Visit the ancient remnants of Roman Empire outposts and the grand cities of the Habsburg Dynasty on this 16-day odyssey through Central and Eastern Europe. Hear the classic waltzes of Johann Strauss as you tour Austria and Germany. Immerse yourself in fiery Hungarian culture, admire natural wonders like the exquisite Iron Gate region, and explore Romania's graceful capital, Bucharest, and the Black Sea coast. Although very old, the region is still being shaped by current events-and this itinerary shows how current restoration efforts have preserved Eastern Europe's rich cultural heritage.

Day 1 Bucharest
Welcome to Bucharest. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After checking in, enjoy free time. (D)

Day 2 Bucharest
On a morning tour of Bucharest, visit The Palace of the Parliament, known as "House of the People."+ After lunch in a local restaurant, visit Revolution Square. Then, enjoy a ride through the Romanian countryside to visit the Village Museum and embark your ship. Depart during dinner. (B, L, D)

+The Palace of the Parliament may occasionally be closed to host official government business.

Day 3 Varna
Wake up in Silistra and drive through rural Bulgaria to Varna, a Black Sea resort. Take a short cruise on the Black Sea, followed by lunch in a local restaurant. During free time, stroll the town's pedestrian zone or beautiful beaches, or visit the Varna Museum. Return aboard for dinner; depart this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
Today's tour goes to Bulgaria's former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. See Tsaravets Hill and the ruins of the royal castle. During free time, shop for local crafts along Samovodska Charshia. Proceed to Arbanasi for lunch in a local restaurant and a guided tour of the Nativity Church with its intricate floor-to-ceiling murals and icons. Dine aboard and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Vidin & Belogradchik
Arrive in the picturesque Bulgarian port of Vidin during breakfast, then take an excursion to see Belogradchik Fortress, built right into the striking Belogradchik Rocks, and enjoy breathtaking views. Lunch aboard is followed by free time in Vidin. Depart during dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Iron Gate & Kostolac
Cruise along one of the most scenic areas of the Lower Danube, flanked by enormous white chalk cliffs and spectacular scenery. The day's journey is punctuated with an excursion to Kostolac, Serbia. See the archeological site at Viminacium, a former Roman capital with wide streets, luxurious baths and an amphitheater, recently opened to the public. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Belgrade
Wake up in Belgrade, capital of Serbia. Take a guided walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress. Also see the city's Orthodox cathedral and stop at the Square of the Republic. Have lunch aboard; afternoon cruising. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Kalocsa
Arrive in Kalocsa after lunch. Visit the House of Folk Arts, showcasing the area's time-honored farming traditions. Then, you are treated to a performance of traditional Puszta horsemanship. Return to the ship for dinner and depart. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Budapest
Today's city tour explores both sides of Hungary's capital. Start in "Pest," seeing Heroes' Square, the Parliament and St. Stephen's Basilica. Cross the river and tour the Castle District of older "Buda." Walk to Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church. Return to your ship for lunch; enjoy afternoon at leisure-as always your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Dine aboard and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Bratislava
Cruise through the morning, arriving in Bratislava after lunch. Take a walking tour of Slovakia's charming capital; see its medieval fortifications, Michael's Tower, Trinity Church and St. Martin's Cathedral. Pass several Habsburg-era palaces before returning aboard for dinner and cruising. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Vienna
Today's tour of Vienna takes you to the Opera House and Hofburg Palace; also see one of the city's spectacular baroque palaces. Have lunch aboard with afternoon free time. Return to the ship for dinner followed by an optional evening concert of classical music. Depart late tonight. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Melk & Linz
Arrive in Melk during breakfast and tour the 900-year-old Benedictine abbey to see its collection of medieval manuscripts, ceiling paintings and frescoes. Return aboard for lunch and cruise through the afternoon. After dinner, arrive in Linz; sample wines from the famous Wachau Valley. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Passau
Dock in Passau midmorning. A walking tour takes you through this 2,000-year-old city at the confluence of the Inn, Ilz and Danube Rivers. Stop at St. Stephan's Cathedral for a special concert on Europe's largest pipe organ. Enjoy afternoon free time. Dinner coincides with an evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 14 Regensburg
Arrive in Regensburg this morning. During a guided walk, see the Town Hall, St. Peter's Cathedral and the 12th-century Old Stone Bridge. Lunch aboard with afternoon at leisure. Dine aboard and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 15 Nuremberg
Cruise through the morning to Nuremberg; after lunch aboard, tour the city. See the former Nazi parade grounds and the Palace of Justice, site of the Nuremberg Trials. Or, learn more about World War II history during our optional tour including the Documentation Center Museum. The afternoon is free. Dine aboard and remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 16 Nuremberg
After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey with 3 nights in another country-Prague, Czech Republic. Stay near Old Town and explore the landmark Prague Castle. (B)