Cruise from Budapest to Bucharest

Photo By Mastermindsro

The cruise takes you to the cities, towns and natural wonders of Eastern Europe, where so many fairy tales began. Experience bustling Budapest, cosmopolitan capital of Hungary; sail past dramatic natural wonders like the soaring white cliffs of the Iron Gate region; visit the Serbian capital of Belgrade and the Croatian town of Osijek; discover historical treasures of Bulgaria; and admire the graceful charms of the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

Take a tour of Hungary’s capital, exploring both the “Buda” and “Pest” sides. Begin in Pest, where you see the National Opera House and visit historic Heroes’ Square. Cross the Chain Bridge to Buda, where you stroll Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church. You can take an afternoon excursion to Visegrád. With a population of less than 2,000, Visegrád was used as a royal retreat, and it has no fewer than three castles. Enjoy the view of the Danube Bend from the hexagonal Solomon Tower at the Lower Castle.

Next stop is Kalocsa, Hungary. Take a guided city tour including a visit to the Archbishop’s Palace. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return aboard and enjoy your lunch during departure.

Wake up in Vukovar and have breakfast before your excursion to the Croatian city of Osijek. Inhabited by humans since Neolithic times, this area has had several heydays under the Romans, the Ottomans and the Habsburgs; now it is a pleasant town popular for its baroque buildings, parks and monuments. Return aboard for lunch and departure.

Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress, now a beautiful park; also see the Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. Lunch aboard, then more time to explore Belgrade’s gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums, like the Nikola Tesla Museum. Dine aboard or experience some of Belgrade’s nightlife.

Enjoy scenic cruising as you travel through one of the most picturesque areas of the Lower Danube. The Iron Gate is one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders, a spectacular narrow gorge with enormous white limestone cliffs. Your cruise director will provide commentary about the region and scenic points of interest as you sail toward Vidin.

Arrive in the picturesque Bulgarian port of Vidin during breakfast, then take an excursion to see Belogradchik Fortress, built right into the striking Belogradchik Rocks, and enjoy breathtaking views. Lunch aboard is followed by time to explore Vidin’s city center, Orthodox churches and the ruins of the city’s once-grand synagogue. Depart during dinner.

After breakfast, disembark at Russe for a full-day excursion to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. There you will see Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle.  Shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Proceed to Arbanasi for lunch in a local restaurant and a guided tour of the Nativity Church with its intricate floor-to-ceiling murals and icons.

Disembark in Oltenita and proceed to the superior first class hotel in the heart of the Bucharest for a 1-night stay.  Enjoy a half-day tour of Romania’s lovely capital city. See the Arch of Triumph, the Antim Monastery and the iconic Palace of Justice, completing your tour at the Palace of Parliament. Enjoy a final evening in Bucharest.

Presented By:
Rawhide Travel & Tours Inc
6008 W Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, AZ 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100