Lower Danube & Transylvania Extension

Embarkation from 4:00pm

What better place to begin a European river cruise? Vienna. Here in one of Europe's finest Imperial beauties is where your adventure begins aboard our luxury AMADEUS vessel. Join our Cruise Director for a Welcome Cocktail and raise your glass to celebrate new adventures. Our chef will spoil you with a lovingly created Welcome Dinner before your ship sets sail for Bratislava at night.

Walk through the gothic-baroque old town

A new memory for your travel diary: As the sun rises, we arrive in the Slovakian capital. Located at the confluence of the Morava and Danube Rivers, Bratislava impresses with its Gothic and Baroque architecture. During a morning tour, we take you up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views. Then walk through the historic center and fall in love with the fascinating history of the city.

Back on board, enjoy a leisurely lunch before departing for the local wine region. Spend the afternoon touring a family-owned vineyard for a private, behind-the-scenes look at winemaking. Before midnight, the ship weighs anchor for the next port, Esztergom.

Evening cruise Budapest with folklore show on board

A sight as if created by angels: The Basilica of Esztergom is Hungary's largest and perhaps most beautiful church. Its splendor unfolds on the morning excursion, followed by a guided tour to artists' village of Szentendre. Meanwhile, the vessel glides towards the "Queen of the Danube". Enjoy an afternoon full of wonders in the Hungarican capital, Budapest. The grand Matthias Church and Fisherman's Bastion are just two of the architectural wonders of this city.

If food is your passion, join “An Authentic Taste of Budapest” which starts at the vast market hall and continues to the famous geothermal baths. In the evening, our illuminated cruise through Budapest will light up your heart, while your spirit comes alive with a spirited folklore show of local artists who dance, sing and enchant aboard.

Boat tour through the nature reserve Kopacki Rit

In eastern Croatia, Vukovar serves as your gateway to the natural world. In the afternoon, your excursion starts in baroque Vukovar and takes you to Kopački Rit, one of the largest wetlands in Europe and home to rich birdlife, animals, and plants. A boat takes you through untouched moors and a virgin floodplain where nature thrives. In the village of Kopačevo, you can sample Croatian fruit brandies and wines, before you continue your drive to the village of Osijek for a walk through the town. Back in Vukovar, board the ship and enjoy a leisurely dinner as we cruise to Belgrade.

Visit to the Church of Saint Sava in Belgrade

A new day dawns in a new country. Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia, retains a western influence while remaining true to its deep cultural roots and history. During a morning sightseeing tour, visit Kalemegdan Fortress located at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube with breathtaking views and unforgettable stories. Afterwards, discover the true personality of this city and see the National Museum, the Parliament, and the St. Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the world.

After lunch, accompany us to Topola and Oplenac and trace the heritage of the Serbian royal family. In the evening, take a private bus through Belgrade, enjoying the dazzling city lights and an evening at an authentic Serbian folklore performance. Afterwards, enjoy regional specialties and the offbeat rhythm and bohemian culture of the artists' quarter of Skadarlija.

Passage of the famous Iron Gates

The fortress of Golubac with its magnificent views has an equally magnificent past filled with the spirits and sounds of successful battles to defend the fortress. Take a leap back to the Stone Age on our alternative excursion to the architectural site of Lepenski Vir with its exciting excavations and exhibits. For an active adventure, join us on a hike through the magnificent Djerdap National Park to its famous Kovilovo viewpoint.

Rejoin the ship in Donji Milanovac and spend the afternoon on board for a truly impressive natural spectacle. Take a seat on the sun deck and relax as we cruise through one of the most impressive gorges in Europe which also marks the border between Serbia and Romania. One section, the Cazan near the town of Orşova, the river narrows to a scant 200 meters wide and 80 meters deep. The majestic views of the Carpathian and Balkan mountains paint a memorable scene. As we cruise, be sure to look for the small monastery church of Mraconia and the enormous 40-meter rock sculpture of the Dacian King Decebalus near Dubova.

Veliko Tarnovo, the oldest town in Bulgaria

At lunchtime you arrive in the Bulgarian town of Svistov, the southernmost point on the Danube. Which do you prefer? An excursion and tour of Rousse with a fascinating visit to the Basarbovo rock monastery; or an excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and the quaint village of Arbanasi. With either choice, you'll encounter rich histories and culture, before returning to the ship which docks in Giurgiu for the evening.

Danube Delta nature experience

Open your eyes, you're in paradise! From Hârşova, discover the breathtakingly beautiful Danube Delta, one of the largest wetland biotopes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The bus takes you from Hârşova to Tulcea to your excursion boats for a delta safari and a voyage of discovery through the beautiful nature reserve. In the evening, a folklore program awaits you on board.

Sightseeing Tour Through The Vibrant Metropolis

You leave your AMADEUS ship in Festeşti after breakfast - but your journey does not end there. A transfer will take you to another adventure on land: Bucharest. Get ready to explore the capital city of Romania, which has developed its very own charm with a lively cityscape and colorful mix of buildings from different eras. Spend an afternoon sightseeing in this vibrant metropolis of two million people. After a typical local lunch, you will check into a centrally located 5-star InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest (or similar), before joining us for a farewell dinner.

Old-World Charm & Luxury in Sibiu

Your Transylvanian adventure begins - steeped in ancient legends, scenic beauty, and medieval tales nestled among the rugged peaks of the Carpathians. After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive along the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway, a masterful feat of engineering that winds dramatically through the mountains. En route, enjoy lunch at Valea cu Pești, offering regional flavors and panoramic views.

By afternoon, you'll arrive in Sibiu, one of the most enchanting cities in Transylvania and a former European Capital of Culture. After checking in at 4.5-star Ramada by Windham Sibiu Hotel (or similar), a guided walking tour introduces you to Sibiu's Old Town with its colorful facades, romantic alleyways, and baroque squares. In the evening, set out on your own culinary adventure — perhaps discovering the rich and hearty flavors of traditional Transylvanian cuisine.

Tracing Dracula and Saxon Heritage

Today is made for explorers. In the morning, travel to Sighișoara, one of the last inhabited medieval citadels in Europe. Begin with a brief orientation walk, then enjoy time to explore on your own. Don't miss the Clock Tower, the history museum, the old apothecary, and the chilling torture chamber. A special highlight is lunch at Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the supposed birthplace of Count Dracula himself.

In the afternoon, journey to the idyllic village of Viscri, where a leisurely stroll reveals traditional Transylvanian life. The village's star attraction is its imposing fortified church—an outstanding example of Saxon defensive architecture. Later, arrive in Brașov, one of Romania's most picturesque cities. After check-in at your 5-star Raddison Blu Aurum Hotel Brasov (or similar), join a walking tour through the medieval heart of Brașov. In the evening, the choice is yours—perhaps a cozy dinner in one of the city's many charming eateries

Harman Fortress & an Exclusive Evening at Bran Castle

Your day begins with a visit to the fortified church of Harman. Towering walls, hidden passageways, and centuries-old stonework await your discovery. Back in Brașov, a city walking tour brings the past to life—admire stately baroque townhouses, narrow cobblestone streets, and the Gothic grandeur of the Black Church, the largest of its kind in Southeast Europe.

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your own pace—whether unwinding at the hotel or wandering through Brașov's Old Town. As night falls, prepare for a truly special experience: an exclusive private visit to Bran Castle, famously linked to the Dracula legend, after public hours. Explore its mysterious corridors and hidden chambers, then dine in style at the Tea House Restaurant on the castle grounds—a perfectly atmospheric end to an unforgettable day.

Sparkling Wines & Royal Splendor in the Carpathians

Your final day in the Carpathians begins with a visit to Azuga, a historic mountain town renowned for its sparkling wines. At the Rhein Cellars, official purveyor to the Romanian royal family, enjoy an exclusive guided tour and tasting of elegant varietals crafted using traditional Champagne methods. A charming lunch in the cellar's restaurant rounds out the visit.

Then, journey to Sinaia, the "Jewel of the Carpathians", for a guided tour of Peleș Castle. This fairytale royal residence enchants with its ornate interiors, rich decorations, and stunning architectural fusion. Surrounded by mountain vistas, you'll feel transported to a royal past. In the evening, return to Bucharest, where you'll check into the elegant 5-star InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest (or similar). As the day fades, so too does your journey—leaving behind cherished memories and timeless impressions.

Until We Meet Again

After breakfast, your transfer will take you to Bucharest Airport for your onward flight. Farewell — and thank you for sharing this journey through the legends and landscapes of Transylvania.