Enjoy 2 nights in Bucharest, 2 nights in Brasov, followed by a 7-night cruise from Giurgiu to Budapest, and 2 nights in Vienna or Budapest

1. Day 1
   Thu, Jul 22, 2027

   ARRIVE IN BUCHAREST, ROMANIA. Arrive in Bucharest and check in to your lovely hotel.
2. Day 2
   Fri, Jul 23, 2027

   ISTANBUL. Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans''' Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women'''s quarters) and the Imperial Treasury'''s vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker'''s Diamond. (B)
3. Day 3
   Sat, Jul 24, 2027

   ISTANBUL. Depart your hotel for an enriching guided walking tour, during which you will explore the Hagia Sophia, formerly a church before becoming a mosque and finally a museum. A beautiful example of Old-World architecture, this museum showcases lovely Christian murals and Islamic symbols throughout. After the Hagia Sophia, visit Istanbul'''s similarly beautiful Blue Mosque, named for the Blue ''znik tiles that cover its interior. For those who are interested, be guided to the lively Grand Bazaar and venture through the market before returning to your hotel. (B)
4. Day 4
   Sun, Jul 25, 2027

   BRA''OV ''' SIGHI''OARA. Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighi''oara, birthplace to Transylvania'''s most notorious ruler, Vlad ''epe'', also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It'''s hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad'''s place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called '''Casa Dracula.''' (B)
5. Day 5
   Mon, Jul 26, 2027

   BRASOV ''' EMBARKATION ''' GIURGIU. Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you'''ll visit Pele'' Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Later in the day, transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. (B,D)
6. Day 6
   Tue, Jul 27, 2027

   ROUSSE, BULGARIA. Experience more of Bucharest or visit Bulgaria'''s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B,L,D)
7. Day 7
   Wed, Jul 28, 2027

   VIDIN, BULGARIA. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria'''s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, or visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the option to take an exhilarating bike tour through Vidin. Alternatively, you can bike through Vidin or enjoy a wine tasting. (B,L,D)
8. Day 8
   Thu, Jul 29, 2027

   SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. The Iron Gates are some of Europe'''s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress ''' one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe ''' for a tour. (B,L,D)
9. Day 9
   Fri, Jul 30, 2027

   BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia'''s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor'''s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including ''livovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO'''s list of '''Intangible Cultural Heritage.''' Or journey to nearby Novi Sad, often called the '''Athens of Serbia,''' where you will stroll through Stari Grad, Liberty Square, and the Petrovaradin Fortress. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour through Belgrade. (B,L,D)
10. Day 10
    Sat, Jul 31, 2027

    VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Welcome to historic Vukovar, a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'''ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ov''ara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'''ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines; or opt for a guided bike tour through Vukovar. (B,L,D)
11. Day 11
    Sun, Aug 01, 2027

    MOH''CS - P''CS, HUNGARY. Visit P''cs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter'''s Basilica, the city'''s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Sz''chenyi Square, the heart of Old Town P''cs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you'''ll want to go to the Szeksz''rd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. (B,L,D)
12. Day 12
    Mon, Aug 02, 2027

    BUDAPEST ''' DISEMBARKATION ''' VIENNA, AUSTRIA. Bid farewell to your ship and take asighteeing tour of Budapest, the '''Queen of the Danube.''' Your city tour begins with visit to the vibrant GreatMarket Hall brimming with vendors selling everything from food to souvenirs. The remainder of this tour takesyou to both the Buda (hilly) and the Pest (flat) sides of the river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includesviews from historic Buda Castle, a visit to Fishermen'''s Bastion and the beautifully colored Matthias Church. Laterin the day, travel to Vienna where you will check into your hotel and enjoy some free time. (B)
13. Day 13
    Tue, Aug 03, 2027

    VIENNA. Savor the imperial elegance of romantic Vienna during a guided sightseeing tour past the city'''smost famous and beautiful locales, including the UNESCO-designated historice city center. See the regal ViennaState Opera house, towering St. Stpehen'''s Cathedral with its fascinating eagle mosaics and geometric patternedroof, and the majestic Ringstrasse, Vienna'''s famed ring road, lined with incredible architecture, monuments andparks. You'''ll also have some free time to explore Vienna on your own. (B)
14. Day 14
    Wed, Aug 04, 2027

    VIENNA. Bid farewell to Vienna as you prepare for your flight home. (B)