome to Bucharest! The remainder of the day is free
to start exploring this fascinating city.
Day 3 Bucharest–Fetesti (Embarkation)
Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s
capital city, and its wide, tree-lined boulevards and
Arc de Triomphe—built in 1922 to honor the bravery
of Romanian soldiers who fought in WWI—have gained
it the name “Paris of the East.” During your
INCLUDED TOUR this morning, see the main sights including
Royal Palace Square, the scene of riots in 1989, which
led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. Later
a motorcoach ride takes you to Fetesti, where your river
cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew
at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 4 St. Gheorghe. Danube Delta Excursion
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.
Depart St. Gheorghe during lunch and enjoy a small CELEBRATION
to mark Km “0”—the end of the Danube’s
journey. This afternoon, you’ll have a chance to
relax and to learn more about the fascinating Delta at
an ONBOARD LECTURE. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 5 Cernavoda. Excursion to Constanta
From Cernavoda this morning, an excursion takes you to
Constanta, the most important commercial center 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. This
afternoon, relax on board as you cruise westward towards
Rousse. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6 Rousse, Bulgaria. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo
& Arbanassi–Svistov
Dock this morning in Rousse, Bulgaria’s largest
inland port. A comfortable motorcoach ride away 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, and the Patriarch’s
Church. With your Local Guide, discover this town that
played an important role in Bulgaria’s history.
Then, journey to Arbanassi. Founded in the 15th century,
the historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its
examples of Bulgarian Revival architecture and its ETHNOGRAPHICAL
MUSEUM, a 400-year-old house preserved as a museum. Visit
the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY, one of the oldest churches
in Arbanassi, and see its outstanding collection of frescoes.
If you do not wish to participate in the full-day excursion,
you may choose to remain on board and join an INCLUDED
SIGHTSEEING TOUR of Rousse after breakfast. At lunchtime,
sail for Svistov, where excursion participants will rejoin
the ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 7 Vidin, Bulgaria. Excursion to Belogradchik
Today, enjoy a leisurely morning of cruising before arriving
in Vidin, an important Danube port in northwestern Bulgaria.
Its medieval FORTRESS, Baba Vidin, is the town’s
primary landmark. It served as Vidin’s main defensive
installation during 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 nearby Belogradchik, view the eclectic
group of ROCK FORMATIONS on the western slopes of the
Balkan Mountains. Sculpted by natural elements for more
than 200 million years and with a variety of sizes and
shapes, the Belogradchik Rocks are spectacular! (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
Day 8 Iron Gates. Excursion to Lepenski Vir, Serbia
The most spectacular scenery must surely be 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 and forming a natural
border between Serbia and Romania. After lunch dock at
Donji Milanovac from where a short drive takes you to
the impressive LEPENSKI VIR EXHIBITION CENTER housing
archaeological artifacts found in this area and from where
you have unique views of the Danube Gorge. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner)
Day 9 Belgrade
Early today, arrive in Belgrade. One of the oldest cities
in Europe, the capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence
of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A Local Guide will be proud
to show you its main sights, including St. Sava, the world’s
largest orthodox church. In your free time, be sure to
check out the city’s lively pedestrian area and
charming outdoor cafés. Perhaps visit one of the
many art galleries or museums, or browse the local shops.
Stroll through Belgrade’s largest and most beautiful
park which surrounds the city’s principal landmark,
Kalemegdan Fortress and gaze down at the confluence of
the Danube and Sava Rivers. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10 Mohács, Hungary.
Excursion to Pécs
Relax on board this morning before arriving in Mohács,
the first stop in Hungary. After lunch, an included excursion
takes you to Pécs. Established by the Romans in
the 2nd century, this was a flourishing and important
town for Christianity by the 4th century. These early
Christians left behind many underground burial chambers
with memorial chapels above ground. With a Local Guide,
visit the UNDERGROUND TOMBS—now part of a UNESCO
World Heritage Site—many of which have splendidly
decorated murals with Christian themes. Later, enjoy an
ORGAN CONCERT. Pécs is also a rich showcase of
Turkish architecture and home to Turkish mosques, striking
churches, and an enjoyable atmosphere around its restaurants
and cafés. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11 Budapest (Disembarkation)
Early this morning, dock in the country’s capital.
Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern
Europe’s liveliest cities. Whether you’re
seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery
or Herend porcelain, or basking in the coffee house culture
over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café,
Budapest’s unique energy is positively palatable.
Bid goodbye to your crew before joining a GUIDED TOUR
of the city with your Local Guide. See Heroes’ Square
as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its
remarkable Fishermen’s Bastion—with spectacular
views of the city—and 11th-century Matthias Church,
the coronation spot of several Hungarian monarchs. Be
sure to take note of the city’s eight bridges—many
famous sights in and of themselves—which connect
ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left.
You may even want to walk across Chain Bridge, built in
1849 and a symbol of Budapest. (Breakfast)
Day 12 Budapest
You have time today to explore Budapest further. Perhaps
visit St. Stephen’s Basilica for marvelous views
of the city from its viewing platform. Or maybe you would
like to join one of the optional excursions on offer.
(Breakfast)
Day 13 Budapest
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)
Flight to Vancouver.
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