2013 & 2014 Departure Dates & Pricing
Vienna to Bucharest - 14 days (WVO) -or- Bucharest to Vienna - 14 days (WOV)	For further assistance call 1-800-526-8539
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Detailed Itinerary: Vienna to Bucharest (WVO)

Skip to Bucharest to Vienna itinerary

Welcome to Vienna, Austria’s capital, known as the “City of Music” and which inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The remainder of the day is yours to start exploring this elegant city.

Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, Vienna has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights you will enjoy during your included tour. You do not rush through Vienna - you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. An optional concert is available during your stay. (Breakfast)

Day 3: Vienna – Bratislava, Slovakia (Embarkation)

A free morning to relax or explore on your own. Then, a motorcoach transfer after lunch takes you to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. A Certified Local Guide will show you the charming Old Town with its Town Hall and views of Mirbach Palace, as well as gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL. Your river cruise vessel is docked here on the Danube and after the tour of Bratislava, meet the crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Eight bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Certified Local Guide will show you. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Mohács. Excursion to Pecs and the Villány Wine District

This morning, enjoy some leisurely cruising while taking in the peaceful riverscape of southern Hungary. After lunch, a guided excursion takes you to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture. Then into Villány district, where some of Hungary’s best red wines are produced. Learn more about which varietals are grown, and why the climate and soil conditions here are ideal for the production of excellent wines. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. Accompanied by local experts, explore both Osijek, an important economic and cultural center, as well as Vukovar, Croatia’s largest river port located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers. Vukovar was scene to an 87-day siege in 1991, known as The Battle of Vukovar. This and other dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7: Belgrade, Serbia

The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox church; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

After breakfast dock at. Donji Milanovac from where a short drive takes you to the impressive EXHIBITION CENTER housing archaeological artifacts found in this area and from where you have unique views of the Danube Gorge. Return to your ship before lunch and then cruise what surely must be The most spectacular scenery of the dramatic gorge of the IRON GATES, a narrow and formerly very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

A comfortable ride from the Danube is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces, and the PATRIARCH’S CHURCH. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY. Rejoin your ship in Rousse. Those who do not wish to participate in the full day excursion, may remain on board, and join an included sightseeing of Rousse in the afternoon. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today relax on board and enjoy a peaceful morning of cruising. Before lunch learn about the fascinating Danube Delta at an onboard lecture. This afternoon dock in Tulcea, the “gateway” to the Delta. Explore the town with a Certified Local Guide and visit the DELTA MUSEUM. There’s time to stroll around on your own before dinner. During the night your ships sails for St. Gheorghe at the mouth of the Danube. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Arrive in St. Gheorghe early this morning. After breakfast an excursion in small boats takes you into the DELTA, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best preserved of Europe’s deltas, hosting over 300 species of birds as well as 45 species of freshwater fish. From its source in the Black Forest, to its delta at the Black Sea, the Danube measures 2,845 kilometers in length. The Km markings can be clearly seen on the river banks the length of the river. Enjoy a small celebration to mark Km “0” - the end of the Danube’s journey. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 12: Cernavodă. Excursion to Constanta

This morning dock in Cernavodă, a city lying at the western end of the 40-mile-long Black Sea Canal, the pride and joy of communist achievement. From here you may choose to take either a full-day or a half-day excursion to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. A Certified Local Guide shows you the highlights of this city and a visit of the NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM is included. Then there is free time to enjoy this resort town on your own, returning to Cernavodă in the late afternoon in time to depart for Oltenita. Alternatively you may want to relax on board in the morning and visit Constanta in the afternoon only. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital, is only a short drive from Oltenita. Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained it the name “Paris of the East.” Much recent history has taken place here. During your included tour, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon, and Royal Palace Square, scene of riots in 1989 that led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. (Breakfast)

Day 14: Bucharest

Your vacation ends this morning. (Breakfast)

Departures & Pricing

Detailed Itinerary: Bucharest to Vienna (WOV)

Skip to Vienna to Bucharest itinerary

Welcome to Bucharest! Its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe have gained this city the name “Paris of the East.”

Day 2: Bucharest - Fetesti (Embarkation)

Much recent history has taken place in Romania’s capital city. During your included tour this morning, see the impressive Parliament Building, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989, which led to the collapse of the communist dictatorship. The former Royal Palace now houses the NATIONAL ART MUSEUM. This afternoon, a motorcoach ride takes you to Fetesti where your river cruise vessel is docked. Before dinner meet your crew at a welcome reception. (Breakfast, Dinner)

This morning during breakfast dock in St. Gheorghe from where the excursion into the DELTA will start. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best preserved of Europe’s deltas, this area hosts over 300 species of birds as well as 45 species of freshwater fish. From its source in the Black Forest, to its delta at the Black Sea, the Danube measures 2,845 kilometers in length. The Km markings can be clearly seen on the river banks the length of the river., Enjoy a small celebration to mark Km “0” - the end of the Danube’s journey, before departing St. Gheorghe during lunch. A peaceful afternoon to relax as you sail to Tulcea, and a chance to learn more about the fascinating Delta at an onboard lecture. In the early evening visit Tulcea’s DELTA MUSEUM. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Arrive in Harsova after breakfast. From here you may choose to take either a full-day or a half-day excursion to Constanta, the most important commercial center in Romania, situated on the Black Sea. A Certified Local Guide shows you the highlights of this city and a visit of the NATURAL HISTORY & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM is included. Then there is free time to enjoy this resort town on your own, rejoining your vessel in Harsova in the late afternoon. Alternatively you may want to relax on board in the morning and visit Constanta in the afternoon only. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5: Rousse, Bulgaria. Excursion to Veliko Târnovo & Arbanassi

A comfortable ride from Rousse is the ancient Bulgarian capital of Veliko Târnovo. Situated on three hills surrounding the Yantra River, the city was a natural fortress with ancient stone houses clinging to the steep slopes. The oldest part is Tsarevets Hill, home of the Royal Fortress, palaces, and the PATRIARCH’S CHURCH. The historic village of Arbanassi is best known for its ETHNOGRAPHICAL MUSEUM and the outstanding collection of frescoes in the CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY. Those who do not wish to participate in the full day excursion, may remain on board, and join an included sightseeing of Rousse after breakfast. At lunchtime sail for Svistov where excursion participants will rejoin the ship. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today enjoy a leisurely day of sailing. At first the river separates Romania on the right bank from Bulgaria on the left and is relatively wide. Later, it carves a path through the lower Carpathian Mountains to the north and the Balkan Mountains to the south, creating a series of four steep gorges, known as the Iron Gates. Until the Iron Gate Dam (which houses a hydro-electric power station) was completed in 1972, this section of the Danube presented great hazards to the shipping trade.. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

More spectacular scenery as you continue through the Iron Gates, passing through the Small and Great Kazan gorges. This afternoon dock at Donji Milanovac from where a short drive takes you to the impressive EXHIBITION CENTER housing archaeological artifacts found in this area and from where you have unique views of the Danube Gorge .(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

The capital of Serbia is situated at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A local expert will be proud to show you its main sights, which include the city’s principal landmark, KALEMEGDAN FORTRESS; St. Sava, the world’s largest Orthodox church; and Marshal Tito’s tomb and monument. The city center has a lively pedestrian area and charming outdoor cafés. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Today, learn more about the complex history of Croatia and the events that led to the Croatian War of Independence. Accompanied by local experts, explore both Osijek, an important economic and cultural center, as well as Vukovar, Croatia’s largest river port located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers. Vukovar was scene to an 87-day siege in 1991, known as the Battle of Vukovar. This and other dramatic events in the recent past have shaped both the present and the future of this region. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning, a guided excursion takes you to Pecs, Hungary’s fifth-largest city and the richest in terms of Turkish architecture . Then into the Villány district, where some of Hungary’s best red wines are produced. Learn more about which varietals are grown, and why the climate and soil conditions here are ideal for the production of excellent wines, as you enjoy a WINE TASTING. Relax on board this afternoon as you sail toward Budapest. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is Eastern Europe’s liveliest and most cosmopolitan metropolis. Eight bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth Bridges, connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. The massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and the Matthias Church is among the many sights your Local Guide will show you. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

This morning, bid farewell to your ship’s crew as you arrive in Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava, situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. A Certified Local Guide will show you the charming Old Town with its Town Hall and views of Mirbach Palace, as well as gothic ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL. Then, a motorcoach transfer will take you to Vienna, where you have free time to start exploring Austria’s capital on your own. (Breakfast)

Vienna is known as the “City of Music” and inspired the creative genius of Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. Disembark after breakfast and enjoy an included tour of Austria’s capital. Once the center of the mighty Habsburg Empire, the city has much to offer: lavish Hofburg Palace, the impressive Vienna Opera House, the majestic Ringstrasse, and awe-inspiring St. Stephen’s Cathedral, to name just a few of the sights. You do not rush through Vienna - you waltz, taking your time to savor each classic sight and sound. Shop in the Kärntnerstrasse and enjoy Sachertorte or Apfelstrudel in a neighborhood café. An optional concert is available during your stay. (Breakfast)

Your vacation ends with breakfast today. (Breakfast)

Departures & Pricing

Advisements:

• A valid passport is required for travel.
• Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
• For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the cruise operator and the Captain of the ship reserve the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
• In the event of water level problems on stretches of any river, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by motorcoach.
• Included visits and special features are subject to change. If a change is necessary, a substitute will be offered.