VIENNA - BRATISLAVA - BUDAPEST - KALOCSA - NOVI SAD - BELGRAD - The Iron Gates - RUSE - GIURGIU - CERNAVODA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA - CERNAVODA - OLTENITA
Admire the majestic blue river, crossing 8 countries and stopping in 4 capitals. You will discover tremendous landscapes of striking beauty where nature is queen. From Belgrade to Vienna via Bratislava and Budapest, discover unique architecture, history and culture all along the beautiful Danube.
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE
Experience the Iron Gates and the spectacle of the canyons between the Carpathian Mountains and the Balkan Peninsula
Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. In this evening, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Viennese concert (subject to availability.)
Join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided visit of Schönbrunn Palace and with its magnificent park, the former summer residence of the Emperor of Austria and his family (only on pre-booking before departure).
DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living: Music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall(1). After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry.
After our visits, we'll begin to cruise to Bratislava. Join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava and Tasting of Local Delights.
DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava.
We'll return on board and cruise to Budapest.
We'll arrive in Budapest. Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Budapest, once two distinct cities that united only in 1873. Buda, on one bank with its rolling hills and valleys; and Pest, on the other, with its flatter landscape that offers a panoramic view over the banks of the Danube. Both are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The afternoon is free to do as you please. Join us on an excursion : Discover Gellert baths and spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (not included in the packages).
In the evening, join us on an excursion for both packages: evening of traditional entertainment in Budapest. Our ship will cruise through the night.
We'll arrive in Kalocsa. Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Visit the Puszta, the Pannonian steppe grasslands. We'll enjoy a horse show. After we return on board, we continue towards Mohacs and Novi Sad. Our ship will cruise through the night.
We'll arrive in Novi Sad. Join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided visit of Novi Sad, the industrial and financial center of the Serbian economy and a major cultural center.
DISCOVERY: Novi Sad and a walk to the Petrovaradin fortress. We'll leave the ship for an energetic walk to the Petrovaradin Fortress. We'll stroll along the riverfront before climbing the 200 steps up to the fortress. The view from the fort is splendid, and we'll enjoy a snack during our hike.
Our ship will begin to cruise to Belgrade. The afternoon will be spent cruising, before arriving in the Serbian capital in the evening. In the evening, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Evening of traditional entertainment in Belgrade.
Join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Belgrade. Known for its high cultural influence during the Turkish occupation, the city charms us with its Eastern, Slavic and Austrian heritage. The lively Terazije Square is considered the heart of the city.
DISCOVERY: Biking in Belgrade. You'll cycle along the history-filled streets with your guide, who'll explain the city's recent past from World War II to current times.
The afternoon will be spent cruising to Donji Milanovac.
The entire day will be spent cruising on the Danube. Our ship will pass through the Iron Gates, the gorge on the Danube that forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. It was called "The Cauldrons” by ancient sailors, since the water, held tightly between two steep cliffs, seems to be boiling. On the Serbian bank of the river, we'll catch a glimpse of the Tabula Traiana - a marble plaque honoring the Roman Road that once linked Rome to the province of Dacia.
We'll arrive in Ruse. Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Tour of the canyon-shaped valley along the Rusenski Lom River, and the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a group of monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries hewn out of solid rock. Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Tour of Ruse. Enjoy dinner and an evening of traditional entertainment on board.
Our ship will cruise to Giurgiu. Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Bucharest. Bucharest offers a striking combination of architectural styles: Curtea Veche, the ruins of a 15th-century palace built during the rule of Vlad III Dracula, orthodox churches, Empire-style manor houses, Communist- inspired architecture, and the Parliament (outside only - entrance fees not included).We'll return on board in Cernavoda. Enjoy an evening of dancing.
Morning sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. The completion of the Danube-Black Sea Canal is a colossal work in the history of Communism in Romania and Eastern Europe. Late morning arrival in Constanta. optional excursion for both packages: guided tour of Constanta and local wine tasting. This Romanian city is the best known on the Black Sea coast. Once an important Greek trading post, it has preserved a number of interesting vestiges from its heyday. Not least the remarkable 3rd-century Roman mosaic. The streets of the old town are also full of surprises, as far as the seafront and the casino, which raises its rococo façade against the wind. Then on to Murfatlar. The sunny Dobrogean plateau on the shores of the Black Sea is the country's most promising region. Murfatlar's vineyards have won numerous international awards, particularly for their Chardonnay. Wine tasting in a local cellar. Folklore evening on board. Night stopover.
A day's sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. Construction began in the 1950s and the canal was inaugurated in 1984, making it the third longest in the world after the Suez and Panama canals. Take advantage of this day to relax on the sun deck and take part in the activities on board. Tonight is our gala evening and dinner. Night sail to Oltenita.
We'll arrive early in the morning in Oltenita. Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.
For the safety of our passengers, the captain and crew of the boat may decide to modify the navigational itinerary.
(1) The tour of the Konzerthaus might be replaced by a tour of the Musikverein or the opera if it is booked for shows or not available.
Alcohol can be harmful to your health. Please drink in moderation.