Embark. Budapest, spanning the banks of the Danube, is the liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis of Eastern Europe. Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you aboard! (D)

Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. The Archbishop's Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral dominate this quiet town, nowadays best known for paprika and folklore art. Learn how paprika has been grown and prepared throughout the ages at the Paprika Museum. (B,L,D)

Overlooking the city of Novi Sad, with a spectacular view of the Danube and surroundings, is Marshal Vauban's unconquerable Petrovaradin Fortress. Dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region, resplendent with natural beauty and a proud history of struggle, victory and defeat alike. (B,L,D)

The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights include the city's principal landmark Kalemegdan Fortress, the world’s largest Orthodox Church of St. Sava, and Marshal Tito's tomb and monument. The city centre has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (B,L,D)

The Serbian fortresses of Smederevo and Golubac and the Trajan Table marking the Roman conquest of Dacia are impressive sights on the right bank of the Danube. The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe's Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)

A comfortable ride away from the river port of Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevits Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces and the Patriarch's Church. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its Ethnographical Museum and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the Church of the Nativity. Rousse today is Bulgaria's largest inland port.(B,L,D)

Located in northeastern Bulgaria at the country's border with Romainia, Silistra is a port city and the capital of an important agricultural region. After breakfast, travel by road to Varna. This city on the Black Sea is not only an important naval base and sea resort, but also has a long history. Roman baths are among the younger artefacts. During our sightseeing we will visit the National Archaeological Museum, home of the Gold of Varna.(B,L,D)

Disembark Bucharest, Romania's lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. We transfer you to Bucharest for your overnight stay. Wide boulevards and its Arc de Triomphe have gained Bucharest the name of "Paris of the East." Much recent history has taken place in the city. On the included tour this afternoon, see the impressive Parliament Building is the second-largest building in the world, after the Pentagon. The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which finally led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the National Art Museum. (B)

Check out of your hotel (B)