Gems of Southeast Europe (Smithsonian Journeys)

Arrive in Budapest and board the ship, docked on the Danube in the heart of the city.

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács and continue to historic Pécs. Venture underground to its fourth-century necropolis, a World Heritage site, and admire the exquisite interior of St. Peter's Basilica. Visit a porcelain factory in the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, then stroll to the mosque on the main square. Alternatively, head to the 2,000-year-old Szekszárd wine region to sample its renowned reds or explore Mohács on a guided bike tour.

Excursions:

• Pécs excursion with Zsolnay Cultural Quarter visit - Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive OR Szekszárd wine tasting OR Guided bike ride along the Danube

Arrive in Croatia and visit Vukovar on a city tour or a bike ride, discovering its baroque center that still bears scars from the war for independence in the 1990s. Cap off your tour with a private concert performed by local musicians at the Eltz Manor House. Alternatively explore Tvrda Fortress and the ethnographic museum in nearby Osijek. This afternoon, taste Croatian wines at Vukovar's Old Cellars, or delve into the region's human history at the Vucedol Museum.

Excursions:

• Vukovar City tour with Private Concert – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive OR Osijek Tour with Ethnographic Museum visit – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive OR Vukovar bike tour
• Croatian wine tasting OR Vucedol Museum

Immerse yourself in vibrant Belgrade during a visit to the Nikola Tesla Museum, Kalemegdan Fortress, and the sparkling Church of Saint Sava. Alternatively, go for a bike ride or hike to the fortress. Tour the National Museum of Serbia and enjoy a tasting of traditional plum brandy, or slivovitz, and local appetizers. Or journey to Novi Sad for a walking tour of its picturesque Old Town.

Excursions:

• “The City by Two Rivers” tour OR Belgrade Fortress hike OR Belgrade bike tour
• “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting with National Museum of Serbia guided visit – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive OR Novi Sad Tour

Follow the Danube as it winds into the mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. Stop to visit Serbia's Golubac Fortress, and sail through magnificent gorges known as the Iron Gates. Keep an eye out for the face of King Decebalus, carved into the mountains on the Romanian side.

Excursions:

• Golubac Fortress with tasting of local fare
• Scenic Cruising – The Iron Gates

In Vidin, a town with Celtic roots, explore the medieval Baba Vida Fortress on a guided tour or go for a bike ride to the castle. Alternatively, visit a local home for lesson in making traditional Bulgarian yogurt and a popular pastry called banitsa.

Excursions:

• Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting OR Vidin bike tour

Discover Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, and enjoy a Bulgarian wine tasting. Or stroll through the charming central pedestrian area before visiting the Rousse State Opera House for an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience and short performance. Alternatively, journey through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest for a tour of the elegant historic center.

Excursions:

• Veliko Tarnovo excursion with Bulgarian wine tasting – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive OR Bucharest Excursion OR Rousse Walking Tour, State Opera, and Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches – Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive