Budapest Escape & Enchantment of Eastern Europe & Transylvania

Welcome to Budapest, the capital of Hungary and the perfect introduction to Eastern Europe. You will be met at the airport in Hungary and taken to your centrally-located hotel, with a two-night stay included in your itinerary.

Today you will embark on a guided coach tour through the boasting capital of Hungary, view the Chain Bridge that connect the Buda to the Pest side and glimpse upon Budapest's trademark - the Parliament. (B)

• Included Excursion A guided tour of Budapest

Today, you will be transferred from your hotel to your contemporary Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. This evening, join your fellow guests for dinner on board. (B/D)

This morning, we’ll reach Kalocsa, best known for its vibrant paprika festivals. You’ll venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, for a traditional performance showcasing the exceptional equestrian skills of the Magyar cowboys. Sit back and enjoy the show, as you watch their spectacular horse parade and witness their exercise drills. Tonight, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax and meet your fellow guests during the welcome dinner & reception. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Puszta Equestrian Heritage

This morning,you will get to learn more about Croatia and the daily life of locals, Our EmeraldPLUS excursion will bring you to the home of a Croatian family to share a typical meal from the area while getting to know the local culture and customs. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian family
• DiscoverMORE Vucedol Culture Museum (extra epense)

The capital of Serbia awaits you today, as a city tour introduces you to the highlights of one of Europe’s oldest cities. Relax as your coach takes you through the centre of this peaceful city and witness the symmetrical façade of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the world’s largest church buildings. Stop for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia or learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city.
This evening, relax in the Horizon Lounge with a traditional Serbian folklore show providing spectacular entertainment. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Highlights of Belgrade
• EmeraldPLUS Serbian folklore evening show on board
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided bike tour in Belgrade
• DiscoverMORE Routes of Nikola Tesla (extra expense)

In eastern Serbia, within the Majdanpek municipality, the town of Donji Milanovac sits on the right bank of the Danube. Today, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Palaeolithic site of Lepenski Vir on an included excursion. Enjoy learning about the importance of this archaeological site and its illustrious history, spanning more than 8 millennia. The day ends as we sail through the Iron Gates, a picturesque narrow gorge that meanders between the Carpathian Mountains and the European Alps. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to Lepenski Vir archaeological site and museum
• DiscoverMORE Golubac Castle visit (extra expense)

This morning, we’ll arrive in Vidin, a beautiful town in north-west Bulgaria, renowned for its wine production. Your included tour will introduce you to the best of Vidin’s viticulture, as you stroll through a local vineyard and enjoy a tasting session of their produce.
Later, venture to Baba Vida, a medieval fortress whose name can be translated to mean ‘Granny Vida’. Alternatively, hike to Belogradchik Fortress, a well-preserved stronghold that sits against a series of impressive rock formations. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Visit to a local vineyard with wine tasting & a visit to Baba Vida Fortress
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Belogradchik Fortress
• DiscoverMORE Traditional Bulgarian pastry making (extra expense)

Today, your Star-Ship will cruise into Rousse, where you will have the opportunity to explore the timeless charm of its elegant architecture and cultural heritage of the city that many call “The Little Vienna”.
Alternatively, embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries. Tonight, your crew will welcome you on board for a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

• Included Excursion Walking tour of Rousse
• EmeraldPLUS Choir performance
• EmeraldACTIVE Guided hike to Ivanovo Church
• DiscoverMORE Full day tour of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi (extra expense)

This morning, relax and enjoy the passing scenery as we drive towards Bucharest, including the Romanian city of Giurgiu, set amongst the mud flats and marshes of the Danube. Visit the Spring Palace and the private residence of Nicolae Ceausescu, before enjoying free time to explore the city at leisure. Learn about Bucharest’s vibrant history on a guided coach tour, passing by the Palace of Parliament.

This evening, settle into the comfortable surrounds of your hotel before you consider going for a stroll down one of the wide avenues or leafy boulevards that give Bucharest a distinctly French feel. (B)

• Included Excursion Guided drive through Bucharest with a visit to the Spring Palace

After breakfast, your Transylvanian adventure will begin. You will board coaches to the town of Brasov, a harmonious mixture of traditional medieval charm and modern city life, located in the centre of Transylvania. On your way you will visit the world-famous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula's Castle - the perfect setting for a vampire lord. Although there is no clear evidence that links Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) to Bran Castle, much of the myth surrounding Prince Vlad is true. Dracula ruled this extraordinarily beautiful place for a couple of decades in the 15th century. (B/L)

• Included Excursion Visit of Bran Castle en route to Brasov

Join us today in a panoramic city tour of Brasov, including a visit of the First Romanian School Museum and the St. Nicholas Church, leading learning centers of the Romanian community for centuries. The museum has been a centre for Romanian teaching and book printing for centuries. The oldest Romanian bible (printed on goats’ skin) is one of the many fascinating discoveries included in your visit.

You will continue with a guided walk in Brasov's historical medieval downtown learning about its German heritage. The largest Gothic church east of Vienna, Black Church, is part of this immersive experience as well. (B)

• Included Excursion City tour of Brasov
• DiscoverMORE The UNESCO fortified Church Prejmer (extra expense)

While being in the heart of Transylvania, you may want to explore on own some downtime in Brasov, visiting the Old Town Square, wander through the narrow colourful streets, or hike up Mount Tampa. (B)

• DiscoverMORE Sighisoara & Viscri Village (extra expense)

After breakfast, check out at the hotel and board coaches for a scenic drive back to Bucharest crossing south the Carpathian Mountains to reach Sinaia. Known as “Pearl of the Carpathians”, it is also the home of one of Romania’s most beautiful palaces - Peles Castle. This stunning building was built by the first King of Romania, Carol I of Hohenzollern – Sigmaringen, and used as summer residence. Inaugurated in 1883 the castle has 160 rooms with opulent decor and invaluable collections of art and furniture. (B/L)

• Included Excursion Peles Castle visit with lunch

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your fellow guests and transfer to the airport, taking memories of the Great Hungarian Plain and medieval fortresses with you.

This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information. (B)