| Day | Description |
|---|
| 1 | VIENNA, AUSTRIAWelcome to Vienna, Austria's capital, which is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The remainder of the day is yours to start exploring this elegant city. |
| 2 | VIENNAOnce the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: 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 included tour. You do not rush through Vienna-you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B) |
| 3 | VIENNA (EMBARKATION)Time today to browse the shops along the Karntnerstrasse and perhaps enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. This afternoon, board your river cruise vessel and meet your crew at a welcome reception. (B,D) |
| 4 | BUDAPEST, HUNGARYSpanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. 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. (B,L,D) |
| 5 | BUDAPESTA free day to explore Budapest at your own pace. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (B,L,D) |
| 6 | MOHACS. EXCURSION TO PECSMohacs, on the border with Croatia, was the scene of two famous battles that marked the beginning and the end of the Ottoman dominance of Hungary. From here, an excursion takes you to Pecs, Hungary's fifthlargest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture. (B,L,D) |
| 7 | VUKOVAR, CROATIAToday, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. Vukovar, Croatia's largest river port located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers, was scene to an 87-day siege in 1991, known as The Battle of Vukovar. This and other dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region. (B,L,D) |
| 8 | BELGRADE, SERBIAThe 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. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafes. (B,L,D) |
| 9 | IRON GATESThe Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia are impressive sights on the right bank of the Danube. 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. (B,L,D) |
| 10 | SVISTOV, BULGARIA-EXCURSION TO VELIKO TARNOVO & ARBANASSI-ROUSSEA comfortable ride from Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo. 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 Rousse. (B,L,D) |
| 11 | HARSOVA, ROMANIA. EXCURSION TO CONSTANTA, BLACK SEA-CERNAVODAConstanta, situated on the Black Sea, is the most important commercial center in Romania. Enjoy a guided tour of this popular resort town and visit the NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM. Return to your ship at Cernavoda. From here, the 40-mile-long canal, the pride and joy of communist achievement, runs to Agigea and Navoradi on the Black Sea. (B,L,D) |
| 12 | OLTENITA (DISEMBARKATION)-BUCHARESTBucharest, Romania's lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name "Paris of the East." Much recent history has taken place here. During your included tour, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon, and Royal Palace Square, scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. (B) |
| 13 | BUCHARESTYour vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B) |