Allow yourself to be led through Istanbul's fascinating Old City, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman monuments. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct, and the hippodrome, among other iconic sites. (B)
Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th to the 19th century. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women's quarters) and the Imperial Treasury's vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker's Diamond. (B) ... Read More
Check out of your Istanbul hotel and fly to Bucharest. Transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark your ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
Giurgiu, Romania
Embark your ship in Giurgiu. Tonight gather onboard and meet your fellow passengers. (B,L,D)
Tuesday - Mar 25, 2025
Day 5
Giurgiu, Romania
Bus Travel
Bucharest, Romania
Bus Travel
Giurgiu, Romania
Rousse, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Rousse, Bulgaria
Experience the best of Bucharest, Romania's capital, known as the "Little Paris of the East", with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Then visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Wednesday - Mar 26, 2025
Day 6
Vidin, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Belogradchik, Bulgaria
Bus Travel
Vidin, Bulgaria
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Thursday - Mar 27, 2025
Day 7
Iron Gates
The Iron Gates is one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Friday - Mar 28, 2025
Day 8
Belgrade, Serbia
Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery, followed by a panoramic tour of Avala Mountain. Later in the day, choose from a hike to Kalemegdan Fortress, known for its winding walking paths and incredible river views, or join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Saturday - Mar 29, 2025
Day 9
Novi Sad, Serbia
Vukovar, Croatia
Cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the "Serbian Athens". Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. Visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Sunday - Mar 30, 2025
Day 10
Mohacs, Hungary
Bus Travel
Pecs, Hungary
Bus Travel
Mohacs, Hungary
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs. You'll then visit Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or, for wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohacs. (B,L,D) ... Read More
Bid farewell to your ship and take a sightseeing tour of Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube". Your city tour begins with a visit to the vibrant Great Market Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takes you to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes views from historic Buda Castle, a visit to Fisherman's Bastion, and the beautifully colored Matthias Church. Later in the day, travel to Vienna where you will check into your hotel and enjoy some free time. (B) ... Read More
Savor the imperial elegance of romantic Vienna during a guided sightseeing tour past the city's most famous and beautiful locales, including the UNESCO World Heritage-designated historic city center. See the regal Vienna State Opera house, towering St. Stpehen's Cathedral with its fascinating eagle mosaics and geometric patterned roof, and the majestic Ringstrasse, Vienna's famed ring road, lined with incredible architecture, monuments, and parks. You will also have some free time to explore Vienna on your own. (B) ... Read More
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