Arrive in Vienna and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore this culturally-rich city. 

This morning, savor the Baroque elegance of romantic Vienna. First, a panoramic tour of Vienna guides you past the majestic Opera House, the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburg Emperors, Parliament, Town Hall and Vienna University. Afterwards, visit Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and see St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Graben and the world famous Spanish Riding School. The afternoon is free to explore on your own.

After checking out of your hotel in Vienna, travel to Budapest, Hungary where you have free time for lunch followed by a sightseeing tour of Buda and Pest. From the historic Buda Castle, enjoy a splendid view of the twin cities spread over both sides of the Danube. Your tour also includes the Fisherman’s Bastion. Afterwards, embark upon your river cruise ship, docked in the city center. This evening, meet your fellow passengers at the Welcome Dinner as the ship cruises past Budapest’s illuminated riverfront. 

Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast and then depart for your excursion to Pecs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival, visit the Mosque Church, the largest structure surviving from the Ottoman period as well as the underground burial chambers dating back to the 4th century. Also visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the main Catholic cathedral in the city, as well as the restored Synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohacs. After lunch, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion, where you can sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Villány. 

This morning, enjoy a "Yugoslav Civil War" tour of Vukovar that shows you the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. You may also choose to take a wine tasting excursion to Ilok instead. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, one of Europe’s greatest historical treasures. On your afternoon walking tour of the city, see the Petrovaradin fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached, now home to a hotel, museum, and artists’ studios. 

Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. This afternoon you have your choice of one of three excursions. The first option is a visit to the mausoleum of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, a beloved figure who was the leader of the Yugoslav Partisans during the Second World War and became the first President of Yugoslavia. The second option is a tasting of Serbian plum brandy and local snacks at the Quburich Distillery. Finally, the third option is a guided bike tour through Belgrade around Ada Ciganlija Island.

Today, take a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between Serbia and Romania. The banks of the river along this natural border are lined with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead, a sight that is an unforgettable highlight of your adventure.

Your time in Vidin begins with a visit to Belogradchik, a beautifully restored castle located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations, as well as Vidin Castle. Afterwards, visit Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, where you are treated to a fascinating historical re-enactment. You may also opt instead for a Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting, or a guided bike tour on which you see sights like the Ottoman post office and the synagogue. Afterwards, you have your choice of one of three excursions. The ship departs early afternoon. 

Today, enjoy a visit to the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here, tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. You can see the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church, and the Baldwin’s Tower. Or, you may choose to hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a group of monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries built into the side of a mountain. Return to the ship afterward and enjoy a free evening.

Disembark the ship in Rousse and continue your tour by motor coach. Today, explore Bucharest, the “Paris of the East.” Begin with a city tour that features a visit to the Open Air Museum, dedicated to preserving the traditional architecture of rural Romania. After lunch, enjoy a guided tour of the Palace of the Parliament. Later this afternoon check into your hotel. The evening is free for you to explore the city on your own.

After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion today to the legendary region of Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history and comfortable nestled between the Carpathian Mountains. Take a scenic country drive to Sinaia, where you have an opportunity to see the exquisite Peles Castles, a former summer palace for Romanian royalty. Continue on to Bran for lunch before visiting the infamous Bran Castle, otherwise known as Dracula’s Castle.

Bid farewell to Bucharest as you prepare for your homeward flight.