DAY 1, Tue. USA - ISTANBUL, TURKEY.
Board overnight flight.
DAY 2, Wed. ISTANBUL.
Arrive Istanbul, meet & greet, transfer to hotel. Visit the hosted Welcome Desk at the hotel.
DAY 3, Thu. ISTANBUL.
This morning's comprehensive city tour will show you the old city, with its numerous Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of her historic past. Admire the mighty defensive walls, the Roman aqueduct and the hippodrome. See the Galata Tower and visit the Suleymaniye Mosque and Blue Mosque. Later, you can explore the town on your own or choose an optional tour. (B)
DAY 4, Fri. ISTANBUL.
Today, your guided sightseeing tour will take you to the Ottoman Sultans' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every single Sultan from the 15th century until the end of the 19th century. During your tour, admire the private chambers of the Sultans, marvel at the world famous Harem and also see the treasury, home to the Topkapi Diamond. This afternoon, enjoy an optional Bosporus cruise or use the remainder of the day to shop for souvenirs or relax at one of the charming tea houses or restaurants. This evening, you may wish to join some your fellow passengers for the optional Istanbul By Night where you will enjoy a belly dancing show with dinner. (B)
DAY 5, Sat. ISTANBUL-NESSEBAR, BULGARIA.
This morning, you will leave Istanbul bound for the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, Nessebar. Situated on a small peninsula, Nessebar is ancient in origin. After a late afternoon arrival, tonight you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and see the highlights of the towns rich history. (B,D)
DAY 6, Sun. NESSEBAR-VELIKO TURNAVO-ROUSE.
The first stop this morning is the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here you will tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. You will see the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church, and the Baldwin's Tower. Those passengers who wish to shop can instead visit Samovodska Charshia - traditional market street. Before continuing on to Rouse, to embark your ship, enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, Mon. GIURGIU-BUCHAREST, ROMANIA.
Today enjoy a full day excursion to Bucharest, the capital and largest city in Romania. This "Paris of the East" is famed for its Belle Epoque Era buildings dating from the 19th century. The French influence is paramount in many of the restored buildings of the former aristocracy and monarchy. The post war communist era of grandiose architecture is brought home by the world's second largest building, the Parliament Palace. During the morning city tour you will see the Arch of Triumph, the Soseaua Kiseleff, the Athenaeum and Library, and visit the Parliament Palace. In the afternoon, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, and then choose to have some free time or visit the Open Air Museum, with typical village builds from throughout Romania. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, Tue. VIDIN, BULGARIA.
Today you will enjoy a leisurely day of cruising the Danube, arriving in the late afternoon in Vidin. The "Bada Vida" fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th century castle has thick walls and dark towers, which contrast with the natural surroundings of the park it sits within. This morning, you will disembark the ship and enjoy a sightseeing tour to The Puszta. The Puszta is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world. The vast flat Great Hungarian Plain stretches across to the east, where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival, you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Try a lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning (B,L,D)
DAY 9, Wed. CRUISING - IRON GATES
Today is a full cruising day through one of Europe's most impressive natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube passes through narrows gorges, as the river winds between the Carpathian Mountains on one side of the river and Balkan Mountains on the other. These natural borders today make up the frontier between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, Thu. BELGRADE, SERBIA.
This morning, arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, where you have a chance to explore both the old and the new town. Your guided tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building, Terazije Street, Republic Square and Mihajlova street, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, Fri. NOVI SAD - VUKOVAR, SERBIA.
Novi Sad is dominated by its huge fortress, Petrovaradin, guarding the Danube. The antiquity of Novi Sad can be traced back to the Romans and Byzantines, but, it was the 13th Century Tartar invasion that resulted in the building of the original fortress. Ruled by the Ottoman Turks for 150 years, it was captured by the Austrian army during the Great Turkish War and rebuilt to modern standards. After your visit, enjoy your lunch while cruising to Vukovar, Croatia. Vukovar is situated in Eastern Slavonia at the confluence of the Vuka and Danube Rivers. Vukovar's rich history is a result of the many battles fought by the Austrians, Ottoman Turks, Germans, Croatians and Serbians. During your city tour, you will see the Franciscan Monastery of St.John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and the St. James and the St. Nicholas church. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, Sat. MOHACS - PECS, HUNGARY.
This morning the ship arrives in Mohacs, where you depart for the excursion to Pecs. Founded more than 2000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. The area around Pecs is made up of rolling hills, vine clad slopes and a modest climate that give the city a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival, there is a walking tour during which you will see the Synagogue, Christian Basilica and visit the former Turkish Mosque. (B,L,D)
DAY 13, Sun. BUDAPEST.
This morning, you will disembark the ship and enjoy a sightseeing tour to The Puszta. The Puszta is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world. The vast flat Great Hungarian Plain stretches across to the east, where Hungarian cowboys still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival, you will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. Try a lunch of Goulash, the national dish, before returning to Budapest to enjoy a city tour, from historic Buda Castle, a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the River. Your tour also features the distinctive Fisherman's Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace, St. Stephen's Basilica, and much more. Your afternoon is free. (B,L,D)
Day 14, Mon. BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA.
Relax on board this morning as you cruise to Bratislava. After lunch, enjoy a walking tour of Bratislava, including the Old Town Hall, Mirbach Palace and the Gothic St.Martin's Cathedral. The remainder of the day is free to shop or explore, perhaps venture up to the 13th century castle where three countries - Slovakia, Austria and Hungary can all been seen at once. (B,L,D)
Day 15, Tue. VIENNA, AUSTRIA.
A wonderful day to savor the baroque romance of Vienna. On your guided sightseeing tour, you will see the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral and also visit the National Library. The afternoon is free to stroll along Karntnerstrasse or sample Vienna's famous pastries. Tonight, explore the vibrant Austrian capital on your own, or come along for an optional Mozart and Strauss concert (B,L,D)
DAY 16, Wed. DURNSTEIN - MELK.
Early this morning reach the Wachau Valley. Stop in Durnstein and marvel at the magnificent blue facade of the baroque Stiftskirche. You will see the ruins of the castle where Richard the Lionheart, King of England, was imprisoned in 1192. Your walking tour through medieval cobblestone streets reveals 16th-century town houses and wine taverns. Enjoy lunch while cruising to Melk. A guided tour takes you to the town's magnificent Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. An evening wine tasting highlights your visit to the Wachau Valley. (B,L,D).
DAY 17, Thu. LINZ - PASSAU, GERMANY.
After breakfast, take an optional full-day excursion to fascinating Salzburg and the Sound of Music sights, or cruise through Upper Austria to Passau in Germany. In Passau the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. During your walking tour, gaze at this fairy-tale city founded more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
DAY 18, Fri. REGENSBURG.
Arrive into Regensburg this afternoon. Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. A guided tour will show you the city's architectural highlights, including the Old Town Hall, and the Porta Pretoria - gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. Marvel at beautiful churches and one of the oldest bridges crossing the Danube. Tonight, folklore entertainers will come on board for your delight. (B,L,D)
DAY 19, Sat. NUREMBERG.
This morning enter the Main-Danube Canal and relax during a leisurely cruise through the beautiful Altmuhl Valley. The Main-Danube Canal straddles the Franconian Alps via 16 locks, truly a fascinating feat of modern engineering. In the afternoon, you decide as you enjoy a guided tour of Nuremberg, capital of Franconia. Either choose the Medieval history of Nuremberg and see the storybook 900-year old ramparts that surround this historic city and the Imperial Castle, or join the tour centered on the modern role the city played in the 20th century and see the Zeppelin field and the Justice Palace where the War Crimes Tribunal sat in 1946. Moor overnight in Nuremberg. (B,L,D)
DAY 20, Sun. NUREMBERG - Karlovy Vary, CZECH REPUBLIC - PRAGUE.
This morning, depart Nuremberg after breakfast and drive through the pastoral countryside to Karlovy Vary, better known by its German name, Carlsbad, and most famous for its Bohemian spa. After lunch, continue to Prague and check into the hotel. (B)
DAY 21, Mon. PRAGUE.
This morning's sightseeing reveals why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive cities. Visit the thousand-year-old Hradcany Castle courtyard and St. Vitus, then walk over Charles Bridge to the Old Market Square. The balance of the day is free to wander through the Christmas markets with their tempting assortment of handicrafts, toys, wood carvings, and ornaments. Mix with the locals at Wenceslas Square, or enjoy yourself in one of the charming cafes or restaurants. (B)
DAY 22, Tue. PRAGUE.
Today is a free day, relax and stroll through a museum or gallery, wander along the banks of the Vlatava River, relax at an outdoor restaurant or shop for local handicrafts and art work. Another consideration is to travel further a field and take an optional tour or two- join the optional tour to Terezin, the infamous Nazi WWII labor camp, now a memorial to those who perished. The remainder of the day is free. (B)
DAY 23, Wed. DEPART PRAGUE.
Bid farewell to Prague and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
