Transylvania and the Danube

Godollo Palace

Visit Godollo Palace, the second largest baroque palace in the world. This grandiose former summer residence of Queen Elisabeth and Franz Joseph, the Hapsburg Emperor and King of Hungary between 1867-1916, fully reflects their resplendent lifestyle. Explore the interior of the palace, and the beautiful gardens, and gain an insight into the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Walking Grade 2

Four hours

Kalocsa and Puszta

Find out more about the Hungarian way of life with a visit to the Folk Art House to see wall and furniture painting in a former peasant’s cottage. You’ll also learn about the significance of the favourite regional spice with a visit to the Paprika Museum. Having learnt about flavouring you’ll sample typical Hungarian cuisine with lunch at the Inn of Bakod Puszta. Later enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, followed by a performance of Hungarian horsemanship. The harmony between the horsemen and horses, the elegant carriage and the breathtaking sight of a team of eight horses ridden together, all add up to an unforgettable experience. Refreshments are served during the performance.

Walking Grade 2

Full day

Pleven Panoramic

Enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque Danubian Plain to the town of Pleven, which stands on the River Vit, a tributary of the Danube. The town is famous for the Siege of Pleven in 1877, one of the most decisive victories in the War of Liberation that freed Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Known as Sorgoziya in Roman times, it has Thracian origins. See the Pleven Epopee 1877, a vast circular painting representing the Siege of Pleven and based on Moscow's Borodin Panorama. Opened to the public on the centenary of the siege in 1977, it's one of the largest, panoramic paintings in the world. Later take a stroll through the town centre and partake of a glass of Bulgarian wine in the Balkan Hotel. Wine Tasting included.

Walking Grade 3

Four-and-a-half hours

Veliko Tarnovo

One of Bulgaria’s most stunning medieval towns, Veliko Tarnovo perches astride three hills overlooking the dramatic gorge of the river Yantra. Here you’ll see the ancient fortress of Tsarevets with its far-reaching walls that encircle the Royal Palace, the Church of the Blessed Saviour, and the monastery with its grisly Execution Rock. Explore Veliko Tarnovo’s winding historic streets and admire the commanding views before enjoying lunch at a typical Bulgarian restaurant. If time permits, you may also visit the nearby town of Arbanassi, home to quaint, painted churches and unusual, fortress-style houses.

Walking Grade 3. Lunch Included.

Six hours

Lazar Equestrian Park Horse Farm

Travel by coach from Budapest to the Lazar Equestrian Park, owned by the world champion horse and carriage drivers, the Lazar brothers. After a warm welcome and refreshments of freshly-baked leavened biscuits and palinka - Hungarian brandy - you'll take your seats for a fascinating show demonstrating exceptional horsemanship: there'll be commentary in English to explain about the horses and the skills required. Afterwards you have the opportunity to take a carriage ride around the park, followed by a walk through the yard, typical of a Hungarian village, where you can see various local breeds of livestock. You also have the chance to visit the stables where the Lazar's champion horses are kept. Walking Grade 1

Two-and-a-half hours

Tour of Rousse

Drive to the village of Ivanovo in the Rusenski Lom Natural Park, named after the river which has carved canyons and caves through the limestone rock over many hundreds of years. The Park is renowned for being the site of around 300 historic churches and chapels built out of rock by monks in the 12th-century. The location was chosen so they could worship in silence and solitude and it was not until 100 years ago that their ruins were discovered by archaeologists. One structure – The Church of the Holy Mother – was perfectly preserved, featuring colourful murals from the 14th century, and has now been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After visiting the church you can look forward to a short bus ride to a local family-run winery where you can look forward to a tasting and a snack of Banitsa, the Bulgarian national dish, while enjoying superb views over the Danube and the surrounding vineyards. Your tour concludes with a walking tour of central Rousse, taking in the architectural and historic highlights.

Walking Grade 3

Three-and-a-half hours

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE

Budapest Culinary Walking Tour

Your tour begins with a tram ride to the First Strudel House, where you can enjoy a video about the traditions of strudel-making in Hungary followed by a live demonstration of how to prepare, stretch and fill the dough – with instructions in English. Perhaps try your own hand at the skill and then relax with a hot drink while you wait for your creations to bake. After enjoying your strudel, take a walk through the city to enjoy some authentic chimney cake and after a brief stop continue to the Central Market Hall where you can try some authentic Hungarian salami before you return to your ship by tram. Walking Grade 4

Please be advised that this excursion is PRE BOOKABLE ONLY up to 14 days before departure and has a minimum number of 7, if this is not reached then the excursion may be cancelled. This excursion may run at the same time as an included one, if this is the case the cost of the included will have been deducted from the selling price.

Four hours