Transylvania Pre Program and Lower Danube

Arrive at the Bucharest airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Join your fellow travelers at a Welcome Dinner as we prepare for this beautiful journey on the blue Danube.

Experience a scenic highlight even before arriving in Sibiu: your journey takes you along the famous Transfăgărășan Highway — one of Europe’s most spectacular mountain roads — winding its way through the majestic Carpathian Mountains in dramatic hairpin bends.

Once in Sibiu, immerse yourself in the charm and rich history of the city on a leisurely walking tour through its most iconic historic quarters. Stroll along picturesque alleys lined with colorful medieval houses, admire striking architecture, and uncover fascinating stories from the city’s past. Highlights include visits to notable landmarks, lively squares, and hidden gems that reflect Sibiu’s vibrant cultural heritage. This tour offers the perfect introduction to the city’s unique blend of history and modern life.

^{Please note: The drive along the Transfăgărășan Highway is weather-dependent. In case of unfavorable conditions, the journey will follow an alternative scenic route.}

Begin your visit with a guided orientation tour of the enchanting Sighisoara Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover its medieval charm as your guide introduces you to the citadel’s history and main landmarks. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore independently some of the fascinating museums within the citadel, including the Clock Tower (home to the History and Pharmacy museums), the Medieval Weapons Collection, the Torture Chamber, and the Church on the Hill.

Conclude your visit with a traditional lunch at Vlad Dracul restaurant, located in the very house believed to be the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler—the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend.

Explore the charming village of Viscri, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its well-preserved Saxon heritage and traditional rural architecture. Discover the history and significance of the village as you visit the impressive fortified church, a remarkable example of medieval defensive architecture. This visit offers a peaceful glimpse into authentic Transylvanian village life and cultural heritage.

Discover the fascinating Harman Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage site located just outside Brasov. Explore this well-preserved fortified church, known for its impressive defensive walls and rich history dating back to medieval times. Experience the unique blend of architecture and heritage that reflects the Saxon community’s legacy in the region.

Join a guided walking tour through the historic center of Brasov, exploring its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere. Visit key landmarks and discover fascinating stories about the city’s past. The highlight of the tour is a visit inside the iconic Black Church, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and one of the largest churches in Eastern Europe. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and architectural beauty.

An absolute highlight of your trip — enjoy a private, after-hours tour of the legendary Bran Castle, known as Dracula’s Castle. Experience the castle’s mysterious ambiance without the crowds, and immerse yourself in its fascinating history. Conclude this unforgettable evening with a delicious dinner at the Tea House restaurant, nestled within the castle grounds, making for a truly magical and exclusive experience.

Discover the charm of Azuga with a visit to the renowned Rhein Cellars, the appointed sparkling wine supplier to the Romanian royal house. Enjoy an expert-led tasting of exquisite sparkling wines, followed by a delightful lunch in this elegant setting. This experience offers a perfect blend of local tradition, royal heritage, and delicious flavors.

Explore the stunning Peles Castle, one of Romania’s most magnificent royal residences. Wander through beautifully preserved rooms filled with exquisite art, intricate woodwork, and impressive architecture. This visit offers a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of Romanian royalty amid breathtaking surroundings.

Enjoy a scenic drive to Bucharest, where you will visit the impressive Palace of Parliament – the second largest administrative building in the world. Explore the interior of this architectural masterpiece before continuing to a local restaurant for a relaxing lunch. Afterwards, discover Bucharest’s historic city centre on a guided tour, featuring elegant boulevards, charming squares, and notable landmarks such as the CEC Palace. You will then have some free time to explore the vibrant capital at your own pace before returning to the ship.

Join us on a picturesque journey to the Danube Delta. First, we will visit the Danube Delta Museum, where you will gain fascinating insights into the local ecosystem. After the museum visit, we will head to a cozy local restaurant for a traditional lunch. Following the meal, enjoy a two-hour boat tour through the peaceful waterways of the Danube Delta, a habitat for pelicans. With a bit of luck, we may spot these majestic birds, as well as numerous other beautiful bird species. After the boat trip, we will re-board the coaches and take a scenic route back, passing through picturesque villages and glimpsing the ancient ruins of a local fortress.

Enjoy a captivating one-hour folklore performance that blends Romania’s rich traditions with a modern touch. Talented dancers in vibrant costumes bring traditional choreography to life, set to a dynamic soundtrack that fuses authentic folk music with contemporary influences. This unique show offers a fresh take on Romania’s cultural heritage, creating an engaging and memorable onboard experience.

Dive into the rich history and explore the most renowned wine region of Romania on this full-day excursion. Begin with a scenic drive to Constanța, where a guided panoramic tour and walking visit showcase the city's historic landmarks. Discover Romania’s cultural heritage at the Folk Art Museum before continuing to the famous Murfatlar wine region.

At Murfatlar, enjoy a traditional welcome, a wine tasting, and a light lunch with live folk music. End the day with a relaxing drive back to the ship.

A comfortable bus drive through the Danube plains takes you to the museum village of Arbanassi with its unique houses that look like small fortesses. Arbanassi is famous for its painted churches and artist market. Use the coffee break to enjoy the splendid view from the terrace over one of the most picturesque and quaint places in Bulgaria at the foot of the Balkan Mountains – the city of Veliko Tarnovo. Have a look inside an authentic Middle Ages house, the “Konstantsalieva”, to see the amazing amenities wealthy families in Arbanassi had two centuries ago. Enter the richly decorated Nativity Church to admire some of the earliest frescoes in the region. Discover Bulgarian cuisine during lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to Veliko Tarnovo, the famous Medieval capital of Bulgaria, with more than 5000 years of history. Take breathtaking pictures during the photo stop at the Tsarevets Fortress and learn about the history of Bulgarian kings. Search for a special souvenir made cherishing centuries-old traditions during a stroll through the Craftspeople street (Samovodska charshia).

Belgrade, one of the oldest European cities and the capital of Serbia, lies at the junction of the Danube and the Sava. The city boasts a large number of monuments from different areas and different cultures.

First, the tour takes you to the Kalemegdan fortress, where you’ll have an impressive panoramic view over the Danube and the Sava Rivers. Afterwards, you can see the National Museum, the parliament, the Terazije square and the palace of princess Ljubica. Another highlight is the St. Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the world. After a refreshment break at a local restaurant, our tour ends with a visit to the pedestrian zone where you will find many shops and art galleries.

Discover the authentic flavors of Serbian Rakija and learn fascinating stories and interesting facts about this traditional fruit brandy. This guided excursion takes you past Kalemegdan Fortress to the Belgrade Distillery in the Dorćol district. As Serbia’s first open-air distillery, it offers over 20 different varieties, from premium fruit brandies and aromatic mead to traditional liqueurs.

On site, enjoy an entertaining and informative guided tour with insights into the production process, the history, and intriguing anecdotes about Rakija, followed by a tasting of selected specialties of this Balkan national spirit.

A delightful and educational excursion for anyone wishing to experience Serbia’s culture through its flavors.

This approximately two-hour active hike takes you through Kalemegdan Park to the iconic Kalemegdan Fortress, one of Belgrade’s most important landmarks. Follow well-maintained paths while enjoying stunning views of the Danube and Sava Rivers as well as the cityscape. At the fortress, explore the historic fortifications and learn about Belgrade’s eventful past, all while taking in breathtaking panoramic vistas. A perfect blend of exercise, history, and natural beauty.

We invite you for a historical journey to see how paprika became the “red gold” of the Kalocsa Region. A visit to the “Paprika House” will give you the opportunity to taste cakes filled and baked with paprika, and other products made from paprika. Then you will walk through the 19th-century home of a local upper-class farmer family. You will be able to enjoy a short folk dance performance and local ladies, dressed in their embroidered costumes, will demonstrate old crafts, such as embroidery or painting eggs. Thereafter, we will take you to the Hungarian Puszta to enjoy the scenery of the endless plain, where the sky stretches endlessly into the horizon, giving the impression of unlimited freedom. Enjoy the hospitality of the hostesses and riders wearing traditional costumes, quench your thirst with cool red or white wine or apple juice, taste the breakfast of Hungarian peasants and admire the galloping of the beautiful Hungarian half-blood horses. Do not miss the wagon ride which will complete the experience.

Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and has managed to retain a charm of its own with the help of renovations in recent years. The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda and Pest. The tour first takes you through Pest, past the Great Market Hall with its outstanding gourmet shops and stalls.

You will see splendid Baroque buildings such as the Hungarian State Opera in Neo-Renaissance style and the incomparable parliament building, which was finished in 1904 and has been an emblem of the city ever since then. There’s an opportunity for a photo stop at the Heroes’ Square, famous for its monuments to many Hungarian kings. Continue aross one of the seven bridges into Buda and go up to Castle Hill, where you will visit St. Matthew’s Church and the famous Fisherman’s Bastion (provided that it is open to the public). Enjoy the unforgettable view over the city before returning to the vessel.

Discover the culinary delights of Budapest on this flavorful excursion. Your tour begins at the Grand Market Hall, the historic heart of the city’s trade. Here, colorful stalls offer fresh fruits, spices, traditional Hungarian delicacies, and handmade products. During a guided tour, you’ll learn about Hungary’s rich food culture and have the opportunity to sample local specialties. Afterwards, there is some free time to explore the market on your own, shop for fresh products, or pick up souvenirs.

Next, visit the Unicum Factory, where a guided tour reveals the secrets behind the production of this famous Hungarian herbal liqueur. Of course, tasting is included, and you’ll also have the chance to purchase souvenirs and specialty products directly on site.

A varied and enjoyable excursion for anyone who wants to discover, taste, and take home the flavors of Budapest.

In the evening, you will enjoy an atmospheric cruise through Budapest, also known as the “Paris of the East”, which is festively lit up at night, revealing Budapest’s most beautiful side. A folklore show on board will complete the experience.

Get to know the capital of the young Slovakian Republic. The driving tour passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace and continues to the castle hill above the old town, where you will have a stunning, panoramic view of the city and surrounding areas. 

Afterwards a guided walking tour leads you through the old town.  Take a leisurely stroll from Michael’s Gate through the historic city center, admire sights such as the Primatial Palace and St. Martin’s Cathedral, a former coronation cathedral for Hungarian kings, as well as the Academia Istropolitana, the oldest university of the city, dating back to the 15th century. See the main square with the old City Hall, the Opera House and Maximilian Fountain. From the Main Square we continue to a cosy cozy out of the way place to enjoy the famous Pressburger rolls with nut and poppy seed filling.  We will end our walk at the historical Opera House in front of glorious Ganymede’s Fountain. Afterwards, you are free to explore or walk the short distance back to the ship.