2027 Gems of Southeast Europe River Cruise with Larry Gelwix

Overnight flights from home cities to Budapest. 

Meals : In-flight

Embark on your ship and begin your journey down the Danube. 

Step aboard your ship in Budapest and settle into your stateroom as the city’s historic skyline and the gentle flow of the Danube set the tone for your Gems of Southeast Europe journey. 

Immerse yourself in Pecs’s Roman roots and UNESCO treasures. Sail along the Danube to Mohacs, then explore Pecs, where Roman history meets vibrant squares and landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim. Wander cobblestone streets or savor the rich heritage of Hungary’s Szekszard wine region, with each moment inviting discovery of Hungary’s rich heritage. 

Explore Vukovar’s prehistoric sites and charming riverside towns. Discover Vukovar on a guided city or bike tour, visiting monuments like the Vukovar water tower and the historic Eltz Manor House. In the afternoon, savor Croatian wines in the Old Vellars or explore the Vucedol Museum, where prehistoric culture comes to life. 

Marvel at Belgrade’s iconic sites and UNESCO-protected landmarks. Explore Belgrade’s vibrant streets and historic landmarks, from the Nikola Tesla Museum to the majestic Kalemegdan Fortress. Adventurous passengers can join a bike tour or hike through the city, then savor Serbian brandy and local delicacies. For a more leisurely afternoon, wander Novi Sad’s charming old town and Liberty Square, immersing yourself in the region’s rich culture and tradition. 

Wander ancient strongholds where history and nature collide. Visit the medieval Golubac Fortress before cruising through Serbia’s awe-inspiring Iron Gates, where the Danube winds between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Marvel at the dramatic gorges and the striking mountainside craving of King Decebalus. Each view invites you to reflect on the wonders of this remarkable river corridor. 

Experience Bulgarian traditions like a local. Wander through Vidin, where ancient streets lead to the Baba Vida Fortress, a silent guardian of centuries past. Step into local life with a Bulgarian pastry and yogurt tasting, or pedal along Vidin’s sunlit lanes and let the city’s history unfold around each bend. 

Explore medieval strongholds, Neo-Baroque gems, and Bucharest’s ‘Little Paris’ charm. Discover Veliko Tarnovo’s medieval fortress and serene Orthodox temples, or wander Rousse to marvel at the frescoed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Journey though the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, the “Little Paris of the East,” where elegant streets and historic squares invite leisurely exploration. 

Begin your journey home. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home.