Gems of Eastern Europe Land & River Cruise

Day One

Depart the USA - Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Bucharest, Romania.

Day Two

Bucharest, Romania - Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The day is at leisure to begin discovering this historic city on your own.

Day Three

Bucharest – Brasov - Get ready for the start of your Transylvanian adventure! Depart by coach for the town of Brasov, a pleasant mix of traditional medieval charm and modern city life, in the center of Transylvania. En route, visit the world renown 14th-century Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, perched atop a hill, looking like it’s from the pages of a fairytale book. Explore the castle, believed to be home to Vlad the Impaler, discover the secrets held within the walls, and decide for yourself if the dark tales are truth or legend.

Day Four

Brasov - A walking tour includes the St Nicholas Church and a visit of the First Romanian School Museum, leading centers of the Romanian community. The museum houses the oldest Romanian bible, printed on goats’ skin. Stroll through Brasov’s historical medieval center, learning of its German heritage, and visit Black Church, the largest Gothic church east of Vienna.

Day Five

Brasov -The final day in Brasov is left free of planned activities for relaxation or independent plans.

Day Six

Brasov – Bucharest - After breakfast return to Bucharest by coach, traveling through the Carpathian Mountains. Stop in Sinaia, known as the ‘Pearl of the Carpathians’ and home to one of Romania’s most beautiful palaces - Peles Castle. A tour of the palace showcases some of its opulent decor and invaluable collections of art and furniture. Lunch is included during the excursion before arriving in Bucharest for on overnight.

Day Seven

Bucharest / Giurgiu, Romania - Begin the day with a guided city tour where you learn about some of Bucharest’s highlights as the coach takes you on a panoramic drive. See the iconic Palace of Parliament and Triumph Arch. Visit the Spring Palace, former mansion of Nicolae Ceau?escu. Spared from the 1989 uprising that overthrew the dictator, the rooms exude opulence and remain as they were over 30 years ago. Following the tour, enjoy free time for lunch on your own. Journey by coach from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome awaits from your Captain and crew onboard your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. The ship sails to Rousse this evening.
EmeraldPLUS: Evening choir concert onboard

Day Eight

Rousse, Bulgaria - After arrival in Rousse, depart on an included walking tour. A local guide will tell about the city’s history and point out some of the highlights.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided hike to Ivanovo Church

Day Nine

Vidin, Bulgaria - A morning arrival brings you to Vidin in northwest Bulgaria. One of the oldest towns along the Bulgarian Danube, it prospers from its surrounding countryside, renowned for wine production. The day begins with an included tour of a vineyard and the opportunity to sample the local vintage. After a picturesque drive through the Bulgarian countryside, arrive at the medieval Baba Vida Fortress. During the guided tour, see the three fully-preserved towers and original battlements of the city’s main attraction. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Belogradchik Fortress, also known as Kaleto, on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Initially used as a lookout point, it is believed to have been built by Romans, utilizing the already existing rocky landscape.
EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Belogradchik Fortress (instead of included tour)

Day Ten

Donji Milanovac – Golubac, Serbia / Iron Gates - Embark on an incredible journey to the archaeological excavation site of Lepinski Vir. Located on the Danube in the Djerdap Gorge, near the town of Donji Milanovac, this Paleolithic site showcases a history spanning more than 8 millennia. Archaeologists have used this site to track the development of prehistoric culture in Europe and numerous Stone Age settlements have been found in the area. Re-embark the ship in Golubac following the excursion and enjoy the rest of the day sailing along the Danube River. Be sure to be on deck as you sail through the Iron Gates - the narrow gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains, boasting spectacular scenery.

Day Eleven

Belgrade - Today’s adventure begins with a guided walking tour of this vibrant capital city, showcasing the historic and architectural aspects. Alternatively, learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city. After dinner, you’re in for a treat as a dance troupe comes aboard and performs a folklore show featuring dances from various parts of the country.
EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour (instead of city tour)
EmeraldPLUS: Evening Serbian folklore show onboard

Day Twelve

Vukovar, Croatia - Enjoy the morning in Vukovar or explore the Vucedol Culture Museum on the DiscoverMORE excursion. This afternoon, for a truly life-enriching experience, you are taken to the homes of local villagers for a home-hosted lunch. Enjoy this fantastic opportunity to share a typical meal with them and learn about their life, local culture, and customs. It’s sure to be a highlight of your cruise!
EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian Family

Day Thirteen

Kalocsa, Hungary - This morning, the ship arrives in Kalocsa, one of Hungary’s oldest towns and famous for the production of paprika. Visit a local Puszta Horse Farm during an included excursion. Watch a performance showcasing the exceptional riding skills of Magyar cowboys and the “tricks” of the horses themselves. Reboard the ship and enjoy your final afternoon onboard sailing to Budapest. Be sure to be on deck this evening as the ship arrives in Budapest to witness the beauty of the city aglow in nighttime splendor.
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to a Puszta Horse Farm
EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard

Day Fourteen

Budapest / USA - Bid a fond farewell to Eastern Europe as you depart on the transfer to the airport and return home with memories of life-enriching experiences from your cruise along the lower Danube River.

FB=Full Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner