DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

Day 1

ARRIVE BUCHAREST, ROMANIA (D)

Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to our hotel in the heart of historic Bucharest, capital of Romania. Our first group activity will be a Get Acquainted dinner tonight, with a discussion of the fun and educational activities that await us in Transylvania.

Day 2

BUCHAREST – BRASOV (BD)

Following breakfast, we depart for the Carpathian Mountain resort town of Sinaia, and a tour of Peles Castle, residence of the last Romanian monarch. Our final destination is Braşov, where a walking tour of this old Germanic town takes us into an old Romanian School, past the Black Cathedral, and down winding cobblestone lanes back to our hotel.

Day 3

ACTIVITIES FROM BRASOV (BD)
Transylvanian Alps Walk – 8 km, rated 3

This morning’s walk offers eye-popping panoramas of the Transylvanian Alps and traditional farms, with picturesque haystacks plopped on sloping hillsides like giant mushrooms. After lunch in the village of Bran, we’ll visit the Dracula Castle, 14th century testimony to the story of Transylvania and Count Vlad, “the Impaler.” Count Vlad was the inspiration for the fictional Count Dracula. Later tonight, we’ll enjoy a memorable folklore dinner together back in Braşov.

Day 4

BRASOV - BOARD AT GIURGIU (BD)
Bucharest Walk – 8 km, rated 1

We return to Bucharest today to participate in a walk offering highlights of this Romanian capital, many connected with the rise and fall of the hated dictator, Nicolae Ceauşescu. Following the walk, our coach takes us further south to Giurgiu on the Danube River. Here we rendezvous on the MS Kleine Prinz with travelers arriving for the Danube River Cruise.

Day 1

ARRIVE BUCHAREST, ROMANIA (D)

Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to our hotel in the heart of historic Bucharest, capital of Romania. Our first group activity will be a Get Acquainted dinner tonight, with a discussion of the cruise that awaits us on the Blue Danube in the days to come.

Day 2

BOARD AT GIURGIU, ROMANIA (BD)
Bucharest Walk – 8 km, rated 1

This morning, we’ll participate in a walk offering highlights of Bucharest, many connected with the rise and fall of the hated dictator, Nicolae Ceauşescu. Following the walk, and free time to explore the capital city, we’ll drive further south to Giurgiu, a port on the Danube River where we will rendezvous on the MS Kleine Prinz with travelers arriving from the Transylvania Pre-tour. Our Danube River Cruise begins in earnest tonight!

Day 3

VIDIN, BULGARIA (BLD)
Vidin, Bulgaria Walk – 10 km, rated 2+

Welcome to Bulgaria! Part 1 of our walk takes us to 13th century Baba Vida fortress and through the riverside town of Vidin. We’ll see firsthand how this country on the eastern edge of the Balkans is emerging as a 21st century democracy. Part 2 of the walk explores Belogradchik Rocks, a group of bizarre formations hailed as one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders.

Day 4

TURNU SEVERIN, ROMANIA (BLD)

Known as the site of Emperor Trajan’s Roman bridge, an engineering triumph unsurpassed for over 1000 years, Turnu Severin is also the home of the fascinating Museum of Ancient History, the main focus of our visit. The afternoon cruise takes us through the highest natural gorge on the Danube. Over 100 km long, “The Iron Gates" had historically posed a major navigational obstacle until the Djerdap Hydroelectric and Navigation System was completed in 1972.

Day 5

BELGRADE, SERBIA (BD)
Belgrade, Serbia Walk – 10 km, rated 1+

We start our day with an excellent walk through the vibrant city of Belgrade that includes Kalemegdan Fortress, massive St. Sava’s Orthodox Cathedral, the Parliament Building, Princess Ljubica's Manor, and more. It’s difficult to believe this bustling, upbeat city was the target of NATO bombing raids less than 10 years ago. This afternoon, we drive through pastoral Serbian countryside to the village of Jarak, where a local family will provide a delicious dinner followed by a finger-snappin’, toe-tappin’ performance of Serbian folk music and dance.

Day 6

NOVI SAD, SERBIA (BLD)
Novi Sad, Serbia Walk – 10 km, rated 2

Pedestrian-friendly Novi Sad is the venue for our second walk in Serbia. The route includes the dramatic, 17th century Petrovaradin Fortress, strategic post during the ongoing wars with invading Turks, and the traditional Old World architecture and inviting sidewalk cafes of the appealing historic district. Later this afternoon, we continue our Danube voyage into Hungary.

Day 7

KALOCSA, HUNGARY (BLD)
Kalocsa Small Town Hungary Walk – 10 km, rated 1+

This morning’s walk takes us through harvest scenes into Kalocsa, a rural community settled by the invading Magyar tribes over 1000 years ago. Following a guided walk to a nationally significant cathedral and its treasury, and the Paprika Museum, we’ll return to the ship for lunch. Afternoon activities include free time back in Kalocsa or an optional visit to a local horse ranch.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION - Czikos Puzsta Horse Farm and Equestrian Show: This ranch showcases the renowned horsemanship of Hungarians, whose ancestors first invaded the Carpathian Basin on horseback in the 9th century.

Day 8

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY (BD)
Budapest, Hungary Walk – 10 km, rated 1

The Hungarian walking club meets us today for a walk featuring Budapest panoramas along the Danube and out to Margaret Island. Later this afternoon, we’ll enjoy a guided coach tour of this historic Queen of the Danube. Join us on the Sun Deck when the ship weighs anchor tonight and sails between the illuminated bridges and monuments of Budapest!

OPTIONAL EXCURSION - Hungarian State Folk Ensemble: See some of Hungary’s best folklore dancers and musicians in an elegant Old World setting!

Day 9

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA (BLD)
Bratislava, Slovakia Walk – 10 km, rated 2+

Our walk in lovely Bratislava takes us past highlights like St. Martin's Cathedral, the Castle and Primate's Palace, Michael's Gate, Michael's Tower, Main Square, Old Town Hall, and Slovak National Theatre. After free time to savor the Old Europe atmosphere of this charming city, our ship sets sail for Vienna while we rendezvous to celebrate the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

Day 10

VIENNA, AUSTRIA (BLD)
Mörbisch, Austria Walk – 10 km, rated 2

Coaches will meet us at the dock outside beautiful Vienna today, and drive us south to the tiny wine-making town of Mörbisch, on the shores of Lake Neuseidl. Walking friends from past visits will meet us for a relaxing walk introducing us to their charming village and neighboring vineyards. Back in Vienna this afternoon, you are free to explore the delights of Old Town before we return to the ship for dinner.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION – Classical Vienna Concert: The city of music offers a musical extravaganza in a palatial venue that vies with the music itself for our admiration.

Day 11

VIENNA, AUSTRIA (BD)

Our objective today is Vienna, historic capital of the powerful Hapsburg Dynasty. The morning coach/walking tour highlights renowned architectural gems such as the State Opera, the Parliament, the Burgtheatre, and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, as well as the bustling pedestrian zone. The afternoon is free to explore more of Vienna’s many wonders on your own or participate in the optional visit to Schönbrunn Palace. We reunite aboard ship tonight for a fun Farewell Dinner and a chance to share our experiences on the trail before departing for home tomorrow.

OPTIONAL EXCURSION - Schönbrunn Palace: A guided tour of the lovely gardens and rooms of the palace introduces us to the life and times of Queen Maria Theresa, beloved 18th century Hapsburg monarch and matriarch.

Day 12

RETURN HOME FROM VIENNA (B)

Following breakfast, we’ll say fond farewells to walking friends and return home enriched by all we've seen and renewed in our appreciation of the history, culture, and scenery of the Danube countries.