Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Turnu Magurele (Bucharest) to Vienna, MS Fidelio

Boarding at the river port starts at 16:00. Settle into your cabins. Enjoy a welcome cocktail. Dinner and overnight stay on board. Optional: Airport transfer.

Full board on board. In the early afternoon, we arrive in Vidin, a small town on the banks of the Danube known for being home to the only fully preserved medieval fortress in Bulgaria. Free day to explore the city at your own pace, or join the optional guided visit to the Baba Vida Fortress (offered on board). Overnight stay on board.

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Full board on board. The Iron Gates is a stunning canyon on the Danube River at the border between Serbia and Romania. As the ship moves forward, spectacular views of the mountains and important monuments will unfold, including the medieval Golubac Fortress, Trajan’s Bridge, the Tabula Traiana (a plaque dedicated to Emperor Trajan), and the face of King Decebalus carved into a 40-meter rock. Enjoy sailing through Europe’s most impressive gorge. Overnight stay on board.

Full board on board. Early in the morning, we arrive in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia and one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city is home to countless monuments from different eras and cultures, such as the Kalemegdan Fortress, the Temple of Saint Sava, the Chukur Fountain, the Court building, the Parliament, and St. Mark's Church. We will take a guided tour providing interesting facts about Belgrade's turbulent history.

Free afternoon. Be sure to visit the Skadarlija district to taste the best of Serbian cuisine. On a hot day, you can visit the island of Ada Ciganlija with its artificial beaches on the riverbank to sample local beers or enjoy outdoor activities. Overnight stay on board.

Full board on board. Early in the morning, we reach the Serbian town of Novi Sad, known as the "Athens of Serbia." The heart of Novi Sad is the beautiful Freedom Square, where, alongside several imposing palaces, we find two of the city's most important buildings: the City Hall and the Catholic Cathedral, notable for its tall spire. Five pedestrian streets open up from the square, ensuring a peaceful stroll. Free morning to explore at your own pace, or join the optional guided walk (pre-booking only).

The majority of the afternoon will be spent in the Croatian town of Vukovar, which was devastated during the Croatian War of Independence. Among the most attractive buildings, all damaged during the Yugoslav Wars, are the Eltz Manor, several Baroque houses in the center, the Franciscan monastery, St. James Catholic Church, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, and the birthplace of Nobel Prize winner Lavoslav Ružička. Free time to explore or take the optional guided tour (offered on board). Overnight stay on board.

Full board on board. In the morning, we arrive in Mohács, a small Hungarian town that played a major role in European history. In 1526, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent defeated the troops of King Louis II of Hungary, beginning the Ottoman Empire's rule that lasted over a century and a half until the Habsburgs reclaimed the land in 1687. Today, it is a peaceful city known for its unique Busó carnival.

Free morning to explore at your own pace, or take the optional tour to the nearby town of Pécs, which contains Central Europe’s richest Roman-era findings, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site (offered on board). Police control at the Serbian border (passport mandatory). Overnight stay on board.

Full board on board. Early in the morning, we arrive in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, divided by the mighty Danube into two parts: traditional "Buda" and cosmopolitan "Pest." We will go on a guided tour along the city’s wide boulevards toward the famous Parliament, the Opera House, Heroes' Square, the Market, the Chain Bridge, and the Fisherman’s Bastion with its spectacular city views. Don’t miss Budapest at night when the city is dressed in its finest lights. Overnight stay in the city. Overnight stay on board.

Full board on board. We remain in Budapest. The differences between Buda and Pest create an interesting contrast between the west and east banks. Hilly Buda lies to the west, characterized by narrow cobblestone streets where medieval and neoclassical buildings—completely rebuilt after WWII—blend together. Flat Pest lies to the east, consisting of wide boulevards with Art Deco buildings. The city features a mix of Turkish, Venetian, Imperial, and Art Nouveau influences. Discover it at your own pace. Overnight stay on board.

Full board on board. In the early afternoon, we arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Our guided tour will offer a journey through this imperial city. We will see, among other fascinating sites, the National Theater, St. Martin's Cathedral, Michael's Gate, the Old Town Hall, and the impressive fortress atop a rock. In the afternoon, we depart Bratislava for Vienna. In the evening: Captain’s Dinner. Overnight stay on board.

Full board on board. After breakfast, we will embark on a panoramic tour of the Austrian capital's most important sights: the Opera House, City Hall, Parliament, the Burgtheater, and the splendid Hofburg Imperial Palace. In the afternoon, enjoy the city at your own pace or take the optional visit to Schönbrunn Palace. Overnight stay in the city. Overnight stay on board.

Disembarkation after breakfast. End of our services.

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