Grand Cruise through the Heart of Europe to the Black Sea

The adventure begins in Cologne’s picturesque centre where your ship awaits in preparation for this epic voyage of discovery. Step on board to the warmest of welcomes from the friendly crew, on hand to assist as you settle into your luxurious cabin and familiarise yourself with the ship.   

Our adventure begins! And what an adventure this promises to be. Awake to the gentle lapping of the water and the colourful valley sides effortlessly slipping past as we arrive into historic Koblenz, where the immense Ehrenbreitstein Fortress stands guard over the mighty confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers.  

This morning you’ll enjoy your first guided walk through the winding streets and charming little squares of its quaint old town.

During a relaxed lunch we will cruise to Boppard, ‘Pearl of the Rhine’ for a guided tour. Glistening on a sweeping meander, it’s one of the prettiest jewels in the Rhineland’. A jumble of little boats jostles in the stone quayside, against a backdrop of cobbled streets and quirky half-timbered houses.   

Its Roman walls, reputed to be the finest in Germany are not to be missed and we will have the chance to delve into its fascinating Roman past on our guided walk, seeing the 4th-century fortress, reputedly the best-preserved in the country. You’ll also see the St Severin Church, with its heavenly stained glass and amble through its marketplace, encircled by colourful facades.   

This evening delight in the upbeat sounds of Rhenish folk music with a live performance on traditional instruments. We’ll moor in Boppard overnight. 

Today will surely be one of the highlights of your cruise. Prepare to be wowed by the infamous passage through the Rhine Gorge where the river squeezes between mammoth valley sides towering 600 feet above. Head up on deck for some castle-spotting – you’ll find ancient ruins which once held sway over passing mariners crowning every tortuous turn. Our skilful captain manoeuvres our ship past rocky outcrops on twisting bends to the famous Lorelei or ‘murmuring rock’ where enchanting maidens lured unsuspecting sailors to watery graves. Or so the legend goes!  

After the thrills of the river scenery, there’s a change of pace at our next stop, Rüdesheim, a quintessentially chocolate-box Rhine wine town enveloped by neat vineyards and gentle slopes. (There’s plenty of opportunity to sample the local produce in the town’s cosy taverns too.)   

This afternoon’s guided tour will take you on a walk through the heart of the old town; you’ll be charmed by the Klunkhardshof, a perfectly half-timbered building dating back to the 16th century – once forming part of the town’s fortifications - and for music lovers, there’s a treat in store with an optional visit to the 15th-century Brömserhof, housing Siegfried’s Mechanical Museum with its quirky ensemble of musical instruments. 

Embark on a morning of exploration as we set sail on a short cruise to the town of Mainz, nestled at the confluence of the Rhine and Main Rivers. During our walking tour of this illustrious Roman city with a history spanning over 450 years, you’ll come face to face with some of its finest treasures, including its Roman amphitheatre, the largest north of the Alps. Delve into the history of Saint Martin’s Cathedral and Saint Stephen’s Church, its interior bathed in the luminous glow of blue light streaming through intricate stained glass, a masterpiece by renowned artist, Marc Chagall.  

As you amble through the labyrinthine streets of the old town with its web of little streets and half-timbered houses, you’ll be amazed by this river port city’s rich heritage of Roman Catholic monuments, including the imposing Cathedral. Witness the architectural marvel of the 13-foot sandstone 'Heunensäule,' an ancient monument dating back to 1,000 AD, and if markets are your thing, then the main square is the place to head for a slice of local life.  

Mainz is understandably proud of its most celebrated son, Johannes Gutenberg, the visionary behind modern printing. You’ll find a museum that houses a reconstruction of Gutenberg's workshop and two original 1455 Gutenberg Bibles, cherished as among the earliest books ever printed. 

Later this afternoon, we’ll set sail up the Main River. Due to locks and low bridges, the main part of the Sun deck bids a temporary farewell between Frankfurt and Nuremberg. The other outside areas in front of the lounge, the Riverview Kitchen and the lower section of the sun deck remain accessible, so you’ll still be able to take in the scenery.  We’ll sail overnight to Miltenberg.

There’s magical landscapes on view this morning as we drift through dreamy forests en route to Miltenberg. Our guided tour unravels an intriguing history of one of Germany’s best-preserved medieval villages which prospered during the Middle Ages under the protection of its castle, and today as you wander amongst a spectrum of half-timbered facades and frothing Renaissance fountains, you’ll find atmospheric reminders of the past at every turn.   

Our walk unveils one of the most beautiful marketplaces on the Main, the “Schnatterloch”, worthy of a fairytale, encircled by picture-perfect houses, with steeply gabled roofs and peeping windows. You’ll also see the former Waaghaus, the old town hall and the oldest inn in Germany, dating back to the 15th-century. 

During lunch, we’ll cruise around the first of a series of sweeping meanders that characterise the Main River, before an informative talk on the historic craft of glassblowing with a skilful demonstration by an experienced artisan. Perhaps you’ll fancy giving it a try yourself!  

This afternoon we’ll discover the secrets of Wertheim on a walking tour. Overlooked by a ruined castle, what a joy to lose yourself in the winding streets, soaking up the ambience of this spot.  Overnight our ships sails to Würzburg.

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast as we glide towards Würzburg, gracefully presiding at the helm of Germany's Romantic Road - aptly named for its spellbinding mix of medieval charm, palatial grandeur, and daydreamy scenery.   

Where every cobblestone tells a story, Würzburg is a city best discovered on foot. On our walking tour, (consider it a treasure hunt) wander through the neatest streets, taking in the Baroque and Rococo buildings in their ice-cream pastel hues. Crowning the city's architectural tiara is the Residenz that once played home to the prince-bishops. This wasn't just a palace; it had a point to make to other grand palaces of the time (think Vienna and Versailles) and stepping inside this Baroque marvel, you'll feel like you stumbled on to the set of a historical drama!  We’ll return to the ship and settle in for some more scenic cruising, continuing overnight to Bamberg. 

Relax on board and then after lunch we’ll arrive in Bamberg. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bamberg stands proudly as one of Europe's preserved gems, holding its own alongside the likes of Prague. It’s a living masterpiece that embarked on its artistic journey in the 11th century when Emperor Heinrich II envisioned a capital city to rival Rome, right here on Bavarian soil.

While Bamberg may not have sprawled like Rome, it boasts a wealth of architectural treasures that could make even the Italian capital blush with envy. Picture a cathedral that commands attention, a town hall that defies convention, casually perched in the middle of the Regnitz River, a network of canals, and the enchanting 'Little Venice,' where former fishermen's houses add a touch of romance. Tucked away in the Old Town's tangled lanes, you’ll find a vast library of medieval buildings recounting stories of a bygone era, and you'll soon understand why Bamberg is a UNESCO favourite.   

Before our chef presents tonight's culinary delights, get acquainted with Bavaria's liquid pride - its legendary beers! During a tasting on board, you’ll have the opportunity to not only savour the rich flavours but also delve into the history and craftsmanship that make Bavaria a beer aficionado's paradise. During tonight’s dinner we set sail once again, joining the Main-Danube canal, and cruise through the night to Nuremberg.

This morning our journey brings us to Nuremberg, an elegant Bavarian city steeped in complex history. While the city is often synonymous with the dark chapter of the Nazi period, marked by Hitler's pre-war rallies and the international war crimes trials, there's an intriguing layer to its history that often stays in the shadows. Lesser-known is Nuremberg's role as the unofficial capital of Germany's First Reich—the Holy Roman Empire. With its roots dating back to the coronation of Charlemagne in 800 AD, this empire endured for over a millennium, shaping the course of European history.  

This morning, our exploration takes us on a guided tour, and behind its great ramparts, Nuremberg is flecked with a myriad of historic gems. Marvel at the Kaiserburg castle, step into the Craftsmen's Court and discover the timeless allure of the Church of Saint Lawrence. There are surprises to be enjoyed here too; meandering through the Market Square you’ll find an exquisite fountain, resembling a Gothic church spire. This beautiful city will certainly be a source of conversation over lunch after which we’ll set sail for Regensburg, continuing overnight. 

This morning we leave the Main–Danube Canal at Kelheim, where we join the Danube River. Our next port of call is Regensburg, formerly an important garrison guarding the most north-westerly point of the Roman Empire whose camp gate, the impressive Porta Praetoria, still knows how to make an entrance! Regensburg was spared war damage and today its historic centre wears its UNESCO World Heritage status with pride.  

This afternoon’s guided tour will reveal the sights of this Bavarian city, from the wealthy merchants’ houses to the Old Town Hall and plenty in between. Stroll along the stone bridge, wonder at the Gothic cathedral and stand in admiration before the Altes Rathaus – the seat of the Diet, or parliament, of the Holy Roman Empire from 1663 to 1806.  

Regensburg calls itself ‘Germany’s medieval miracle’, and it’s hard to argue as you wander along the cobbles and elegant squares of the old town – wishing you had a time machine!  During tonight’s dinner we’ll set sail once again to Passau. 

As a new day begins, our ship gracefully arrives in Passau, our final German port of call, cradled at the confluence of the Inn and Ilz Rivers and the legendary Danube. Indulge in a lazy breakfast, then enjoy the opportunity to explore the 'Three Rivers City,' framed by the commanding Veste Oberhaus—a 13th-century hilltop fortress that oversees the cityscape. We’ll  embark on a guided tour taking in the old town’s Baroque treasures, including the iconic Saint Stephen's Cathedral, whose exquisite interior resounds with the world's largest organ.

Back on board, be sure to savour the silent views drifting by as we cross into Austria. While the country is synonymous with stunning landscapes, this stretch of the Danube Valley is something of a well-kept secret, with incredible scenery round every bend, so flop onto a sun lounger on deck this afternoon and drink them in as our vessel glides on to Melk.

This morning, we're off to explore the Benedictine Abbey, high up on a rocky bluff overlooking Melk. It's quite a sight—this place started as a castle back in the 11th century and during the 18th century evolved into the beautiful monastery you’ll see today. Imagine stunning Baroque architecture, fine rooms, and a library filled with 100,000 valuable books, including some intricate illuminated manuscripts.

During lunch, we'll cruise through the Wachau Valley, taking in its postcard-worthy scenery. Our next stop will be Vienna, a city which lives and breathes to the sounds of Strauss.

Tonight, the main event will start with the 'Captain's Dinner', featuring a menu inspired by the delicious cuisines we've encountered along the way. After the feast, to celebrate Vienna's musical heritage, you’ll enjoy a special on-board performance by a quartet of talented classical musicians. Because, let's be honest, listening to classical music while sailing down the Danube in the city that practically invented it is just good sense! 

Picture Vienna, and you envision an imperial city, elegantly poised as one of Central Europe's gems that’s often considered the world's most musical metropolis. The mere mention of its name evokes a mix of culture, ornate architecture, lavish cafés, aristocratic palaces, and grand cathedrals, all set to the romantic tunes of the great composers. The former capital of the Habsburg Empire, Vienna held sway over much of Central and Eastern Europe for centuries, leaving an indelible mark until the curtain fell at the end of the First World War.  

Despite its grandeur, Vienna is surprisingly compact. This morning, we’ll dive into the city's rich history with a guided tour. From its 17th-century rise to prominence to the subsequent 200 years that witnessed the construction of galleries, churches, and palaces, it’s clear the Viennese knew how to enjoy the finer things in life. 

At the heart of it all, there's Saint Stephen's Cathedral, boasting a roof that's practically a work of art with its patterns of glazed tiles. Nearby, the Hofburg Palace takes centre stage - a former royal court turned museum haven, housing everything from the Crown Jewels to relics of the Holy Roman Empire. Here, the Vienna Boys' Choir graces audiences with their performances. And let's not forget the famed Spanish Riding School.

The afternoon is yours to savour the city at your own pace, whether it's browsing the shops, dawdling in the art galleries or cosying up in one of its cafés, you’re sure to be wowed by its grandeur and charm.  Tonight, whilst we dine, we’ll sail to Bratislava. Why not head to the bar for a digestif whilst soaking in the day’s adventures and sharing some stories with fellow travellers.   

This morning, our journey unfolds in Bratislava where we enjoy a guided tour. Slovakia's capital, it’s a city that's shrugged off its communist-era greyness and flaunts its imperial past, now showcased in the restored Baroque Old Town. Saunter down the winding streets to the main square, where the former Old Town Hall plays host to a museum that spills the beans on the city's history. Feeling adventurous? Climb the tower for panoramic views.  

Marvel at the 9th-century castle that presides over the city with vistas across the Danube. Or venture to the neoclassical Primatial Palace, home to the Hall of Mirrors with its collection of 17th-century English tapestries. And for a dose of relaxation, why not enjoy some people-watching in one of the city's many cafés over some homemade lemonade - a local specialty.

Later this afternoon our cruise reaches a climax as we navigate the Danube Bend on our way to Budapest. Feast your eyes on some of the most incredible views yet as the river weaves through a narrow twisting valley, flanked by mountains and steep hillsides, topped with castle ruins and historic little towns. Simply incredible!

You rise refreshed in this beautiful imperial capital that straddles the Danube River, and we have so much time to enjoy it to the full. With its castle proudly overseeing the scene, Budapest has earned the title of the ‘Little Paris of Middle Europe,’ and a glance at its skyline of spires and grand domes (all trying to out-soar each other) it’s not hard to see why. Its monuments tell tales of Hungary's national culture intertwined with the influences of foreign powers that have all left their mark on its history, and you’ll find it a captivating city to explore.  

Today Budapest is a collage of Roman ruins, Turkish baths from the Ottoman Empire, palatial buildings, Baroque churches and Art Nouveau architecture and design – all wrapped up in an atmosphere enhanced by the sounds of Hungary’s music and language.   

You’ll really get to know this city on our guided tour of the main sights, including the Parliament Building, a huge neo-Gothic building that commands attention on the riverbank with its striking central dome and soaring spires.

You have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure, and culturally you’re spoilt for choice with the city’s array of museums and art galleries.  

Alternatively, you might want to wander the streets of the Castle District while you enjoy panoramic views of the city or stroll down elegant Andrassy Avenue with its tempting shops. Prepare for a sensory overload at the Central Market Hall, where you can find everything from traditional foods to handicrafts.  We’ll moor in Budapest overnight.

Today you’ll chart your own course in this city. Whether you're an art enthusiast, foodie, museum-lover or just fancy an unhurried day soaking up the ambience, Budapest’s got something to pique your curiosity.   

Perhaps put some horticulture on the menu with a visit to the Botanical Gardens. Nestled within the heart of Budapest's enchanting landscape, the Füvészkert, is a verdant sanctuary that’s perfect for nature enthusiasts and serenity seekers alike. Tucked away from the city's buzz, stroll the labyrinth of paths admiring the diverse displays, with plants from every corner of the globe, from Asian blooms to the flora of the Mediterranean, in a spectrum of colours and fragrances.   

After so much sightseeing, perhaps you fancy embracing Budapest's thermal bathing culture with a visit to one of the city’s historic bath houses. Bathing here is not merely a leisurely activity, it’s immersion into a centuries-old ritual of relaxation woven into the city's cultural fabric. From the Neo-Baroque grandeur of the Széchenyi Thermal Bath to the Art Nouveau glitz of the Gellért Baths, with its palatial stained glass and mosaic tiles, these aquatic havens are past-masters at the art of rejuvenation so why not give one a try!  

One of the most thrilling aspects of a cruise is waking up somewhere new, and there’s a real sense of excitement as we explore lands unknown to many until the Iron Curtain lifted. At the crossroads of central Europe, Hungary is an intriguing country - a blend of European elegance and the lingering echoes of the Ottoman Empire.  

Our adventure continues when we arrive in Kalocsa, whose 1,000-year-old lore swirls with tales of warlike bishops, saintly kings, rampaging Ottomans, and Magyar heroes who have all left their mark.  You’ll have a choice as to how you spend the morning. Among Kalocsa’s buildings you’ll discover an impressive Baroque cathedral and the grand Archbishop’s Palace, with its Ceremonial Hall displaying a replica of the Hungarian holy crown.  

You can choose to enjoy a walking tour of the town seeing the sights then enjoy at visit to the Paprika Museum; the region is one of the biggest producers of the seasoning that’s an essential part of Hungarian cuisine – goulash being a famous example. There are many types and strengths of ‘red gold’, but the best variety is said to come from here, due to its rich colour and robust flavour. 

Alternatively, for those seeking a more immersive experience, a short drive takes us to a paprika house on the outskirts of town where the secrets of paprika production are unveiled before our eyes! From here, our journey leads us on a scenic drive into the Puszta, Hungary's Great Plain—a vast prairie whose haunting atmosphere is etched into the very soul of the Magyar people.  

Stretching as far as the eye can see, the Puszta reveals villages frozen in time, where Hungarian grey cattle, spiral-horned sheep, and buffalo graze on pastures that seem untouched by the modern world. The Puszta is famed for its equestrian heritage, and we find ourselves at an equestrian farm, mesmerizing to watch a performance by some of the region's most skilled riders. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to take a horse-drawn carriage ride and experience this wilderness from a different and memorable perspective. We return to the ship for an afternoon’s sailing

This morning we arrive in Belgrade. The only European capital built at the confluence of two rivers, this resilient city has weathered the storms of history, including the tumultuous chapters of the Second World War and the Kosovo War, marked by months of NATO airstrikes.  

Dramatically sited overlooking both rivers is Kalemegdan Park, which includes in its grounds the city’s iconic fortress, a stronghold built by the Celts, expanded by the Romans and besieged over a hundred times during its history – all chronicled in its military museum.   

While history whispers from the fortress walls, Belgrade is a city reborn – a vibrant metropolis with a gaze firmly fixed on the future, where Art Nouveau facades peek through the stark concrete towers of the Communist era. We’ll enjoy a guided tour, seeing all the main sights such as the cathedral, Republic Square and Prince Michael Street with its wealth of 19th-century buildings, some bearing the scars of recent conflicts among their intricate Habsburg ornamentation. After lunch, this fascinating capital, still under the radar of many European travellers, is yours to explore.  

Maybe you’d like to wander the Old Town’s lattice of winding streets, pausing for a welcome drink in one of the grand coffee houses or venture into the bubbling bohemian quarter, where creative talent is reshaping the area into a 21st-century cultural hub.  

After lunch, this fascinating capital, still under the radar of many European travellers, is yours to explore.  

Maybe you’d like to wander the Old Town’s lattice of winding streets, pausing for a welcome drink in one of the grand coffee houses or venture into the bubbling bohemian quarter, where creative talent is reshaping the area into a 21st-century cultural hub.  

As the evening draws in, relax with a stroll or a drink on the Sun deck before tonight’s culinary delights. After dinner tonight we’ll celebrate Serbia's heritage with an on-board music and dance performance from a talented local folk group. We sail overnight on our journey towards the fabled Iron Gate Gorge.

For many, today will be a highlight of the cruise as we begin our passage through the magnificent Iron Gates Gorge. This stretch of the Danube stands out as one of its crowning glories, where the river carves a majestic passage between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountain ranges, delineating the border between Serbia and Romania.  

The ‘true’ Iron Gates is a single narrow gorge, but the name blankets an entire 83-mile stretch of valleys where towering limestone cliffs plunge into the depths below. During the 1960s and ’70s, two hydroelectric power stations were built here, and their dams raised the river level by over 100 feet, submerging several historic settlements.   

We pass through the Great Kazan, literally ‘cauldron’, where the river narrows to just 500 feet. As the Captain skilfully steers our vessel through this stretch, you’ll see the sculpture of a Romanian hero – Decebalus – etched into the rugged rock face above.   

This 1990’s masterpiece, at over 130 feet high, is the largest rock relief in Europe – it even dwarfs the US presidents at Mount Rushmore. Decebalus was the last king of Dacia, the kingdom stretching from the Carpathians to the Black Sea. A warrior through and through, he fought the Roman Empire in three campaigns before the emperor Trajan got the better of him. Decebalus fled into the Carpathians, choosing to take his own life rather than endure captivity.  

On a day like this, the Sun deck comes into its own; pull up a sun lounger to watch the scenery drift by or chat over a drink with new friends. You may even find an ice cream being served on the Bow deck, so sink into a comfy seat and savour these extraordinary views.   

Tonight, the crew present another menu with the magnificent Chef's Dinner. 

By now you’ll have come to appreciate the luxuries on board – little touches from complimentary dressing gowns and slippers to plush carpets in the corridors and the elegant marble-topped bar. Crossing the border into Bulgaria tonight, you awake in Nikopol, a town that echoes with Roman history and after breakfast we set out across the Danubian Plain to Pleven.   

We enjoy a morning tour of the city followed by some free time here. Perhaps visit the St George Chapel Mausoleum or one of the town’s many other museums. Or simply wander the pedestrian-only streets of the Old Town, enjoying the tranquillity.

During lunch we slip our moorings for an afternoon’s cruising, to Rousse where we moor overnight, so why not enjoy the river breeze up on the sun deck? As the day glides into evening, reconvene with your fellow travellers for an aperitif in the bar. After dinner, there’s still plenty of entertainment in store with a live performance of Bulgarian folk music featuring traditional costumes and instruments. 

From our mooring in Oltenita, we drive to Bucharest to explore this fascinating city. Affectionately termed ‘Little Paris’, echoes of the city’s hedonistic era reminiscent of the 1900s weave through its tree-lined boulevards and belle-époque villas, amidst the stark concrete legacy of Communist rule.  

Dominating Romania’s capital city though, is the Palace of the Parliament, a colossal concrete extravagance commissioned by the Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu. Started in 1984 and still unfinished, it is the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon – so big that only 400 of the 1,100 rooms are used. This concrete colossus, adorned with opulent embellishments from marble staircases to intricate mosaics and chandeliers, sparks awe and debate alike - deemed a marvel by some, a testament to vanity by others.  

We enjoy a full day excursion and on our guided tour we see the Palace of the Parliament, which really has to be seen to be believed, plus the city’s other main sights, such as the former royal palace – now the national art museum – and the Athenaeum with its fine Baroque cupola and impeccable acoustics. There are also some Orthodox churches and squares, including Revolution Square, named after the 1989 uprising that swept away Ceausescu’s regime. 

Explore the city under your own steam too. With lunch not included, the day offers an opportunity to discover a cozy restaurant serving up traditional delights – perhaps a plate of garlic-infused meatballs, freshly stuffed peppers, or a hearty vegetable and dumpling soup.  

We’ll return to the ship in Fetesti with time to relax before dinner. Perhaps dip into a board game or novel from the library, or treat yourself to a manicure or pedicure at the on-board hair and nail salon.

Overnight we cruise towards the city of Tulcea, clinging to seven hills overlooking the river and regarded as the gateway to the vast Danube Delta on the edge of the Black Sea. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Danube Delta is the best preserved and second largest river delta in Europe, spanning 2,200 square miles of rivers, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands, where nearly 3,500 animal and fish species, and 1,700 types of plant, make their home. Within this ecological haven, a diverse community thrives, with nearly 3,500 animal and fish species and a staggering 1,700 varieties of plants coexisting.  

A bird-watcher’s paradise, the maze of canals bordered by willows and oaks offers the perfect breeding ground for countless species. Millions of Egyptian white pelicans arrive here every spring to raise their young, while equal numbers of Arctic geese come to escape the Northern European winters. Keep your gaze skyward for the flight of cormorants and white-tailed eagles.   

After lunch, we disembark to take an excursion on smaller boats into the heart of this tranquil place. Our guide helps to point out some of the flourishing flora and fauna – you could spot a  kingfisher or a catfish darting beneath the water’s surface.   

As dusk begins to fall on this magical landscape, we slip our moorings again. Enjoy another delicious dinner, maybe tonight opting for the intimate dining experience in the Riverview Kitchen at the stern – a fitting conclusion to the day. 

As we embark on our homeward journey, prepare for a breezy adventure through a region once adorned with windmills. You’ll need to hold onto your hat up on deck as you watch the rocky shoreline drift by, dotted with the occasional ruined fortress.

We’ll depart from our mooring in Fetesti for the ancient city of Constanța, described by the Roman poet Ovid as ‘the end of the world’ and with a history dating back over 2,500 years.

Formerly known as Tomis, legend has it that Jason landed here with the Argonauts after finding the Golden Fleece. Positioned at the crossroads of several trade routes, it became a thriving commercial centre during Roman times and still is today.  

Numerous remains from Greek and Roman times are on display in the city’s archaeological and mosaics museums, the latter housing the largest – an impressive 9,150 square feet – and best-preserved Roman mosaic in the world. Constanța’s landmark is the Art Nouveau casino, with its views of the Black Sea.  

Now unused, it was built by the Romanian King Carol I, who hoped its construction would transform the city into a bathing resort for the elite during the inter-war years, something that never quite transpired. More recently, it became one end of the shortest navigable route between the North and Black Seas when the Main-Danube Canal opened in 1992. With free time on your hands, enjoy an amble through Constanța's streets, take in one of the museums or just drink in the sea breeze on a laid-back stroll by the port. 

Crossing into Bulgaria, we arrive in Rousse, so-called ‘Little Vienna’- and it really is a scaled-down version of the Austrian capital, with its proud cluster of 19th-century buildings and genteel ambience. A scenic drive brings us to possibly Bulgaria’s most beautiful city – Veliko Tarnovo, the ‘City of the Tsars’ and former capital, located in a rugged landscape entangled by the meanderings of the Yantra River.   

Its Old Town is clustered on three hills with houses stacked on steeply sided valleys, while the remains of the once-impregnable fortress complex stand on Tsarevets Hill. Within the walls of this redoubt are the ruins of the Tsar’s Palace and, at the summit, the Patriarch’s Palace, which includes the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God. Much of Veliko Tarnovo was destroyed by the Ottomans, but in the 19th century it became an important trading centre again.   

Tucked away in its cobbled streets are tiny workshops, where you can hear the clanging of copper pots being beaten or watch wooden utensils brought to life by skilful artisans. As you wander, keep an eye out for interesting traditional snacks to try, banitsa comes recommended – a doughy pastry filled with spinach or creamy local cheese.  

Later we head to the village of Arbanasi, set high on a plateau. During Ottoman times, it became a commercial centre for traders and their caravans, crammed with wares bound for places as distant as Italy, Russia and even India. Perhaps visit one of the richly ornamented mansion houses of the period, with their fortress-like stone walls, or the unassuming Church of the Nativity – once inside you’ll be dazzled by the intensely coloured frescoes.   

We end the day with a visit to the Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of churches, chapels and monasteries hewn into the solid rock during the 12th century and with frescoes dating back to the 14th century, so exquisite and historically significant they’re well deserving of their place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.  Before tonight’s dinner is served, we’ll slip our moorings and sail overnight to Vidin. 

This morning why not take a cup of coffee up on deck and soak up the spectacular open spaces of this landscape; watch the early mists rising above the woods of fragrant pine and silver fir clinging to the banks.  

After lunch we moor in Vidin, home to the Baba Vidin, the only entirely preserved medieval fortress in the country. From here, we drive into this rugged wilderness and suddenly the horizon is dotted with huge sandstone cliffs, in sunset hues of orange-reds and yellows, eroded into huge, bizarre shapes.   

These are the Belogradchik Rocks – unique and dramatic, they cover an area of 35 square miles, some reaching as high as 600 feet. Many of these natural sculptures are named after people or objects they are thought to resemble, while others are associated with colourful legends.   

After tonight’s gourmet experience on board, head to the lounge with your travelling companions for a well-earnt digestif, while the resident pianist sets a relaxed tone for the rest of the evening.   

This morning’s cruising eases us once again into the dramatic panorama of the Iron Gates Gorge, a natural wonder tucked away in Serbia’s Djerdap National Park. Among the park’s forests of ancient oak, hazel and beech lies a rich preserve of game, including deer and wild boar. Mountain goats roam the rocky cliffs of Djerdap Kazan, while elusive bears, wolves, foxes and wildcats populate the dense woodland. Keep an eye out for eagles and falcons, too. Why not enjoy this stretch of the river from a sun lounger on deck or through the panoramic windows in the ship’s lounge?  

This afternoon we’ll moor in Donji Milanovac ready for the short drive to Lepenski Vir, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, dating back to 9,500 BC. It consists of a series of Mesolithic villages located on a high terrace overlooking the Danube.  

The wooden houses were laid out in a fan shape and used one of the first types of concrete as their foundations, while their floors were made of sandstone, often covered with limestone plaster and decorated with red and white pigments. Our guided tour spills the secrets of these ancient dwellers and their ingenious lifestyle.

This evening expectation mounts for the Chef’s Dinner, with an imaginative menu reflecting the countries and regions we have visited. Retire to the bar with your fellow travellers and let the stories flow, as you toast your river adventure! During tonight’s dinner we’ll depart for Novi Sad.

The numerous fortresses scattered along the Danube will remind us of the numerous conflicts and power struggles the area has witnessed and early this morning we pass one of the most impressive – the medieval Smederevo Fortress so if you are an early riser have your camera at the ready! 

After a lazy morning, we moor in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, the Fruska Gora mountains providing a scenic backdrop, with slopes terraced with vineyards. The climate and the proximity to the Danube make this region ideal for wine production, Riesling taking the lead, but Bermet, a dessert wine with a vermouth twist, also steals the show.  

Enjoy a guided tour of this city which flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming known as the ‘Athens of Serbia’. See its old Town Hall on the impressive main square, flanked by 19th-century architecture, its castle and synagogue, whilst towering over it all is the mighty Petrovaradin Fortress with its complex maze of underground tunnels. The minute and hour hands of its iconic clock face are reversed, supposedly so that fishermen could still tell the time at a distance. You can learn more about the fortress and its history at its museum.

We will moor here this evening, and after dinner, you’ll be treated to a dash of Serbian musical tradition as a professional pianist and violinist perform popular melodies under the stars. 

Today we cross into Croatia and stop in Vukovar, the country’s largest river port. Perfectly sited at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers, Vukovar once thrived with a vibrant manufacturing industry and a Baroque centre until the tragic events of the civil war unfolded, and the city was almost completely destroyed. Renovation to restore the city to its former glory continues as we’ll witness on our guided tour, seeing the main sights and learning about the city’s tumultuous past.  

We then drive to the historic city of Osijek, which hugs the banks of the River Drava. We explore the Old Town – behind its sturdy stone walls lies an intriguing market square, lined by handsome public buildings with pastel-coloured facades. In the Upper City you’ll see the neo-Gothic cathedral, its red-brick spire gracefully soars above the rooftops. Osijek has undergone extensive restoration, but echoes of past conflicts linger, with some buildings still bearing the scars of the fighting.  

We’ll reembark our ship in Aljimas and this afternoon we’ll sail to Budapest, continuing overnight. 

As the day draws to a close, take your seat in the restaurant as another inspired menu is served by the first-class crew.  

We have nearly reached the end of our journey so head up on deck to get the best views of pastoral landscapes slipping by as we return to the Hungarian capital. It’s not long before Budapest’s brooding skyline comes into view once more. Though we’ve been here before, this imperial capital, straddling one of the world’s most famed waterways - a collage of palatial buildings, grand domes and Baroque churches with soaring spires, is still a breathtaking sight. As we make our final stately approach, if you’ve not captured the view for posterity, this is your chance!

The rest of today is free for you to enjoy at leisure so if you didn’t have chance to enjoy a thermal bath, then perhaps now’s the time! Retreat to the peace of Margaret Island to meander the shady paths or take a scenic ride on the funicular up to Buda Castle to stroll the historic streets and enjoy the views over the rooftops. For something a little different, visit the vibrant Jewish Quarter, an eclectic mix of historic and contemporary charm, known for its charismatic ‘ruin’ bars and street art; spend the afternoon in the Museum of Fine Arts amongst the masterpieces; or head to Váci Street for some last-minute shopping, where you'll find everything from souvenirs to high-end fashion.  

Later return to the ship where you’ll be served tonight’s final dinner. The conversation with your fellow travellers flows over a digestif in the bar as you reflect on all that you have experienced during this epic cruise and sit back to enjoy an on-board Hungarian folklore show.