Balkan Jewels with Bucharest and Translyvania

Arrive in Bucharest and be transferred to your hotel, where you will join us for a welcome dinner.

Set out on a guided exploration of Bucharest’s Old City this morning. The area has recently undergone a decade of refurbishments, transforming the city’s historic core into a vibrant, walkable quarter. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a visit to the Palace of the Parliament. Started in 1984, and still unfinished, this enormous building was constructed under the command of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and has over 3,000 rooms.

Travel to Salina Slănic Prahova, Europe’s largest salt mine. Descend 208 metres underground to discover some of the 14 chambers, as well as the museum. The pure air inside the mine is known for its respiratory healing effects. Later, enjoy dinner before continuing to your hotel in Brașov.

This morning will be spent exploring Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town of Bran, the castle’s striking orange turrets tower above a thick forest of trees in the Carpathian Mountains. Wander through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques before returning back to Brașov for lunch. This afternoon, delve deeper into Brașov’s history on a walking tour.

Today, you'll visit picturesque Peleș Castle, nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the town of Sinaia. This neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by Romania’s first king, Carol I, and took 40 years to build. Enjoy free time for lunch in Sinaia, then travel to your ship in Giurgiu. 

Discover the wonders of Veliko Târnovo with an expert local guide. Uncover this charming Bulgarian city's rich history as you wander through its cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the ship.

Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik and visit its ancient fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.

The day is yours to relax on board, sleep in and take it easy, or awake early and take in stunning views from the Daystar Deck.

Choose how you’d like to spend the day in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city.

Freedom of Choice – Guided City Discovery

Enjoy a guided tour of Novi Sad, situated on the banks of the Danube River. Discover the city's iconic sights found along the main walkway of Zmaj Jovina.

Freedom of Choice – Local Farmstead

Visit a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture, featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts.

Enjoy a Signature Experience today.

Signature Experience – Folk Art House and Horse Show

Visit the Folk Art House, where local handicrafts are on show. Then, visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch. 

Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. This evening, enjoy a captain’s farewell dinner.

Freedom of Choice – Hospital in the Rock

Embark on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Gellért Hill

Take a guided hike up Gellért Hill and admire the panoramic views over the Danube River. You'll also see the St Gellért Monument, honouring the Italian bishop and martyr who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Hungary in the 11th century.

Say your farewells, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport.