Legends of the Balkans

Bucharest, in southern Romania, is the country's capital and commercial center. Its iconic landmark is the massive, communist-era Palatul Parlamentului government building, which has 1,100 rooms. Nearby, the historic Lipscani district is home to an energetic nightlife scene as well as tiny Eastern Orthodox Stavropoleos Church and 15th-century Curtea Veche Palace, where Prince Vlad III (“The Impaler”) once ruled.

Fly from the UK to Romania’s hip capital, Bucharest. Upon touching down at the airport, be transferred to Giurgiu, where your river ship is docked, ready to begin its voyage. Dinner is served as you cruise down the Danube.

Today you’ll discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo. With a local expert, be guided through this medieval city and uncover its rich history. At its centre, see the restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. After, head to the hilltops to visit Arbanasi, a village brimming with history. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before rejoining your ship.

Explore Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval castle that dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, head to Belogradchik to visit its ancient fortress on the northern side of the Balkan Mountains. While you’re here, see the town’s unique rock formations.

Get out and explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and known as its cultural capital, on a guided tour. Afterwards, spend your free time relaxing, or perhaps visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a massive fortress complex overlooking the Danube River, and check out its catacombs.

Dock in Hungary’s oldest town, Kalocsa, set right on the Danube. From here, head to Puszta for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Traditional Horse Show

In Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show featuring Magyar cowboys and fine equestrian skills. You may choose to take an optional carriage ride, view the stables, and be greeted by horsemen. 

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.

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to discover Budapest Great Market Hall, a must-visit attraction. Housed in a beautiful historical building dating back to the 19th century, the market is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers, where you can immerse yourself in Hungarian cuisine and local culture. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum, a hospital created in the caverns under Buda Castle in Budapest in the 1930s, in preparation for the Second World War. This evening, delight in a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Enhance your Journey – Great Market Hall Tour

Embark on a culinary tour. Wander through this large market to discover a variety of Hungarian sausages, meat, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Enhance your Journey – Hospital in the Rock

Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle.

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.

Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.