A few highlights of your journey The Danube’s Iron Gate
Home on the Puszta
The Iron Gate area of the lower Danube River is one of the world’s most scenic river gorges. Enormous whitechalk cliffs flank the river, which forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. Marvel at the large carved face of the ancient Dacian King Decebal on the cliff sides.
Lunchtime in Bulgaria
Disembark for a full day’s excursion to Bulgaria’s former capital, Veliko Tarnovo. Explore Tsaravets Hill and the royal castle ruins; proceed to Arbanasi for lunch with the locals. Try a typical dish like shopska salad, made from chopped vegetables and a white brined cheese. Taste kavarma, a Bulgarian chicken stew made in a clay pot. For dessert, have traditional Bulgarian yogurt with honey and chopped nuts.
Stretching across Hungary is a vast prairie known as the Puszta. Here the hardy, whip-cracking horse herders known as csikós lived and worked. Like the fabled cowboy of the American west, the 19th-century csikós have been romanticized in Hungarian folk songs, dances and literature. Enjoy an exciting demonstration of traditional Puszta horsemanship and other folk arts.
The Best of Budapest
The Danube River divides this Hungarian capital city and UNESCO Site into “Buda” and “Pest.” Explore both parts, starting with Pest’s National Opera House and historic Heroes’ Square. In Buda, stroll Fishermen’s Hill to Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church.
x The Danube’s Iron Gate Beautiful Belgrade
Discover Serbia’s beautiful capital, Belgrade, whose history dates back some 7,000 years. Walk through the grounds of Kalemegdan Fortress and peek inside the Orthodox cathedral. Take the afternoon to enjoy the city’s gracious architecture or visit one of its many museums. After dinner, check out Belgrade’s famous nightlife.
EXPLORE MORE P RE & P O S T PA C K A G ES
Vienna 3 NIGHTS—$699 PER PERSON
The enchanting imperial capital of the Habsburgs offers many ways to experience its exuberant and elegant lifestyle. See the sights from a traditional horse-drawn fiaker, discover fine art in the National Gallery, sip wine in the popular Grinzing district or sample fine pastries at a local café. Three nights at the Hilton Vienna Plaza (or similar), daily breakfasts and hotel/ ship transfers are included along with the services of a Viking host.
Transylvania & the Black Sea 3 NIGHTS—$699 PER PERSON
Encounter Romania’s mysterious Transylvania region and explore a number of castles, cathedrals and fascinating towns. Visit Peles Castle, plus tour the famed Dracula Castle. Two nights at Bucharest’s Athenee Palace Hilton and one night at the Ramada Brasov (or similar); daily breakfasts; Bucharest city tour and castle tours; and hotel/ships transfers are included along with the services of a Viking host. An optional visit to the Black Sea port of Constanta is also available.