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Blue Danube and Danube Delta Itinerary
Day 1 - Passau (Germany) - UK
Fly from the UK and embark your ship in Passau. Enjoy a welcome cocktail with fellow guests followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Day 2 - Vienna (Austria)
Arrive in the majestic city of Vienna this afternoon where there is an optional tour taking in the Ringstrasse and the historic centre, home to St Stephen's Cathedral. Alternatively, there is the option to visit Vienna’s Naschmarkt. Vienna’s most popular market offers food and delicacies from all over the world.
Day 3 - Esztergom - Budapest (Hungary)
Spend the day cruising along the beautiful Blue Danube or opt to join the excursion to Esztergom, former residence of Hungarian kings, and Szentendre with its numerous galleries and museums. At lunchtime, a coach takes you to Budapest to rejoin the ship.
Day 4 - Belgrade (Serbia)
Belgrade is the beautiful capital of Serbia and is located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. Key sights include the impressive Kalemegdan-Belgrade Fortress, the Parliament and the magnificent St Sava Church, Serbia's largest Orthodox church. Belgrade has a lively pedestrian area as well as a variety of museums, from the Nikola Tesla Museum to the Aeronautical Museum. Join the optional city tour to explore these magnificent highlights. Alternatively join an excursion into the Serbian countryside to Kovačica's colourful naive artist's village.
Day 5 - Vidin (Bulgaria)
Relax on board and cruise to the historic town of Vidin. Explore the Renaissance buildings on an optional walking tour. Or join an excursion to Belogradchik, located a short distance away, and visit the Baba Vida Fortress for a concert.
Day 6 - Oltenita - Fetesti (Romania)
Today there is the opportunity to join a city tour of Bucharest, with highlights including the magnificent Parliament Palace, the spectacular Opera House and beautiful Triumph Arch, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant.
Day 7 - Danube Delta - St George
Admire the stunning scenery of the Danube Delta. This morning is spent cruising St George, one of the main channels in the Delta. The Danube Delta is where the Black Sea meets the Danube and is a UNESCO site with nearly thirty different ecosystems and a variety of wildlife. You can observe daily life in the fishing village of St George or take the optional Delta Safari boat excursion (only bookable on board). Watch the sunset over the Danube Delta during dinner this evening.
Day 8 - Hirsova - Fetesti
From the beautiful town of Hirsova perhaps take the optional excursion to the historic city of Constanta and the Black Sea coast.
Day 9 - Rousse - Svishtov (Bulgaria)
Cruise through the breathtaking Bulgarian countryside past traditional villages. There is an optional excursion to Veliko Tarnovo, the oldest town in Bulgaria, which is located at the foot of the Balkan Mountains. Or perhaps visit the city of Rousse and the rock-hewn Basarbovo Monastery, built in the 16th century. Rejoin the ship in Svishtov.
Day 10 - Iron Gates
Your ship cruises the dramatic Iron Gates, a narrow gorge which separates the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, and offers breathtaking scenery.
Day 11 - Novi Sad (Serbia) - Vukovar (Croatia)
Cruise to Novi Sad in Serbia where there is the option to explore the city on a guided tour with an excursion to Sremski Karlovci. This evening stop in Vukovar where there is an optional city tour.
Day 12 - Mohacs - Kalosca (Hungary)
Visit the Hungarian town of Mohacs which has a fascinating history as two important battles took place here, one in 1526 and the other in 1687. Explore the town on an optional walking tour before relaxing on board with an afternoon cruising. Or take the optional excursion to the Puszta for a trip to the Paprika House and a visit to the 19th-century home of a local upper-class farmer family. Admire the galloping of the beautiful Hungarian half-blood horses and enjoy the hospitality of hostesses and riders wearing traditional costumes.
Day 13 - Budapest
The Hungarian capital of Budapest is home to several UNESCO-listed sights, including Heroes Square and the Buda Castle quarter. The city is also home to the iconic Hungarian Parliament, the third largest Parliament building in the world, and eighty geothermal hot springs. The covered market is popular with the locals and has delicious fresh produce as well as the famous Hungarian paprika. Perhaps join the optional morning city tour or optional afternoon excursion to the Royal Palace of Godollo, before returning to the ship and enjoying a special Hungarian evening on board following by a cruise along the illuminated waterfront.
Day 14 - Bratislava (Slovakia)
Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and home to the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. The spectacular Bratislava Castle towers over the city, while Michael's Gate is the perfect place to start a stroll through the historic centre where sights include St Martin's cathedral and the Primatial Palace. Perhaps join the optional city tour. Captain's Gala Dinner on board this evening.
Day 15 - Durnstein (Austria)
Durnstein is the most famous wine-growing town in the region and the optional excursion takes in the Wachau Valley and Melk Abbey as well as a wine-tasting session. Or perhaps take the option to visit a Krems wine estate and learn more about its history and its culture. Taste different wines of the region before returning to the ship.
Day 16 - Passau (Germany) - UK
Disembark ship in Passau after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the return flight to the UK.
For navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.