AMAWATERWAYS
13 Days | Gems of Southeast Europe with Budapest
Westbound

BUCHAREST TO BUDAPEST

Day 1 | Bucharest, Romania. Arrive in Bucharest and check in to your lovely hotel.

Day 2 | Bucharest. Explore Romania’s sophisticated capital Bucharest, sometimes referred to as the “Little Paris of the East” thanks to its wide boulevards and beautiful Arc de Triomphe. Tour the city’s most impressive sites—including the historic city center and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world. (B)

Day 3 | Bucharest. Sinaia. Brasov. En route to Brașov, stop in the charming town of Sinaia where you will tour Transylvania’s legendary Peleș Castle, a masterpiece of German new-Renaissance architecture, which was once the residence of the royal family. It is considered to be among the most stunning in Europe. Continue on to the lovely village of Brașov, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy a tour. (B)

Day 4 | Brasov. Embark. Giurgiu. Journey through the Romanian countryside via a motorcoach to Bran, where you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, which is forever linked with the legend of Dracula. After touring the castle, continue your journey on to Giurgiu where you’ll board your luxury ship. (B)

Day 5 | Giurgiu. Rousse. Step back into ancient history by touring Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, and its legendary medieval fortress and orthodox temples. Or opt to venture to the stunning city of Rousse, sometimes called Little Vienna for its breathtaking 19th- and 20th-century Neo- Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture and then afterwards marvel at the UNESCO-designated Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings and Bulgarian medieval art. (B,L,D)

Day 6 | 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 overlooking the Danube. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, be welcomed into a local home for a demonstration and tasting of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a delicious pastry with filo dough and cheese. Or you can choose to bike through Vidin for a more active adventure and see the castle. (B,L,D)

Day 7 | Scenic Cruising on the Danube. Iron Gates. The dramatic Iron Gates stretches between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming the boundary between Romania and Serbia and is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders along the Danube River. The ancient Serbian king, King Decebalus, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. (B,L,D)

Day 8 | Belgrade, Serbia. Discover the wonders of Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour with highlights that include the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later, choose from three intriguing excursions. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, the first President of Yugoslavia. Or savor a taste of Šlivovitz, Serbian plum brandy, and other delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. Or join a guided bike tour for those wishing a more active adventure. (B,L,D)

Day 9 | Novi Sad. Vukovar, Croatia. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad to explore why some have called the city the “Serbian Athens” and see Dunavski Park and Stari Grad, the Old Town center. Or join a guided biking or hiking tour and enjoy a more active exploration. In the evening, you’ll be captivated by the legendary Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. Back on board, cruise to Vukovar, the Croatian symbol of resistance. See history come to life as you visit the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Palace. Or you could indulge in a Croatian wine tasting by choosing to visit Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, and sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)

Day 10 | Pecs, Hungary. Mohacs. A scenic morning cruise will bring us into Hungary and the town of 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. (B,L,D)

Day 11 | Budapest. Disembark. Disembark your ship in Budapest and head for Puszta, the vast flat Great Hungarian Plain which stretches across to the East. Here, you can find Hungarian cowboys still wearing traditional dress and practicing the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Tour a genuine Hungarian csárda (farm) run by the carriage-drive world champion brothers Lazar and witness a unique, unforgettable performance of Hungarian horsemanship. Experience a traditional lunch served with Goulash before returning to Budapest to check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day to explore this beautiful city. (B,L)

Day 12 | Budapest. Enjoy a city tour of one of the most dazzling capitals of Europe as you sightsee in both the “Buda” and “Pest” sides. Visit the UNESCO listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Houses of Parliament, the beautifully colorful Matthias Church and the Chain Bridge. (B)

Day 13 | Budapest. Bid farewell to Budapest as you prepare for your flight home. (B)

NOTE: Itinerary is subject to change without notice. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the itinerary schedule you receive with your final documents.

WESTBOUND ITINERARY 13 DAYS | GEMS OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE WITH BUDAPEST Click HERE to view 13-day EASTBOUND itinerary.