Start your journey with vibrant Budapest, a famous haven for musicians, writers and artists. See the rolling hills and vine clad slopes of Pecs before departing Hungary. Soon, the Danube makes up the boundary between Serbia on one side and Croatia on the other. Cruise through the narrow gorges of the Iron Gates, a narrow passage which divides Europe's Balkan from the Carpathian mountains. Then, sail along the Romanian-Bulgarian border to Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. Disembark and continue by motorcoach to Veliko Tarnovo, the ancient capital of Bulgaria, before arriving in Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria. Conclude your grand vacation in Istanbul, a city with rich history going back thousands of years.
All local Taxes Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1, BUDAPEST
Overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.
DAY 2, BUDAPEST
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to the hotel.
DAY 3, BUDAPEST
This morning's sightseeing includes historic Buda Castle, where you have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Your tour also features 500-year-old Matthias Church, St. Stephen's Basilica, distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at your leisure. (B)
DAY 4, BUDAPEST - EMBARK SHIP
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 embark your ship. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, MOHACS - PECS - VUKOVAR, CROATIA
Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast for your excursion to Pecs. Charming Old Pecs will be brought alive by your local guide as you see the Synagogue, Christian Basilica and visit the former Turkish Mosque. After lunch onboard ship, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion, where you will sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Vilany. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, VUKOVAR - NOVI SAD, SERBIA
Your guided bus and walking tour of Vukovar will show you the Franciscan Monastery of St. John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and the St. James and St. Nicholas churches. Enjoy your lunch as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia. Arrive in Novi Sad in the afternoon, where you will see the 18th-Century Austrian- Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress. The ship sails for Belgrade at midnight. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, BELGRADE
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and explore its myriad of streets, plazas and squares. Belgrade has over 5,500 streets, 16 plazas and 32 squares. 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES - VIDIN, BULGARIA
Today, enjoy a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today's passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure. Late this evening, the ship sails to Vidin. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, VIDIN
The "Baba Vida" Fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th-century castle has massive walls and dark towers, which strongly contrast the natural park that surrounds the castle. From here, take an excursion to Belogradschik, a beautifully restored 6th-century castle, located in a fairy tale landscape of unusual rock formations. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, GIURGIU - BUCHAREST, ROMANIA - ROUSSE, BULGARIA
Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, Enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, known as "Paris of the East." The city is famed for its Belle Epoque era buildings dating from the 19thcentury. During the morning city tour, you will see the Arch of Triumph, Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum, the Library and visit the Palace of the Parliament - the world's largest palace. Enjoy lunch in a typical Romanian restaurant, and then choose to shop, explore on your own or visit the open air museum, which was dedicated to the traditional architecture and buildings of rural Romania. This evening, the ship departs for Rousse. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, ROUSSE - DISEMBARK SHIP - VELIKO TARNOVO - PLOVDIV, BULGARIA
Disembark the ship in Rousse and continue your tour by motorcoach. Your first stop is in the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo. Here you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the citadel of the city, the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces, the Patriarchal church and Baldwin's Tower. Shoppers can explore the traditional street market, Samovodska Charshia. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch before continuing on to Plovdiv. This evening, see the main highlights of Plovdiv Old Town, before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, PLOVDIV - ISTANBUL, TURKEY
After breakfast, continue on to magical Istanbul for the grand three-night conclusion of your Black Sea Voyage. (B)
DAY 13, ISTANBUL
A comprehensive city tour will take you through its old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of its historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Blue Mosque. This evening is free to explore the town on your own or join the optional "Turkish Delight" tour. (B)
DAY 14, 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 and visit to the Spice Bazaar or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. (B)
DAY 15, ISTANBUL
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
