Through the Carpathian Mountains: Bucharest to Budapest

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

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. All guests visiting the St Sava Temple must adhere to a strict dress code, which requires knees and shoulders to be covered. If you do not follow the guidelines you will not be allowed to enter the temple.

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

Travel by coach from your ship to Tulcea, a journey of approximately two hours. On arrival you will board the split-level boat that will take you into the Danube Delta. The delta is one of the largest and most compact reed areas in the world, a place rich in ornithological fauna. There is a combination of natural and man-made ecosystems and ecotones, such as fresh water, sea water, terrestrial ecotones, running and stagnant waters, marshes, and more. Along small canals, you can discover the unique fauna of the delta.

Near the Nebunu Lake, commonly known as a reservation for pelicans, you can sometimes see these distinctive birds flying around the boat during the breeding-period. This area is also home to a variety of other bird species, including heron, swan, cormorant and wild duck. The water here is teeming with fish, such as carp, plaice, codfish, perch, pike, and sander. Following the boat trip into the delta, continue through the canal of the Mile 36 to enter main Sulina Canal before arrival back at Tulcea harbour. Disembark and rejoin the coach for the return journey to your ship.

Walking Grade 2

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately 300 yards over level terrain, which may be cobbled in areas. There is a total of approximately 15 minutes of standing and/or walking time. A small number of steep steps are required to access the boat, a toilet is available on board. While this tour is planned to coincide with 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. A packed lunch will be provided from your ship and a limited selection of complimentary refreshments are also available on the boat. The route between Braila and Tulcea involves travelling on some smaller roads which are winding and occasionally bumpy, therefore this tour may not be suitable for those who are suffer from motion sickness.

7 hours

Walk directly from your ship, accompanied by a local guide, for a stroll through the heart of Braila. Your first stop will be at Trajan Square, the city's central hub, where you'll admire the grand exterior of the Braila Museum. Officially inaugurated in 1881 by King Carol I, this esteemed institution houses a treasure trove of artifacts that chronicle the city's past.

Continue your journey towards the Maria Filotti Theater, a cultural landmark constructed in 1896. From outside you can admire the theatre’s opulent façade and envision the countless performances that have graced its stage over the years. Next, head to the vibrant Mihail Eminescu Pedestrian Street, named after Romania's beloved national poet. Wander along this charming thoroughfare and admire the 19th-century merchant houses that line its path. Visit the Church of St Michael and Gabriel, originally constructed as a mosque in 1667. This remarkable edifice was transformed into a Christian Orthodox church in 1831 following the Ottoman Empire's withdrawal from the region.

Lastly, before your return to the ship, you will step into the serene sanctuary of the Greek Church of the Annunciation, a testament to the enduring faith of Braila's Greek community. Your guide will tell you about how this sacred site is revered for its healing spring, believed to possess miraculous properties.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately three-quarter of a mile over terrain which will include cobblestones and up to 20 steps. There is a total standing and/or walking time of approximately one-and-a-half-hours.

1½ hours

Pleven, a city in northern Bulgaria, resembles a museum of the Russo with many of the city’s monuments telling a story of the Turkish war which liberated Bulgaria from Turkish domination in 1878. Enjoy a scenic drive to this historic city, showing you some key highlights, such as the Pleven Panorama on the Balkan Peninsula, and gain an insight into the siege of the city through artwork and architecture.

Explore this Russian-Turkish war museum independently, with the opportunity to discover its four halls and find out more about the battlefield this site was built on. Next, you can join a guided walking tour past the Vit River, in Pleven, to see the St Nicholas orthodox church.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over mainly flat terrain with some cobblestones. Some areas, during the walking section also have a gentle incline. On the visit to St Nicolas Orthodox Church, a significant number of steps are required, however as this is a short stop, you may choose to remain outside instead if you wish. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately two hours. Lunch will be provided onboard on your return to the ship.

5 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

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