BALKAN DISCOVERY

Day 1:  Arrival in Budapest
After an overnight flight we arrive in Budapest, Hungary, “The city that unites.” Spend this day in Budapest exploring the city at your own pace, perhaps visiting the historic Buda Castle and Fisherman’s Bastion, strolling along the Danube, or simply enjoy a coffee and traditional Hungarian pastry while soaking up the atmosphere of this remarkable city. Overnight at a hotel close to the hustle and bustle of the port and Central Market.

Day 2 & 3:  Croatia — Vukovar, Ilok & Novi Sad

In the afternoon, board the ship and settle into your stateroom. Overnight cruise to Vukovar.

• Vukovar & Ilok
  Choose from a guided walking tour or classic coach tour to enjoy Vukovar’s heritage and culture. In Ilok, explore 1,000-year-old winemaking traditions, a medieval fortress, and a local wine cellar — or take an active bike tour along the city walls to Principovac Castle.
• Novi Sad — “Athens of Serbia”
  Admire the Austro-Hungarian old town with baroque buildings and ancient fortifications. Choose from a hike to Petrovaradin, a visit to the Honey Museum, or a classic guided city tour of Serbia’s second-largest city. Evening live entertainment on board.

Day 4: Belgrade, Serbia

Where the Danube and Sava Rivers converge, Belgrade is one of Europe’s
oldest capitals. Choose your excursion style:

• Active: Guided bike tour along the Danube, exploring Belgrade’s
  hidden corners.
• Classic: Sightseeing tour including Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches.
• Discovery: Onboard lecture on Balkan history, culture, and destinations.

Free time on Knez Mihailova Street — Belgrade’s lively pedestrian boulevard of cafés, shops, and cultural spots. Optional evening: authentic Bohemian dinner in the historic Skadarlija quarter.

Day 5: Iron Gates Gorge & Golubač Fortress

• Golubač & Lepenski Vir
  Visit Golubač Fortress, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, contested by Serbia, the Habsburgs, and the Ottomans. Continue to the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir with unique Danube Gorge views.
• Iron Gates Gorge
  Sail through the spectacular, narrow Iron Gates Gorge — a dramatic natural border between Serbia and Romania, with towering cliffs rising from the Danube.

Day 6: Vidin, Bulgaria — Rocks, Ruins & Balkan Beauty
Bulgaria’s western frontier delivers stunning natural and historical wonders.
Choose your adventure:

• Active: Baba Vida Hike
  Hike with your Adventure Host to the ancient Baba Vida Fortress
  overlooking the Danube.
• Classic: Belogradchik Rocks
  Marvel at stunning rock formations sculpted by 200 million years of
  natural elements on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains.
• Discovery: Bulgarian Winery
  Tour and taste at a local winery with over two centuries of proud
  Bulgarian winemaking family history. Continue exploring the nearby
  port town of Vidin on a Guided Sightseeing.

Day 7: Rousse, Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi

• Veliko Târnovo
  Full-day guided tour to Bulgaria’s former capital — ancient stone houses clinging to cliffs above the Yantra River. Discover one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns (circa 4300 BC) and the Bulgarian Revival architecture of 15th-century Arbanassi, including the Church of the Nativity with its impressive frescoes.
• Rousse Alternative
  Explore Bulgaria’s largest inland port, visit the impressive Holy Trinity Church, and take a scenic drive to the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo — a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Evening: live Bulgarian folklore show on board. Or, choose an Active Excursion and explore Rousse’s old town by bike with your Adventure Host.

Day 8: Bucharest “Paris of the East”
Disembark in Oltenita and transfer to Romania’s vibrant capital. A local expert guides you through Bucharest’s historical treasures:

• Arc de Triomphe
  Honoring Romania’s WWI soldiers, mirroring its Parisian namesake along tree-lined boulevards.
• Royal Palace Square
  Scene of the city’s landmark 1989 revolution to overthrow communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Days 9–10: Transylvania, Brasov, Bran Castle & Peles Castle

Bran Castle
Tour the legendary 1377 home of Dracula lore, followed by a memorable dinner at this iconic location.

• Brasov
  Guided tour admiring gothic, baroque, and Renaissance architecture in this stunning Transylvanian city.
• Peles Castle
  Visit the royal family’s summer residence until 1947, then drive through the Carpathians back to Bucharest

Day 11: Tour ends after Breakfast