Seven Countries & Five Capitals

Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania & Bulgaria

Day 2: Arrive Vienna (Austria). Arrive in Vienna, the splendid capital of Austria and the center of the Hapsburg Empire. You'll be met at the airport, escorted to the pier and board your riverboat. The balance of the day is at leisure to relax and unpack. This evening enjoy a welcome dinner followed by orientation reception. MS Little Prince Riverboat. (D)

Day 3: Vienna sightseeing/Set Sail. Today, experience Vienna's glorious past as you embark on an included panoramic tour taking you along the Ring Boulevard, past Emperor Franz Josef's Hofburg Palace and the State Opera to the Cathedral of St. Stephen's. Afternoon at leisure to explore on your own or join an optional excursion to the magnificent Schonbrunn Palace, the baroque summer residence of the Hapsburgs. Your cruise director can assist in arranging tickets for an optional concert or cultural performance. Set sail late tonight. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Bratislava (Slovakia). Over the next eight days sail along the lesser traveled parts of the scenic Danube River, crossing en route six different countries. This morning arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, situated at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Enjoy a city tour of the Bratislava Castle, offering spectacular views, and the ornate St. Martin's Cathedral, a 14th century Gothic church. Later, enjoy a tasting of regional wines while sailing to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Budapest (Hungary). Spend the next two days in port in Budapest, one of central Europe's most lively cities. On a morning tour, your guide will introduce you to the history and sights of this city, often called "Paris of the East". Enjoy a panoramic view from Fishermen's Bastion located on Castle Hill. You'll also see the 13th century Matthias Coronation Church and the Citadel on Mount Gellert. Afternoon at leisure to relax at an outdoor cafe, shop or explore on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 6: After breakfast, depart on an excursion to Szentendre
(St. Andrej), a 17th century picturesque village in the scenic Danube Bend region, renowned as a sanctuary for artists, painters and craftsmen. Return to Budapest where the afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. An optional excursion to a Puzsta, a large horse-breeding farm is available. Here you'll be treated to a spectacular equestrian performance followed by a tasting of local snacks and wine. Return to the ship in time for dinner and set sail. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Pecs (Mohac). From the port of Mohac, a short ride brings you to the town of Pecs, often referred to as the "city for art lovers" and a gem of old world architecture. Explore this enchanting town, founded in the 2nd century, on foot. You'll also enjoy a visit to a local wine cellar where you are invited to sample the wine. Return to the riverboat and sail on towards Serbia while enjoying the lovely countryside. A lecture on the history of the Balkans region will be followed by dinner and a thrilling concert of Gypsy music. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Vukovar (Croatia) / Novi Sad (Serbia). Dock this morning in Vukovar, Croatia's largest river port. Your walking tour includes a visit to the Franciscan Monastery that is the centerpiece of this delightful riverside village. After lunch on board, continue on to Novi Sad, Serbia's lively university town. You will be delighted with this pedestrian friendly town as you are led on a walking tour through the town center and the historic town square. Enjoy free time to explore the many charming streets lined with small shops and inviting outdoor cafes. This afternoon continue sailing towards the "White City", Belgrade, Serbia's vibrant capital. After dinner, you'll be entertained by a local folklore ensemble featuring dancers and musicians dressed in colorful costumes. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Belgrade. Witness the "new" Belgrade today as it rebuilds and once again warmly welcomes Western visitors. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is located on a hill at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. This ancient city, dating back to the Roman Empire, was destroyed and rebuilt several times during its tumultuous history. A tour of the city highlights includes the Kalemegdan Fortress, the imposing St. Sava Cathedral and the cobblestone bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. Afternoon at leisure to explore vibrant Belgrade on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 10: Sailing through the Iron Gates (Serbia). Today’s highlight is the passage through the impressive Iron Gates Gorge and the gigantic Djerdap Lock where the Danube surges down from the Carpathian Mountains. The views along the two-mile long gorge are spectacular! Continue sailing towards the Romanian border. Dinner is followed with entertainment by a superb Gypsy band. (B,L,D)

Day 11: Vidin (Bulgaria). After docking in Vidin, embark on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to Baba Vida, a well preserved medieval fortress. Enjoy some free time before returning to the boat for lunch. This afternoon delight on the passing countryside and participate in an on board lecture. Your captain hosts a gala dinner this evening, followed by dancing. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Disembark/Bucharest (Romania). Dock at the Romanian port of Giurgiu and journey to nearby Bucharest, the capital of Romania, founded in 1459 by order of Prince Vlad Tepes, the original "Dracula". Over the years, it has gone from times of greatness to periods of grief but especially flourished in the early 20th century when it was known as "Little Paris". The influence of French architecture is still evident throughout, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Enescu Museum and the wide, tree-lined boulevards throughout the city. A panorama tour includes Revolution Square, the National Theater and the imposing Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. Leisure time this afternoon for independent exploration. Novotel Hotel or similar (B)

Day 13: Bucharest/USA. Board your return flight. Your fascinating voyage ends as you arrive New York later today. (B)

DECKPLAN FOR MS LITLLE PRINCE

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

• Round trip airfare from New York (JFK) via Lufthansa Airlines

• Airline fuel surcharge

• 10-night cruise aboard the
  MS Little Prince (Kleine Prinz) Riverboat in a category C Main Deck outside facing cabin with private bath

• One night in a Bucharest hotel

• 30 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D)

• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions

• English-speaking cruise director and tour guides throughout

TOUR COST AIRFARE INCLUDED*
DEPART		RETURN	RESERVE BY AUG31'10	RESERVE AFTER AUG 31
2010
Sep 17	(A)	Sep 29	$ 2899	$ 3299
Oct 16	(B)	Oct 28	$ 2799	$ 3199
DRACULA'S CASTLE EXTENSION: Add $499 per person double /$599 single Rates are per person based on double occupancy from New York (JFK). Single room/cabin supplement add $1350. *Government taxes and fees are not included. Port charges ($165) are not included. CABIN UPGRADE: Rates are based on CAT. C, Main Deck rear outside facing cabin. Upgrade to higher category cabin: • CAT. B, Main Deck outside facing cabin: add $199 per person/$350 single • CAT. A, Upper Deck outside facing cabin: add $299 per person/$450 single. (A) - Cruise from Vienna to Bucharest (B) - Cruise from Bucharest to Vienna
About Your Riverboat Sailing under a German flag, the MS Little Prince (Der Kleine Prinz) is a charming, first class vessel offering a unique itinerary, cultural activities and local entertainment by live musicians. A maximum of 90 guests are looked after by highly experienced, dedicated and friendly crew. The comfortable cabins are of good size (approx. 170 sq ft). All cabins are river facing with large picture windows, two lower beds and a private bath with shower. Public areas include a spacious restaurant, an elegant lounge, a bar and a panoramic sun-deck. The vessel is air-conditioned throughout. Join us on this cruise-tour for a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

Day 12: Bucharest/Sinaia/Brasov. Disembark and enjoy a morning tour of Bucharest. Later, depart by road for Sinaia and visit the magnificent Peles Castle, a former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family. Continue to Brasov, a medieval resort town set high in the scenic Carpathian Mountains. Aro Palace Hotel. (B,D)

Day 13: Dracula's Castle Excursion. Enjoy a morning tour of Brasov including Town Square and the renowned Black Cathedral. Proceed to the nearby town of Bran where the highlight of the visit is a tour of the mystical Vlad Tepes Dracula's Castle. Afternoon is at leisure to explore lovely Brasov independently. Tonight, savor a special dinner with local entertainment & music. (B,D)

Day 14: Brasov/Bucharest. A scenic drive through the captivating countryside brings you back to Bucharest for an afternoon at leisure. Novotel Hotel or similar (B)

Day 15: Bucharest/USA. Board your return flight. Your fascinating voyage ends as you arrive New York later today. (B)

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