Day 1 Budapest
We meet you at the Budapest airport and transfer you to the moderate deluxe Hilton Budapest (or similar) in the heart of the city for a 2-night stay.* Spend the rest of the day relaxing, or begin doing a bit of exploring on your own.
Day 2 Budapest
This morning, take a tour of Hungary’s capital, exploring both the “Buda” and “Pest” sides. Begin in Pest, where you see the National Opera House and visit historic Heroes’ Square. Cross the Chain Bridge to Buda, where you stroll Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. The rest of your day is free—explore a museum, do some shopping, ride around the city on the wonderful subway system, peek inside one of the Art Deco spas or visit the Great Synagogue and Jewish Quarter. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. (B)
Day 3 Budapest
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we will take you to embark your ship. Enjoy a final free day in Budapest, or take an optional afternoon excursion to Visegrád. With a population of less than 2,000, Visegrád was used as a royal retreat, and it has no fewer than three castles. Enjoy the view of the Danube Bend from the hexagonal Solomon Tower at the Lower Castle. Return to your ship for a welcome dinner aboard. (B, D)
Day 4 Kalocsa
Sail into Kalocsa, Hungary midmorning. Take a guided city walk with a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return aboard and dine during departure. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Osijek
Cruise along the Danube, arriving at Vukovar around noon. This afternoon’s excursion takes you to the Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited by humans since Neolithic times, this area has had several heydays under the Romans, the Ottomans and the Habsburgs; now it is a pleasant town popular for its baroque buildings, parks and monuments. Return aboard for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Belgrade
Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress, now a beautiful park; also see the Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. Lunch aboard, then free time to explore Belgrade’s gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums, like the Nikola Tesla Museum. Dine aboard or experience some of Belgrade’s nightlife—we depart very late this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Iron Gate & Kostolac
Cruise along one of the most scenic areas of the Lower Danube, flanked by enormous white limestone cliffs and spectacular scenery. The day’s journey is punctuated with an excursion to Kostolac, Serbia. See the archeological site at Viminacium, a former Roman capital with wide streets, luxurious baths and an amphitheater, recently opened to the public. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Vidin & Belogradchik
Arrive in the picturesque Bulgarian port of Vidin during breakfast, then take an excursion to see Belogradchik Fortress, built right into the striking Belogradchik Rocks, and enjoy breathtaking views. Lunch aboard is followed by free time to explore Vidin’s city center, Orthodox churches and the ruins of the city’s once-grand synagogue. Depart during dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
After breakfast, disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. There you will see Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Proceed to Arbanasi for lunch in a local restaurant and a guided tour of the Nativity Church with its intricate floor-to-ceiling murals and icons. Rejoin your ship at Nikopol/Svishtov and dine aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Oltenita & Bucharest
Sail into Oltenita; disembark and proceed to the superior first class Athenee Palace Hilton (or similar) in the heart of the Bucharest for a 1-night stay. This afternoon, enjoy a half-day tour of Romania’s lovely capital city. See the Arch of Triumph, the Antim Monastery and the iconic Palace of Justice, completing your tour at the former Royal Palace located near your hotel. Enjoy a final evening in Bucharest. (B, L)
Day 11 Bucharest
After breakfast, check out of your hotel and we take you to the Budapest airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in the Black Sea region. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.
