From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

OLTENITA - CERNAVODA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA - CERNAVODA - OLTENITA - GIURGIU - RUSE - The Iron Gates - BELGRADE - NOVI SAD - BUDAPEST - BRATISLAVA - VIENNA

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. Dinner. Our ship will cruise through the night towards Cernavoda.

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. In the late morning, arrival in Constanta. Join us on an optinal excursion for both packages: guided tour of Constanta and local wine tasting.

Enjoy dinner and a traditional folklore evening.

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. Our ship will cruise through the night  towards Oltenita.

Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Guided visit of Bucharest. Bucharest offers a striking combination of architectural styles: orthodox churches, Empire-style manor houses, Communist-inspired architecture, and the Parliament (outside only - entrance fees not included.) The day ends with a visit to Stavropoleos Monastery or Kretzulescu Church (2).

We'll cruise to Ruse, one of the biggest ports in Bulgaria. Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment.

Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Tour of Ruse. The city is impressive with its broad avenues, large squares and wonderful buildings which pay tribute to the architecture of the national Renaissance. After our tour, we'll return to the ship and begin to cruise all afternoon. We will pass through two countries, Romania on the left bank and Bulgaria on the right bank. Our ship will cruise through the night.

The day will be spent cruising on the Danube sailing through Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia. Our ship will pass through the Iron Gates, the gorge on the Danube between the Carpathians and the Balkans. 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 Belgrade. Join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Serbian capital.
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.
After our tour, we'll return to the ship. Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Novi Sad and the Krusedol monastery. We'll start cruising in the direction of Mohacs.

We'll arrive in Mohacs. In the afternoon, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: The Puszta. We'll return on board in Kalocsa and cruise to Budapest. Enjoy a Hungarian dinner this evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Optional excursion common to both packages: Guided tour of Budapest.

Budapest reveals its splendor along the Danube. The city’s architecture, shaped over the centuries, has given rise to Baroque, Neoclassical and Art Nouveau masterpieces. A panoramic tour takes you between the hills of Buda and the plains of Pest… Then you will follow the riverbanks, where you can admire the Parliament overlooking the Danube.

Afternoon: free time OR optional excursions not included in the package:

Visit of the Széchenyi Baths (3). Drive to this vast thermal complex. Nestled in the heart of Budapest, the Széchenyi Baths are a true architectural jewel in neo-Baroque style. A short guided visit will allow you to discover the premises before enjoying the indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and steam rooms, or simply relaxing in a steaming thermal bath. Don’t forget your swimsuits – this is a unique opportunity. Return to the ship.

OR

Visit of the Budapest Market Halls. Walk to the Budapest market halls. With its sparkling Zsolnay tile roof, the Great Market Hall of Budapest is the largest hall built in the 19th century. You will discover an incredible variety of products, including the famous paprika garlands. A tasting of local Hungarian specialties will conclude your visit. Return to the ship on foot.

Return on board and overnight sailing towards Bratislava.

We'll arrive in 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 then return on board.

Gala evening.

Our ship will cruise to Vienna.

Join us for the optional excursions proposed:
CLASSIC: Visit to Schoenbrunn Palace (only on pre-booking before departure), former summer residence of the imperial family, and panoramic tour of Vienna.
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.
We'll then return on board. You'll be free to explore the city on your own in the afternoon. Join us on an optional excursion proposed (not included in the packages): Horse-drawn carriage ride though Vienna.
In the evening, join us on an optional excursion for both packages: Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)  

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.