Beautifully preserved Prague has enchanted visitors for ages, but it is only a tiny part of this extraordinary voyage through eight nations. Sail past quaint villages and great cities on the glorious Danube, visiting baroque abbeys and medieval cathedrals, tasting fine wines, and encountering new cultures. Along the way, you’ll uncover the splendid Habsburg capitals of Vienna and Budapest, as well as the many hidden treasures of Croatia, Romania, Serbia, and Bulgaria. Travelers seeking to explore famed capitals and storied lands, to meet new people and encounter diverse cultures, will relish their time on this picture-perfect journey. Portraits of Eastern Europe is a combination of Delightful Danube & Prague and Highlights of Eastern Europe.

1. Day 1
   Prague

   Fri, Oct 08, 2027

   Arrive at Prague Václav Havel Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel.
   Meals: Dinner
2. Day 2
   Prague

   Sat, Oct 09, 2027

   A magnet for generations of artists, writers, scientists and composers, Prague is famous for its dynamic energy and elegant ambiance (and the beers here are pretty amazing too). A thousand years of architecture, from ornate Gothic to fanciful postmodern, has been beautifully preserved here.
   Meals: Breakfast
3. Day 3
   Prague, Transfer to Regensburg (Embark)

   Sun, Oct 10, 2027

   Leave Prague this morning and travel via motorcoach to Regensburg, where your ship awaits.
   Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
4. Day 4
   Regensburg

   Mon, Oct 11, 2027

   Bavaria’s first capital, Regensburg, owes its impressive historical lineage and rich architectural heritage to 600 years as a Free Imperial City, a fact recognized by UNESCO in 2006. Today, you’ll discover how the beautifully preserved medieval city coexists with a vibrant modern urban center.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5. Day 5
   Passau

   Tue, Oct 12, 2027

   Passau is a crossroads in more ways than one—three rivers meet here and three nations nearly do, making for a fascinating cultural mosaic.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
6. Day 6
   Melk, Vienna

   Wed, Oct 13, 2027

   A designated World Heritage Site for its beauty and history, the Wachau retains its authentic cultural landscape while still being a popular destination for travelers. The towns and villages are small here but bursting with charm. The jewel in the crown: Melk and its cheery yellow abbey, a Baroque masterpiece that stands proudly atop a hill overlooking the river.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
7. Day 7
   Vienna

   Thu, Oct 14, 2027

   The grand dame of the Danube, Vienna was the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and remains, to this day, the political and cultural center of Austria. Klimt painted here; Beethoven and Mozart composed here; Freud developed his theories here. It’s a treasure trove of splendid architecture, astonishing art collections and inviting cafés—and today it is yours to explore.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
8. Day 8
   Vienna, Bratislava

   Fri, Oct 15, 2027

   Once hidden from the world behind the “Iron Curtain,” Slovakia retains an air of mystery and intrigue, and its small capital city has an unexpectedly colorful history. The heart and soul of Slovakia, Bratislava is full of surprises. The city straddles the mighty Danube and has played a leading role in the politics and culture of the region for many centuries.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
9. Day 9
   Budapest

   Sat, Oct 16, 2027

   Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each has a distinctive character and allure all its own. Explore this dynamic and multi-faceted city with your choice of excursions—you can see it from a local’s perspective on a walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour.
   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
10. Day 10
    Budapest

    Sun, Oct 17, 2027

    Other passengers are heading home today, but you are only halfway through your marvelous holiday. Enjoy a day of leisure exploring beautiful and historic Budapest.
    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
11. Day 11
    Budapest

    Mon, Oct 18, 2027

    Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Explore this dynamic and multifaceted city with your choice of excursions—you can see it from a local’s perspective on our walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Vibrant Budapest, Hungary’s capital, offers an enchanting combination of East and West.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
12. Day 12
    Batina (Osijek), Vukovar

    Tue, Oct 19, 2027

    Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as simple, delicious local rustic food.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
13. Day 13
    Belgrade

    Wed, Oct 20, 2027

    Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, is one of Europe’s oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, juxtaposed with the city’s vibrant modern-day present.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
14. Day 14
    Golubac, Cruising the Iron Gates

    Thu, Oct 21, 2027

    Head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site and an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval fortress. All along the way, history lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan’s Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars, and Turks.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
15. Day 15
    Vidin

    Fri, Oct 22, 2027

    Vidin is a port town on the Danube that once played an important role in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It’s your base for an unusual excursion today—a visit to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Or you can indulge in a tasting at a local winery.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
16. Day 16
    Ruse

    Sat, Oct 23, 2027

    Bulgaria’s foremost Danube port, Ruse is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings.
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
17. Day 17
    Giurgiu (Disembark), Transfer to Bucharest

    Sun, Oct 24, 2027

    This morning, you’ll disembark the ship in Giurgiu and drive through the countryside to Bucharest, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour and a visit to People’s Palace. Tonight, you’ll relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, Romania’s capital and its cultural and economic center.
    Meals: Breakfast
18. Day 18
    Bucharest

    Mon, Oct 25, 2027

    Get to know the bustling heart of Romania's capital city with a full day to explore Bucharest on your own.
    Meals: Breakfast
19. Day 19
    Bucharest

    Tue, Oct 26, 2027

    Check out of your hotel this morning. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport for your flight home.
    Meals: Breakfast