Blue Danube to Black Sea

• Day 1 Vienna (Austria)
  Embark your ship in Vienna, at 6pm. This evening perhaps enjoy a Viennese concert.
• Day 2 Vienna - Bratislava (Slovakia)
  Today choose from two excursions. Enjoy a guided visit of Schönbrunn Palace and with its magnificent park, the former summer residence of the Emperor of Austria and his family, or experience the high art of Viennese living with a stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall. Cruise on to Bratislava. Perhaps enjoy a guided tour of Bratislava, dominated to the north by the slopes of the southern tip of the Little Carpathians and bathed by the Danube. Its charm is found in its old town, with its splendid Baroque palaces, churches and pleasant squares. Alternatively, join a hiking excursion. Cruise on to Budapest.
• Day 3 Budapest (Hungary)
  Today choose from a sightseeing tour of Budapest, once two distinct cities that united only in 1873. Buda, on one bank with its rolling hills and valleys; and Pest, on the other, with its flatter landscape that offers a panoramic view over the banks of the Danube. Both are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Alternatively, explore Budapest by bike. You'll see all the important sights of the city on an easy-paced ride, cycling through the historical centre of Hungarian culture and many other legendary sites in Budapest. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon, or take an optional excursion to Gellert baths and spa. This evening, an optional excursion allows you to experience an evening of traditional Hungarian entertainment. Cruise through the night.
• Day 4 Kalocsa - Mohacs - Bezdan (Serbia)
  Arrive in Kalocsa for an optional excursion to visit the Puszta, the Pannonian steppe grasslands. Enjoy a horse show, before returning on board and cruising towards Mohacs and Novi Sad. Cruise through the night.
• Day 5 Novi Sad - Belgrade
  Arrive in Novi Sad and choose from two optional excursions: a guided visit of Novi Sad, the industrial and financial center of the Serbian economy and a major cultural centre; or a walk to the Petrovaradin fortress - leave the ship for an energetic walk to the Petrovaradin Fortress. Stroll along the riverfront before climbing the 200 steps up to the fortress. The view from the fort is splendid. Take in the scenery with an afternoon cruising, before arriving in the Serbian capital in the evening. In the evening, join an optional evening of traditional entertainment in Belgrade.
• Day 6 Belgrade - Donji Milanovac
  Today choose from two optional excursions. Enjoy a guided tour of Belgrade. Known for its high cultural influence during the Turkish occupation, the city charms us with its Eastern, Slavic and Austrian heritage. The lively Terazije Square is considered the heart of the city. Alternatively, take a Biking in Belgrade excursion. Cycle along the history-filled streets with a guide, who'll explain the city's recent past from World War II to current times. The afternoon will be spent cruising to Donji Milanovac.
• Day 7 Donji Milanovac - Iron Gates
  The entire day will be spent cruising on the Danube. The ship will pass through the Iron Gates, the gorge on the Danube that forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. It was called "The Cauldrons” by ancient sailors, since the water, held tightly between two steep cliffs, seems to be boiling. On the Serbian bank of the river, we'll catch a glimpse of the Tabula Traiana - a marble plaque honoring the Roman Road that once linked Rome to the province of Dacia. Tonight is the gala evening and dinner.
• Day 8 Ruse (Bulgaria)
  Arrive in Ruse. Join us an optional excursion: Tour of the canyon-shaped valley along the Rusenski Lom River, and the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a group of monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries hewn out of solid rock. There is also an optional Tour of Ruse. Enjoy dinner and an evening of traditional entertainment on board.
• Day 9 Ruse - Giurgiu (Romania) - Fetesti Cernavoda
  Cruise to Giurgiu. Join an optional excursion for a guided tour of Bucharest. Bucharest offers a striking combination of architectural styles: Curtea Veche, the ruins of a 15th-century palace built during the rule of Vlad III Dracula, orthodox churches, Empire-style manor houses, Communist-inspired architecture, and the Parliament (outside only - entrance fees not included). Return on board in Fetesti Cernavoda, then depart for Tulcea. Enjoy an evening of dancing.
• Day 10 Tulcea
  From Tulcea, choose between two optional excursions. Tour the Danube Delta and enjoy the flora and fauna, see the multiple natural and artificial canals, and walk away with impressions that will last a lifetime. Alternatively, board a 7-passenger speed boat to tour the Danube Delta and enjoy the flora and fauna. Return on board in Tulcea. Enjoy a traditional folklore evening as the ship cruises through the night.
• Day 11 Fetesti Cernavoda.
  In the afternoon, there is an optional excursion to Constanta.
• Day 12 Oltenita
  Arrive early in the morning in Oltenita. Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m

Danube to Black Sea Itinerary - VIO_PPThe Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary in the light of tidal and other conditions