Danube River: Vienna to Bucharest
The Danube River has set the scene for the rise and fall of empires, from the Romans to the Hapsburg dynasty. Majestic castles and fortresses tell the story of the nations that developed along its banks since ancient times. Take an extraordinary journey with alumni and friends from September 26 – October 8, 2024. Travel nearly the entire length of this fabled river, from the imperial Austrian capital city of Vienna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Bucharest, the cosmopolitan capital of Romania.
This outstanding travel program features seven countries and the enchanting eastern Danube River Valley, an untouched region steeped in natural beauty. Cruise for nine nights aboard the deluxe Amadeus Silver III and spend two nights in Bucharest, where splendid architecture has earned it the nickname “Little Paris.”
A rich mosaic of medieval cities, charming villages, rugged countryside, and centuries‑old traditions awaits you. Visit the ancient land of Bulgaria, the relatively young territories of Serbia and eastern Croatia, Hungary’s fabled puszta (plains), and the UNESCO World Heritage‑designated landmarks of Budapest. Pass through the Iron Gates dividing the Carpathian and Balkan mountains—where no fewer than six languages are spoken—and experience the fascinating Slavic heritage of medieval Belgrade.
Deepen your knowledge of the Danube and Central Europe with our Vienna Pre‑Program Option and the Transylvania Post‑Program Option, featuring a visit to “Dracula’s Castle.” Reserve now while early booking savings are still available. Please contact the Georgetown Travel Society at 866-525-8664 or GeorgetownTravelSociety@Georgetown.edu for more details and to confirm your place today.
Dates and Rates:
Trip Dates: September 26 – October 8, 2024
Rates:
$4,9455 – $8,795 per person based on double occupancy. Taxes are an additional $95 per person.
Traveling solo? A limited number of cabins are offered for Singles at 160% of the per person rate in categories C4, C1 until sold out. 2x the per person rate once capacity is reached in C4/C1 and for all other categories
Deposit: $1,000 per person (https://www.gohagantravel.com/terms for complete terms and conditions)
Trip Type: Cruise
Trip Status: Confirmed & Open for Reservations. Request a reservation today!
Program Itinerary:
Day 1 – Departure
Depart your home city on independently arranged flights to Vienna, Austria.
Day 2 – Vienna, Austria
Arrive the next day in the capital city of Vienna, where you will embark the Amadeus Silver III. Attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner this the evening.
Day 3 – Bratislava, Slovakia
In Bratislava, enjoy a walking tour of the Old Town. See the Gothic 14th‑century St. Martin’s Cathedral and the elaborate Primate’s Palace, a breathtaking 18th century landmark. Stroll through St. Michael’s Gate, the only remaining portion of the city’s medieval fortifications.
Day 4- Budapest, Hungary
Start the day on the Buda side of the river to see Castle Hill and visit St. Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion. In Pest, see the Parliament Building, the second largest in Europe. At UNESCO‑inscribed Heroes’ Square, admire monuments honoring Magyar chiefs who established the Kingdom of Hungary. Along Andrássy Avenue, see the Hungarian State Opera House and the Chain Bridge that links Pest to Buda.
Day 5 = Kalocsa
Enjoy a scenic drive through Hungary’s protected puszta and visit a farm to see a performance of Hungarian horsemanship. Learn about the history of paprika on your way to Kalocsa, where you will visit the Folk Art House and the Bishop’s Palace.
Day 6 – Vukovar, Croatia / Novi Sad, Serbia
In Vukovar, see 18th‑century Eltz Manor and the iconic Grand Hotel, famously purchased by the city’s Labor Movement in 1919. Visit the Baroque Church of Saints Philip and James. Enjoy a walking tour of Novi Sad’s Old Town to see the Name of Mary Church, Town Hall, and the 17th‑century Petrovaradin Fortress, nicknamed the “Gibraltar of the Danube.”
Day 7 – Belgrade
Embark on a tour of Belgrade, featuring Terazije Square and Temple of St. Sava. Visit Kalemegdan Fortress and the famous “House of Flowers” museum dedicated to former Yugoslavia’s leader, Josip Broz Tito.
Day 8 – Donji Milanovic / Iron Gates
Visit Lepenski Vir archeological site and museum to see the impressive exhibition center of Paleolithic artifacts. Later, enjoy spectacular views of the Danube Gorge and cruise past the Iron Gates.
Day 9 – Morning Nikopol, Bulgaria for Arbanasi and Veliko Tarnovo/Ruse
Visit Arbanasi’s perfectly preserved Konstantsaliev House, a unique, fortress‑like structure originally built at the end of the 17th century and reconstructed several times—today serving as an ethnographic museum. The next stop will be a visit to the Church of the Nativity before continuing to the city of Veliko Tarnovo, one of Bulgaria’s oldest settlements. Explore the historical center of this “City of the Tsars” and see the 12th-century Tsarevets Fortress.
Day 10 – Constanţa, Romania
In Constanta Old Town, see the poet Ovid’s statue in Ovidiu Square, the Great Mahmudiye Mosque and the Orthodox Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. Enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Reception on board this evening.
Day 11 – Fetesti / Bucharest, Romania / Disembark the river boat
Your land tour in Bucharest begins with a tour of the city that includes lunch at a local restaurant and a visit to the immense Palace of Parliament, the world’s second largest administrative building. Check in to the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest.
Day 12 – Bucharest
Today you will visit the National Museum of Art of Romania, located in the Royal Palace in Revolution Square, and the National Village Museum. The largest of its kind in Europe, this open-air ethnographic museum features a collection of 50 buildings representing the history and design of Romania’s rural architecture. Enjoy a farewell reception at the hotel this evening.
Day 13 Bucharest / Return to home city
Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for a flight back to your home city.
Itinerary Highlights
- 13-day, 13-night voyage featuring two nights in Bucharest, Romania, and a nine-night luxury cruise along the fabled Danube River—one of the greatest river journeys in the world.
- Visit seven countries (Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania) and five capital cities.
- Experience the best of Eastern Europe during an ideal time of year on this exclusive land and river itinerary.
- Cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates dividing the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.
- See the best of Eastern Europe during autumn, an ideal time of year to visit.
- Vienna Pre-Program and Transylvania Post-Program Options.
All-Inclusive
• Transfers and luggage handling abroad if you made your air arrangements through Gohagan & Company. (If you made your own air arrangements, transfers and luggage
handling are not included.)
• Experienced, English-speaking local guides for included excursions.
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers.
• Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions.
• Hospitality desk.
• Experienced Travel Directors at your service.
AMADEUS Silver III
Deluxe Small River Ship
• Atmosphere of classical elegance
• Only 84 deluxe, spacious, river-view Suites and Staterooms
• Suites include a private balcony, and select Staterooms have a floor‑to‑ceiling panoramic window that automatically lowers to French‑balcony height
• Deluxe amenities of a luxury hotel
• Environmental “Green Certificate”
Not included: Airfare; Taxes; passport fees; visas and fees for obtaining visas; personal expenses such as laundry and telephone calls; accident/sickness, trip cancellation, and baggage insurance; gratuities to ship and hotel personnel; optional sightseeing excursions; excess baggage charges on aircraft; local departure air taxes; airfare and associated local taxes*, airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed in the “terms and conditions” at https://www.gohagantravel.com/terms/ ; transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later and/or departing earlier or later that scheduled group transfer(s); meals and and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; and all other services not specifically mentioned.