Lower Danube and Transylvania Extension

Get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The driving tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues to the castle hill above the old town, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. 

Afterwards a guided walking tour leads you through the old town.  Take a leisurely stroll from Michael’s Gate through the historic city center, admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings, as well as the Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city, dating back to the 15th century. See the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain. From the Main Square we continue to a cosy cozy out of the way place to enjoy the famous Pressburger rolls with nut and poppy seed filling.  We will end our walk at the historical Opera House in front of glorious Ganymede’s Fountain. Afterwards, you are free to explore or walk the short distance back to the ship.

Just moments away from the lively heart of Bratislava, you’ll find yourself wandering through the gently rolling hills of the Rača wine region. Celebrated since the 18th century, when Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria authorized the shipment of the famed Frankovka wine to Vienna, this region exudes history and charm. Visit a family-run winery and set out on a scenic hike through sun-dappled vineyards. Along the way, uncover the secrets of viticulture and the distinct character of each vintage — then savor the wine where it truly belongs: amidst the vines, with sweeping views of the idyllic landscape. This excursion promises an authentic and unforgettable experience for wine lovers who enjoy immersing themselves in nature’s beauty.

The tour departs from Budapest and takes you to the artists’ village of Szentendre, home to many generations of Hungarian artists since the early 20th century. Many museums and contemporary galleries represent the rich traditions of the visual arts in this town. Works of the ceramist Margit Kovács (1902–77) are displayed in a famous, eponymous Museum. The focal point of Szentendre is Foetér, the main square, lined with eateries, cafes, and souvenir stores.

Continue to the imposing ruined fortress of Visegrád, where you have a glorious view of the “famous Danube Bend. The next highlight of this excursion is Esztergom, the former residence of the Hungarian kings and seat of the Archbishop. Visit the imposing domed basilica — the largest cathedral in Hungary. Built in the early 19th century, it incorporates an ornate red marble chapel from an earlier church.

Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has managed to retain a charm of its own with the help of renovations in recent years. The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda and Pest. The tour first takes you through Pest, past the Great Market Hall with its outstanding gourmet shops and stalls.

You will see splendid Baroque buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera in Neo-Renaissance style and the incomparable parliament building, which was finished in 1904 and has been an emblem of the city ever since then. There’s an opportunity for a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square, famous for its monuments to many Hungarian kings. Continue aross one of the seven bridges into Buda and go up to Castle Hill, where you will visit St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion (provided that it is open to the public). Enjoy the unforgettable view over the city before returning to the vessel.

In the evening, you will enjoy an atmospheric cruise through Budapest, also known as the “Paris of the East”, which is festively lit up at night, revealing Budapest’s most beautiful side. A folklore show on board will complete the experience.

Start in Vukovar, named after the small river Vuka and home to the largest cargo port in former Yugoslavia. Drive through its streets, once rimmed with elegant baroque mansions and view damaged factory facilities in use before the war in 1991. Learn about the everyday life of Croatians on your way to Kopački Rit, the largest nature park in Eastern Croatia.

Join a boat tour through this beautiful wetland and marshy landscape. (crisscross of ridges, ponds and marshes). Continue to the village of Kopačevo and visit the Rural House for presentation of traditional fishing tools spiced up with humorous fishermen stories. Taste several typical Croatian products: fruit brandy, local wine, smoked pork sausage, ajvar and homemade cakes. Continue to Osijek to stroll through the old town with its baroque military fortress build in the 18th century, now the heart of Osijek’s cultural life. Inside the fortress, the Church of the Raising of the Holy Cross impresses with a richly decorated interior. Take a walking tour to the remaining part of the walls with the so called “Watergate”, the main square containing the largest baroque statue in Croatia, museums, galleries, schools and pubs. Once returned to your coach, continue with a scenic drive back to Vukovar, passing by Croatia's first brewery.

Belgrade, one of the oldest European cities and the capital of Serbia, lies at the junction of the Danube and the Sava. The city boasts a large number of monuments from different areas and different cultures.

First, the tour takes you to the Kalemegdan fortress, where you’ll have an impressive panoramic view over the Danube and the Sava Rivers. Afterwards, you can see the National Museum, the parliament, the Terazije square and the palace of princess Ljubica. Another highlight is the St. Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the world. After a refreshment break at a local restaurant, our tour ends with a visit to the pedestrian zone where you will find many shops and art galleries.

Discover the authentic flavors of Serbian Rakija and learn fascinating stories and interesting facts about this traditional fruit brandy. This guided excursion takes you past Kalemegdan Fortress to the Belgrade Distillery in the Dorćol district. As Serbia’s first open-air distillery, it offers over 20 different varieties, from premium fruit brandies and aromatic mead to traditional liqueurs.

On site, enjoy an entertaining and informative guided tour with insights into the production process, the history, and intriguing anecdotes about Rakija, followed by a tasting of selected specialties of this Balkan national spirit.

A delightful and educational excursion for anyone wishing to experience Serbia’s culture through its flavors.

A coach takes you through Belgrade by night to a hotel in the city center, where you will enjoy a splendid folklore show. The ensemble will invite you for a glass of wine and will perform dances from all parts of the country. The costumes are very colorful and various pieces of Serbian folk music will be performed. Then you will drive to Skadarlija, the famous artists’ quarter, also known as the Montmartre of Belgrade. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets and end the day in one of the many restaurants or pubs.

Meet your local guide at the pier and make the short walk up to this medieval town and fortress complex. Imposing stone walls and towers are impressive reminders of the tumultuous history of this strategic fortress. Originally a Roman settlement, it has been fought over for thousands of years, and is famous for successfully withstanding over 120 direct attacks. From atop the towering ramparts, soak in the history and the stunning views of the natural landscapes of the mighty Danube, before strolling back to your waiting ship.

A trip to ancient history brings you to the “first city in Europe”, Lepenski Vir. Founded more than 8000 years ago, today you will immerse yourself in this important archeological site during a guided tour.  Enjoy free time to explore and learn from the exhibits about the oldest planned city in Europe.  Afterwards, you will visit the eco-village Kapetan Mišin Breg where you can see local art and handicrafts while enjoying a tasting of sampling local culinary treats such as honey brandy and fried nettles.  After some free time, return to your waiting ship.

From the ship begin a unique, once in a lifetime adventure, in the Iron Gates region of the mighty Danube. Meet your local guide and ranger to start your hike in the remote and stunning Djerdap National Park, one of the most stunning areas of Serbia. A forest road leads to the famous breathtaking Kovilovo viewpoint. From Kovilovo you can enjoy a view of the entire Donji Milanovac township and soak in amazing views of the Danube as it winds through the towering gorge. Celebrate this amazing experience with a tour of the Kapetan Misa`s Hill estate where you will try traditional specialties like honey brandy and fried nettles.

Level: ACTIVE, Easy
Route profile: approx. 5km
Elevation gain: 60m

The excursion heads towards Veliko Tarnovo in a comfortable coach. Picturesquely located on the steep banks of the river Yantra at the foot of the Balkan Mountains, the houses of this medieval town were built on narrow terraces along the steep, rocky slopes.

Pass by the fortress Zarewez, where 22 tsars made history in the 2nd Bulgarian empire. There will be a photo stop, offering a good view of the fortress. You will also visit the 13th-century church St. Peter and Paul, which is one of the few medieval churches which had been kept intact and used for worship since the beginning of XIII century until the earthquake in 1913. At the end of the tour you will also have time to see local arts and crafts in a nearby shopping street.

Embark on an invigorating hike through the breathtaking Rusenski Lom Nature Park, famed for its dramatic river valleys, rugged cliffs, and tranquil natural beauty. he guided walk begins near the village of Nisovo and follows a wide, gently ascending path through diverse scenery. Along the way, your guide shares fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna as well as the ecological significance of the region. The highlight of the tour is the breathtaking panoramic view of the Malki Lom River, winding idyllically through the valley. Perfect for guests who enjoy gentle outdoor activity, this hike offers a unique perspective on the region’s natural charm and hidden scenic treasures.

Level: ACTIVE, Challenging
Distance: approx. 6km / 4miles

Join us on a picturesque journey to the Danube Delta. First, we will visit the Danube Delta Museum, where you will gain fascinating insights into the local ecosystem. After the museum visit, we will head to a cozy local restaurant for a traditional lunch. Following the meal, enjoy a two-hour boat tour through the peaceful waterways of the Danube Delta, a habitat for pelicans. With a bit of luck, we may spot these majestic birds, as well as numerous other beautiful bird species. After the boat trip, we will re-board the coaches and take a scenic route back, passing through picturesque villages and glimpsing the ancient ruins of a local fortress.

Dive into the rich history and explore the most renowned wine region of Romania on this full-day excursion. Begin with a scenic drive to Constanța, where a guided panoramic tour and walking visit showcase the city's historic landmarks. Discover Romania’s cultural heritage at the Folk Art Museum before continuing to the famous Murfatlar wine region.

At Murfatlar, enjoy a traditional welcome, a wine tasting, and a light lunch with live folk music. End the day with a relaxing drive back to the ship.

Enjoy a captivating one-hour folklore performance that blends Romania’s rich traditions with a modern touch. Talented dancers in vibrant costumes bring traditional choreography to life, set to a dynamic soundtrack that fuses authentic folk music with contemporary influences. This unique show offers a fresh take on Romania’s cultural heritage, creating an engaging and memorable onboard experience.

Transfer to Bucharest and city tour with lunch, overnight stay in a 4-5 stars hotel 

Experience a scenic highlight even before arriving in Sibiu: your journey takes you along the famous Transfăgărășan Highway — one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain roads — winding its way through the majestic Carpathian Mountains in dramatic hairpin bends.

Once in Sibiu, immerse yourself in the charm and rich history of the city on a leisurely walking tour through its most iconic historic quarters. Stroll along picturesque alleys lined with colorful medieval houses, admire striking architecture, and uncover fascinating stories from the city’s past. Highlights include visits to notable landmarks, lively squares, and hidden gems that reflect Sibiu’s vibrant cultural heritage. This tour offers the perfect introduction to the city’s unique blend of history and modern life.

^{Please note: The drive along the Transfăgărășan Highway is weather-dependent. In case of unfavorable conditions, the journey will follow an alternative scenic route.}

Begin your visit with a guided orientation tour of the enchanting Sighisoara Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover its medieval charm as your guide introduces you to the citadel’s history and main landmarks. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore independently some of the fascinating museums within the citadel, including the Clock Tower (home to the History and Pharmacy museums), the Medieval Weapons Collection, the Torture Chamber, and the Church on the Hill.

Conclude your visit with a traditional lunch at Vlad Dracul restaurant, located in the very house believed to be the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler—the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend.

Explore the charming village of Viscri, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved Saxon heritage and traditional rural architecture. Discover the history and significance of the village as you visit the impressive fortified church, a remarkable example of medieval defensive architecture. This visit offers a peaceful glimpse into authentic Transylvanian village life and cultural heritage.

Discover the fascinating Harman Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Brasov. Explore this well-preserved fortified church, known for its impressive defensive walls and rich history dating back to medieval times. Experience the unique blend of architecture and heritage that reflects the Saxon community’s legacy in the region.

Join a guided walking tour through the historic center of Brasov, exploring its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere. Visit key landmarks and discover fascinating stories about the city’s past. The highlight of the tour is a visit inside the iconic Black Church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the largest churches in Eastern Europe. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty.

An absolute highlight of your trip — enjoy a private, after-hours tour of the legendary Bran Castle, known as Dracula’s Castle. Experience the castle’s mysterious ambiance without the crowds, and immerse yourself in its fascinating history. Conclude this unforgettable evening with a delicious dinner at the Tea House restaurant, nestled within the castle grounds, making for a truly magical and exclusive experience.

Discover the charm of Azuga with a visit to the renowned Rhein Cellars, the appointed sparkling wine supplier to the Romanian royal house. Enjoy an expert-led tasting of exquisite sparkling wines, followed by a delightful lunch in this elegant setting. This experience offers a perfect blend of local tradition, royal heritage, and delicious flavors.

Explore the stunning Peles Castle, one of Romania’s most magnificent royal residences. Wander through beautifully preserved rooms filled with exquisite art, intricate woodwork, and impressive architecture. This visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of Romanian royalty amid breathtaking surroundings.

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before checkout and your transfer to the Otopeni airport, where your homeward journey begins.