Passage to Eastern Europe

Upon arriving in the city, proceed to check in to your hotel and begin discovering Bucharest, widely celebrated as the vibrant cultural capital of Romania. Learn how the city's original fortress, the very first of many, was strategically constructed to protect the historical Walachian state from invading Turks. Today, explore a captivating metropolis filled with elegant French-style boulevards, lush gardens, and expansive green spaces, such as the beautifully tranquil Bucharest Botanical Garden. Wander through the historic Lipscani district to truly experience the old-world charm of its quaint cobblestone alleys, welcoming inns, and unique shops. Be sure to marvel at the sprawling Palace of Parliament, globally recognized as the largest civilian building, which famously contains an astonishing 1,100 rooms.

After checking out of your hotel, take the opportunity to explore more of the city. The communist era significantly altered the face of Bucharest, leaving behind a landscape filled with imposing socialist architecture. Scattered throughout the modern cityscape, discover beautiful Art Nouveau buildings alongside ancient churches and monasteries miraculously saved from demolition. Walking provides the best way to uncover these hidden architectural treasures, ranging from the 18th-century Schitul Maicilor to the 16th-century Mihai Vodă Church. Additionally, the Romanian capital boasts an array of world-class museums, such as the George Enescu National Museum and its striking oyster-shaped glass awning. Once your urban exploration concludes, transfer to the ship and settle comfortably into your stateroom for the journey ahead.

Included Excursion:
Bucharest & the Village Museum
Explore Romania’s fascinating capital, an impressive collection of unique architecture and grand monuments.

The most integral Danube city in Bulgaria, Ruse enjoys a setting amid a rolling countryside blanketed in sunflower and wheat fields. Once an outpost of the Roman Empire, it was known as Sexaginta Prista, or Sixty Ships, for the fleet that once docked here. Today, it is more known for its colorful atmosphere and as a gateway to Romania’s fabled Transylvania region. Best explored on foot, the city features many fine examples of 19th- and 20th-century neobaroque and neorococo architecture.

​Included Excursion:
Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
Tour two cultural gems rich in Bulgarian heritage during this full-day excursion into the heart of the country.

One of Bulgaria’s oldest riverside towns, Vidin is home to the only entirely preserved medieval Bulgarian castle. Perched impressively on the riverbank, its striking pose, thick ring walls, stout towers and solid gates form a fortress known as Babini Vidini Kuli, which means Granny Vida’s Towers. Around the castle rose a fairy-tale town of 25 minarets, domes and other charming architecture of the period. Though many of these features have been shadowed by today’s city, Vidin retains its charms. Today it is largely an agricultural and trade center renowned for its wines.

​Included Excursion:
Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress
Journey into one of Bulgaria’s most scenic regions to see how geography helped create an architectural treasure.

Sail through one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders, the picturesque stretch famously known as the Iron Gate. Meander through narrow gorges that slice through the Carpathian Mountains to the north and the Balkan Mountains to the south, and marvel at the towering white limestone cliffs draped with forest. Be on the lookout for ancient remains upon the dramatic walls. On the Serbian side, Trajan’s Tablet was laid to mark the construction of a Roman military road; on the Romanian side, marvel at the enormous rock sculpture of Dacian king Decebalus.

Millennia of history await at “the Town of Doves,” the gateway to the Djerdap National Park. The Iron Gate of the Danube lies between the mighty Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, its dramatic scenery carved by narrow ravines. Guarding the Danube is the imposing 14th-century Golubac Fortress, which has seen ruling empires vie for its control over the centuries, changing hands between the Serbs, Hungarians, Bulgarians and Turks. Serbian culture is swathed in tradition, and it is an integral part of the country’s identity that has carried its people through challenging times in history. Ancient civilizations to modern empires have left their mark, creating a unique, fascinating heritage that spans thousands of years.

​Included Excursion:
Golubac Fortress by Foot
Admire sweeping views of the Danube River and its surroundings during a walking tour of Golubac Fortress.

The Serbian capital and former capital of the state of Yugoslavia, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers has long made it a contested region. Throughout its history, the “White City,” as its Serbian name translates, has been destroyed and rebuilt 20 times. Fortunately, the wide-reaching citadel remains, housing the Kalemegdan Fortress, Orthodox churches, Turkish baths and green parkland. Its Church of St. Sava is one of the largest Orthodox buildings in the world.

​Included Excursion:
Panoramic Belgrade
See Belgrade’s monuments and architectural splendor during this enlightening tour of Europe’s most resilient city.

Privileged Access:
Nikola Tesla Museum
Get a glimpse into the mind of scientist and inventor Nikola Tesla at a museum dedicated to his life and work.

The fourth-largest city in Croatia, Osijek is located near the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers. It is the largest city and the economic and cultural capital of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia. In its early days, Osijek was a Roman settlement called Mursa Maior (“major”). It was later rebuilt by the Ottomans and ruled by the Hapsburg Empire. Today, with an abundance of farmland and game, as well as plentiful baroque architecture and musical and outdoor venues, Osijek has become a gastronomic and cultural center of Croatia. Its cathedral can host 3,000 people.

​Included Excursion:
Osijek & Vukovar
See the highlights of Vukovar and Osijek, and stop to meet a Croatian family along the way.

Once the seat of the archbishop, the cultural center of Kalocsa is more than 1,000 years old. The quaint town, surrounded by 8,000 acres of farmland growing fiery red peppers, is brimming with traditional Hungarian culture and steeped in the piquant flavors of paprika, the “red gold” that has been giving local goulash its distinctive taste for centuries. The world’s first Paprika Museum chronicles the spice’s history. The streets are adorned with bright murals of floral motifs, which create a cheery ambience for browsing craft-filled shops. Hungary’s artistic heritage takes center stage at the House of Folk Arts museum.

​Included Excursion:
Kalocsa & Puszta
Visit one of Hungary’s major cultural centers and attend a breathtaking display of traditional horsemanship.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination. Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe’s most rewarding cities. Hungary’s enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube, with traditional hillside Buda on one side and modern Pest on the other. By day, stunning art nouveau buildings, stalwart castles and grand palaces set the stage for inspiring strolls and long soaks in thermal spas. By night, the shimmering lights of the Parliament building dance across the waters of the Danube, the Chain Bridge uniting it all as a dramatic centerpiece.

​Included Excursion:
Snapshots of Budapest
Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals.

Budapest’s old town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narrow streets and colorful houses. In the Castle District, the Matthias Church soars in Gothic glory. Adjacent, the expansive wall and seven turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion overlook the Danube, the graceful Chain Bridge and the Pest side of the river. The centerpiece of the district is the sprawling Buda Castle. Constructed in the 13th century and expanded to its current baroque splendor during the 18th century, this edifice was home to Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.

Bid farewell to your fellow guests and journey home. Or spend more time exploring, perhaps joining one of extensions.