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DAY 1, Tue. Depart USA
Board overnight flight.
DAY 2, Wed. Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul, meet & greet, transfer to
hotel Hosted Welcome Desk at the hotel.
DAY 3, Thu. 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
Galata Tower and visit the Suleymaniye Mosque
and Blue Mosque. Later, you can explore the town
on your own or choose an optional tour.
DAY 4, Fri. 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.
DAY 5, Sat. Istanbul-Nessebar (Bulgaria)
This morning, you will leave Istanbul bound
for the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, Nessebar.
Situated on a small peninsula, Nessebar is
ancient in origin. After a late afternoon
arrival, tonight you will enjoy dinner at a
local restaurant and see the highlights of the
towns rich history.
DAY 6, Sun. Nessebar-Veliko Turnovo-Rousse
(embark the ship)
The first stop this morning is the ancient
capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here you
will tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the
city. You will see the old fortress walls, the
Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church, and
the Baldwin's Tower. Those passengers who wish
to shop can instead visit Samovodska Charshia -
traditional market street. Before continuing on
to Rouse, to embark your ship, enjoy a
traditional Bulgarian lunch in a local
restaurant.
DAY 7, Mon. Giurgiu-Bucharest (Romania)
Today enjoy a full day excursion to
Bucharest, the capital and largest city in
Romania. This "Paris of the East" is famed for
its Belle Epoque Era buildings dating from the
19th century. The French influence is paramount
in many of the restored buildings of the former
aristocracy and monarchy. The post war communist
era of grandiose architecture is brought home by
the world's second largest building, the
Parliament Palace. During the morning city tour
you will see the Arch of Triumph, the Soseaua
Kiseleff, the Athenaeum and Library, and visit
the Parliament Palace. In the afternoon, enjoy
lunch in a local restaurant, and then choose to
have some free time or visit the Open Air
Museum, with typical village builds from
throughout Romania.
DAY 8, Tue. Vidin (Bulgaria)
Today you will enjoy a leisurely day of
cruising the Danube, arriving in the late
afternoon in Vidin. The "Bada Vida" fortress
sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian
frontier town of Vidin. The 14th century castle
has thick walls and dark towers, which contrast
with the natural surroundings of the park it
sits within. This morning, you will disembark
the ship and enjoy a sightseeing tour to The
Puszta. 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.
DAY 9, Wed. Cruising
Today is a full cruising day through one of
Europe's most impressive natural wonders, the
Iron Gates. Here the Danube passes through
narrows gorges, as the river winds between the
Carpathian Mountains on one side of the river
and Balkan Mountains on the other. These natural
borders today make up the frontier between
Serbia and Romania.
DAY 10, Thu. Belgrade (Serbia)
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.
DAY 11, Fri. Novi Sad -Vukovar (Croatia &
Serbia)
Novi Sad is dominated by its huge fortress,
Petrovaradin, guarding the Danube. The antiquity
of Novi Sad can be traced back to the Romans and
Byzantines, but, it was the 13th Century Tartar
invasion that resulted in the building of the
original fortress. Ruled by the Ottoman Turks
for 150 years, it was captured by the Austrian
army during the Great Turkish War and rebuilt to
modern standards. After your visit, enjoy your
lunch while cruising to Vukovar, Croatia.
Vukovar is situated in Eastern Slavonia at the
confluence of the Vuka and Danube Rivers.
Vukovar's rich history is a result of the many
battles fought by the Austrians, Ottoman Turks,
Germans, Croatians and Serbians. During your
city tour, you will see the Franciscan Monastery
of St.John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and
the St. James and the St. Nicholas church.
DAY 12, Sat. Mohacs
This morning the ship arrives in Mohacs,
where you depart for the excursion to Pecs.
Founded more than 2000 years ago by the Romans,
Pecs became an important early Christian
bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the
many centuries of Ottoman rule. The area around
Pecs is made up of rolling hills, vine clad
slopes and a modest climate that give the city a
distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival,
there is a walking tour during which you will
see the Synagogue, Christian Basilica and visit
the former Turkish Mosque.
DAY 13, Sun. Budapest
This morning, you will disembark the ship
and enjoy a sightseeing tour to The Puszta. 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
enjoy a city tour, from historic Buda Castle, a
splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and
Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your
tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's
Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St.
Stephen's Basilica, and much more. Your
afternoon is free.
Day 14, Mon. Bratislava, Slovakia.
Relax on board this morning as you cruise to
Bratislava. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of
Bratislava, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach
Palace and the Gothic St.Martin's Cathedral. The
remainder of the day is free to shop or explore,
perhaps venture up to the 13th century castle
where three countries - Slovakia, Austria and
Hungary can all been seen at once.
Day 15, Tue. Vienna, Asutria
A wonderful day to savor the baroque romance
of Vienna. On your guided sightseeing tour, you
will see the lavish Hofburg Palace, the
impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic
Ringstrasse, awe-inspiring St. Stephen's
Cathedral and also visit the National Library.
The afternoon is free to stroll along
Karntnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous
pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian
capital on your own, or come along for an
optional Mozart and Strauss concert.
DAY 16, Wed. Durnstein - Melk.
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley.
Stop in Durnstein and marvel at the magnificent
blue facade of the baroque Stiftskirche. You
will see the ruins of the castle where Richard
the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned
in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval
cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town
houses and wine taverns. Enjoy lunch while
cruising to Melk. A guided tour takes you to the
town's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of
Europe's largest baroque monasteries. An evening
wine tasting highlights your visit to the Wachau
Valley.
DAY 17, Thu. Linz - Passau, Germany.
After breakfast, take an optional full-day
excursion to fascinating Salzburg and the Sound
of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria
to Passau in Germany. In Passau the rivers Inn
and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking
tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more
than 2,000 years ago.
DAY 18, Fri. Regensburg.
Arrive into Regensburg this afternoon.
Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved
medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the
city's architectural highlights, including the
Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria - gates to
an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at
beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges
crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore
entertainers will come on board for your
delight.
DAY 19, Sat. Nuremberg.
This morning enter the Main-Danube Canal and
relax during a leisurely cruise through the
beautiful Altmuhl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal
straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks,
truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering.
In the afternoon, you decide as you enjoy a
guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia.
Either choose the Medieval history of Nuremberg
and see the storybook 900-year old ramparts that
surround this historic city and the Imperial
Castle, or join the tour centered on the modern
role the city played in the 20th century and see
the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where
the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor
overnight in Nuremberg.
DAY 20, Sun. Nuremberg
This morning, depart Nuremberg after
breakfast and drive through the pastoral
countryside to Karlovy Vary, better known by its
German name, Carlsbad, and most famous for its
Bohemian spa. After lunch, continue to Prague
and check into the hotel.
DAY 21, Mon. Prague.
This morning's sightseeing reveals why
Prague is considered one of Europe's most
attractive cities. Visit the thousand-year-old
Hradcany Castle courtyard and St. Vitus, then
walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market
Square. The balance of the day is free to wander
through the Christmas markets with their
tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood
carvings, and ornaments. Mix with the locals at
Wenceslas Square, or enjoy yourself in one of
the charming cafes or restaurants.
DAY 22 Tue. Prague.
Today is a free day, relax and stroll
through a museum or gallery, wander along the
banks of the Vlatava River, relax at an outdoor
restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art
work. Another consideration is to travel further
a field and take an optional tour or two- join
the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi
WWII labor camp, now a memorial to those who
perished. The remainder of the day is free.
DAY 23, Wed. Depart Prague for USA
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the
airport for your return flight home.
*** Reverse itinerary available ***
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