Transylvania & Enchantment of Eastern Europe & Budapest Escape

When you arrive in Bucharest, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your perfectly situated hotel, including a one-night stay in Bucharest.

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. Rising above on a rocky hilltop, Bran Castle visit is sure to amaze with its remarkable architecture and mystical history. (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 enjoying the plush surrounds of your hotel this morning, you'll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided drive around the city, including a visit to the Spring Palace. Then, you’ll have time to explore the leafy boulevards at your leisure.

After your insightful tour, you’ll be transferred from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome from your captain and crew awaits on board your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. (B/D)

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

Today, you'll have the opportunity to learn about Bulgarian history, as you explore the city that many call “The Little Vienna”. Immerse yourself in the beauty of its Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture and stroll along the charming promenade. If you would prefer to do something more active, then instead, you could choose to embark on a guided hike to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, known for their famous 14th-century frescoes.

Tonight, you’ll have the chance to mingle with your fellow guests while enjoying the welcome reception and dinner. (B/L/D)

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

Viticulture forms the heart of life in the most western town in Bulgaria, where sun-kissed vineyards pepper the banks of the Danube and winemaking has prospered for generations. Your included tour of Vidin will introduce you to a peaceful side of life that revolves around wine, as you weave through a local vineyard and learn about their produce, before enjoying a tasting session.

Afterwards, your local guide will take you to Baba Vida, a fortress that was originally constructed at the turn of the 10th century and is known for being one of only a handful of beautifully preserved castles in the country (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)

This morning, relax on board and admire your surroundings as we sail along the mighty Danube to Donji Milanovac, where a visit to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site, one of Europe’s best-hidden gems, awaits. Located right on the riverbanks, the Palaeolithic site is one of the most important of its kind on the continent, effortlessly capturing more than eight millennia of history. Archaeologists from around the world have used this site to learn about a number of different Stone Age settlements and the way that prehistoric cultures moved across Europe. (B/L/D)

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

Serbia’s vibrant capital is yours to explore today. Your local guide will take you on a coach tour through the heart of the city, highlighting its many landmarks. The coach will pass through the centre, where you’ll notice reminders of the country’s turbulent history, set amongst the quiet and peaceful streets. Witness the ornate beauty of the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest religious buildings in Europe, before stopping for a tour of the Museum of Yugoslavia. If you’re feeling more active, then you may instead choose to learn about Belgrade’s history during a guided bike tour.

This evening, you will be invited to the Horizon Lounge where a traditional Serbian folklore show will provide 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)

Today, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a truly unforgettable EmeraldPLUS experience, as you’re invited into the home of a local family for a traditional Croatian lunch.

Enjoy an afternoon of sailing further up the Danube towards Hungary, before joining your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

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

In the morning, we will sail to Kalocsa, a place known for its paprika production and colourful festivals. Discovering Hungary’s culture is an easy task in Kalocsa, where traditional folk art can be found around every corner and old traditions pave the way for daily life.

Later, you will venture to the Puszta, or Great Hungarian Plain, to visit a traditional Puszta horse farm. Your guide will teach you about the traditional performances of the Magyar cowboys, and you’ll have the opportunity to witness some of their exceptional equestrian skills first-hand as they showcase some of their exercise drills.

This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show on board, followed by a traditional dinner. (B/L/D)

• EmeraldPLUS Puszta Equestrian Heritage
• EmeraldPLUS Traditional Hungarian folklore show on board

Today you will be transferred to your centrally located accommodation in Budapest, where a two-night stay in the city is certain to delight. Upon arrival you will embark on an 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 coach tour of Budapest

Today, the storied capital of Budapest is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps crossing the Chain Bridge to see how the city differs in Buda and Pest or stopping to try some delightful Hungarian treats. (B)

After breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to your fellow passengers as you leave your accommodation for your transfer to the airport, taking memories of a home-hosted Croatian experience and the ornamented Buda Castle district 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)