This trip combines two wonderful itineraries, European Serenade and Eastern Europe Explorer, into one grand journey where you’ll experience both Western and Eastern Europe. From the fairytale castles along the Rhine to a home-hosted lunch in Croatia, this trip indulges your passion for timeless, awe-inspiring art and architecture, and for places where history is not just recounted, but is still an essential part of daily life. Sail through the heart of Europe, following the path of the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers for more than 2,200 miles to the Black Sea.
Travel the old pathways of kings and queens. Step back in time as you visit towns right out of the pages of a German fairytale. Experience the culture, music, art and history of imperial cities. And visit countries whose treasures were once hidden behind the Iron Curtain. This perfectly-paced trip is truly a voyage and value of a lifetime!
Who will enjoy this cruise: Those ready for a real quest and a life-enhancing experience that takes you from colorful canals of Amsterdam to the captivating reemerging cities of Eastern Europe.
Day 3 Düsseldorf
Pass by quaint old houses and a collection of modern architecture, including designs by Frank Gehry, on your included tour.
Day 4 Rüdesheim
See fairytale Rüdesheim from “up high” as you travel by gondola to the impressive Niederwald Monument.
Day 5 Mainz
Our walking tour of Mainz includes a visit to the Gutenberg Museum where you’ll marvel at an authentic Gutenberg Bible and see a demonstration of the ancient printing press.
Day 6 Miltenberg
Your tour of medieval Miltenberg takes you past Main Castle to Old Town and the Royal Inn. See half-timbered houses that give you the feel that you’ve stepped into a fairytale.
Day 7 Rothenburg and Würzburg
Travel along the Romantic Road to Rothenburg, where you’ll feel as if you’re stepping back in time to the Middle Ages; return to the ship in Würzburg.
Day 8 Bamberg
Enjoy a guided walk through Bamberg’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 9 Nuremberg
Relive Medieval and modern history in the walled city of Nuremberg with a tour of the Nazi Party Rally grounds, the Kaiserburg Castle, and central market.
Day 10 Regensburg
Quaint cobblestone streets and Medieval alleys lead you to the Cathedral of St. Peter, with magnificent stained glass windows, and the town’s famous 12th-century Stone Bridge.
Day 11 Linz
Visit Linz’s Old Church, and walk the pedestrian zone to Main Square, one of Austria's most attractive squares.
Day 12 Cruising the Wachau Valley and Vienna
After a scenic cruise through the Wachau Valley, arrive in Vienna. Your tour takes you along the stately Ringstrasse to Stephen’s Cathedral and past Mozart’s home.
Day 13 Vienna
You’ll have two full days to spend at leisure in Vienna, a treasure trove of sacred and secular gems.
Day 14 Vienna
Enjoy the day further exploring the “City of Waltzes.”
Day 15 Vienna
Visit the magnificent Schönbrunn Palace.
Day 16 Bratislava
Your tour takes you through the restored historical center with beautiful shops, and inviting cafes.
Day 17 Budapest
Tour Castle Hill district, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church and the 19th-century Chain Bridge.
Day 18 Budapest
After a leisurely morning in Budapest, we set sail for our next stop, Vukovar.
Day 19Vukovar and Osijek
Tour Vukovar and Osijek, viewing Baroque churches and Turkish defense structures. Enjoy a home-hosted Croatian lunch.
Day 20 Belgrade
View the old and the new on a tour that takes you to Republic Square, the National Museum, and St. Sava Cathedral.
Day 21 Kostolac (Viminacium)
Explore the archeological site at Viminacium with a local archaeologist, who will share insights about the exciting treasures unearthed.
Day 22 Cruising the Iron Gate
Marvel at the famous Iron Gate, a series of gorges that form a gateway through the southern slopes of the Carpathian Mountains.
Day 23 Vidin and Belogradchick
Visit Vidin, one of the oldest towns along the Bulgarian Danube, and then on to Belogradchick, with its fairytale stone world.
Day 24 Rousse (Turnovo & Arbanassi)
In Veliko Turnovo, see the majestic ruins of Tzarevetz Castle. Later, in the resort town Arbanassi, enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine and a tour, featuring the 17th-Century Nativity Church.
Day 25 Silistra (Varna)
At Varna’s Archeological Museum, see gold treasures dating back 6000 years. After lunch, enjoy a Black Sea cruise to Balchik for a visit to the Botanical Garden and Summer Palace.
Day 26 Oltenita (Bucharest)
Transferring to your hotel in Bucharest from Oltenita, visit the colossal Palace of the Parliament, the second largest building in the world. After lunch, you’ll see an eclectic mix of modern skyscrapers, 19th-century buildings, and whimsical Art Deco touches, giving you a sense of Romania’s recent struggles and eternal optimism.
Day 27 Bucharest
Enjoy a day at leisure, or take an optional tour to “Dracula’s Castle.”
Day 28 Depart Bucharest
Transfer from hotel to the airport.
Cost of This Trip
26 Night trip
The least expensive cabin costs:
$269 per person per night in low season and
$299 pp pn in high season
The most expensive stateroom costs:
$382 pp pn in low season and
$412 pp pn in high season
