Day 1: Vienna, Austria – Embark Ship
You can board the ship from 6:00 p.m. and settle into your cabin. Once you’re comfortable, join us for a welcome cocktail, where you’ll meet the crew and your fellow travellers. This is a great opportunity to relax and get to know the people you’ll be cruising with. In the evening, you have the option to attend a Viennese concert (subject to availability), where you can experience the city’s rich musical heritage.
MEALS: Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 2: Vienna – Bratislava, Slovakia
Start your day in Vienna with an optional excursion to explore the city’s rich history and culture. If you choose the Classic option, enjoy a guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace, the stunning former summer residence of Austrian emperors, surrounded by magnificent gardens. (Pre-booking is required.) If you prefer the Discovery option, immerse yourself in the high art of Viennese living with a guided stroll through the city, a backstage visit to the Konzerthaus concert hall, and a relaxing break to enjoy a Vienna coffee and pastry.
After the morning excursions, we’ll set sail for Bratislava. In the afternoon, you can choose to join another optional excursion. The Classic option offers a guided tour of Bratislava, where you’ll explore the charming old town and taste some local specialties. The Discovery option takes you on a hike through the Little Carpathians, starting at Devin Castle, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the city.
After your time in Bratislava, return to the ship as we continue cruising towards Budapest.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 3: Budapest, Hungary
This morning, we’ll arrive in Budapest, a city that was once two separate towns—Buda and Pest—before merging in 1873. You can join an optional guided tour to explore both sides of this UNESCO-listed capital. Buda, on one side of the river, is known for its rolling hills, historic castle, and breathtaking views. Pest, on the other side, offers grand boulevards, bustling markets, and stunning panoramas along the Danube.
In the afternoon, you’re free to explore at your own pace or join an optional excursion (not included in the package). You can unwind at the Gellért Baths and Spa, famous for its thermal pools and Art Nouveau architecture, or visit the Budapest Market Halls, where you’ll find fresh produce, local delicacies, and traditional Hungarian crafts.
In the evening, experience traditional Hungarian entertainment on an optional excursion, where you’ll enjoy live music and cultural performances. After a memorable day in Budapest, the ship will continue cruising overnight towards the next destination.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 4: Kalocsa – Novi Sad, Serbia
This morning, we’ll arrive in Kalocsa, one of Hungary’s oldest towns, known for its rich history and paprika production. You can join an optional excursion to explore the Puszta, the vast Pannonian steppe grasslands. Here, you’ll experience a traditional horse show, where skilled riders demonstrate impressive equestrian skills that have been passed down for generations.
After returning to the ship, we’ll continue cruising towards Mohács and then on to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city. Enjoy a relaxing evening on board as we cruise through the night.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 5: Novi Sad – Belgrade
This morning, we’ll arrive in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, known for its cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. You can choose to join an optional excursion. The Classic option offers a guided tour of Novi Sad, where you’ll discover its history as an important industrial and financial hub, as well as its lively arts and music scene. If you prefer a more active experience, the Discovery option takes you on a walk to Petrovaradin Fortress. This energetic hike includes a stroll along the riverfront before climbing 200 steps to the top of the fortress, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views over the city. A light snack will be provided during the hike.
After returning to the ship, we’ll set sail for Belgrade, cruising through the afternoon. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Serbia’s capital. You can choose to join an optional excursion for a night of traditional Serbian entertainment, where you’ll experience local music, dance, and cuisine.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 6: Belgrade
Today, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Belgrade, Serbia’s vibrant capital, on an optional excursion. The Classic option takes you on a guided tour of the city, where you’ll discover its unique blend of Eastern, Slavic, and Austrian influences. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll visit key landmarks, including Terazije Square, the bustling heart of Belgrade. The city’s rich history, shaped by the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian empires, is reflected in its diverse architecture and culture.
If you prefer something more active, the Discovery option offers a guided biking tour through Belgrade. You’ll cycle along historic streets while your guide shares stories about the city’s past, from World War II to modern times. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to the ship and begin cruising towards Donji Milanovac, allowing you time to relax on board and take in the scenic views along the Danube.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 7: The Iron Gates
Today, you’ll spend the entire day cruising along the Danube, passing through one of its most breathtaking natural wonders—the Iron Gates. This dramatic gorge forms part of the border between Serbia and Romania and is one of the most spectacular stretches of the river.
As we navigate through the narrow passage, you’ll see towering steep cliffs on either side, creating a striking contrast against the water. Ancient sailors once called this area “The Cauldrons” because the fast-moving water, squeezed between the cliffs, appeared to be boiling. Keep an eye out for the Tabula Traiana, a Roman-era marble plaque on the Serbian riverbank. This historic monument commemorates the ancient Roman road that once connected Rome to the province of Dacia.
Enjoy a relaxing day on board, soaking in the stunning views from the sun deck or enjoying the ship’s amenities as we continue our journey down the Danube.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 8: Ruse, Bulgaria
This morning, we’ll arrive in Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s largest port cities, known for its elegant architecture and rich history. You can choose to join an optional excursion to explore the Rusenski Lom River Valley. This stunning canyon landscape is home to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a UNESCO-listed site featuring monolithic churches, chapels, and monasteries carved directly into the rock. These ancient structures date back to the 13th century and are famous for their well-preserved frescoes.
Alternatively, you can opt for a guided tour of Ruse, where you’ll stroll through the city’s grand squares, neoclassical buildings, and lively streets. Often called “Little Vienna”, Ruse boasts beautiful 19th-century architecture influenced by Austro-Hungarian styles.
In the evening, return to the ship for dinner and a night of traditional entertainment on board, celebrating the local culture with music and performances.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 9: Ruse – Giurgiu, Romania – Cernavoda
This morning, we’ll continue our journey as the ship cruises towards Giurgiu, a historic port city on the Romanian side of the Danube. From here, you can join an optional excursion to Bucharest, Romania’s lively capital.
On this guided tour, you’ll discover Bucharest’s fascinating mix of architectural styles. Explore Curtea Veche, the ruins of a 15th-century palace built during the reign of Vlad III Dracula, the inspiration behind the Dracula legend. You’ll also see ornate Orthodox churches, elegant Empire-style manor houses, imposing Communist-era buildings, and the massive Palace of Parliament (viewed from the outside, entrance fees not included).
After a day of exploring, we’ll return to the ship in Cernavoda. In the evening, enjoy a lively night of dancing on board, a perfect way to unwind as we continue cruising.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 10: Cernavoda – Danube-Black Sea Canal – Constanta
This morning, you’ll cruise along the Danube-Black Sea Canal, a massive engineering project completed during the Communist era. This canal, stretching 64 kilometres, connects the Danube River to the Black Sea and plays a key role in Romania’s trade and transport.
By late morning, we’ll arrive in Constanta, Romania’s most famous port city on the Black Sea coast. You can choose to join an optional guided tour to explore Constanta’s rich history. Once an important Greek trading post, the city has preserved many fascinating relics, including a remarkable 3rd-century Roman mosaic. As you stroll through the charming old town, you’ll discover its unique mix of influences, from ancient ruins to grand seafront buildings, including the rococo-style casino, which stands proudly against the coastal winds.
After exploring Constanta, you’ll travel to Murfatlar, a region on the Dobrogean plateau, known for its award-winning vineyards. Here, you’ll enjoy a wine tasting in a local cellar, sampling Romania’s famous Chardonnay and other regional wines.
In the evening, return to the ship for a folklore performance on board, where you can experience traditional Romanian music and dance. The ship will remain docked overnight, giving you time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 11: Constanta – Cernavoda – Oltenita
Today, you’ll enjoy a full day of sailing along the Danube-Black Sea Canal, an impressive engineering project that took decades to complete. Construction began in the 1950s, and the canal was officially opened in 1984. At 64 kilometres long, it is the third longest canal in the world, after the Suez and Panama Canals.
This is the perfect opportunity to relax on the sun deck, take in the peaceful scenery, and enjoy the ship’s amenities. Throughout the day, you can also join onboard activities designed to enhance your cruising experience.
In the evening, we’ll celebrate our journey with a special gala dinner, featuring a delicious meal and a lively atmosphere. After dinner, the ship will sail overnight towards Oltenita, our final destination.
MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
OVERNIGHT: MS Vivaldi or MS L’Europe
Day 12: Oltenita – Disembark Ship
We’ll arrive in Oltenita early in the morning. Take your time to enjoy a final buffet breakfast on board, reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve experienced. At 9:00 a.m., it will be time to disembark and say goodbye to the crew and your fellow travellers.
Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable cruise. We hope you leave with wonderful memories and a desire to explore more of the world’s great rivers.
MEALS: Breakfast
