Balkan Adventure with Prague and Transylvania

Be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the historic centre of Prague. Later this evening, you'll have the chance to get to know your fellow travellers and Tour Director during a Welcome Reception.

Your exploration of Prague begins with a tour of the World Heritage-listed Old Town. Cross the historic Charles Bridge and arrive in Old Town Square. See the famous Astronomical Clock on the Old Town Hall, a masterpiece that displays time in a truly unique way. Afterwards, enjoy a special visit to the Municipal House before a free afternoon to explore at leisure. This evening, you may wish to join an optional folklore dinner and show.

Insider Experience - Municipal House Visit the magnificent Municipal House, where you'll enjoy a relaxed coffee accompanied by a selection of classic Czech pastries, followed by a guided tour of this celebrated Art Nouveau landmark.

Enhance Your Journey - Folklore Dinner and Show Travel to a local restaurant and enjoy a lively evening of traditional Czech cuisine, music and dancing.

Today is at leisure to explore Prague at your own pace. You may wish to visit the historic Jewish Quarter, home to centuries of Jewish heritage and closely associated with writer Franz Kafka, or simply wander the city's charming streets and cafes. Alternatively, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Prague Castle. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Enhance Your Journey - Prague Castle Cross the Vltava River to Prague Castle, which dominates the city skyline. Dating back to the 9th century, this vast complex of palaces, courtyards and churches is among the largest castle complexes in the world. Join a local guide to explore highlights including St Vitus Cathedral and Golden Lane.

Farewell Prague after breakfast as you travel by coach to Budapest, where you'll board your river ship. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and meet your fellow travellers.

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to the city's Great Market Hall, a must-visit housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Alternatively, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a wartime hospital built within the caverns beneath Buda Castle and later used as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, enjoy a Captain's Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey - Great Market Hall Tour Join a culinary tour through the market, discovering a variety of Hungarian sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Enhance Your Journey - Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle.

From the quiet port town of Mohács, history enthusiasts may wish to travel to the ancient city of Pécs. Hungary's fifth-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, it offers a wealth of historic sights, including the copper-domed Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the 11th-century Pécs Cathedral. This afternoon is at leisure, or you may choose to join an optional excursion to Hungary's renowned Villány wine region for a tasting.

Enhance Your Journey - Villány Wine Tasting Travel to Hungary's celebrated Villány wine region, known for its red and rosé varieties. Visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting.

Begin a captivating exploration of Osijek, a vibrant city rich in history. Wander its cobblestone streets, where well-preserved 18th-century architecture reveals glimpses of the past, and visit landmarks such as Holy Trinity Square and the Church of Saint Michael. Later, continue to Vukovar for a tasting of regional delicacies before rejoining your ship for a leisurely afternoon cruise towards Serbia.

In Serbia's capital, embark on a guided tour of Belgrade. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress, offering sweeping views over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, and the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Later, gain insight into local life and traditions during a special Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Village Farm and Slivovitz Tour Visit a local family's village home, touring the house and barn to meet the resident farm animals. Stroll through the orchards to learn about the distillation of slivovitz - Serbia's traditional plum brandy - and its place in everyday culture.

Today, witness nature at its finest as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a dramatic landscape of lush forests, towering cliffs and rugged gorges. Forming part of the border between Serbia and Romania, this remarkable stretch of the Danube offers one of the river's most spectacular cruising experiences.

Go ashore in Ruse, one of Bulgaria's most elegant cities. Join a walking tour to admire its Belle Époque architecture and manicured garden squares, often compared to the charm of Vienna. Along the way, pass the Monument of Liberty, the courthouse, and Battenberg Square. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure - perhaps visit the Rousse Regional Historical Museum the National Transport Museum or the ancient ruins of the Sexaginta Prista fortress.

After breakfast, travel to your hotel in Brașov, stopping en route in the town of Sinaia for free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure.

This morning, travel to Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula's Castle'. With a local guide, learn about its history as you walk through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques. Return to Brașov and join a guided tour through its old streets, lined with well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic masterpieces while enjoying the bustling ambiance of the cafes, restaurants and shops.

Journey to Bucharest and join a guided tour of this vibrant metropolis and cultural hub. Stroll along wide, tree-lined boulevards, past elegant Belle Époque buildings, before exploring the Old City centre, with highlights including the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the lively Lipscani district.

Your adventure comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.