Portraits of Eastern Europe (2025) (Bucharest to Prague, 2025)

Today, you'll delve deeper into Bucharest's fascinating history with a panoramic city tour, including a visit to the imposing People's Palace. Later, you'll travel by motorcoach to Giurgiu, where your river cruise ship awaits. This journey offers a glimpse into Romania's past and present, from the grandeur of Communist architecture to the serene beauty of the Danube River.

Today, you'll explore Vidin, a port town on the Danube that played a significant role in medieval Bulgarian politics. Choose between an excursion to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations or a visit to a local winery for a tasting session, followed by a walking tour of Vidin. Both options offer a unique insight into Bulgaria's rich history and culture.

Today's highlight is the spectacular scenery along the Danube as you cruise through the Iron Gates, a stretch of gorges that offers breathtaking views. Later, you'll head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site at Lepenski Vir Archaeological Park and the well-preserved medieval fortress of Golubac. Keep an eye out for Trajan's Plaque and Golubac Castle, historical landmarks that line the banks of the river.

Today, you'll dock in Vukovar, Croatia's biggest port, located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka rivers. Choose between a visit to the Vučedol Culture Museum followed by lunch at a family restaurant, or the same museum visit followed by a home-hosted lunch. Both options offer a taste of Croatia's beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions.

Welcome to vibrant Budapest, Hungary's capital, offering an enchanting combination of East and West. Explore this dynamic city with your choice of excursions. You can see it from a local's perspective on a walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour that includes a visit to the Budapest Synagogue. Either way, you'll be captivated by Budapest's unique charm.

Enjoy a day of leisure exploring beautiful and historic Budapest. Visit the Unicum Distillery, one of the oldest distilleries in Europe, for a unique insight into the production of this famous Hungarian liqueur. The rest of the day is yours to explore Budapest's many attractions, from its historic thermal baths to its vibrant food markets.

Spend another day in Budapest, exploring the city's distinctive character and allure. Choose between a panoramic tour that includes a visit to St. Stephen's Cathedral, a walking tour with local treats, or a detailed introduction to Jewish Budapest. Each option offers a unique perspective on this dynamic and multi-faceted city.

Welcome to Vienna, the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Austria's political and cultural center. A city tour will show you the architectural highlights of the Austrian capital as well as the legendary Belvedere Palace. Alternatively, indulge your passion for fine art and food with a fascinating panoramic tour, or explore Jewish Vienna via our Jewish Heritage excursion.

Today, your ship cruises through the Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape. Castle ruins dominate hilltops, baroque church towers mark historic villages and splendid abbeys, and apricot orchards and vineyards cling to the rocky slopes. Your ship will dock in Krems, where you can choose between a visit to the Stetteldorf Castle or a tour of the treasures of the Wachau.

Today, you'll discover Regensburg, Bavaria's first capital, which boasts an impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage. Enjoy a night out at the Regensburg Cathedral Choir and choose between a city walk with a visit to the Thurn and Taxis Castle or a tour of Jewish Regensburg. Both options offer a unique insight into the beautifully preserved medieval city.

Today, you'll witness one of the modern world's greatest feats of engineering as your ship navigates a series of locks across the 'continental divide' and through the Main-Danube canal. In the evening, join us on a special private tour of the Faber-Castell factory near Nuremberg.

A magnet for generations of artists, writers, scientists, and composers, Prague is famous for its dynamic energy and elegant ambiance. Choose between a tour of the Prague Old Town and Castle District or a visit to the Hradčany Castle. Both options offer a unique insight into Prague's rich history and vibrant culture.