Grand Danube Cruise

Be met on arrival and transfer to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Radisson Blu Bucharest or similar

Enjoy a visit to the Bucharest's most impressive sites, including the historic city centre and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world. Alternatively, you can choose a walking tour of the historic Old Town. (B)

Today you'll visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula.

Later head to Brasov for a walking tour and then check in to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Kronwell Hotel, Brasov or similar (B)

Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighisoara, birthplace to Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It's hard to believe that this perfectly preserved World Heritage-listed town filled, with resplendent pastel-coloured buildings, stone lanes and medieval towers, and boasting a 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)

Today you will travel to the legendary region of Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history. Your first stop will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia, to visit Peles Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe and a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture. Its 160 rooms are filled with priceless European art.

After your tour, depart for Giurgiu where you will board your ship and enjoy a welcome dinner. Stay 14 Nights: Concerto River Ship (B/D)

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

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. Continue to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of the production 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.

In the afternoon, continue to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations and enjoy a Vidin Walking Tour or participate in a Vidin Wine Tasting. (B/L/D)

See Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one 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 travellers. (B/L/D)

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress.

Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour or hike to well-preserved Belgrade Fortress with its conical towers. (B/L/D)

Novi Sad is sometimes called the “Serbian Athens”. Discover the city on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town centre. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. Visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Back on board, cruise to Vukovar. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a centre of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs. You'll then visit Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the World Heritage-listed Christian Necropolis, St Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs, and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pecs. 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 Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red wine production areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohacs. (B/L/D)

Tradition will be on full display in Puszta, the Great Hungarian Plain. Tour a genuine Hungarian farm run by world-champion carriage-drivers.

Afterwards, be treated to an unforgettable performance of horsemanship and then experience the Hungarians' warm hospitality, along with a traditional lunch complete with authentic goulash. (B/L/D)

Enjoy a city tour which includes a visit to the Great Market Hall and takes you to both the Buda and the Pest sides of the river. Alternatively, hike up to Castle Hill for breathtaking views of the city. (B/L/D)

In Bratislava, either enjoy a walking tour; sample delicious Slovakian specialties during a tasting, or take a hike up to Bratislava Castle. (B/L/D)

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 centre. For a more active exploration, take a guided bike ride through Vienna. During the afternoon, enjoy leisure time exploring this iconic city even more. (B/L/D)

Take a walking tour of Durnstein, then visit Melk Abbey. Alternatively, hike up to a fortress, join a guided bike ride through the Wachau Valley or enjoy an apricots and sweets tasting.

In the evening, head ashore to Grein for an exclusive castle visit. (B/L/D)

Choose between a full-day excursion to Salzburg, a walking tour in Linz or embark on a guided bike ride.

Later, enjoy a visit to the historic Czech town of Cesky Krumlov. (B/L/D)

Arrive in Passau and enjoy a guided walking tour. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Veste Oberhaus fortress, or enjoy a bike ride along the Inn River.

Later, cruise to Vilshofen, where you will be treated to an Oktoberfest celebration. (B/L/D)

Travel to Prague via Regensburg, where you will enjoy a local highlights tour. Then travel to Prague and check in to your hotel. Stay Three Nights: Hilton Old Town Prague or similar (B)

Discover Prague and its magical church spires on a city tour or a hike to Prague Castle. Both will reveal why Prague is considered one of Europe's most attractive and vibrant cities, with a historic city centre that's recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Enjoy a Czech beer tasting followed by time at leisure to further explore. (B)

Bid farewell to Prague as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)