Gems of Southeast Europe (Smithsonian Journeys)

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Step aboard your ship in Budapest and settle into your stateroom as the city’s twinkling skyline and the serene Danube welcome you into your Gems of Southeast Europe journey.

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

MOHÁCS – PÉCS. Wander vibrant squares and landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim or savor the rich heritage of Hungary’s Szekszárd wine region. Enjoy a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive Pécs experience, including a guided visit to the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, for an immersive journey into the city’s art, history, and culture.

MOHÁCS – PÉCS. Wander vibrant squares and landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim or savor the rich heritage of Hungary’s Szekszárd wine region. Enjoy a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive Pécs experience, including a guided visit to the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, for an immersive journey into the city’s art, history, and culture.

VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Discover Vukovar on a guided city or bike tour and enjoy a private concert as part of your Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive experience. In the afternoon, savor Croatian wines in the Old Cellars and enjoy a guided visit to the Vucedol Museum on your Osijek city tour, a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive experience. 

BELGRADE. Explore Belgrade’s vibrant streets and historic landmarks, from the Nikola Tesla Museum to the majestic Kalemegdan Fortress. Adventurous passengers can join a bike tour or hike through the city. Enjoy the Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive ‘Brandies of Belgrade’ tasting paired with a guided visit to the National Museum of Serbia, and savor local delicacies. For a more leisurely afternoon, wander Novi Sad’s charming old town and Liberty Square, immersing yourself in the region’s rich culture and tradition.

SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit the medieval Golubac Fortress before cruising through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates, where the Danube winds between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Marvel at the dramatic gorges and the striking mountainside carving of King Decebalus. Each view invites you to reflect on the wonders of this remarkable river corridor.

VIDIN, BULGARIA. Wander through Vidin, where ancient streets lead to the Baba Vida Fortress, a silent guardian of centuries past. Step into local life with a Bulgarian pastry and yogurt tasting, or pedal along Vidin’s sunlit lanes and let the city’s history unfold around each bend.

ROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Discover Veliko Tarnovo’s medieval fortress and enjoy a Bulgarian wine tasting, or wander Rousse to marvel at the frescoed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo and visit the Rousse Art Gallery, both part of your Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive tours. Alternatively, journey through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, where elegant streets and historic squares invite leisurely exploration.

GIURGIU – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)