Enjoy a 7-day southern Danube River Cruise
on the AmaCerto
September 6 - 13, 2020
7-Night Gems of Southeast Europe Danube AmaWaterways River Cruise with pre-cruise and post-cruise options Cruise begins: September 6, 2020 *Cruise Prices start at $3,499 per person (until 12/31/19 - then $3,749) Does not include air. Pre-cruise begins September 4, 2020 Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to see Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends; or to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. 
Budapest, Hungary
Novi Sad, Serbia
Belgrade, Serbia
King Decebalus near Iron Gate
Baba Vida Fortress
Sailing along the lower Danube
Bucharest Parliment building
Contact Cindy@alfrescotravel.com
or 775-750-7851 to reserve your spot. |
7-NIGHT RIVER CRUISE WITH OPTION OF 2 NIGHTS IN VIENNA OR BUDAPEST PRE-CRUISE AND 2 NIGHTS EACH IN BRASOV AND BUCHAREST OR 3 NIGHTS IN ISTANBUL POST-CRUISE Gems of Southeast Europe AT A GLANCE On our cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and Special Interest Tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder. DAY 1 Budapest EMBARKATION Illuminations Cruise Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. During the evening, be treated to an Illuminations cruise. DAY 2 Budapest Scenic cruising Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then 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. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. DAY 3 VukovarCity tour and Eltz Castle Novi Sad“The Athens of Serbia” walking tour Evening Petrovaradin Fortress visit Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you’ll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. DAY 4 Belgrade“The City by Two Rivers” tour Royal Palace and Tito’s Memorial tour Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes 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, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. DAY 5 Iron Gates Full-day scenic cruising 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. DAY 6 Vidin Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik 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. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. DAY 7 Rousse Veliko Tarnovo excursion Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. 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. DAY 8 Giurgiu DISEMBARKATION Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B) Or extend your trip with a Post-Cruise adventure to Transylvania and Bucharest or Istanbul. |
