Luxury Cruises

Europe River Cruises 4

Highlights

• Deluxe cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom
• All meals aboard ship with special theme dinners and local wines
• Special evening entertainments include folkloric dances and lectures
• Escorted walking tours around towns and villages
• Use of bicycles to explore local sights
• Travel through the Iron Gates - the division between the Balkans and Carpathians

Day 2: Arrive Bucharest

Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to your deluxe ship in Rousse. Note that transfers are not included for cruise only passengers. (D)

Day 3: Tour Bucharest

Today enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. This "Paris of the East" is famed for its Belle Epoque Era buildings dating from the 19th-century. The French influence is paramount in many of the restored buildings of the former aristocracy and monarchy. The post war communist era of grandiose architecture is brought home by the world's second largest building, the Parliament Palace. During the morning city tour you will see the Arch of Triumph, the Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum and Library, and visit the Parliament Palace. In the afternoon enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, and then choose to have some free time or visit the Open Air Museum, with typical village builds from throughout Romania. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Vidin

Today, you will enjoy a leisurely day of cruising the Danube, arriving in the late afternoon in Vidin, Bulgaria. The "Bada Vida" fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th-century castle has thick walls and dark towers, which contrast with the natural surroundings of the park it sits within. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Cruising through the Iron Gates

Today is a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today's passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Visit Belgrade

This morning arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where you have a chance to explore both the old and the new town. Your guided tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Street, Republic Square and Mihajlova street, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Novi Sad & Vukovar

Novi Sad is dominated by its huge fortress, Petrovaradin, guarding the Danube. The antiquity of Novi Sad can be traced back to the Romans and Byzantines, but, it was the 13th-century Tartar invasion that resulted in the building of the original fortress. Ruled by the Ottoman Turks for 150 years, it was captured by the Austrian army during the Great Turkish War and rebuilt to modern standards. After your visit continue to Vukovar, situated at the confluence of the Vuka and Danube Rivers. Vukovar's rich history is a result of the many battles fought by the Austrians, Ottoman Turks, Germans, Croatians and Serbians. During your city tour, you will see the Franciscan Monastery of St. John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and the St. James and the St. Nicholas churches. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Mohacs & Pecs

This morning the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for the excursion to Pecs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. The area around Pecs is made up of rolling hills, vine clad slopes and a modest climate that give the city a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival there is a walking tour during which you will see the Synagogue and visit the former Turkish Mosque and Christian Basilica. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Disembark in Budapest

This morning disembark the ship and to the airport for your onward flight. Note that transfers are not included for cruise only passengers. (B)

B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

• Amadagio Ship - European Rivers & Canals - 7 night(s)

10/09

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