Embrace your inner child in Eastern Europe and visit the fairytale lands home to timeless folklore, from ‘The Goat and her Three Kids’ in Romania, ‘The Little Girl And The Winter Whirlwinds’ in Bulgaria, ‘The Nine Peahens and the Golden Apples’ in Serbia and ‘The Suitors of The Princess Fire-Fly’ in Hungary. Viking River Cruises’ delightful 11-day tour revels in the charm of these old cities, soaking up the bustle of cosmopolitan capitals and sailing past natural wonders on the Danube River.
Arrive in Bucharest, home to the 100 Wooden Churches of Maramureș dating back to the 16th Century, Dracula’s Castle where Vlad III, the ruler of Wallachia lived and the Arch of Triumph, a commemorative structure spanning Kiseleff Road in Romania. From there, cruise South to Bulgaria, settled in 680 by nomadic Bulgar tribes, with highlights including Tsarevets hill and the ruins of the medieval empire, the Nativity Church lined with monastic murals painted in 1681 and Belogradchik Fortress built for a 14th Century Tsar into rocks on the North slopes of the Balkan Mountains.
After travelling through the picturesque lower end of the Danube, brace the rapids of the Iron Gates, a breathtaking gorge separating Romania and Serbia. In Belgrade, the White City, spend the day exploring the many local museums, like Nikola Tesla Museum, which holds more than 160,000 original documents. Opt to experience the buzz of European’s party capital at night or indulge onboard the ship with a five-course meal of regional specialties.
Be charmed by Baroque city Osijek located on the bank of the river Drava and stroll through the town’s centre, Tvrđa, passing quaint churches, grand watergates and water views. In Budapest, the Heart of Europe, there is ample time to explore World Heritage sites, iconic Heroes’ Square and Hungarian State Opera House in Pest, then Fishermen’s Bastion and Matthias Church across the grand Chain Bridge in Buda.
Viking River Cruises offers a relaxed, luxurious way to explore Eastern Europe, with lush accommodation and amenities, fine wine and dining and carefully curated cultural activities both on board and ashore. Viking River Cruises’ 11-day ‘Passage to Eastern Europe’ itinerary starts from $4,395 per person for a Standard Stateroom with various departure dates, including seven guided tours, all onboard meals, complimentary onboard Silver Spirits Beverage package, all port charges, free Wi-Fi and culture curriculum.
For further information contact Viking River Cruises on 1800 131 744 or visit www.vikingrivercruises.com.au
SOURCE Viking Cruises