Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas cruise. (D)

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

MOHÁCS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. In the afternoon, you can visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. You will also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas Market in front of Town Hall. Alternatively, you can travel to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács. (B,L,D)

Mohács is a historic town in southern Hungary, situated on the right bank of the Danube River near the border with Croatia. It is most famous globally for the Battle of Mohács (1526), a pivotal event that led to 150 years of Ottoman rule in Hungary. Today, it is a peaceful river port known for its vibrant cultural traditions and memorial sites.

VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Explore this historic Croatian city of Vukovar on a city tour, where you may see sites such as the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. Alternatively, you may see Osijek on a guided tour. For a more active excursion, enjoy a guided bike tour of Vukovar. In the afternoon, wine connoisseurs will want to sample Croatia’s famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines during a special tasting excursion. You can also choose to explore the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. (B,L,D)

The Croatian city of Vukovar is located in the east of the country and is characterized by the Baroque era. The historical center of the city is therefore worth a visit. Very famous is also the Grand Hotel "Radnicki dom". You should not miss the baroque castle Eltz and the oldest and most famous water tower in Croatia. Also a stop at the church of St. Philip with the attached Franciscan monastery is recommended..

BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. You’ll have time to explore Belgrade’s Winter Fest in the main square and its holiday treats, colorful Christmas Market stalls, concerts and more. Alternatively, you can opt for more active excursions with either a hike to Belgrade Fortress or a guided bike tour through Belgrade. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian brandy, Šlivovitz, paired with delicious local delights, at the Quburich Distillery. Or discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” on a full-day walking tour to Dunavski Park, through Stari Grad, the Old Town center, and the Petrovaradin Fortress, originally built to defend against the Ottoman Turks, but now home to summertime festivals and beautiful views of the Danube below. (B,L,D)

The "white city", so the translation of the Serbian name Beograd, is anything but colorless. Its troubled pastshapes the Balkan metropolis. The scars of this time belong as much a part of the cityscape as the spirit of optimism that can be felt and seen. Belgrade is home to about 1.7 million inhabitantsner - and with the monumental Cathedral of St. Sava one of the largest Orthodox places of worship in the world. A stroll across the shopping street Knez Mihailova with its stores, cafés and an exciting mix of architecture leads straight to the fortress of Belgrade. Here you can not only enjoy the unique Enjoy the view down to the mouth of the Sava River, but also the quietness in the spacious Kalemegdan Park.

SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)

VIDIN, BULGARIA. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, then explore Vidin on a guided walking tour, where you will also have the opportunity to visit the city’s Christmas Market. For a taste of local cuisine, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. Alternatively, you can bike through Vidin or enjoy a wine tasting at a local boutique winery. (B,L,D)

The Bulgarian city of Vidin is located in the northwest of the country on the Danube River. It is considered one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria and you can find many influences of both Celts and Romans and Ottomans in the city. Worth seeing is especially the medieval fortress from the 13th century called "Baba Vida". Also a visit to the cathedral "Sveti Dimitir" or the mosque "Mustafa-Pasha" are recommended..

ROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D)

Ruse is a major Bulgarian port city on the Danube River near the Romanian border, known as "Little Vienna" for its 19th-century Neo-Baroque architecture, Freedom Square, and the Sexaginta Prista fortress. It serves as a key cultural hub featuring the "March Music Days" festival, a 19th-century history, and close proximity to the Rusenski Lom Nature Park.

GIURIU – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)