Start your journey with vibrant Budapest, a famous haven for musicians, writers and artists. See the rolling hills and vine clad slopes of Pecs before departing Hungary. Soon, the Danube makes up the boundary between Serbia on one side and Croatia on the other. Cruise through the narrow gorges of the Iron Gates, a narrow passage which divides Europe's Balkan from the Carpathian mountains. Then sail along the Romanian-Bulgarian border to Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. Disembark and continue by motorcoach to Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of Bulgaria, before arriving at the Black Sea resort of Nessebar, one of the oldest towns in Europe. Conclude your grand vacation in Istanbul, a city with rich history going back thousands of years.
All local Taxes Detailed Itinerary
Day 1, Thu. USA - BUDAPEST.
Overnight flight to Hungary.
DAY 2, Fri. BUDAPEST.
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to the hotel.
Day 3, Sat. BUDAPEST.
Morning sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at your leisure. (B)
Day 4, Sun. BUDAPEST.
The Puszta is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world. The vast flat Great Hungarian Plain stretches across to the east, where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival, you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Try a lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest to embark onto your ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5, Mon. MOHACS - PECS - VUKOVAR, CROATIA.
This morning, the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for an interesting excursion to Pecs. Charming Old Pecs will be brought alive by your local guides during your walking tour. See the Synagogue, Christian Basilica and visit the former Turkish Mosque. Once your ship exits Hungary, the Danube will make up the border between Serbia on one side and Croatia on the other. Tonight, arrive in Vukovar, Croatia. (B,L,D)
Day 6, Tue. VUKOVAR - NOVI SAD, SERBIA.
This morning, a guided bus and walking tour of Vukovar will show you the Franciscan Monastery of St. John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and the St. James and St. Nicholas churches. During lunch, continue your cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, where you will tour the 18th-Century Austrian-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 7, Wed. 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 8, Thu. CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES.
Today, enjoy 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 9, Fri. VIDIN, BULGARIA.
The "Bada Vida" Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th-century castle has massive walls and dark towers, which strongly contrast the natural park which surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th-century castle, located in a fairytale landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D)
Day 10, Sat. GIURGIU - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA.
Today, enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, capital and largest city in Romania. The city is famed for its Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19th century. During the morning city tour, you will see the Arch of Triumph, Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum, the Library and visit the Parliament Palace - the world's largest palace. Enjoy lunch in a typical Romanian restaurant, then choose to shop, explore on your own or visit the open air museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. (B,L,D)
Day 11, Sun. ROUSSE - VELIKO TARNOVO - NESSEBAR, BULGARIA.
This morning, disembark in Rousse and continue your tour by motorcoach. Your first stop is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. Here you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the citadel of the city, the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces, the Patriarchal church and Baldwin's Tower. Shoppers can explore the traditional street market, Samovodska Charshia. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing onto the Black Sea resort town of Nessebar. (B,L,D)
Day 12, Mon. NESSEBAR - ISTANBUL, TURKEY.
During this morning's guided walking tour, see the main highlights of the town including Nessebar's oldest church, the 5th-century Basilica on the Beach. After lunch, continue on to magical Istanbul for the grand three-night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage. (B)
Day13, Tue. ISTANBUL.
This morning's comprehensive city tour will show you the old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Suleymaniye Mosque, the church of the Pantocrator and the Galata Tower, and tour the Blue Mosque. Later, you can explore the town on your own or choose from from various optionals that will be offered. (B)
Day 14, Wed. ISTANBUL.
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the 15th century until the end of the 19th century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. This evening, you may wish to join some your fellow passengers for the optional Istanbul By Night where you will enjoy a belly dancing show with dinner. (B)
Day 15, Thu. ISTANBUL - USA.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
