Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise) (Wine Cruise) 2024 Start Giurgiu, End Budapest

Begin your journey in the charming city of Giurgiu. After boarding your ship, spend the evening getting acquainted with your fellow travelers over a delightful dinner. (B,L,D)

Discover the best of Bucharest, known as the 'Little Paris of the East', with its wide boulevards and the iconic Arc de Triomphe. Continue to Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, where you'll explore its medieval fortress and orthodox temples. Alternatively, you can choose to explore Rousse, renowned for its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. (B,L,D)

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and its surrounding areas. Discover the Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, and continue to Belogradchik, known for its spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, you can visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa making. You also have the option to bike through Vidin and to the castle. (B,L,D)

Experience one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. As the Danube narrows, it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Don't miss the ancient Serbian king Decebalus, proudly carved into the mountainside. (B,L,D)

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour that 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. Enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, at the Quburich Distillery, followed by a panoramic tour of Avala Mountain. Later in the day, choose from a hike to Kalemegdan Fortress or join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D)

Visit Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, where you'll tour the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times. Cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the 'Serbian Athens', and discover the city on a walking tour or a guided biking tour. In the evening, visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács before visiting Pécs, a city founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Explore the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim. Alternatively, wine connoisseurs can visit the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary. You may also take a guided bike tour around Mohács. (B,L,D)

Your journey concludes in the vibrant city of Budapest. After disembarking from your cruise, you're free to explore the city at your own pace or head to the airport for your onward journey. (B)