Danube River11 nights - Bucharest, Romania to Vienna, Austria - Begins on September 22, 2010Spend 11 nights gracefully cruising through 6 countries between the Black Sea and Austria on the new MS Amadeus Diamond. The site of some of the earliest Old World cultures, you’ll discover well-preserved medieval towns, regal cities, inspiring monuments and picturesque landscapes along this historic trade route used since the Middle Ages. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vienna, Budapest and the Danube Delta. HIGHLIGHTS • Wine tasting at a well-known vineyard in Croatia • Visit Viminacium, a former Roman settlement complete with Roman baths • Enjoy a classical music performance in Vienna • Tour the historic city of Constanta with lunch at the 5-star Grand Hotel Rex
Cruise OnlyDay
01 | Bucharest, Romania
Arrive in Bucharest and transfer to the hotel for a welcome briefing. Overnight at the hotel. D | Day
02 | Bucharest, Romania
Take a morning tour of Bucharest, “Paris of the East,” to see its elegant architecture and magnificent boulevards. Visit the Patriarchic Church and Village Museum, one of Europe’s biggest and the oldest outdoor museums. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel by motorcoach to Hirsova to board the MS Amadeus Diamond. Join your fellow travelers for a Welcome Toast and a lecture on the Danube Delta’s flora and fauna as your ship sails for Somova. BLD
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03 | Constanta/Hirsova, Romania
Take a morning tour of the ancient city of Constanta, Romania’s principal port on the Black Sea. Visit the impressive National History & Archeology Museum and The Roman Mosaics, dating to the 4th century AD. Go by motorcoach to Mamaia, a popular resort own located on the Black Sea, where you enjoy lunch at the beachside. Then return to the MS Amadeus Diamond and cruise to Rousse. BLD | Day
04 | Rousse, Bulgaria
Enjoy the morning’s scenic river cruising and arrive in Rousse this afternoon. Rousse, an industrial city with the largest river port of the country, was once the garrison of the Roman Danube fleet. The Romans founded this town in the 2nd century A.C. and named it Sexaginta Pristas - city of 60 ships. In 1866, the operation of the first railway of the Ottoman Empire started here. During the city tour you can see the Pantheon, Alyosha Monument, Concert Hall and the Trinity Church while enjoying a wonderful view onto the many Baroque and Renaissance style buildings. A short walk will lead you to the Liberty monument, the Opera House, and the theater. The excursion continues to the 16th-century Basarbovo Monastery, an imposing and unique rock cloister and its small monastery church.This evening enjoy a Bulgarian Evening program after dinner onboard. Your ship docks in Rousse overnight. BLD | Day
05 | Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
This morning view Bulgaria’s countryside as you travel to Veliko Tarnovo by motorcoach. Famous for its unique architecture, the city was the historical capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Enjoy beautiful views of the Yantra River, Stambolov’s Bridge and the Asens’ Monument. Visit the ruins of Castle Tsarevets and walk historic Gurko Street, a highlight of Bulgarian Revival architectural style. Continue by coach to the village of Arbanassi, known for its remarkable old houses and churches with detailed wooden ornaments and wall-paintings from the 16th to 18th centuries. Then drive to Svistov, where you board the MS Amadeus Diamond.BLD
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06 | Gorge of the Iron Gate
Today relish a full day of river cruising and the excellent service onboard. By afternoon you reach Djerdap I, the biggest lock on the Danube. The ship passes through two huge lock chambers and continues into the Gorge of the Iron Gate. This 85-mile stretch of the Danube is considered the most scenic, but in ancient times, it was a hazardous, narrow chasm with high cliffs on both sides. With the construction of the Iron Gate Dam, ships now sail through safely. Marvel at the Great Kazan, the most famous and narrowest gorge. Here the river narrows to 480 feet wide with a depth of up to 174 feet. BLD | Day
07 | Kostolac / Belgrade, Serbia
Arrive in Kostolac and board a motorcoach to Viminacium, a former major Roman settlement from the first century AD. Take a guided tour through this working archeological site to learn Viminacium’s fascinating history. Visit the Roman military camp, Porta Praetoria, and the thermae – the mosaic-paved city baths at the center of Roman social life. Also tour the Imperial Mausoleum and view restored frescoes representing masterpieces of tomb paintings. BLD | Day
08 | River Drava / Osijek, Croatia
Today cruise up the River Drava to Osijek. Take a tour of Croatia’s 4th largest city and see the Church of the Raising of the Holy Cross and the Tvrda, an 18th-century military fortress. Then travel through the scenic Croatian Danube Basin to taste local wines at a famous vineyard near Vukovar. Re-board your ship in Mohacs and enjoy a Hungarian Operetta Program onboard this evening. BLD
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09 | Budapest, Hungary
This morning arrive in Budapest, “Queen of Danube,” ranked among Europe’s most beautiful cities. Enjoy a city tour that includes the castle quarter and historic districts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover medieval-flavored "Buda" and commerce-oriented "Pest," the two halves of the city separated by the Danube. See magnificent baroque buildings, the Town Hall, National Parliament and the Heroes Square with memorials to Hungarian Kings. In the castle quarter, visit Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Enjoy spectacular views of Budapest from Gellert Mountain before returning to the ship. Your afternoon is at leisure, and a complimentary Tender-Boat-Service can take you across the river to explore on your own. As you depart this evening, experience the beauty and lights of “Budapest by Night.” BLD | Day
10 | Vienna, Austria
Relax during a full day of scenic cruising to Vienna. Arrive at the Vienna/Nussdorf pier this evening and enjoy a classical music performance onboard. BLD | Day
11 | Vienna, Austria
This morning explore enchanting Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Austria’s capital. Drive along the historic Ringstrasse to see the magnificent buildings of the Austrian National Opera, Parliament, Burgtheater, Town Hall and University. Visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Romanesque/Gothic landmark and Vienna’s most important religious structure. Continue on a walking tour through the heart of Vienna’s historic city center. Enjoy free time before returning to the ship for lunch – or opt to stay downtown. Explore Vienna on your own this afternoon; a shuttle service operates between the ship and city center. This evening join the Captain for a Farewell Toast and Gala Dinner. BLD
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12 | Vienna, Austria
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home or continue on to your Prague post-cruise program. B |
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner |
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