The Danube River

Spend 11 nights gracefully cruising through 6 countries between the Black Sea and Austria on the new MS Amadeus Diamond. The site of some of the earliest Old World cultures, you’ll discover well-preserved medieval towns, regal cities, inspiring monuments and picturesque landscapes along this historic trade route used since the Middle Ages. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vienna, Budapest and the Danube Delta.

Highlights

• Wine tasting at a well-known vineyard in Croatia
• Visit Viminacium, a former Roman settlement complete with Roman baths
• Enjoy a classical music performance in Vienna
• Tour the historic city of Constanta with lunch at the 5-star Grand Hotel Rex

Itinerary

Day 1 - Bucharest, Romania
Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to the hotel for a welcome briefing. Overnight at the hotel. D

Day 2 - Bucharest, Romania
Your morning tour of Bucharest includes a visit to the Village Museum with lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to Hirsova to board the MS Amadeus Diamond. Join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Toast and a lecture on the Danube Delta flora and fauna. BLD

Day 3 - Constanta/Hirsova, Romania
Take a morning tour to the historic city of Constanta on the Black Sea followed by lunch at the 5-star Grand Hotel Rex, situated right on the beach. BLD

Day 4 - Rousse, Bulgaria
Enjoy the morning’s scenic river cruising and arrive in Rousse this afternoon. With time to explore on your own, stroll Romania’s fifth largest city, famous for its Baroque and Rococo architecture. Rousse is also noted for its rich culture, hosting a Philharmonic Orchestra and the Rousse State Opera. This evening enjoy a Bulgarian Evening program after dinner onboard. Your ship docks in Rousse overnight. BLD

Day 5 - Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
This morning view Bulgaria’s countryside as you travel to Veliko Tarnovo by motorcoach. Famous for its unique architecture, the city was the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Enjoy beautiful views of the Yantra River, Stambolov’s Bridge and the Asens’ Monument. Visit the ruins of Castle Tsarevets and walk historic Gurko Street, a highlight of Bulgarian Revival architectural style. Continue by coach to the village of Arbanassi, known for its remarkable old houses and churches with detailed wooden ornaments and wall-paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries. Then drive to Svistov, where you board the MS Amadeus Diamond. BLD

Day 6 - Gorge of the Iron Gate
Today relish a full day of river cruising and the excellent service onboard. By afternoon you reach Djerdap I, the biggest lock on the Danube. The ship passes through two huge lock chambers and continues into the Gorge of the Iron Gate. This 85-mile stretch of the Danube is considered the most scenic, but in ancient times, it was a hazardous, narrow chasm with high cliffs on both sides. With the construction of the Iron Gate Dam, ships now sail through safely. Marvel at the Great Kazan, the most famous and narrowest gorge. Here the river narrows to 480 feet wide with a depth of up to 174 feet. BLD

Day 7 - Kostolac / Belgrade, Serbia
Arrive in Kostolac and board a motorcoach to Viminacium, a former major Roman settlement from the first century AD. Take a guided tour through this working archeological site to learn Viminacium’s fascinating history. Visit the Roman military camp, Porta Praetoria, and the thermae – the mosaic-paved city baths at the center of Roman social life. Also tour the Imperial Mausoleum and view restored frescoes representing masterpieces of tomb paintings.

Returning to the MS Amadeus Diamond, enjoy lunch onboard and then a city tour of Belgrade, Serbia’s capital and largest city. Visit the formidable Kalemegdan Fortress to see its military museum, Turkish bath and the Gate of Prince Eugene. Continue by coach to see the National Museum, Opera, Parliament, Terazije Square, Prince Milo’s Castle, Church of the Holy Sava, the former Royal Castle, Bajark Mosque and Princess Ljubica’s Castle. This evening MS Amadeus Diamond departs for Osijek. BLD

Day 8 - River Drava / Osijek, Croatia
Today cruise up the River Drava to Osijek. Take a tour of Croatia’s 4th largest city and see the Church of the Raising of the Holy Cross and the Tvrda, an 18th-century military fortress. Then travel through the scenic Croatian Danube Basin to taste local wines at a famous vineyard near Vukovar. Re-board your ship in Mohacs and enjoy a Hungarian Operetta Program onboard this evening. BLD

Day 9 - Budapest, Hungary
This morning arrive in Budapest, “Queen of Danube,” ranked among Europe’s most beautiful cities. Enjoy a city tour that includes the castle quarter and historic districts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover medieval-flavored "Buda" and commerce-oriented "Pest," the two halves of the city separated by the Danube. See magnificent baroque buildings, the Town Hall, National Parliament and the Heroes Square with memorials to Hungarian Kings. In the castle quarter, visit Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Enjoy spectacular views of Budapest from Gellert Mountain before returning to the ship. Your afternoon is at leisure, and a complimentary Tender-Boat-Service can take you across the river to explore on your own. As you depart this evening, experience the beauty and lights of “Budapest by Night.” BLD

Day 10 - Vienna, Austria
Relax during a full day of scenic cruising to Vienna. Arrive at the Vienna/Nussdorf pier this evening and enjoy a classical music performance onboard. BLD

Day 11 - Vienna, Austria
This morning explore enchanting Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Austria’s capital. Drive along the historic Ringstrasse to see the magnificent buildings of the Austrian National Opera, Parliament, Burgtheater, Town Hall and University. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Romanesque/Gothic landmark and Vienna’s most important religious structure. Continue on a walking tour through the heart of Vienna’s historic city center. Enjoy free time before returning to the ship for lunch – or opt to stay downtown. Explore Vienna on your own this afternoon; a shuttle service operates between the ship and city center. This evening join the Captain for a Farewell Toast and Gala Dinner. BLD

Day 12 - Vienna, Austria
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue on to your Prague post-cruise program. B

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