Day 1: (Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.
Day 2: Bucharest, Romania.
(Sat.) Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name “Paris of the East.”
Day 3: Bucharest–Oltenita (Embarkation).
(Sun.) During your included tour of Romania’s capital, see the impressive PARLIAMENT BUILDING, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. This afternoon a motorcoach ride takes you to Oltenita, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a WELCOME RECEPTION. (B,D)
Day 4: Silistra, Bulgaria. Excursion to Varna, Black Sea.
(Mon.) Located at Bulgaria’s border with Romania, Silistra is a port city and the capital of an important agricultural region. After breakfast, travel by road to Varna. This city on the Black Sea is an important naval base and sea resort with a long history. Roman baths are among the younger artifacts. During your sightseeing, visit the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, home of the Gold of Varna, as featured in National Geographic some years ago. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Svistov. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi.
(Tue.) A comfortable ride from the port city of Svistov 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 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 Svistov. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Iron Gates.
(Wed.) The TRAJAN TABLE marking the Roman conquest of Dacia and the Serbian fortresses of GOLUBAC and SMEDEREVO are impressive sights on the left bank of the Danube. 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, forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Belgrade, Serbia.
(Thu.) The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox Church; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and monument. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Novi Sad.
(Fri.) Overlooking the city of Novi Sad with a spectacular view of the Danube is Marshal Vauban’s unconquerable PETROVARADIN FORTRESS. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour before relaxing this afternoon as you cruise upriver. (B,L,D)
Day 9: Kalocsa, Hungary–Budapest.
(Sat.) Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. The Archbishop’s Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral dominate this quiet town that is best known for paprika and folklore art. Learn how paprika has been grown and prepared through the ages at the PAPRIKA MUSEUM. Then, on to the PUSZTA or Great Plain, an integral part of Hungarian rural life. Late this afternoon, rejoin your vessel in Budapest. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Budapest.
(Sun.) 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 FISHERMEN’S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Budapest–Vienna, Austria.
(Mon.) A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. Vienna, Austria’s capital, is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Vienna.
(Tue.) Once the center 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 city tour. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B,L,D)
Day 13: Dürnstein–Melk.
(Wed.) Dürnstein, known for the magnificent baroque STIFTSKIRCHE with its blue façade, is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England’s King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon, a stop in Melk with its splendid BENEDICTINE ABBEY that dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe’s largest monasteries. This evening, sample some of the Wachau Valley’s FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D)
Day 14: Linz–Passau, Germany.
(Thu.) Linz, Austria’s third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (B,L,D)
Day 15: Regensburg.
(Fri.) Regensburg is one of Germany’s best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and Porta Pretoria—gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. It is here you will find Germany’s oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstküche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)
Day 16: Nuremberg.
(Sat.) Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses, all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg’s traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we’ll introduce you to some of Germany’s FAMOUS BEERS! (B,L,D)
Day 17: Nuremberg (Disembarkation)–Prague, Czech Republic.
(Sun.) Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the “Golden City.” (B)
Day 18: Prague.
(Mon.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. See its treasures such as Old Town’s ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Charles Bridge. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. (B)
Day 19: Prague.
(Tue.) A free day to explore the city at your own pace. (B)
Day 20: Prague.
(Wed.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)
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