Travel Leaders Exclusive Space Travel Leaders Group eBook | Page 9

Day 6 - October 29 | Vidin, Bulgaria. Excursion to Belogradchik
Today, enjoy a leisurely morning of cruising before arriving in Vidin, an important Danube port in
northwestern Bulgaria. Its medieval FORTRESS, Baba Vidin, is the town’s primary landmark. It served as
Vidin’s main defensive installation during the Middle Ages and is the only entirely preserved medieval
fortress in the country. It is now a fortress museum and has been restored to its former appearance. In
nearby Belogradchik, view the eclectic group of ROCK FORMATIONS on the western slopes of the Balkan
Mountains. Sculpted by natural elements for more than 200 million years and with a variety of sizes and
shapes, the Belogradchik Rocks are spectacular! (B, L, D)
Day 7 - October 30 | Iron Gates. Excursion to Lepenski Vir, Serbia
The most spectacular scenery must surely be the dramatic gorge of the IRON GATES, a narrow and formerly
very dangerous passage dividing Europe’s Alps in the northwest from the Carpathians in the southeast and
forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. After lunch dock at Donji Milanovac from where a
short drive takes you to the impressive LEPENSKI VIR EXHIBITION CENTER housing archaeological artifacts
found in this area and from where you have unique views of the Danube Gorge. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - October 31 | Belgrade
Early today, arrive in Belgrade. One of the oldest cities in Europe, the capital of Serbia is situated at the
confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. A Local Guide will be proud to show you its main sights, including
St. Sava, the world’s largest orthodox church. In your free time, be sure to check out the city’s lively pedestrian
area and charming outdoor cafés. Perhaps visit one of the many art galleries or museums, or browse the local
shops. Stroll through Belgrade’s largest and most beautiful park which surrounds the city’s principal landmark,
Kalemegdan Fortress and gaze down at the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - November 1 | Mohács, Hungary. Excursion to Pécs
Relax on board this morning before arriving in Mohács, the first stop in Hungary. After lunch, an included excursion
takes you to Pécs. Established by the Romans in the 2nd century, this was a flourishing and important town for
Christianity by the 4th century. These early Christians left behind many underground burial chambers with
memorial chapels above ground. With a Local Guide, visit the UNDERGROUND TOMBS—now part of a UNESCO
World Heritage Site—many of which have splendidly decorated murals with Christian themes. Later, enjoy an
ORGAN CONCERT. Pécs is also a rich showcase of Turkish architecture and home to Turkish mosques, striking
churches, and an enjoyable atmosphere around its restaurants and cafés. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - November 2 | Budapest (Disembarkation)
Early this morning, dock in the country’s capital. Spanning the banks of the Danube, Budapest is one of Eastern
Europe’s liveliest cities. Whether you’re seeing the sights, shopping for handcrafted embroidery or Herend por-
celain, or basking in the coffee house culture over a rich cream cake in the renowned Gerbeaud Café, Budapest’s
unique energy is positively palatable. Bid goodbye to your crew before joining a GUIDED TOUR of the city with
your Local Guide. See Heroes’ Square as well as the massive hilltop castle complex with its remarkable Fishermen’s
Bastion—with spectacular views of the city—and 11th-century Matthias Church, the coronation spot of several
Hungarian monarchs. Be sure to take note of the city’s eight bridges—many famous sights in and of themselves—
which connect ancient Buda on the right bank with Pest on the left. You may even want to walk across Chain
Bridge, built in 1849 and a symbol of Budapest. (B)
Day 11 - November 3 | Budapest
You have time today to explore Budapest further. Perhaps visit St. Stephen’s Basilica for marvelous views of the city
from its viewing platform. Or maybe you would like to join one of the optional excursions on offer. (B)
Day 12 - November 4 | Budapest
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)