| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
1-2
[top] |
Depart Home / Bucharest, Romania
When you arrive in Bucharest, you’ll be greeted by a Vantage Representative who will arrange your transfer to the hotel. Settle in, then gather at the hotel for a Welcome Briefing and Dinner (Or, if you like, begin your trip four days earlier with our optional Transylvania extension.)
JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel  (D) |
3
[top] |
Bucharest / Oltenita, Romania / Embark ship
Take in Bucharest’s leafy, Old World boulevards during a city tour
including the enormous People’s Palace. Afterwards, you’ll have lunch
at a restaurant here in the Romanian capital. Then it’s off to Oltenita
where your Vantage river cruise ship awaits.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
4
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Constanta
Today’s destination is the Black Sea port of Constanta, a mix of
ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine treasures that you’ll discover on
your city tour. Learn more about all that you’ve seen during a visit to
the Archeological and National History Museum. This evening you’re
invited to the Captain’s Welcome Party and Dinner on board.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
5
[top] |
Ruse (Veliko Turnôvo & Arbanassi)
A full-day tour takes you to Veliko Turnôvo, a striking city of
colorful houses perched dramatically along a winding gorge —
inspiration for a thriving artists’ colony. Cultural Connection: Then, learn about modern life in the 16th-century
village of Arbanassi by chatting with students during a restaurant
lunch. You’ll also hear an Orthodox choir perform at an Arbanassi
church. Cultural Connection: Back aboard, you’ll be delighted by a Bulgarian children’s dance group and an icon painting presentation.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
6
[top] |
Ruse, Bulgaria
Cultural Connection: A lecture examines the European Union’s
expansion to Eastern Europe. Afterwards, disembark for a tour of
ancient Ruse, founded in the 1st century ad and located at the
crossroads of Bulgarian history.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
7
[top] |
Cruising the Iron Gates
Spend the morning watching centuries of history glide by. Catch your
breath as your river ship passes a spectacular series of gorges known
as the Iron Gates of the Danube, which your ship will access through
two sets of locks. You’ll hear commentary from the Bridge explaining
the process.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
8
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Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
Cultural Connection: Attend a lecture on modern Serbia, then discover
the newly independent country’s dynamic capital, Belgrade, on a
half-day tour that features age-old Kalemegdan Fortress. You’ll be
treated to Serbian entertainment on board this evening.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
9
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Novi Sad
Discover Novi Sad, a lively city of boutiques and cafés situated on the
Danube and dramatically overshadowed by Petrovaradin Fortress. To
herald your arrival in Croatia this evening, you’ll enjoy Croatian
entertainment on board.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
10
[top] |
Vukovar (Osijek), Croatia
Cultural Connection: Following a lecture about Croatia’s struggle for
independence, you’ll disembark to tour Vukovar and the vibrant
university city of Osijek, where you’ll meet a Croatian family during
lunch in their home. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about
Croatia’s new-found independence first hand.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
11
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Kalocsa / Budapest, Hungary
Cultural Connection: Today you’ll venture into the vast Hungarian
Puszta or Great Plain, where Hungary’s grand equestrian tradition is
preserved. The scenery of the Puszta region is unique in Europe and is
protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day’s highlight is a
visit to a working horse ranch where you’ll enjoy a carriage ride and
watch a daring equestrian show by authentic Hungarian csikós (cowboys).
A Hungarian lunch is included. Toast new friendships at the Captain’s
Farewell Party and Dinner and admire the fantastic scenery as you sail
into Budapest.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
12
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Budapest
Discover the Old World elegance of Budapest during a panoramic city
tour, featuring a visit to storybook Fishermen’s Bastion and St.
Matthias Church.
Deluxe Vantage River Cruise Ship (B,L,D) |
13
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Budapest / Return Home
Or add our 3-night optional extension to Zagreb, Croatia.
(B) |
Please note: Port times and itineraries are subject to change. Fluctuating water levels may affect itinerary.
Similar accommodations may be substituted for the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel in Bucharest, Hungary.
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