Itinerary
- Day 1
Giurgiu
You'll board your cruise ship in Giurgiu and settle in as your river journey through Southeast Europe begins. This is where everything kicks off for the next week on the Danube.
Included Activities
- Embark cruise ship
- Day 2
Bucharest or Bulgaria
You have options today depending on what interests you. Stay in Bucharest for more exploring, or head to Veliko Tarnovo in Bulgaria to see its medieval fortress and orthodox temples. If you want something different, check out Rousse's Neo-Baroque buildings and the UNESCO Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, where you'll find exceptional 14th-century frescoes on the walls.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Explore Bucharest
- Visit Veliko Tarnovo medieval fortress
- Visit orthodox temples in Veliko Tarnovo
- Explore Rousse's 19th and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture
- Visit UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Landmarks Veliko Tarnovo Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo Rousse - Day 3
Vidin
Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, gives you several choices for how to spend your time. You can visit Baba Vida Fortress, which is the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, learn to make traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa at a local home, or try bike touring through the city. Wine tasting is another option if that appeals to you.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional Activities
- Visit Baba Vida Fortress
- Traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa demonstration and preparation at a local home
- Bike tour through Vidin
- Wine tasting
Landmarks Baba Vida Fortress - Day 4
Golubac
The Iron Gates is the highlight today as the Danube cuts through gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. You'll see the ancient carving of King Decebalus on the mountainside, then tour Golubac Fortress, which has been remarkably well preserved. This stretch of river forms the natural border between Serbia and Romania.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic cruise through Iron Gates
- Tour Golubac Fortress
Landmarks Iron Gates King Decebalus Rock Carving Golubac Fortress - Day 5
Belgrade
You'll spend the day in Belgrade exploring Serbia's capital. The Nikola Tesla Museum shows the inventor's life and work, and you can walk through the Kalemegdan Fortress or visit the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava. In the afternoon, try some Serbian brandies like Sljivovitz paired with local food. If you prefer being active, hike to Belgrade Fortress or join a guided bike tour instead.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- City tour of Belgrade
- Visit Nikola Tesla Museum
- Visit Kalemegdan Fortress
- Visit Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava
- Serbian brandy tasting with local appetizers
Optional Activities
- Hike to Belgrade Fortress
- Guided bike tour
Landmarks Nikola Tesla Museum Kalemegdan Fortress Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava Belgrade Fortress - Day 6
Vukovar
Start with a walking tour through Novi Sad, checking out Dunavski Park and the Old Town center in Stari Grad. You can choose a guided biking tour or hike up to Petrovaradin Fortress if you want more activity. Later, cruise to Vukovar, which has historic significance in Croatian history, and see places like Eltz Manor House and the water tower. Wine lovers might skip this and head to Ilok instead to taste local wines.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Walking tour of Novi Sad
- Visit Dunavski Park
- Explore Stari Grad (Old Town Novi Sad)
Optional Activities
- Guided biking tour of Novi Sad
- Hike to Petrovaradin Fortress
- City tour of Vukovar
- Visit Eltz Manor House
- Visit Vukovar water tower
- Wine tasting in Ilok
Landmarks Dunavski Park Petrovaradin Fortress Eltz Manor House Vukovar Water Tower - Day 7
Pécs
Pecs has been around for over 2,000 years since Roman times, and you'll explore the UNESCO Christian Necropolis and St. Peter's Basilica with its catacombs. Don't miss the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, which is one of the city's main landmarks. Szechenyi Square sits in the heart of Old Town. If wine interests you, the Szeksz rd wine region nearby is one of Europe's oldest red wine areas. There's also a guided bike tour option around Mohacs for active travelers.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Pécs
- Explore UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis
- Visit St. Peter's Basilica and catacombs
- Visit Széchenyi Square
Optional Activities
- Visit Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious
- Szekszárd wine region tour and wine tasting
- Guided bike tour around Mohács
Landmarks Christian Necropolis of Pécs St. Peter's Basilica Széchenyi Square Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious - Day 8
Budapest
You'll disembark the cruise ship in Budapest and get ready for your flight home, wrapping up your week on the Danube.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Disembark cruise ship
