Budapest
Budapest 11/25/2024
Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. (D),
Optional Private Excursions
Avoid the crowds and hustle and bustle associated with a group activity. For a memorable trip ashore, we invite you to consider a private shore excursion. Enjoy the undivided attention of your own driver/guide and the flexibility of experiencing the aspects of the local culture that most interest you. Below are just some samples of the private shore excursions we can arrange for you. Let us personalize your experience!
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Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day City Tour of Budapest, 4 hours
This privately guided tour shows you the major sights within on the Pest Side (e.g.the Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica), as well the Buda Side (Castle Hill). One highlight of this tour is an inside visit of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Heroe's Square, Vajdahunyad Castle (outside)
- State Opera (outside)
- St. Stephen's Basilica (outside)
- Parliament Buidling (outside)
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
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Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Full Day City Tour of Budapest, 8 hours
This extended privately guided full day basically covers all major sights and interesting locations within Budapest, also including inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church and the Parliament Building.
Highlights:
- Main sights, e.g. National Museum, State Opera, Heroe's Square, Great Synagogue, Central Market Hall, Gellért Hill, Citatel, Vajdahunyad Castle etc. (outside visits)
- Various Bridges above the Danube, e.g. Chain Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Elisabeth Bridge etc.
- Matthias Church (inside visit)
- Fishermen's Bastion (inside visit)
- Parliament Building (inside visit)
Your guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Tour can operate: Full Day
Physical Activity Level: Moderate
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion, Matthias Church, Parliament
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
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Budapest Shore Excursion: Private Half Day Tour Budapest Castle District, 4 hours
During this privately guided tour, you visit the Castle Hill of Budapest, with the Royal and Presidential Palaces, fascinating squares and medieval cobblestone streets. Highlights are inside visits of the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Matthias Church.
Highlights:
- Budapest's Castle Hill
- Royal and Presidential Palaces (outside)
- Holy Trinity Square
- Hess András Square
- Fishermen's Bastion (entry to upper terrace)
- Matthias Church of Our Lady (indoor visit)
Your private guide is always flexible and adapts the tour according to your special interests.
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour can operate: Morning or Afternoon
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop off at the landing stage of the cruising ship in Budapest
- Transfer in a private car
- Private licensed English speaking guide (other languages available, but on request)
- Entrance fees for Fishermen's Bastion and Matthias Church
Not included:
- Meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- Entrances other than stated above
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11/25/2024 |
11/25/2024 |
Mohacs
Mohacs 11/26/2024
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 World Heritage-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. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. 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. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács. (B,L,D),
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11/26/2024 |
11/26/2024 |
Pecs
Pecs 11/26/2024
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 World Heritage-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. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the delightful Pécs Christmas market with its sparkling Christmas tree in front of Town Hall. 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. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács. (B,L,D),
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11/26/2024 |
11/26/2024 |
Vukovar
Vukovar 11/27/2024
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas market. Embrace the holiday cheer and rich culture as you listen to Christmas melodies, taste sweet and savory delights, and shop for traditional handcrafted goods. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Graševina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. Back onboard, 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. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. Experience firsthand unique Orthodox traditions at Serbia's first and oldest Winter Market where you'll see the grand Singing Christmas Tree where choirs from all over the region gather to perform every day. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruška Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D),
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11/27/2024 |
11/27/2024 |
Novi Sad
Novi Sad 11/27/2024
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. While there, experience the festive, warm atmosphere of the holidays when visiting a traditional Croatian Christmas market. Embrace the holiday cheer and rich culture as you listen to Christmas melodies, taste sweet and savory delights, and shop for traditional handcrafted goods. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Graševina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. Back onboard, 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. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on the 7th of January and the New Year on the 14th. Experience firsthand unique Orthodox traditions at Serbia's first and oldest Winter Market where you'll see the grand Singing Christmas Tree where choirs from all over the region gather to perform every day. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruška Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D),
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11/27/2024 |
11/27/2024 |
Belgrade
Belgrade 11/28/2024
Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of Saint Sava. Or 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. You'll have time to explore Belgrade's Winter Fest where the main square brims with holiday delights with colorful Christmas market stalls, an ice-skating rink, concerts, and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B,L,D),
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11/28/2024 |
11/28/2024 |
Golubac Fortress
Golubac Fortress 11/29/2024
Visit Golubac Fortress — a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River — before cruising through the Iron Gates. 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. (B,L,D),
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11/29/2024 |
11/29/2024 |
Iron Gates (Cruising)
Iron Gates (Cruising) 11/29/2024
Visit Golubac Fortress — a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River — before cruising through the Iron Gates. 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. (B,L,D),
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11/29/2024 |
11/29/2024 |
Vidin
Vidin 11/30/2024
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. (B,L,D),
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11/30/2024 |
11/30/2024 |
Rousse
Rousse 12/01/2024
Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple Orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. 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 World Heritage-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris of the East". Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D),
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12/01/2024 |
12/01/2024 |
Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo 12/01/2024
Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple Orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. 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 World Heritage-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris of the East". Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D),
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12/01/2024 |
12/01/2024 |
Giurgiu
Giurgiu 12/01/2024
Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple Orthodox temples. Enjoy the magic of the holidays when learning about the Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. 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 World Heritage-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the "Little Paris of the East". Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. (B,L,D),
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12/01/2024 |
12/01/2024 |
Giurgiu
Giurgiu 12/02/2024
Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B),
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12/02/2024 |
12/02/2024 |
The Signature Collection – Exclusive Amenities
