Enchantment of Eastern Europe with Budapest and Bucharest - Rousse  (Start Bucharest, End Budapest)

Start your day with a guided tour of Bucharest, where you'll visit some of the city's most iconic attractions, including the Spring Palace. After the tour, you'll have some free time to explore the city's leafy boulevards at your own pace. Later in the day, you'll be transferred to Giurgiu, a charming city on the banks of the Danube, where you'll board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship for the next leg of your journey.

Today, you'll have the opportunity to delve into Bulgarian history as you explore Rousse, often referred to as 'The Little Vienna'. Take a stroll along the charming promenade and admire the city's beautiful Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture. For those seeking a more active adventure, you can opt for a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, renowned for their 14th-century frescoes. In the evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner with your fellow travelers.

Today, you'll explore Vidin, a peaceful Bulgarian town known for its thriving winemaking culture. Your tour will take you through a local vineyard, where you'll learn about the winemaking process and enjoy a tasting session. Afterwards, a local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a beautifully preserved 10th-century fortress. If you're up for a more active adventure, you can choose to go on a guided hike to the Belogradchik Fortress, nestled in the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.

Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac. Here, you'll visit the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe's most significant Palaeolithic sites. Located right on the riverbanks, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into more than eight millennia of history and the migration of prehistoric cultures across Europe.

Today, you'll have the chance to explore Serbia's vibrant capital, Belgrade. A local guide will take you on a coach tour through the city, highlighting its many landmarks, including the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, and the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you prefer a more active exploration, you can opt for a guided bike tour. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Serbian folklore show on board your ship.

In the morning, we'll sail to Kalocsa, a city known for its paprika production and vibrant festivals. Here, you'll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional horse farm. Learn about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys and witness their exceptional equestrian skills. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to your centrally located accommodation in Budapest for a two-night stay. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the city, where you'll get to see its two distinctive faces and visit the ornate Buda Castle district.