Gems of Southeast Europe 2023 Start Giurgiu, End Budapest (including Vukovar)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable eight-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe. This multi-day tour will take you through the historic cities, ancient fortresses, and stunning natural landscapes of Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary. From the charming streets of Bucharest, known as the 'Little Paris of the East', to the awe-inspiring Iron Gates that form a natural border between Serbia and Romania, each day of this tour offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the medieval castle of Baba Vida in Bulgaria, tasting traditional Bulgarian yogurt and pastry, or visiting the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis in Pécs, this tour promises a rich and diverse experience that caters to every taste and interest.
Included
7 breakfasts
6 lunches
7 dinners
Cruise ship
7 nights luxury accommodation in an outside stateroom (most with twin balconies)
AmaVerde: Suite ,Stateroom
Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
Immersive tours in every destination
Gentle, regular, active and late-riser tour options
Bike tours and hikes
Special Interest Tours
Knowledgeable guides
Personal headset for easy exploration
Airport transfers with purchase of air from AmaWaterways
Map
Attractions
Mosque of Pasha Qasim
Ovcara Memorial Center
Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Saint Sava Temple
The Old Palace
Zrínyi Castle
Rakovica Monastery
Kalemegdan
House of Flowers
Széchenyi squareDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Giurgiu
- Giurgiu - Arrival day
- More
Begin your journey in the city of Giurgiu, Romania. Spend the day settling into your ship and getting to know your fellow passengers. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 2 – Day 2: Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, and Rousse
- Vidin
- Bucharest
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- Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
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Experience the best of Bucharest, Romania's capital, known as the 'Little Paris of the East', with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Then visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 3 – Day 3: Vidin and Belogradchik
- Budapest
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Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 4 – Day 4: Iron Gates
Day 4: Iron Gates
The Iron Gates is one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient Serbian king Decebalus is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 5 – Day 5: Belgrade
- Belgrade
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- Saint Sava Temple
- The Old Palace
- Rakovica Monastery
- Kalemegdan
- House of Flowers
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Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery, followed by a panoramic tour of Avala Mountain. Later in the day, choose from a hike to Kalemegdan Fortress, known for its winding walking paths and incredible river views, or join a guided bike tour. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 6 – Day 6: Vukovar and Novi Sad
- Grad Vukovar
- Novi Sad
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- Ovcara Memorial Center
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Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the 'Serbian Athens.' Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 7 – Day 7: Mohács and Pécs
- Pécs
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- Mosque of Pasha Qasim
- Sós-hegyi kilátó
- Zrínyi Castle
- Pécsváradi Vár
- Széchenyi square
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Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You'll then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Day 8 – Day 8: Budapest
- Giurgiu
- Budapest - Departure day
- More
Disembark your cruise in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Spend the day exploring this vibrant city at your own pace or simply relax before your journey home. Breakfast included.
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