ec-Days 8 thru 15

Days 8 to 15

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Day 8 - November 3, 2009 - Tuesday: Vidin, Bulgaria (B,L,D) Today we will enjoy a leisurely day of cruising the Danube (above), arriving in the late afternoon in Vidin (lower right

The “Bada Vida” fortress sits guard over the Danube at the Bulgarian frontier town of Vidin. The 14th-century castle has thick walls and dark towers, which contrast with the natural surroundings of the park it sits within.

Day 9 - November 4, 2009 - Wednesday: Iron Gates on the Danube (B,L,D) Today is a full day of cruising through one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates (upper left). Here the Danube narrows, as it winds through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the northwestern foothills of the Balkan Mountains. Forming the natural border between Serbia and Romania, today’s passage will be an unforgettable highlight of your Black Sea adventure.

Day 10 - November 5, 2009 - Thursday: Belgrade, Serbia (B,L,D) This morning we arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia (upper right), where we have a chance to explore both the old and the new town. Our guided tour features Tito's memorial, the Town Hall, the Federal Parliament Building (upper left), Terazije Street, Republic Square and Mihajlova street, "Varos" Gate and the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress.

Day 11 - November 6, 2009 - Friday: Vukovar, Croatia (B,L,D) Novi Sad is dominated by its huge fortress, Petrovaradin (upper right), guarding the Danube. The antiquity of Novi Sad can be traced back to the Romans and Byzantines, but, it was the 13th-century Tartar invasion that resulted in the building of the original fortress. Ruled by the Ottoman Turks for 150 years, it was captured by the Austrian army during the Great Turkish War and rebuilt to modern standards. After our visit, we continue to Vukovar, Croatia (upper left). Vukovar is situated in Eastern Slavonia at the confluence of the Vuka and Danube Rivers. Vukovar’s rich history is a result of the many battles fought by the Austrians, Ottoman Turks, Germans, Croatians and Serbians. During our city tour, we will see the Franciscan Monastery of St.John Capistrano, the Manorhouse Eltz and the St. James and the St.Nicholas churches.

Day 12 - November 7, 2009 - Saturday: Pecs, Hungary (B,L,D) This morning the ship arrives in Mohacs, where we depart for the excursion to Pecs (upper left). Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. The area around Pecs is made up of rolling hills, vine clad slopes and a modest climate that give the city a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Upon arrival, there is a walking tour during which you will see the Synagogue and visit the former Turkish Mosque and Christian Basilica (upper right)..

Day 13 - November 8, 2009 - Sunday: Budapest, Hungary (B,L) This morning, we will disembark the ship and enjoy a sightseeing tour to The Puszta. The Puszta is the region of Hungary most widely known throughout the world. The vast flat Great Hungarian Plain stretches across to the east, where Hungarian cowboys (upper left) still wear traditional garb and practice the skills of their Magyar ancestors. Upon arrival, we will be met by horse-herds and greeted with warm hospitality, brandy and scones. We then return to Budapest to check into our 5 star Kempinski Hotel (upper right) with its striking modern architecture - a symbol of modern Budapest - which is situated in the centre of the financial and shopping district, only a few steps from the Danube.

Day 14 - November 9, 2008 - Monday: Budapest, Hungary (B) This morning’s tour of Budapest (above and below left) includes historic Buda Castle, where we have a splendid view of the twin cities of Buda and Pest spread over both banks of the river. Our tour also features 500-year old Matthias Church, St. Stephen’s Basilica, distinctive Fisherman’s Bastion, the marvelous Royal Palace and much more. The balance of the day is at our leisure. Perhaps explore the shops of Pest or ancient Buda.

Day 15 - November 10, 2008 - Tuesday: Budapest, Hungary (B, L, D) Early this morning we transfer to the airport for our flight home. We leave the Budapest Ferihegy International Airport (BUD) above right on Lufthansa Airlines Flight 3449 at 6:25 a.m. bound for Frankfurt where we arrive at 8:10 a.m. We then board our comfortable state-of-the-art Airbus A340-300 Lufthansa’s flight 438 at 10:20 a.m. returning to DFW at 2:30 p.m. It is also possible to return to other Lufthansa based airports in the United States from Budapest. When you make your reservations, please let me know if an airport other than DFW might be more convenient.

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