Gems of Southeast Europe (Wine Cruise)

Experience more of Bucharest on a full-day excursion or visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Explore its ancient walls, towers, and the Patriarchal Church, adorned with stunning modernist frescoes. 

For more active exploration, join an unforgettable hike up the iconic Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, or you may visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings.

In the afternoon, enjoy a special wine tasting and learn more about ancient winemaking techniques that have been passed down for centuries.

Excursions:

• Full-day Veliko Tarnovo & wine tasting excursion OR Full-day Tsarevets Fortress hike OR Full-day Bucharest Excursion OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churches
• Leventa Wine Tasting*

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.

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, and delight in exquisite wines sourced from Rajačke Pimnice, a prominent viticulture region in Serbia, complemented by the flavors of traditional Serbian cheese and bread.

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 Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world.

You may also explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on a full-day excursion. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall and the Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress.

In the afternoon, visit the Sumadija wine region, nestled in the scenic surroundings of Belgrade, and enjoy perfectly paired wine and snacks as you learn more about the region's rich flavors. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.

Excursions:

• “The City by Two Rivers” tour OR Full-day Novi Sad Tour OR Fortress Hike
• Sumadija wine tasting OR Guided Bike Tour of Belgrade

After a morning of scenic cruising, 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 enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines.

Excursions:

• Scenic cruising
• Highlights of Vukovar walking tour OR Croatian wine tasting OR Vukovar bike 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.

Excursions:

• Pécs excursion OR Szekszárd wine tasting