Grand Danube Odyssey

Explore Novi Sad, the capital of Vojvodina, nestled in the northern Autonomous Province of Serbia. Situated on the Danube between Budapest and Belgrade, it's a treasured regional and cultural centre. You will set off from your ship by coach for a panoramic journey through the city, often recognised by the impressive Petrovaradin fortress. There are a number of churches within the city: St George`s orthodox church, the Catholic church of St Nichola, an Almaska church, Evangelistic church and the Synagogue. The city also has a selection of museums and galleries, the most important being the Gallery of Matica Srpska, established in 1874, which is home to a wide collection of Serbian arts.

After a short refreshment stop in the city centre and join an expert local guide to discover the old town centre on foot. Explore the lively Dunavska area where you can find colourful 18th and 19th-century architecture, quirky shops and laid-back cafes. During the summer months this area is often home to street performers and local food stalls adding to the bustling atmosphere.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one and a half miles over mostly flat terrain. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately 90 minutes.

3 hours

Leave the harbour of Fetești and travel to Constanța, founded as Tomis by Greek colonists in the 7th century BC. Today, Constanța has a population of over 350,000 and serves as the Black Sea's second-largest port, after Istanbul. The city's heyday began in the 1st century AD, attracting the exiled Roman poet Ovidius Publius Naso. Constanța became the setting for his final masterpieces, 'Tristia' and 'Pontica'.

The first stop is Ovid's Square, followed by the Orthodox Church Peter and Paul, the largest in southeastern Romania. A highlight of the tour is sure to be the Casino, an early 20th-century landmark perched atop a cliff, much like the casinos in Marseille and Monte Carlo. The 15th-century Genoese Lighthouse stands nearby. From the lighthouse, stroll down to the marina to see the elegant yachts. Next, head to the resort of Mamaia for some free time on the seaside. Afterwards, travel back to Fetești harbour by bus.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over mostly level terrain which may be cobbled at times with several steps. There is a total required walking/standing time of approximately 90 minutes. During your free time walking and/or standing is at your

5½ hours

Located in north-eastern Serbia on the border with modern-day Romania, the Golubac Fortress was built in the 14th century and has had a tumultuous history. Leave your ship on foot and after a short uphill walk you will arrive at the fortress entrance. Explore inside the fortress with a local guide and discover more about its complicated construction, which is strategically located on the banks of the Danube where it narrows to form the Iron Gate gorge. The perfect position for the regulation and taxation of traffic on the river in the Middle Ages.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: The walk from your ship to the fortress entrance and back is approximately a quarter of a mile each way. On your guided tour you should expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain that will be uneven in places and will include a number of steps.

2½ hours

Your tour starts with a bus ride to Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress and park, perched on a hill above the confluence of the Sava and the Danube River. The town of Belgrade was surrendered to the Serbs in 1876 before the town keys were handed over to the resident Prince Mihailo. At the end of the 19th century this area was transformed into a vast park with a promenade and numerous ruins, recounting the turbulent history of Belgrade. On arrival, set off on a walking tour with your local guide – exploring inside the fortress and around the park grounds.

Then, re-board the bus for a scenic ride alongside the old part of Belgrade Orthodox Cathedral – known as the Saint Archangel Mihail Church, built in classical style with richly decorated 18th to 20th-century gold work. Discover more about two memorable figures of Serbian culture, Dositej Obradovic and Vuk Stefanović Karadžić, who are buried in the churchyard here. Your drive continues past the Town Hall and the 20thcentury parliament State Assembly, and along Knez Milos street to the residential quarter of ""Dedinje"".

Continue up to the ‘White House’, which used to be the home of the Serbian ruler: Dynasty Karadjordjevic. You also pass by Tito’s tomb, resting in the House of Flowers Museum. En route back to the city centre, you’ll be able to see the famous Playground of both Red Star and Partisan before a panoramic visit to one of the renowned orthodox cathedrals, St Sava Temple. Built in 1894, you will hear more on how the cathedral was built in the same spot where the relics of Syeti Sava were brought from Mileseva Monastery.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one and a half miles over mostly level terrain which may be cobbled at times with a small number of steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one hour and three quarters. Refreshments will be served at one of the venues during your tour.

3½ hours

During this sightseeing tour by coach, take in the sights of the most famous highlights of Budapest and look forward to a short stop at the local Basilica.

Your tour starts on the bustling Pest side of Budapest where you’ll pass by the UNESCO-listed Andrássy Boulevard, lined by Neo-renaissance townhouses and the Hungarian State Opera House. Also pass by Heroes’ Square, the gateway to the greenery of City Park and hosting unique stone statues which make up the Millennium Monument.

Still in the comfort of sightseeing by coach, it’s time to cross over the Danube River along Elisabeth Bridge, entering the Buda side as you pass by Castle Hill. Upon arrival at St Stephen’s Basilica, you’ll have time to disembark the coach and explore the surrounding grounds with a local guide. With an intricate façade and as the tallest building in Budapest at 314 feet, this is a site to remember before boarding your coach for the journey back to your awaiting ship.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 250 yards over level terrain which may be cobbled. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 30 minutes.

3 hours

On this combined coach and walking tour, you will discover Vukovar, the largest Croatian town and river port on the Danube, once a thriving city before the Yugoslav War. During your tour, spot some of the well-preserved buildings around this historical battle site, admiring the baroque arches and classical architecture as you pass by. You’ll also visit the Ovcara Memorial, dedicated to those who lost their lives in the tragic Vukovar Hospital massacre in 1991. After gaining an insight into this historical event, it’s time to return to the port for your awaiting ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately three-quarters of a mile in total over mostly level terrain with some cobblestones and a number of steps at the Ovcara Memorial. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately one and a half hours.

3 hours

Discover Rousse, known for its 19th and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo buildings and architectural similarities to Vienna, receiving the city nickname ‘Little Vienna’. This tour takes you through the main streets of the city and past the current residential buildings.

With the drive through the city centre, you will also spot key sites such as The Palace of Justice, the Monument of Liberty and the Theatre of Rousse with its Neoclassical edifice. The Trinity church also rests here and is emblematic of how the churches were made during the Ottoman oppression. The hexagonal belfry stands 19 metres high and was built with stones from the fortification facilities around the Ruschuk fortress, demolished by decision of the Berlin Congress from July 1878.

Walking Grade 3

Please note :Expect to walk approximately three-quarters of a mile over level terrain which be cobbled at times. A small number of steps will also be necessary. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours.

3 hours

After a short walk board a speed boat and journey from the southern arm of the delta, near the mouth of the Danube into the Black Sea, further into the Danube Delta. From St Georghe you sail on a side channel of the St Georghe Arm, namely the Garla Turceasca Canal, Flaminda Canal, Sakhalin Island and back. In these side canals you can admire the wildness and the unique wildlife of the delta.

This natural paradise is home to a great variety of bird species, such as the great egret, the little egret, the spoonbill, the gray heron, the great white pelican, the Dalmatian pelican, the high swan and more. The waters are also very rich in fish species, such as carp, tench, flatfish, red mullet, karaish, perch, pike, pikeperch and catfish. At the end of your tour the speed boats take you back to St Georghe harbour.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 300 yards over level terrain which may be cobbled in areas. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately 15 minutes. A small number of steep steps are required to access the boat and the seats are not always under cover, so please ensure you wear clothing appropriate for the weather. Whilst we plan this tour for the time of year when a variety of wildlife species are usually found in the Delta, sightings are not guaranteed. It is not possible to get off the boat during the tour.

3 hours

After a scenic coach drive along the banks of the Danube, you will arrive at the Lepenski Vir Mesolithic Site which was found in the Derdap Gorge along this river. First discovered by peasants in 1940, eager excavation work began in 1965 uncovering a series of villages, dating back to 6,400 BC.

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed with an introduction by the museum Curator before you explore the museum with a guide, and discover finds from the dig and films about the archaeological research. After admiring the preserved ancient artefacts, it’s time to head back along the Danube and Iron Gates region of Serbia.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Whilst walking inside the venue is minimal, on arrival and departure there is a walk of approximately 500 yards each way between the coach park and the site entrance via a flat pedestrian pathway. The auditorium seating for the film showing is over multiple levels with steps to access, however, ground-floor seats are available. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately one hour.

2½ hours

Learn about the Hungarian way of life with a visit to the Folk Art House. Here, you can admire hand painted wall art and furniture in a former peasant cottage. After studying local, handmade embroideries too, you’ll also find out about the significance of the favourite regional spice with a visit to the Paprika Museum.

Afterwards, dig into a typical Hungarian lunch at the Inn of Bakod Puszta before concluding the meal with a horse-drawn carriage ride. This is followed by a performance of Hungarian horsemanship, a show with their local, well-kept horses. Refreshments are also served during the performance.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately three-quarters of a mile over level terrain which may be cobbled in areas. A small number of steps will also be necessary. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 45 minutes. A light lunch is included on this tour so please make us aware of any specific dietary requirements.

7 hours

Get a real taste of the city as you discover the culinary delights of Budapest on this mouthwatering tour. From your ship, travel by tram to the First Strudel House where you can learn more about the traditions of strudel making in Hungary, and see a live presentation of every stage of the process. You’ll see how the dough is prepared, stretched and filled, and you may have an opportunity to try stretching the dough yourself! As the strudels bake, you can enjoy a cup of coffee, before tasting them. 

From the First Strudel House, you’ll walk to your next stop, where you’ll be able to taste some Chimney cake, before continuing to the Central Market Hall. Built in 1897, this building is the largest market hall in Budapest, created after the first mayor of Budapest, Károly Kamermayer, came up with the idea and made it his largest investment. Following his retirement in 1896, he participated in the opening ceremony of this monument on February 15, 1897 – located at the end of the famous pedestrian shopping street, Váci Utca, on the Pest side of the Liberty Bridge in Fővám square.

The colourful roof features Zsolnay tiling from Pécs, and the entrance gate has a neogothic touch. During World War Two the market was heavily damaged and remained in this condition until a complete renovation in 1991. It was re-opened in 1997, and was awarded with the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence in 1999. It’s a popular attraction to visitors of the city, who explore the variety of stalls set across three floors. 

Your guide will tell you more about the history of the market, and there will be a salami tasting, before your walk back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please note:Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-quarter miles over level terrain, which may be cobbled. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately three hours.

3½ hours

After your coach transfer to the foot of Castle Hill, ride an elevator to reach the top of the peak – this is one of the most popular attractions in Budapest on account of its panoramic views.

Its Castle Quarter is located within the defensive walls and bastions of the Buda Castle complex, linking to the medieval royal city of Buda, and nestled between the Royal Palace and Matthias Church.

During your tour, enjoy a walking tour in the Castle District with your local guide. You will hear about the history of Buda Castle, once a royal palace for Hungarian Kings – now housing the Hungarian National Gallery. Then explore the outside of Matthias Church, located in the Holy Trinity Square in front of the Fisherman’s Bastion in the heart of the Buda Castle District. This Gothic-style Roman Catholic church was extensively restored in the late 19th century and provides a unique perspective of Buda from the Romanesque terraces. The original walls were built in the 1700s, forming part of the walls of the castle.

History suggests that the walls were protected by the guild of fishermen who lived under the walls in the nearby Watertown. Since 1987, it has been one of Budapest's World Heritage Sites as part of the Buda Castle District. After your exterior visit of the church, there’s some spare time to explore the area before you walk back to the elevator to reach the bottom of the hill and pick-up point for the coach transfer back to the ship.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over terrain which may be cobbled or uneven in places. There will also be several steps to climb. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 90 minutes. After your guided tour, there will be free time for you to explore independently with walking at your discretion.

3½ hours