Discover, Plan & Go!

1

Depart home / Overnight flight to Bucharest, Romania

2

Arrive Bucharest, Romania

Upon arrival in Bucharest you'll transfer to your hotel and have the rest of the day at leisure. This evening attend a Welcome briefing and dinner at the hotel.

JW Marriott Bucharest Grand (D)

3

Bucharest / Oltenita, Romania / Embark ship

Enjoy a panoramic city tour of Bucharest, including a visit to the People's Palace before your transfer to Oltenita. As you tour the city’s wide, leafy boulevards picture what the city was like in more prosperous times, and what it can be again in the years to come. We'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. This evening attend a Welcome Briefing on board ship.

ms River Explorer (B, L, D)

4

Constanta, Romania

Today you'll explore Constanta, a resort town located on the Black Sea. You’ll tour the city, including the excellent National Archeological and History Museum and view the Roman Market and Mosaic, testament to the town's importance in the Roman Empire. During the afternoon's sailing, enjoy the view from the sundeck, play cards in the library, or relax in the lounge.

ms River Explorer (B, L, D)

5

Ruse, Bulgaria

In Ruse, disembark for a panoramic tour of this ancient Roman port. This afternoon an icon painter joins us to illuminate his thousand-year-old art aboard ship. Later, you’ll be delighted by children performing Bulgarian dances.

ms River Explorer (B, L, D)

6

Ruse / Svistov, Bulgaria

A fascinating full-day excursion takes you to Veliko Turnôvo, an ancient Bulgarian capital set along a winding river gorge. Your tour includes the thriving artists’ quarter. Also explore the 16th-century village of Arbanassi,and enjoy an Orthodox choir performance. Today all brings a special opportunity to have lunch with local area students and learn what it's like to live in Bulgaria today.

ms River Explorer (B, L, D)

7

Vidin, Bulgaria

City tour of Vidin including a visit to the Baba Vida Fortification with wine-tasting and live music.

ms River Explorer (B, L, D)

8

Cruising the Iron Gates of the Danube / Belgrade, Republic of Serbia

Spend a leisurely day absorbing the scenery as centuries of history glide by. In the afternoon, your ship will cruise through the Danube’s legendary Iron Gates, the most spectacular section of the river, only recently made accessible by dams and a hydroelectric project. Upon arrival in Belgrade, local Serbian entertainment will come on board to perform,

ms River Explorer (B, L, D)

9

Belgrade, Republic of Serbia / Novi Sad

This morning, enjoy a lecture on modern Serbia. Then you'll discovery history-rich Belgrade on a half-day tour, which includes a visit to the Kalemegdan Fortress area.

In the afternoon, you'll have free time in Belgrade with shuttle service into town.

ms River Explorer (B, L, D)

10

Vukovar (Osijek), Croatia

This morning you'll disembark in Vukovar for a full-day tour to the vibrant university city of Osijek, a great place to observe Croatia's positive attitude towards its political and economic future. You'll explore this easygoing, park-filled city that boasts some of the best examples of Jugendstil (German Art Nouveau) buildings in Croatia – a series of town houses with elaborate sculptures and spindly balconies. Plus you'll enjoy a home-hosted lunch while here.

ms River Explorer (B,L,D)

11

Mohacs (Pecs), Hungary

You're sure to agree that Pecs – boasting a mild climate, an illustrious past, and a plethora of art museums and galleries – is a delightful new addition to this year's itinerary. A major stop along the ancient road to Byzantium, Pecs was a medieval intellectual center. Hungary's first university was founded here in 1367. Today's excursion to Pecs from Mohacs includes a visit to the Vasarely Museum, a fun collection of Op Art by the founder of this medium, Victor Vasarely, and his disciples. You'll also enjoy the Zsolnay Porcelain Museum. From 1853 to the early 20th century, the Zsolnay Porcelain Factory was at the heart of European art and design. The majolica tiles produced here contributed greatly to a new pan-Hungarian style of architecture. You'll have free time to explore and have lunch at your own pace, then your motorcoach will take you on the scenic route back to Mohacs to meet your river ship.

ms River Explorer (B,L,D)

12

Kalocsa, Hungary

This morning your included tour is to Hungarian “cowboy country,” the dramatic puszta steppe region. You’ll visit a working ranch and watch an exhibition by csikós, Hungarian wranglers famed for their horsemanship.

ms River Explorer (B,L,D)

13

Budapest, Hungary

This morning you'll have a lecture on Hungarian history, customs, and traditions. Then enjoy a panoramic city tour with such landmarks as Matthias Church, Heroes’ Square and your choice of a visit to either the Dohany Synagogue or the Hungarian Parliament building (when available). Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Budapest — perhaps you’ll "take the waters" at one of Budapest's famed spas, people-watch at a coffee house, or stroll the Central Market.

ms River Explorer (B, L, D)

14

Neszmély, Hungary

Today you'll have the unique opportunity to lunch with villagers in Neszmély. You'll help make retes (Hungarian strudel) and bake them in an outdoor community oven. Then you'll join the people of Neszmely for a lively community meal of local specialties - with retes for dessert, of course.

ms River Explorer (B,L,D)

15

Bratislava, Slovakia

Today you'll enjoy an afternoon panoramic city tour including views of St. Martin’s Cathedral, Grassalkovic Palace, Bratislava Castle, and the Government Palace, followed by a walking tour in the historic city center viewing the Dom of St. Martin, Main Square, Roland Fountain, Old Town Hall, Michael Gate, and the National Theater. Tonight enjoy the Farewell dinner onboard.

ms River Explorer (B,L,D)

16-17

Vienna

On Day 16 you can choose from two tours of Vienna: a panoramic city tour with entrance to Schönbrunn Palace; or our Vienna Musical Heritage tour, visiting sites associated with great classical composers who made Vienna their home. This evening you'll be treated to a classical concert.

On Day 17, enjoy a Viennese pastry before your tour of the Treasury Museum of Fine Arts, then enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Back aboard, enjoy the Captain's Farewell Cocktail Party and Dinner.

(2B, 2L, 2D)

18

Vienna / Return home

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.