MEALS

Buffet breakfast daily (B) in Prague and Bucharest; one lunch during Bucharest extension; superb dining with all meals on board daily featuring full breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D), including a welcome reception, welcome dinner, and Captain's dinner; quality wines from Europe's most famous wine regions with every dinner; one sitting with open seating arrangements

SUPERIOR HOTELS

Prague Hilton (SF), Bucharest Athenee Palace Hilton (SF)

INSIDE VISITS

Inside visits and special features are shown in the description, including admission charges when applicable.

Itinerary

Day 1

(Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2 Bucharest, Romania

(Sat.) Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name "Paris of the East."

Day 3 Bucharest-Oltenita (Embarkation)

(Sun.) Much recent history has taken place in Romania's capital city. On your included tour this morning, see the impressive PARLIAMENT BUILDING, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. The Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. This afternoon the crew of your vessel awaits to welcome you aboard. (B,D)

Day 4 Silistra, Bulgaria. Excursion to Varna, Black Sea

(Mon.) Located in northeastern Bulgaria at the country's border with Romania, Silistra is a port city and the capital of an important agricultural region. After breakfast, travel by road to Varna. This city on the Black Sea is not only an important naval base and sea resort, but also has a long history. Roman baths are among the younger artifacts. During our sightseeing we will visit the NATIONAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM, home of the Gold of Varna, as featured in National Geographic some years ago. (B,L,D)

Day 5 Svistov. Excursion to Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi

(Tue.) A comfortable ride from the port city of Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Tarnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces, and the PATRIARCH'S CHURCH. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY. Rejoin your ship in Svistov. (B,L,D)

Day 6 Iron Gates

(Wed.) The TRAJAN TABLE marking the Roman conquest of Dacia and the Serbian fortresses of Golubac and Smederevo are impressive sights on the left bank of the Danube. The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the Iron Gates, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe's Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (B,L,D)

Day 7 Belgrade, Serbia

(Thu.) The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city's principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; St. Sava, the world's largest Orthodox Church; and Marshal Tito's tomb and monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafes. (B,L,D)

Day 8 Novi Sad

(Fri.) Overlooking the city of Novi Sad with a spectacular view of the Danube and surroundings is Marshal Vauban's unconquerable PETROVARADIN FORTRESS. Dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region, resplendent with natural beauty and a proud history. Enjoy an included sightseeing tour of this interesting town before relaxing on board this afternoon as you cruise upriver. (B,L,D)

Day 9 Kalocsa, Hungary-Budapest

(Sat.) Kalocsa was founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric and has a most turbulent history. The Archbishop's Palace and the Kalocsa Cathedral dominate this quiet town that is best known for paprika and folklore art. Learn how paprika has been grown and prepared through the ages at the PAPRIKA MUSEUM. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe's liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. (B,L,D)

Day 10 Budapest

(Sun.) Seven bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with FISHERMEN'S BASTION and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. Not far from the city and an integral part of Hungarian rural life is the PUSZTA, or Great Plain, the vast grasslands where the country's beloved fiery horses are reared. (B,L,D)

Day 11 Budapest-Vienna, Austria

(Mon.) A day to relax on board and marvel at the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Danube. Hungary is on your left as you cruise upriver and Slovakia is on your right. The two countries share the Danube for a 58-mile stretch with the border in the middle of the river. Vienna, Austria's capital, is known as the "City of Music" and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. (B,L,D)

Day 12 Vienna

(Tue.) Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: the lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ring Boulevard, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen's Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your city tour. You do not rush through Vienna; you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Karntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood cafe. An optional concert is available during your stay. (B,L,D)

Day 13 Durnstein-Melk

(Wed.) Durnstein, known for the magnificent baroque STIFTSKIRCHE with its blue facade is situated right in the heart of the Wachau wine region. Above town are the ruins of the castle where England's King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. This afternoon, a stop in Melk with its magnificent BENEDICTINE ABBEY that dominates the town from its commanding hill site and is one of Europe's largest monasteries. The view you have from the terrace over the Danube and surrounding countryside is breathtaking! This evening, sample some of the Wachau Valley's FAMOUS WINES. (B,L,D)

Day 14 Linz-Passau, Germany

(Thu.) Linz, Austria's third-largest town, lies on both banks of the Danube and is an important industrial town and busy river port. An optional full-day excursion to Salzburg takes in the popular Sound of Music sights. Passau, ideally located at the confluence of the Rivers Inn, Ilz, and Danube, is a city of graceful arcades and cobblestone streets. St. Stephen's Cathedral houses the world's largest church organ with more than 17,000 pipes. (B,L,D)

Day 15 Regensburg

(Fri.) Regensburg is one of Germany's best preserved medieval cities. Architectural highlights on your guided tour include the Old Town Hall, the beautiful white and gold OLD CHAPEL, and Porta Pretoria-gates to an ancient Roman fort built in 179 AD. The city is the capital of Upper Palatinate, a bustling university town, and one of Bavaria's cultural centers. It is here you will find Germany's oldest restaurant, the 12th-century Historische Wurstkuche (Old Sausage Kitchen). (B,L,D)

Day 16 Nuremberg

(Sat.) Although Nuremberg suffered extensive damage during WWII, much of it was restored to its original style. Marvel at this historic city with its fabulous gothic churches and elegant patrician houses, all explained by a local expert. Nuremberg's traditions include famous Lebkuchen, toy making, and metal working. After dinner we'll introduce you to some of Germany's famous beers! (B,L,D)

Day 17 Nuremberg (Disembarkation)-Prague, Czech Republic

(Sun.) Cross the Czech border in the Bohemian Forest and head for Prague, the "Golden City." (B)

Days 18-19 Prague

(Mon. & Tue.) Prague is a 1,000-year-old city preserved in time. It straddles the Vltava River with domes, cupolas, spires and pinnacles highlighting its skyline. See its best-known treasures such as the Old Town's ASTRONOMICAL CLOCK, once the envy of all of Europe; HRADCANY CASTLE; St. Vitus Cathedral; and the Charles Bridge. Browse the shops for hand-cut crystal or art books. Mix with the locals in Wenceslaus Square or stroll along the Vltava River. Your Cruise Director will have more suggestions for things to do. (B daily)

Day 20 Prague

(Wed.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (B)

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Airport transfers may be included when you make your flight arrangements.