Fly from London to Bucharest and transfer to your ship in Oltenita. Depart late this evening.

This day, sail along the Danube to Constanta, Romania, on the Black Sea coast. The oldest living city in Romania, Constanta was founded around 600 B.C. by Greek settlers, and is now a fashionable resort town. Arrive mid morning for a city tour featuring the iconic seaside casino and Art Nouveau architecture, and a stroll along Mamaia Beach, the “Palm Beach” of the Black Sea. Return aboard for dinner and evening cruising.

Sail into Russe, Bulgaria during breakfast, then embark on a full-day excursion to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo, where you see Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia, the old market. Proceed to Arbanasi for lunch in a local restaurant and a guided tour of the Nativity Church with its intricate floor-toceiling murals and icons. Rejoin your ship at Nikopol/Svishtov and dine aboard.

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 centre, Baba Vida fortress, Orthodox churches and the ruins of the city’s once-grand synagogue. Depart during dinner.

Cruise along one of the most scenic areas of the Lower Danube, flanked by enormous white chalk cliffs and spectacular scenery. The day’s journey is punctuated with an excursion to Kostolac, Serbia. See the archaeological site at Viminacium, a former Roman capital with wide streets, luxurious baths and an amphitheatre, recently opened to the public.

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.

Cruise along the Danube, arriving at Vukovar around noon. This afternoon’s excursion takes you to the Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited 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.

Sail into Hungary this morning arriving in Kalocsa after lunch. Visit the House of Folk Arts, showcasing the area’s time-honoured farming traditions. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return to your ship and dine during departure.

This morning’s city tour explores both sides of Hungary’s capital. Start in “Pest,” seeing Heroes’ Square, the Parliament and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Cross the river and tour the Castle District of older “Buda.” Walk to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Return to your ship for lunch; enjoy an afternoon at leisure. As always your Programme Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard and cruise through the night.

Cruise through the morning, arriving in Bratislava after lunch. Take a walking tour of Slovakia’s charming capital; see its medieval fortifications, Michael’s Tower, Trinity Church and St. Martin’s Cathedral. Pass several Habsburg-era palaces before returning aboard for dinner. You might like to take an evening stroll in Bratislava to see the castle lit up at night and the juxtaposition of medieval and modern structures.

Today’s tour of Vienna takes you to the Opera House and Hofburg Palace. Have lunch aboard; your afternoon is free to explore the city’s gracious architecture and delightful cafes. Return to your ship for dinner followed by an optional evening concert of classical music.

Arrive in Melk during breakfast and tour the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey to see its collection of medieval manuscripts, ceiling paintings and frescoes. Return aboard for lunch and cruise through the famous Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After dinner, arrive in Linz; take a walk or sample local wines.

Today you have a full-day excursion to two iconic Bohemian Czech cities: Budweis, with an impressive town square featuring Gothic, Renaissance and baroque buildings, and Ceský Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have free time to explore and get some lunch on your own at a local café. Rejoin your ship in Linz for dinner and a late departure.

Enjoy a morning walking tour of this Bavarian town’s Italianate Old City, with views of the Veste Oberhaus, a 13th-century fortress that served as a bishop’s stronghold for several centuries. Stop in to St. Stephan’s Cathedral and enjoy a concert on Europe’s largest pipe organ there.† Relax aboard before dinner. † Passau organ concert not available after November 1.

After breakfast, disembark and transfer to Munich airport for your return journey to London.