The Romance of the Blue Danube

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From $3895.00, per person, plus airfare and V.A.T., based on double occupancy.

Operated by Alumni Holidays International (AHI)

Described by Napoleon as the “king of Europe’s rivers,” the Danube is steeped in beauty, legend and lore. After admiring the stunning architecture and romantic squares of Bucharest, Romania, embark for the harbor town of Rousse, Bulgaria. Experience historic Vidin, and explore Roman ruins in Drobeta-Turnu Severin. Cross the Carpathian Mountains through the Iron Gate Gorge. Discover Belgrade, Serbia. See Kalocsa, Hungary, and Mohács before marveling at the Gothic Parliament Building and Opera House of Budapest. Sail to Bratislava, Slovak Republic. Tour cultural Vienna, Austria, where the Ringstrasse and Hofburg Palace await, and visit medieval Dürnstein. Cruise through the charming Wachau Valley, lined with vineyards and castle ruins, to Melk. Finally, enjoy Passau, Germany.

Day 1
Depart your gateway city for Bucharest, Romania. (Flight provided for Air Package participants only.)

Day 2
Upon arrival, check into the InterContinental Bucharest. (Transfer provided for Air Package participants only.)

This evening, gather with fellow travelers for a Welcome Reception.

Day 3
Excursion: Bucharest City Tour.  Discover Bucharest’s rich assemblage of architecture, comprised of historic churches, elegant villas, romantic squares and the colossal Palace of the Parliament.

Independent Exploration:  Enjoy some free time for independent interests.

Day 4
This morning, transfer to Giurgiu and the MS Amadeus Diamond.
The ship sails to Rousse.

Excursion: Rousse.  Once a Roman harbor, Rousse is the Danube’s largest Bulgarian port. The pastel-colored architecture of its Central Square, Philharmonic Orchestra Hall, Opera House, Holy Trinity Cathedral and gold-domed Pantheon create a cheerful, cosmopolitan ambience.

Day 5
Excursion: Vidin City Tour.  In one of the oldest towns along the Danube’s Bulgarian banks, marvel at the Baba Vida, a 10th-century citadel built on Roman ruins; the Turkish Konak; and the Mosque and Library of Osman Nuri Pasha.

Day 6
The ship sails to Drobeta-Turnu Severin.

Excursion: Drobeta-Turnu Severin.  This Romanian town was once an ancient Dacian settlement and the site of the largest bridge in the Roman Empire. See the second-century tower ruins.

Day 7
Cruise across the southern Carpathian Mountains where the awe-inspiring Iron Gate Gorge ushers the Danube through its narrowing gap.
Enjoy a colorful performance of regional folklore aboard the ship this evening.

Day 8
Speaker’s Corner:  Modern Serbia. 

Excursion: Belgrade City Tour. Poised at the confluence of the Sava and the Danube Rivers, two of the many restored highlights of Belgrade include Kalemegdan Fortress and St. Sava Cathedral.
Independent Exploration:  The afternoon is at leisure for you to experience Belgrade on your own.

Tonight, the ship departs for Mohács, Hungary.

Day 9
Excursion: Mohács and Kalocsa.  Travel by motorcoach to Mohács to see captivating period architecture, represented by its Byzantine Votive Church and 18th-century Franciscan Church. Known for Hungarian embroidery and paprika, charming Kalocsa features an exquisite twin-towered cathedral and baroque Archbishop’s Palace. Travel by horse-drawn carriage to the Equestrian Center where you’ll watch a thrilling show of acrobatic riding by daring Puszta horsemen. 

Day 10
Excursion: Budapest City Highlights.  Visit both the Buda and Pest sides of the Paris of the East to see Hero’s Square, the Opera House, the Parliament Building and the Fisherman’s Bastion.

Later today, the ship sails to Bratislava.

Day 11
Excursion: Bratislava Walking Tour.  See the Slovak Republic’s capital city and political center with its medieval architecture and grand castle.

Speaker’s Corner:  The Velvet Revolution. 

Day 12
This morning, the ship cruises to Vienna.

Excursion: Imperial Vienna City Tour.  Experience the cultural treasures of this elegant city renowned for its rich musical heritage. Admire the landmarks of the Ringstrasse and Hofburg Palace.

Independent Exploration:  The afternoon and evening are free for you to discover Vienna on your own.

Day 13
Excursion: Dürnstein Walking Tour.  In this picturesque village where Richard the Lionhearted was held prisoner, step inside the blue-and-white Stiftskirche built along the banks of the river.

The ship sails through the Wachau Valley, a scenic region that unfolds with vineyards, ornate churches and castle ruins looming overhead.

Excursion: Melk Abbey.  Visit a masterpiece of baroque architecture—the beautiful Benedictine Abbey that dates from 1736. Its terrace high above the Danube River offers a panoramic view. 

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a Farewell Reception on board the ship.

The ship travels to Passau, Germany.

Day 14
Excursion: Passau Walking Tour.  See the Prince-Bishops’ residences, Old Town Hall, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Niedernburg Abbey.

Independent Exploration:  Tonight, enjoy some free time in Passau.

Day 15
Transfer to the Munich airport for the return flight to your gateway city. (Transfer and flight provided for Air Package participants only.)