Beautiful Blue Danube and Danube Delta

While it may take days or weeks to fully discover Vienna, this tour will give you an overall impression of the most important sights Vienna has to offer. First, you will drive along the famous Ringstrasse, passing several magnificent buildings like the stunning opera house, the parliament, the Court Theatre and Vienna’s imposing city hall.

The panoramic drive is followed by a guided walk through the city center where you will get to know Vienna at its fullest. Begin at the well-known Hofburg Imperial Palace, walk along the Kohl market and finish at Vienna’s iconic St. Stephen’s cathedral. Before returning to the ship, enjoy free time to stroll along the pedestrian area.

The tour departs from Budapest and takes you to the artists’ village of Szentendre, home to many generations of Hungarian artists since the early 20th century. Many museums and contemporary galleries represent the rich traditions of the visual arts in this town. Works of the ceramist Margit Kovács (1902–77) are displayed in a famous, eponymous Museum. The focal point of Szentendre is Foetér, the main square, lined with eateries, cafes, and souvenir stores.

Continue to the imposing ruined fortress of Visegrád, where you have a glorious view of the “famous Danube Bend. The next highlight of this excursion is Esztergom, the former residence of the Hungarian kings and seat of the Archbishop. Visit the imposing domed basilica — the largest cathedral in Hungary. Built in the early 19th century, it incorporates an ornate red marble chapel from an earlier church.

Belgrade, one of the oldest European cities and the capital of Serbia, lies at the junction of the Danube and the Sava. The city boasts a large number of monuments from different areas and different cultures.

First, the tour takes you to the Kalemegdan fortress, where you’ll have an impressive panoramic view over the Danube and the Sava Rivers. Afterwards, you can see the National Museum, the parliament, the Terazije square and the palace of princess Ljubica. Another highlight is the St. Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the world. After a refreshment break at a local restaurant, our tour ends with a visit to the pedestrian zone where you will find many shops and art galleries.

During your excursion discover the colorful artists' village of Kovacica, which represents a unique oasis of preserved traditions, original art and crafts. Kovacica has kept its identity alive has gained worldwide fame due to its traditional naive painting. This is a style that reflects nature, peace and lifestlyle with plenty of color and detail. Famous painters of naive art are Zuzana Halupova and Martin Jonas.

Continue with a visit to the Slovak - Evangelical Church, built in the late Baroque style. Its interior is enriched by a monumental altar with a painting by Constantine Danilo.

The final stop of the tour is the violin maker's studio. Jan Nemček - is a master artisan who builds violins by hand and not machine.  With his skillful hands his beautiful creations are a treat for the eye and the musical soul.

A coach takes you through Belgrade by night to a hotel in the city center, where you will enjoy a splendid folklore show. The ensemble will invite you for a glass of wine and will perform dances from all parts of the country. The costumes are very colorful and various pieces of Serbian folk music will be performed. Then you will drive to Skadarlija, the famous artists’ quarter, also known as the Montmartre of Belgrade. Stroll through the narrow cobbled streets and end the day in one of the many restaurants or pubs.

Meet your local guide at the pier and make the short walk up to this medieval town and fortress complex. Imposing stone walls and towers are impressive reminders of the tumultuous history of this strategic fortress. Originally a Roman settlement, it has been fought over for thousands of years, and is famous for successfully withstanding over 120 direct attacks. From atop the towering ramparts, soak in the history and the stunning views of the natural landscapes of the mighty Danube, before strolling back to your waiting ship.

A trip to ancient history brings you to the “first city in Europe”, Lepenski Vir. Founded more than 8000 years ago, today you will immerse yourself in this important archeological site during a guided tour.  Enjoy free time to explore and learn from the exhibits about the oldest planned city in Europe.  Afterwards, you will visit the eco-village Kapetan Mišin Breg where you can see local art and handicrafts while enjoying a tasting of sampling local culinary treats such as honey brandy and fried nettles.  After some free time, return to your waiting ship.

From the ship begin a unique, once in a lifetime adventure, in the Iron Gates region of the mighty Danube. Meet your local guide and ranger to start your hike in the remote and stunning Djerdap National Park, one of the most stunning areas of Serbia. A forest road leads to the famous breathtaking Kovilovo viewpoint. From Kovilovo you can enjoy a view of the entire Donji Milanovac township and soak in amazing views of the Danube as it winds through the towering gorge. Celebrate this amazing experience with a tour of the Kapetan Misa`s Hill estate where you will try traditional specialties like honey brandy and fried nettles.

The excursion heads towards Veliko Tarnovo in a comfortable coach. Picturesquely located on the steep banks of the river Yantra at the foot of the Balkan Mountains, the houses of this medieval town were built on narrow terraces along the steep, rocky slopes.

Pass by the fortress Zarewez, where 22 tsars made history in the 2nd Bulgarian empire. There will be a photo stop, offering a good view of the fortress. You will also visit the 13th-century church St. Peter and Paul, which is one of the few medieval churches which had been kept intact and used for worship since the beginning of XIII century until the earthquake in 1913. At the end of the tour you will also have time to see local arts and crafts in a nearby shopping street.

From the port of Rousse, head towards the rock monastery of Basarbovo, an active cave monastery which was built in the 16th century, about 35 meters above the river. Discover the church of St. Dimitar and its fascinating history, spectacular panoramic view and imposing frescoes. After the visit, return back to Rousse, a 2000 year old city on the Danube, full of culture and traditions. The buildings in the city center testify to the economic prosperity of the city at the beginning of the 20th century. Entire streets illustrate the influence of the architectural style in Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest, with characteristic elements of Baroque, Renaissance, Secession and Empire. The highlight of this architectural ensemble is the State Opera House and the imposing Freedom Monument in the City Garden. Explore the city center on foot and enjoy a refreshment break in a typical restaurant, with a glass of Bulgarian wine and "banitza" (cheese pastry), before you rejoin the ship in Svishtov.

Explore the capital city of Romania, also known as the “Paris of the East”. The tour takes you past the Opera House, the Medicine Faculty and the Cotroceni Palace. Continue along magnificent boulevards lined with landmark buildings, which give the metropolis a certain French flair. Afterwards, take a guided walk through the partly rebuilt pedestrian area. Visit the Stavropoleos Church (dating back to 1724) which is one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the city. Take a shopping expedition to buy gifts and souvenirs. Before the traditional lunch in a Romanian restaurant, prepare your cameras for a photo of the largest administrative building in the world: the Palace of the Parliament, built during the golden age of the dictatorial regime.

Experience the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve on a full-day excursion including lunch: The Danube Delta is considered one of the largest wetland biotopes in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its rich flora and fauna.

The bus takes you from Hârşova to Tulcea, where your voyage of discovery through the beautiful nature reserve begins. Experienced, local guides will take you in small boats along small canals and waterways to the upper part of the Danube Delta with its unique flora and fauna. On your three-hour boat trip, you will discover the unique habitat of water birds, fish and a plant world that is still largely untouched in its beauty. A typical local lunch awaits you in the idyllic village of Mila 23 in the Danube Delta before you set off on your journey back to the Danube port of Hârşova.

Please note: this excursion can only be booked on board.

Travel by coach to Constanța, Romania’s biggest port and its longest continually inhabited city, founded by Greek colonists in the 6th century BC. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront promenade and with its beautiful seascape, view the timeworn Casino. This once opulent Art Nouveau hotspot is now  one of Romania’s most beautiful abandoned buildings. Pass by the Great Mosque and the Genovese Lighthouse in the historic center.

Continue with a short visit to the History and Archaeology Museum, which will reveal the city’s 2.5 millennia history and detail its blend of cultures. Afterwards, drive to Mamaia beach, which is located to the north of the city. Enjoy some free time to in this resort town with the opportunity to take a short walk along the golden sandy beaches of the Black Sea before returning to the ship. 

Novi Sad is recognized by the impressive Patrovaradin Fortress, overlooking the Danube. A unique place where 30 different religious denominations coexist in harmony. The town is full of architectural treasures representing these various religions. View St. George`s Orthodox church, St. Nicholas`s church, Almaska church (the largest orthodox church in Novi Sad) and the Jewish Synagogue. Begin your walk from the ship through one of the oldest and most beautiful streets in Novi Sad including Dunavska street, one of the oldest pedestrian streets in the city. Enjoy a sample of in local life during a refreshment stop a cafe. Afterwards, enjoy free time before returning to your ship.

Your excursion to this historic river town begins with a panoramic tour including sights like the baroque Vukovar Srijem Palace, the 19th century courthouse, several ruins from 1991 Battle of Vukovar and the ‘Trpinjska cesta’ – “Tank Cemetery” monument.  Next Visit the Baroque style Eltz Palace, now an important museum and cultural repository.  Afterwards, your guide takes you on a short walking tour town through then town to see iconic local sights while listening to poignant stories of this pivotal town.

The water mill monument in Mohács is one of the few of its kind where grinding is still carried out by means of millstones. A variety of tools can be tried out, showing the development of grain processing from prehistoric to modern times. An extraordinary sight at the mill building is the treadmill machinery driven by human power, which is unique in the whole world. At the end of the tour you will have the opportunity to taste one of the typical pies of the country before your bus will take you back to the ship.

Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has managed to retain a charm of its own with the help of renovations in recent years. The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda and Pest. The tour first takes you through Pest, past the Great Market Hall with its outstanding gourmet shops and stalls.

You will see splendid Baroque buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera in Neo-Renaissance style and the incomparable parliament building, which was finished in 1904 and has been an emblem of the city ever since then. There’s an opportunity for a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square, famous for its monuments to many Hungarian kings. Continue aross one of the seven bridges into Buda and go up to Castle Hill, where you will visit St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion (provided that it is open to the public). Enjoy the unforgettable view over the city before returning to the vessel.

Your exciting excursion begins with a visit to the Market Hall. Built in 1896, this impressive building is the oldest and largest indoor market in Budapest and offers a variety of Hungarian specialties such as tokaj wine, langos and Hungarian paprika. Next, you will continue by bus to the City Park, where you’ll see the romantic Vajdahunyad Castle and the beautiful Széchenyi Baths - one of the largest and most popular thermal baths in Europe.

Afterwards, ride the second oldest metro in Europe to the city center and visit one of Budapest’s numerous pastry shops, where you can enjoy a slice of fluffy cake and a cup of coffee, and finally view the astonishing St. Stephen's Basilica.

Please note: The Market Hall is closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Alternatively, we will visit the famous Budapest Opera House and drive up Gellert Hill to enjoy the spectacular view on Saturdays and Sundays.

In the evening, you will enjoy an atmospheric cruise through Budapest, also known as the “Paris of the East”, which is festively lit up at night, revealing Budapest’s most beautiful side. A folklore show on board will complete the experience.

Get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The driving tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues to the castle hill above the old town, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. 

Afterwards a guided walking tour leads you through the old town.  Take a leisurely stroll from Michael’s Gate through the historic city center, admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings, as well as the Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city, dating back to the 15th century. See the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain. From the Main Square we continue to a cosy cozy out of the way place to enjoy the famous Pressburger rolls with nut and poppy seed filling.  We will end our walk at the historical Opera House in front of glorious Ganymede’s Fountain. Afterwards, you are free to explore or walk the short distance back to the ship.

This Austrian Benedictine abbey is one of the world’s most famous monastic sites. It was built between 1702 and 1736 and is the biggest monastery complex of the Austrian baroque period. The abbey’s church, with frescos by Johann Michael Rottmayr, and the famed library with countless medieval manuscripts and frescos by Paul Troger are particularly noteworthy. A guided tour takes you through the abbot’s chambers, along the imperator’s walk, through the marble hall, the balconies and the library. It is no surprise that the Italian writer Umberto Eco drew inspiration from this site for his novel “The Name of the Rose”, in which a monastic library plays a key role. Then you will visit the Stiftspark with its more than 250 year-long history. Through the constant interaction of architecture, Nature, and spirituality the abbey park has become a unique park landscape.At the end of the tour we will invite you for a complimentary glass of wine.