Follow the path of the Black Sea as it makes its way to the
coast, and soak up the very best of Eastern Europe. Then experience
the magic of the blue Danube, from the twin-cities of Buda and Pest
to the elegance of Vienna. This tour is operated by our
sister company Great Rail Journeys.
Highlights
14-night cruise on board the Amadeus Silver II
Bucharest
Danube Delta
Serbia
Puszta tour
Budapest
Bratislava
Vienna
Salzburg
What’s Included
Standard Class Rail
1 nights' hotel accommodation in Bucharest
14-night cruise on board the Amadeus Silver II 15 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 15 Dinners
After meeting your group in London, this evening you'll take a
direct flight to Bucharest, the lively capital city of Romania. We
set out on a guided city tour on Day 2,
discovering the palaces, remains of medieval homes and 21st century
modernist skyscrapers that all mesh together to make for a
remarkable and surprising destination. We transfer to our ship this
afternoon, the Amadeus Silver II, where we're welcomed with a drink
and five-course dinner.
We hop aboard some smaller safari boats today for a nature
cruise through the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta. This specialist
biosphere reserve is jam-packed with wildlife, including many rare
and endangered species such as golden jackal, European hoopoe,
whitetailed eagle and lesser-spotted woodpecker. Back on board we
enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing to Fetesti.
After breakfast on Day 4, we're driven by coach
to the historic city of Constanta for a guided tour. Here we
uncover Constanta's ancient history from its Greek origins to its
Roman ancestry and Persian influences. Afterwards we begin sailing
towards Ruse, in Bulgaria, docking on Day 5 for an
excursion to Veliko Tarnovo. Day 6 is spent at
leisure on board as we make our way towards Belgrade.During the
afternoon we pass through the 'Iron Gate' Gorge.
We moor in the Serbian capital of Belgrade this morning, heading
out on a guided walking tour to see the attractions of a city whose
varied history can be documented through its architecture.
Afterwards you are free to continue sightseeing, or do a little
shopping, independently.
Following lunch on board we set sail for Mohács, close to the
Hungarian border, embarking on a puszta tour by coach on
Day 8. The puszta itself is an area of Hungary
defined by its grassland ecosystem set amongst the Great Hungarian
Plains, and which has a certain 'wild west' feel to it. We visit
paprika house and continue to the former home of a wealthy 19th
century family, where we are treated to a performance of
traditional folk music and dancing before heading out into the
great plains to meet Hungarian half-blood horses. We meet the
Amadeus Silver II in Kalocsa, ahead of tonight's gala dinner.
Enter the handsome city of Budapest in the most elegant way
possible. You have some free time to go sightseeing and a light
lunch will be available. This evening, stay aboard the Amadeus
Silver II for a Budapest illuminations tour, followed by a
traditional Hungarian folklore show. Day 10
includes a guided coach tour as well as sailing along the Danube
Bend.
Your morning is at leisure before we moor up early this
afternoon. After lunch, we set out on a guided coach tour of the
Slovakian capital, a picture-postcard destination which boasts
historic Gothic buildings and a wealth of museums and galleries.
The historic centre features delightful cobblestoned roads, 18th
century rococo buildings and street cafés galore. After a calm
night of cruising, we arrive in glorious Vienna for a sightseeing
tour on Day 12. Tonight we are joined by musicians
from the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for an exclusive, private
recital.
Today we reach Austria's Wachau Valley, arriving at the idyllic
village of Dürnstein before journeying by coach to Melk Abbey. On
Day 14 there's a choice of excursions. Discover
the Austrian lakes, or travel by coach to Salzburg for a guided
sightseeing tour.
Regensburg is our port of call on Day 15, which
we explore on foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that
testify to its history as a trading centre which had a huge
influence on the whole region from the 9th century onwards. Back on
board tonight, we attend the Captain's gala dinner, a chance to don
our evening wear and celebrate our cruise experience. On
Day 16 we disembark after breakfast to start the
journey back to the UK by rail, or air if you prefer. First we
travel by rail from Passau to Frankfurt, continuing on to Brussels,
and joining the Eurostar service to London.
Begin today at London St Pancras, where you'll meet your Tour
Manager as well of the rest of your group, to start your journey to
Europe. Board the Eurostar travelling to Brussels, then change for
the service to Nuremberg, via Cologne.
On Day 2 we make the short walk back to
Nuremberg station for the train to Paasau. On arriving in Passau,
we meet the Amadeus Queen or Silver II and are welcomed with a
cocktail in the lounge before dinner.
Regensberg is our port of call this morning, which we
explore on foot. This medieval town contains many buildings that
testify to its history as a trading centre and to its influence on
the whole region from the 9th century onwards. We enjoy dinner back
on board tonight.
Melk Abbey & Salzburg or the Austrian Lake District
Today we have a choice of excursions. You could head further
into the countryside for a day spent amidst the spectacular scenery
of the Austrian lakes or travel by coach to Salzburg, via Mondsee,
for a sightseeing tour.
On Day 5 we reach Austria's Wachau Valley,
a famous wine-making region. We arrive in the idyllic village of
Dürnstein where you have time at leisure before we begin cruising
along the picturesque Wachau Valley. We then enjoy an excursion to
Melk Abbey.
We arrive into glorious Vienna for a comprehensive sightseeing
tour. This is a chance to relish in Austria's Imperial heritage,
one full of tradition and rich in architectural, artistic and
musical heritage. Tonight a real treat awaits us on board, where
after dinner we are joined by musicians from the Vienna
Philharmonic Orchestra for an exclusive, private recital.
Your morning is at leisure aboard before we moor up early this
afternoon. After lunch, we set out on a guided coach tour of
Slovakian capital. Located in the foothills of the Carpathian
Mountains, Bratislava straddles the Danube which neatly divides the
city into two parts; the Baroque Old Town (Stare Mesto) and the new
city. This picture-postcard city destination historic Gothic
buildings, several universities, a wealth of museums and galleries,
and a refreshing cosmopolitan atmosphere. The historic centre
features delightful cobbled stoned roads, pedestrianised plazas,
pastel 18th century rococo buildings and street cafés galore.
Following our excursion, we return to the ship for another
delicious, 5-course dinner.
On Day 8 we arrive at the scenic
Danube Bend. This section of the river has a long and fascinating
history and from the sun deck or panoramic windows in the bar,
you'll be able to see castle ruins, churches, pretty houses hidden
in the hills and dense forests.
After lunch on board, we enjoy a guided coach tour of Budapest,
introducing us to Budapest's main sights. We pass impressive
buildings and monuments on both sides of the Danube, including the
neo-Gothic Parliament building, the magnificent State Opera House
and St Stephen's Basilica, Budapest Castle, Matthias Church and
Fishermen's Bastion. Later take in the illuminated sights as
we sail around the city. We are also treated to a performance from
a local Hungarian folk band in the
lounge. On Day
9 your morning is free to explore Budapest
before we rejoing the ship as we cruise to Kalocsa.
Embark on puszta (an area of Hungary defined by its grassland
ecosystem) tour by coach today, visiting a paprika house,
experiencing traditional folk music and meeting some Hungarian
half-blood horses.
We moor in the Serbian capital of Belgrade on today, heading out
on a guided walking tour. Following lunch on board, you are
free to continue sightseeing, or do a little shopping,
independently. Day 12 is spent at
leisure on board. During the afternoon, pass through the 'Iron
Gate' Gorge.
We begin sailing towards Ruse, in Bulgaria, docking for a guided
excursion to Veliko Tarnovo. After a free morning on Day
14, you're driven by coach to the nearby port town of
Constanta for a guided tour. A short visit to the city's History
and Archaeology Museum is also very enlightening.
Hop aboard a smaller safari boat today for a nature cruise
through the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta. This specialist biosphere
reserve is jam-packed with wildlife, including many rare and
endangered species such as the golden jackal, European hoopoe,
whitetailed eagle and lesser-spotted woodpecker.
We arrive in Burcharest this morning and set out on a guided
city tour, discovering the palaces, remains of medieval homes and
21st century modernist skyscrapers that all mesh together to make
for a remarkable and surprising destination.
You have some free time for lunch and might like to try out one
of the many al fresco restaurants tucked away amongst the tangled
network of streets and verdant parks. We transfer to our hotel for
the night.
Following breakfast on Day 17, we
disembark and make for the airport for your flight back home.
Provisional departure and return times, where available, can be
found together with dates and prices by clicking on the 'Prices
& Availability' button. We will write to you around 10
weeks before your departure date with the precise meeting times for
your tour group.
Flights from London to Bucharest and rail travel from Austria
to London
1 nights' hotel accommodation
14-night cruise with breakfast, lunch and dinner each day of
your cruise
Guided tours of Bucharest, Veliko Tarnovo, Belgrade, Budapest,
Bratislava, Vienna, Melk Abbey & Regensburg
Delta safari, Constanta, the Iron Gate Gorge & Danube
Bend
Puszta tour
On board recital from members of the Vienna Philharmonic
Orchestra
Not Included
Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the
price of the tour but can be arranged.
Although we pride ourselves on excellent service as standard,
we also firmly believe that tipping should be at the discretion of
the guest - therefore we don't include tips in the price of our
cruises, nor do we add a daily gratuity to your bill. If you do
wish to tip, an envelope will be left in your cabin on the final
evening for your convenience.
Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.
