Bucharest, Romania
Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to the hotel for a welcome briefing. Overnight at the hotel. D
Day
02
Bucharest, Romania Take a morning tour of Bucharest, “Paris of the East,” to see its elegant architecture and magnificent boulevards. Visit the Patriarchic Church and Village Museum, one of Europe’s biggest and the oldest outdoor museums. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel by motorcoach to Hirsova to board the MS Amadeus Diamond. Join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Toast and a lecture on the Danube Delta’s flora and fauna as your ship sails for Somova. BLD
Day
03
Constanta/Hirsova, Romania Take a morning tour of the ancient city of Constanta, Romania’s principal port on the Black Sea. Visit the impressive National History & Archeology Museum and The Roman Mosaics, dating to the 4th century AD. Go by motorcoach to Mamaia, a popular resort own located on the Black Sea, where you enjoy lunch at the beachside. Then return to the MS Amadeus Diamond and cruise to Rousse. BLD
Day
04
Rousse, Bulgaria Enjoy the morning’s scenic river cruising and arrive in Rousse this afternoon. Rousse, an industrial city with the largest river port of the country, was once the garrison of the Roman Danube fleet. The Romans founded this town in the 2nd century A.C. and named it Sexaginta Pristas - city of 60 ships. In 1866, the operation of the first railway of the Ottoman Empire started here. During the city tour you can see the Pantheon, Alyosha Monument, Concert Hall and the Trinity Church while enjoying a wonderful view onto the many Baroque and Renaissance style buildings. A short walk will lead you to the Liberty monument, the Opera House, and the theater. The excursion continues to the 16th-century Basarbovo Monastery, an imposing and unique rock cloister and its small monastery church.This evening enjoy a Bulgarian Evening program after dinner onboard. Your ship docks in Rousse overnight. BLD
Day
05
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
06
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
07
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. BLD
Day
08
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
09
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
2010 Departures
2010 Prices
Departure Date
Cabin rates are per passenger in $USD
A
AA
AAA
Suite
Single
Sept 22 - Oct 3
$4,999
$5,299
$5,999
$6,999
$6,899
Prices Include:
• Cruise in selected category
• Full board meals
• Taxes/ Port Charges /Fees
Prices Do Not Include:
• Individual arrival and departure
• Fuel surcharge
• Travel insurance
• Drinks
• Other personal expenses
*For reasons of navigation and passenger safety, the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the itinerary of the cruise.
