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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
Enjoy scenic cruising as you journey to Mohacs. 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. There is then the opportunity to discover the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary. (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 Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (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 - 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