Danube River Cruising

(Fri. & Sat.) Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famousChain 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 are sights not to be missed. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. (BB)

Day 4 Budapest (Embarkation)

(Sun.) Not far from the capital and an integral part of Hungarian rural life is the Puszta , or Great Plain, the vast grasslands where the country’s beloved fiery horses are reared. After a visit and a demonstration of traditional Hungarian equestrian prowess performed by the csikós (wranglers in their picturesque costumes), return to Budapest for embarkation. The crew of your vessel waits to welcome you aboard! (BB,L,D)

Day 5 Kalocsa

(Mon.) Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. The Archbishop’s Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral dominate this quiet town, now best known for paprika and folklore art. (FB,L,D)

Day 6 Novi Sad, Serbia

(Tue.) Overlooking the city of Novi Sad, with a spectacular view of the Danube and surroundings, is Marshal Vauban’s unconquerable Petrovaradin Fortress. Dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region, resplendent with natural beauty and a proud history of struggle, victory, and defeat. (FB,L,D)

Day 7 Belgrade

(Wed.) The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Its main sights include the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; the world’s largest Orthodox Church of St. Sava; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (FB,L,D)

Day 8 Iron Gates

(Thu.) The 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. (FB,L,D)

Day 9 Svistov, Bulgaria–Veliko Târnovo–Arbanassi–Rousse

(Fri.) A comfortable ride away from the river port of Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. 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 Tsarevits 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. Rousse today is Bulgaria’s largest inland port. (FB,L,D)

Day 10 Black Sea Canal, Romania–Constanta

(Sat.) The 40-mile-long Black Sea Canal is the pride and joy of communist achievement and was completed in 1984. Constanta, situated on the coast of the Black Sea, is Romania’s most important commercial center and a popular resort. Interesting sights are the NATURAL HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM and the PETER AND PAUL ORTHODOX CHURCH. (FB,L,D)

Day 11 Oltenita (Disembarkation)–Bucharest

(Sun.) Bucharest, 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 in the city. The impressive Parliament Building is the second largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which finally led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. (FB)