Eastern European Odyssey

Eastern European Odyssey

Admire the grand cities of the Hapsburg Dynasty and the ancient remains of Roman Empire outposts as you make this 14-night odyssey to Eastern Europe. Immerse yourself in fiery Hungarian culture and discover the wonders of Strauss and his classic waltzes. You’ll savour the unique cuisine of a region still being shaped by current events, revel in the natural beauty of the Danube’s exquisite Iron Gate region and explore the Black Sea‘s coast. See firsthand how current restoration efforts have preserved the region’s rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Budapest, Hungary – Embarkation (D)

Upon arrival in Budapest, transfer to your luxury river cruise ship, the ‘Viking Europe’. Settle in, then start exploring at your own pace. The Danube cuts through the heart of Budapest, Hungary’s lovely capital, separating the Buda Hills and Old City from the boulevards of modern Pest. Return to the ship for dinner.

Day 2 Budapest (BLD)

Your guided city tour this morning highlights Budapest’s massive hilltop castle complex with Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. You’ll also see the famous Chain Bridge and Elisabeth Bridge, two of several that connect the two halves of the city. Return to the ship for lunch with afternoon free time ashore. Discover Hungary’s fine cuisine at dinner aboard.

Day 3 Pecs (BLD)

Explore Pecs, a university town that dates back to Roman times, with grand buildings that were restored to honour the town’s centuries-old history. On your city tour, you’ll see its vibrant market square, the Kazim Gazi Pascha Mosque and the Romanesque cathedral. Return to your ship for lunch and afternoon cruising.

Day 4 Novi Sad (BLD)

Today, enjoy some relaxing time as you cruise along the Danube to Novi Sad, with its Gibraltar-like Petrovaradin Fortress that looms over the city. Enjoy a guided tour of the city, then spend some time strolling the pedestrian zone, where you’ll discover its neorenaissance city hall and numerous churches. Lunch is served on board, then enjoy a relaxing afternoon and evening of cruising.

Day 5 Serbia, Montenegro (BLD)

Another lovely day of cruising on the Danube. Enjoy its scenic treasures as you glide through the countryside of Serbia & Montenegro and Romania. This is an area with a proud history of victory and defeat. As you sail leisurely through the rocky foothills, see the intricate rock details of the famous and beautiful Iron Gate region.

Day 6 Bucharest, Romania (BLD)

Today, you’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour of Romania’s capital city, Bucharest. See the Civic Centre, the beautiful 17th century Patriarchal Cathedral and the House of the People, the world’s second largest building after the Pentagon. During your full day tour, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant, then return to the ship for dinner and an evening departure.

Day 7 Constanta (BLD)

Constanta is Romania’s second largest city and the country’s main harbour on the Black Sea. It began nearly 2,500 years ago as a Greek colony, named for Emperor Constantine. Its history can be traced through the Greek and Roman ruins that fill its city centre. See the Peter and Paul Orthodox Church during your walking tour of the city, then enjoy an included lunch ashore. Return to your ship for dinner which coincides with your evening departure.

Day 8 Rousse – Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi, Bulgaria (BLD)

A fascinating day as you disembark for a full day excursion through the Bulgarian countryside to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko-Tarnovo. You enjoy a walking tour here, then have time to shop for handicrafts in the old city centre. At Tsaravets Hill, see the ruins of the royal castle. Enjoy lunch ashore in the historic village of Arbanasi, known for its traditional architecture. Return to the ship for dinner which will follow your evening sailing.

Day 9 Iron Gate (BLD)

You’ll spend the day cruising one of the most beautiful stretches of the Danube, the Iron Gate. This gorge lines the border between former Yugoslavia and Romania, winding narrowly between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Once an impenetrable obstacle to shipping, it was cleared of rock obstructions in the 1860s.

Day 10 Belgrade, Serbia (BLD)

Continue cruising this morning, then after lunch, arrive in Belgrade, the ancient capital of Serbia and Yugoslavia, dominated by its famed Kalemegdan Fortress that looms over the old town. In the fortress is the Military Museum on the battlements of the citadel. On your included tour of the city, see the Palace of Princess Ljubice, an authentic Balkan-style palace built in the first half of the 19th century. You’ll also stop at the city’s graceful Orthodox cathedral St Sava, the world’s largest orthodox church. Then enjoy free time in the Square of the Republic, near a pedestrian shopping area. Return to the ship to be served dinner as you cruise through the evening.

Day 11 Croatia & Hungary (BLD)

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Puszta region of Hungary on this full day of scenic cruising. Relax on deck in a comfortable chair, or perhaps settle into the lounge to enjoy the passing views.

Day 12 Budapest and Danube Bend (BLD)

After breakfast, take a motorcoach tour to the scenic Danube Bend region, through the Börzsöny and Visegrad Mountains, to the former capital of Hungary, Esztergom, with its cathedral. You’ll also stop at the quaint artist’s colony of Szentendre. This is one of the most beautiful regions in Hungary and central to the country’s history and unique culture. Return to your ship in time for lunch, followed by scenic cruising through the night.

Day 13 Bratislava, Slovakia (BLD)

Today, continue to the dynamic capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, which is dominated by an enormous castle that sits 300 feet above the Danube. Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Town which contains St. Martin’s Cathedral, Michael’s Gate and neoclassic Archbishop’s Palace. Lunch and dinner are served as you sail on to Vienna.

Day 14 Vienna (BLD)

Vienna is one of Europe’s most cultured cities, with St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace among its must-see attractions which you’ll see on your city tour. The day is yours to explore, with lunch and dinner served on board. In the evening, enjoy an optional concert in the ‘City of Waltzes’.

Day 15 Vienna – Disembarkation (B)

Your cruise ends his morning after breakfast and you will be transferred to the airport.

Tour Inclusions

Great Dining Experiences

* 41 superb meals including 14 full breakfasts, 13 lunches & 14 dinners including 3 lunches in local restaurants

* Welcome Cocktail reception and Dinner

* Captain’s Gala Farewell Dinner

Superb Attractions

* Guided city sightseeing in Budapest, Pecs, Novi Sad, Bucharest, Constanta

* City sightseeing with guide in Belgrade, Bratislava and Vienna

* Excursion to Veliko-Tarnovo and Arbanassi

* Danube Bend excursion

* Visit Esztergom and Szentendre, Hungary

Quality Inclusions

* 14 night deluxe cruise in outside cabin

* ‘Old World Highlights’ lectures, local entertainment & demonstrations

* Services of a professional Cruise Director

* Individual port guides for on-your-own exploring

* Private deluxe motorcoach with air-conditioning while on shore excursions

* Transfers between airport and cruise ship

* All port charges included