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Gems of Southeast Europe Itinerary
Day 1 - Budapest (Hungary)
Arrive in historic Budapest and board your luxurious ship docked in the centre of the city. Tonight, gather for a Welcome Gala Dinner before cruising past the city's illuminated riverfront. (D)
Day 2 - Mohacs - Pecs
From Mohacs take an excursion to Pecs, founded by the Romans over 2000 years ago. See St Peter's Basilica and Old Town Pecs before returning to Mohacs. In 2019 there is the chance to discover the Szekszard wine region. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - Vukovar (Croatia) - Novi Sad (Serbia)
See the highlights of Vukovar on a city tour including the Ovcara Memorial which is for lives lost during Croatia's struggle for Independence. Alternatively there is a wine-tasting excursion to Ilok. Cruise to Novi Sad in Serbia to explore the city on a walking tour through the Old Town Centre. For the more active there is a guided biking or hiking tour. Later this evening see the 18th century Austrian-Hungarian Petrovaradin Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - Belgrade
Explore Belgrade, capital of Serbia and see the Kalemegdan Fortress and Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava on a panoramic tour. This afternoon choose from three excursions: visit the mausoleum of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, first president of Yugoslavia; enjoy Serbian plum brandy and snacks at a local distillery; or join the guided bike tour through Belgrade. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - Cruising the Iron Gates
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 majestic gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Vidin (Bulgaria)
From Vidin, visit Belogradchik, a beautiful restored castle located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations. Continue on to the Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country. Alternatively, enjoy a Banitsa pastry and yoghurt tasting, or a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Giurgiu (Romania) - Veliko Tarnovo - Rousse (Bulgaria)
Today visit the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo, and tour the city's old citadel. Or, you may choose to visit Rousse then the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a group of monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries built into the side of a mountain. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Giurgiu (Romania)
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu. (B)
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary. Key: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner