Day 1 Arrive in Bucharest
Welcome to Bucharest! The remainder of the day is free to start exploring this fascinating capital city.

Day 2 Bucharest. Excursion to Transylvania
Head out of the city to your first stop, BRAN CASTLE of Dracula fame, built in 1377 and assumed to be the home of Romanian vampires. Then, into the Carpathians to SINAIA to visit the monastery of the same name, built in memory of Mihail Cantacuzino’s visit to Mount Sinai. This afternoon, head slowly back to Bucharest. (Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 3 Bucharest
A free day to browse the shops and visit many of the attractions this city has to offer. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast)

Day  Bucharest–Oltenita (Embarkation)
Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s capital city. During 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. A motorcoach ride takes you to Oltenita, where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner, meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Day 5 Svistov. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi
A comfortable ride from the river port of Svistov is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. 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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Vidin, Bulgaria. Excursion to Belogradchik
Vidin is an important Danube port, situated in northwestern Bulgaria. Its medieval FORTRESS, known as “Baba Vidin,” and is the town’s primary landmark. It served as Vidin’s main defensive installation during the course of the Middle Ages and is the only entirely preserved medieval fortress in the country. It is now a fortress museum and has been restored to its former appearance. In the afternoon, drive to nearby Belogradchick to view the eclectic group of ROCK FORMATIONS on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Iron Gates
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. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Belgrade, Serbia
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 cafés. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 9 Pecs, Hungary–Kalocsa
Pecs is Hungary’s fifth-largest city and its richest in terms of Turkish architecture. Enjoy an orientation and some free time before proceeding to Kalocsa. Founded by St. Stephen in 1009 as an archbishopric, Kalocsa has a most turbulent history. This quiet town, which is best known for paprika and folklore art, is dominated by the Archbishop’s Palace and Kalocsa Cathedral, where you will be treated to an ORGAN CONCERT. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 10 Budapest (Disembarkation)
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 a Local Guide will show you. This afternoon is free to explore on your own. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for things to do. (Breakfast)

Day 11 Budapest
A free day to enjoy Hungary’s exciting capital. Shop for renowned peasant embroidery, Herend porcelain, and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have suggestions for many things to do. (Breakfast)

Day 12 Budapest
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (Breakfast)

See the best of Eastern Europe on this exciting Balkan adventure. Your vacation begins with three overnights in vibrant Bucharest, including an excursion to Transylvania to visit Dracula’s Bran Castle and the amazing Sinaia monastery in the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains. Enjoy guided sightseeing in each city, including inside visits of the National Art Museum in Bucharest, Patriarch’s Church in Veliko Târnovo, Arbanassi’s Ethnographical Museum and Church of the Nativity, the eclectic rock formations of Belogradchick, Kalemegdan Fortress in Belgrade, and Fishermen’s Bastion in Budapest. Other highlights: visit the medieval fortress of Vidin, pass through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge and enjoy an organ concert in Kalocsa. Your journey ends with two overnights in Hungary’s lively capital of Budapest, where you can shop for paprika at the Central Market Hall, explore the extensive hilltop castle grounds, visit the many churches and museums, and delight in the vibrant atmosphere.

• Included shore excursions with Local Guide.
• Headsets for shore excursions.
• Daily early- and late-riser breakfast.
• Full buffet breakfast with sparkling wine.
• Complimentary juices with breakfast.
• Complimentary soft drinks with lunch.
• Complimentary regional wines at dinner.
• Free soft drinks or beer with dinner.
• English-speaking crew.

• CRUISE: 6-night cruise from Oltenita to Budapest in an outside stateroom with hotel-style beds
• BUCHAREST: Guided full-day excursion to Transylvania, vist Dracula’s Bran Castle and Sinaia Monastery, see the Parliament Building and visit the National Art Museum
• OLTENITA: Welcome reception
• ARBANASSI: Guided visit of the Ethnographical Museum and the Church of the Nativity
• VELIKO TÂRNOVO: Guided sightseeing, visit the Patriarch’s Church
• VIDIN: Visit the fortress
• BELOGRADCHIK: See the rock formations
• IRON GATES: Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge; see the Trajan Table
• BELGRADE: Guided sightseeing, visit Kalemegdan Fortress
• PECS: Orientation
• KALOCSA: Orientation; organ concert
• BUDAPEST: Guided sightseeing, visit Fishermen’s Bastion

Bucharest: Athenee Palace Hilton
Cruising: Outside cabin onboard the Avalon Imagery or Avalon Tranquility
Budapest: InterContinental

To see our key for hotel ratings, click here.

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• In the event of water level problems or any problems of a technical nature, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or to alter the program.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• Port charges: $108.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Air prices quoted via phone or email are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Also, air prices or air promotions mentioned on this site or on the phone do not include baggage fees imposed by airlines.