Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise)

Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.

Experience more of Bucharest, or visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Veliko Tarnovo excursion OR Bucharest excursion OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churche

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. Or enjoy a wine tasting at a local boutique winery situated just outside of Vidin. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour OR Banitsa Pastry & Yogurt Making OR Vidin Bike Tour OR Dos Alamos wine tasting

The Iron Gates are some of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Golubac Fortress Tour

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor's life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, you can enjoy a taste of the region by sampling wine and snacks at the Podrum Panajotovic Wine Cellar, where old traditions and excellent wine are preserved 10 meters below the streets of Belgrade. For those wishing for a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to Belgrade Fortress. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “The City by Two Rivers” tour OR Fortress Hike OR Podrum Panajotovic Wine Tasting
• “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade

Enjoy an afternoon in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings and clothing. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Wine connoisseurs will want to travel to Ilok, situated in the easternmost part of Croatia, to enjoy a wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars of Ilok, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour. Stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. You will also have the option to visit the Petrovaradin Fortress. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Highlights of Vukovar walking tour OR Croatian wine tasting OR Vukovar bike tour OR Novi Sad walking tour

Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Pécs excursion OR Szekszárd wine tasting

Disembark the ship in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)