Enchantment of Eastern Europe & Transylvania - Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

Welcome to Budapest, the 'Pearl on the Danube'. Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Spend the afternoon exploring this lively city at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board your ship, followed by a traditional dinner.

Today, we'll reach Kalocsa, a city known for its vibrant paprika festivals. Venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. In the evening, relax and mingle with your fellow travelers during the welcome dinner and reception.

This morning, we'll drive to Osijek, a historic university town full of leafy boulevards and promenades. Learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals before embarking on a walk around Osijek Fortress. Enjoy a unique cultural experience with a home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family.

Today, we'll explore the capital of Serbia, Belgrade. A city tour will introduce you to the highlights of one of Europe's oldest cities, including the Belgrade Fortress. In the evening, relax with a traditional Serbian folklore show providing spectacular entertainment.

Today, we'll visit the town of Donji Milanovac in eastern Serbia. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir, an archaeological site with a history spanning more than 8 millennia. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps.

This morning, we'll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful Bulgarian town renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to Vidin's viticulture as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a wine tasting session. Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name translates to 'Granny Vida'.

Today, we'll cruise into Rousse and have the opportunity to visit Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Nearby, Arbanasi sits on a high plateau overlooking the Yantra River. Enjoy a guided tour of these historical sites and a choir concert in Arbanasi. In the evening, join your crew for a farewell dinner on board.

This morning, we'll drive towards Bucharest, passing by the Romanian city of Giurgiu. Visit the Spring Palace, the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, and learn about Bucharest's vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament. Settle into your hotel in the evening and consider exploring the city's wide avenues and leafy boulevards.

Today, we'll embark on a Transylvanian adventure, boarding coaches to the town of Brasov. On the way, we'll visit the world-famous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. Although there's no clear evidence linking Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) to Bran Castle, the myth surrounding Prince Vlad is true. Explore this fascinating castle before continuing to Brasov.

Join us today for a panoramic city tour of Brasov, including a visit to the First Romanian School Museum and the St. Nicholas Church. Continue with a guided walk in Brasov's historical medieval downtown, learning about its German heritage. The largest Gothic church east of Vienna, the Black Church, is part of this immersive experience.

After breakfast, we'll check out of the hotel and board coaches for a scenic drive back to Bucharest, crossing the Carpathian Mountains to reach Sinaia. Known as the 'Pearl of the Carpathians', Sinaia is home to one of Romania's most beautiful palaces - Peles Castle. Explore this stunning building before continuing to Bucharest.