Gems of Southeast Europe (A Taste of Christmas Markets)

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country’s political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city’s history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Day programme:

MOHÁCS – PÉCS. 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-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)

Day programme:

VUKOVAR, CROATIA – NOVI SAD, SERBIA. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. 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 Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, 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. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

BELGRADE. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on an afternoon walking tour. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. (B,L,D)

Day programme:

SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. 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)

Day programme:

VIDIN, BULGARIA. 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. 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)

Day programme:

ROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. 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-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)

Day programme:

GIURIU – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home. (B)