Grand Lower Danube

Travellers from across Canada fly to Vienna, Austria.

Upon arrival in Vienna, we will be greeted by a local representative and embark on a city tour, including the historic Ringstrasse with its impressive state buildings. The tour continues past the Imperial Palace, which has evolved over centuries and now houses Austria's president. The day concludes with our welcome dinner at the hotel, featuring a three-course meal.

Imperial Riding School or similar (2 nights)

Today is yours to explore Vienna as you wish. Wander through world-class museums, relax in beautiful parks, or have a coffee in one of the city's charming cafés.    

After breakfast, we visit Schönbrunn Palace, the summer home of the imperial family and a superb example of Austrian Baroque architecture. Afterwards, we will board our ship, followed by a welcome cocktail and welcome dinner before setting sail for Bratislava at night.

AMADEUS Nova or similar (8 nights)    

As the sun rises, we arrive in the Slovakian capital. Located at the confluence of the Morava and Danube Rivers, Bratislava impresses with its Gothic and Baroque architecture. During a morning tour, visit Castle Hill for breathtaking views, then explore the historic centre. Back on board, enjoy a leisurely lunch before departing for the local wine region. Here you will have the chance to join an optional tour of a family-owned vineyard.

During our morning excursion in Esztergom, we will visit Hungary’s largest church, the Basilica, renowned for its beauty. We then tour the artists' village of Szentendre before gliding towards Budapest, the "Queen of the Danube." Here architectural wonders like Matthias Church and Fisherman’s Bastion await, alongside the “An Authentic Taste of Budapest” tour, which starts at the market hall and continues to the famous geothermal baths. As night falls, we cruise through the illuminated city, while enjoying a lively folklore show featuring local artists dancing and singing onboard.

In eastern Croatia, Vukovar serves as our gateway to the natural world. In the afternoon, our excursion begins in Vukovar and takes us to Kopački Rit, one of the largest wetlands in Europe, home to a variety of birds, animals, and plants. Explore this pristine landscape by boat, passing through untouched marshes and floodplains. In the village of Kopačevo, you can sample Croatian fruit brandies and wines before continuing our drive to the village of Osijek for a walk through the town. Back in Vukovar, we board the ship and enjoy a leisurely dinner as we cruise to Belgrade.

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, effortlessly blends Western influence with its rich cultural roots and history. We start our morning with a tour of Kalemegdan Fortress, where the Sava River meets the Danube, offering stunning views and captivating historical insights. Continue to the National Museum, Parliament, and St. Sava Cathedral, the world’s largest Orthodox church. Afterward, you may choose to visit Topola and Oplenac to explore the heritage of the Serbian royal family. In the evening, enjoy a private bus tour through Belgrade, taking in the city’s dazzling lights, followed by an authentic Serbian folklore performance. Conclude the day with a stroll through Skadarlija, the artists' quarter, before unwinding at a local restaurant or pub. 

Explore the fortress of Golubac, famous for its breathtaking views and storied past. Opt for an excursion to the Stone Age archeological site of Lepenski Vir or join us in a hike through Djerdap National Park to the famous Kovilovo viewpoint. Later, rejoin the ship in Donji Milanovac for scenic cruising through the gorges marking the border between Serbia and Romania. Unwind as we pass the narrow Cazan gorge, taking in the majestic Carpathian and Balkan mountains, the Mraconia monastery, and the towering rock sculpture of King Decebalus.    

Arrive in Svishtov, Bulgaria, the southernmost point on the Danube. Choose between a tour of Rousse with a visit to the Basarbovo Rock Monastery, or an optional visit to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi. Both options offer deep cultural insights.     

From Harsova, you can join a full-day tour to the Danube Delta, bookable only onboard. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world's largest wetlands. Travel by bus to Tulcea, then board boats for a guided tour of the reserve, known for its diverse wildlife. Return to the ship in the evening for a folklore program.    

After disembarking in Fetesti, we journey to Bucharest, Romania's vibrant capital. Explore this lively city, known for its eclectic architecture spanning various eras. Enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing followed by a traditional lunch. We then check into our centrally located hotel before gathering for our farewell dinner.

Hotel TBA (1 night)   

Travellers gather today for our flights back to Canada.