Gems of Southeast Europe with Bucharest, Brasov and Vienna (Christmas)

Bucharest, Romania's capital, has earned its nickname, the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a walking tour of Bucharest's Old Town and explore the Romanian Christmas traditions as you stroll through the Bucharest Christmas Market where there will be plenty of holiday festivities to enjoy such as sipping on hot mulled wine or shopping for handcrafted goods at the small wooden stalls. (B)

Excursions:

• Old Town walking tour
• Christmas Markets

Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you'll visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Later, head to Braşov for a walking tour where the fairytale-like old town transforms into a beautiful Christmas Market then check into your hotel. (B)

Excursions:

• Transfer to Brasov
• Bran Castle visit and Brasov tour with Christmas Markets

Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighişoara, birthplace to Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It's hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called “Casa Dracula.” (B)

Excursions:

• Sighișoara excursion

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

Excursions:

• Transfer to Sinaia
• Sinaia Excursion
• Peles Royal Castle tour

Experience more of Bucharest where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. Or visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples, and make new holiday memories when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime.

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 with Christmas Markets OR Bucharest Excursion with Christmas Markets OR Rousse Walking Tour and Rock-Hewn Churches

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, and then enjoy a walking tour of Vidin with a visit to the local Christmas Market. 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 option to take an exhilarating bike tour through Vidin. You may also opt for a wine tasting at a local winery. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• Baba Vida Fortress and Vidin Walking Tour OR Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting OR Vidin bike tour OR Vidin 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 Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world.

Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. You'll have time to explore Belgrade's Winter Fest in the main square and its holiday treats, colorful Christmas Market stalls, concerts and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress.

Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian brandy, Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO's list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage,” paired with delicious local appetizers. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

Excursions:

• “The City by Two Rivers” tour and Winter Markets OR Fortress hike
• “Brandies of Belgrade” tasting OR Novi Sad walking tour with Winter Markets OR Belgrade bike tour

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising. In the afternoon, explore 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 enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B/L/D)

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. You will also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas Market in front of Town Hall.

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 with Christmas Markets OR Szekszárd wine tasting

Enjoy a city tour of the Hungarian capital. Visit the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica and the Chain Bridge. Transfer to Vienna and check in to your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city. (B)

Excursions:

• Budapest sightseeing tour
• Transfer to Vienna

The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered on your city tour. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna's historic city center. Following your city tour, spend your afternoon enjoying the festivities of the Christmas Markets. (B)

Excursions:

• Imperial Vienna tour and Christmas Markets