Gems of Eastern Europe

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Budapest, Hungary.

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. Flights are to arrive prior to 5:00pm. The day is at leisure to begin discovering this capital city and become acquainted with the amenities of the ship. This evening, enjoy an authentic Hungarian folklore show onboard, followed by a traditional dinner. Meal: D EmeraldPLUS: Traditional Hungarian folklore show onboard

This morning, the ship arrives in Kalocsa, one of Hungary’s oldest towns and famous for the production of paprika. Following lunch onboard, 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. This evening, enjoy a welcome reception and dinner onboard. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Visit to a Puszta Horse Farm

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! Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Home-hosted lunch with a Croatian Family DiscoverMORE: Vucedol Culture Museum (additional expense)

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. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure in port, or join an optional excursion to the National Opera Theatre for a backstage tour. 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. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldACTIVE: Guided bike tour (instead of city tour) DiscoverMORE*: National Opera Theatre Tour (additional expense) DiscoverMORE*: Routes of Nikola Tesla (additional expense) EmeraldPLUS: Evening Serbian folklore show onboard *these excursions operate simultaneously; only one can be selected

The day begins as you 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 at Donji Milanovac following the excursion and enjoy a leisurely 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. Meals: B, L, D DiscoverMORE: Golubac Castle Visit (additional expense)

A morning arrival brings you to Vidin in northwest Bulgaria. One of the oldest towns along the Bulgarian Danube, it prospers from the surrounding countryside and is 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. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldACTIVE: Hike to Belogradchik Fortress (instead of included tour) DiscoverMORE: Traditional Bulgarian pastry-making (additional expense)

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. Meals: B, L, D EmeraldPLUS: Evening choir concert onboard EmeraldACTIVE*: Guided hike to Ivanovo Church DiscoverMORE*: Full-day tour to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi (additional expense) DiscoverMORE**: Paint & Wine (additional expense) *These excursions overlap; only one can be selected **This excursion overlaps with the other DiscoverMORE; only one can be selected

This morning, disembark the ship in Giurgiu and journey by coach to Romania’s capital, Bucharest. Upon arrival, an included panoramic tour showcases the highlights of the city as you pass the Palace of Parliament and Triumph Arch. Visit the Spring Palace, former mansion of Nicolae Ceauşescu. 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 the remainder of the day at leisure. Meal: B

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! Meals: B, L

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. Meal: B DiscoverMORE: Prejmer & Harman UNESCO fortified churches (additional expense)

The final day in Brasov is left free of planned activities for relaxation or independent plans. Meal: B DiscoverMORE: Sighisoara & Viscri Village (additional expense)

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 the final night. Meals: B, L

Bid a fond farewell to Eastern Europe as you depart for the airport and return home with memories of life-enriching experiences. Meal: B