Budapest to the Black Sea River Cruise - MS William Wordsworth

Itinerary

• Day 1
  Arrival in Budapest - You fly to Budapest, where a coach transfers you to your five-star cruise ship, moored in this beautiful city. The friendly crew will welcome you on board and help you settle into your spacious, luxuriously appointed suite. The ship remains here overnight, so watch dusk descend over Hungary’s capital as you enjoy your first dinner on board.
• Day 2
  Kalocsa & Paprika Museum or Puszta with equestrian farm - 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. Hungary itself has so much to offer; situated at a crossroads in central Europe, it’s a mesmerising blend of European and Ottoman influences, rich in culture and history. Our adventure begins this morning when we arrive in Kalocsa, a city whose 1,000-year-old lore swirls with tales of warlike bishops, saintly kings, rampaging Ottomans and Magyar heroes. Among its fine 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 plus the fascinating 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, we take a scenic drive into the Puszta, Hungary’s Great Plain, a hauntingly atmospheric prairie whose spirit is burnt into the Magyar soul. Stretching as far as the eye can see, it is home to villages seemingly frozen in time, while Hungarian grey cattle, spiral-horned sheep and buffalo graze on its pastures. At our first stop we learn more about paprika and its production.  The Puszta is also famed for its horses, and we visit an equestrian farm to watch a performance by some of the region’s most skilled riders. You’ll have the opportunity to take a horse-drawn carriage ride and experience this unique wilderness from a different perspective. We return to the ship for lunch as our elegant vessel seamlessly glides away from her mooring. Relax on board during this afternoon of scenic cruising.
• Day 3
  Belgrade - This morning we arrive in historic Belgrade. The only European capital built at the confluence of two rivers, the city has been fought over numerous times, most recently during the Second World War and the Kosovo War, when it faced 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 detailed in its military museum. Despite its past, Belgrade is now a revitalised and forward-looking city and a delightful and varied place to explore, with delicate Art Nouveau facades tucked away among the stark concrete towers of the Communist era. We enjoy a guided tour, seeing all the main sights such as St Sava cathedral, ranking as one of the largest churches in the world, 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, you are free to explore this fascinating capital, still one of the least visited in Europe. 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 visit the bubbling bohemian quarter, which is being transformed into a 21st-century cultural hub by an influx of creative talent. As the evening draws in, relax with a stroll or a drink on the Sun deck before tonight’s culinary delights. After dinner tonight immerse yourself in Serbia's culture with an on-board music and dance performance from a talented local folk group. We sail overnight tonight on our journey towards the Iron Gate Gorge. Personalise Your Holiday - Eat Like A Local city tour * Price: £50pp * Duration: 4 hours, by coach and on-foot If you fancy a different kind of city tour, travel to the heart of Belgrade for a foodie tour of the city. You’ll start at Kalemegdan Fortress to visit a well-established restaurant. After enjoying the fortress, stop for a taste of local honey brandy alongside meze, before touring the old town to visit a local ćevabdžinica - a typical Serbian grill shop – to taste one of the most famous specialties of Serbian cuisine – ćevapi, which are patties made of minced meat, similar to koftas - with sides such as lepinja flatbread or kajmak clotted cream. No meal is complete without dessert, so our final stop is a beautiful old hotel where you’ll sample some homemade apple pie alongside a coffee. Along the way, you’ll stop in at key sightseeing spots and hear stories about Serbian culture and tradition and try some customs around food, giving you a feel of life as a local. Optional excursion can be done in the morning instead of the included city tour. Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.   Personalise Your Holiday - Kovacica Artist village Price: £31pp Duration: 4 hours  Take a trip north to the artist village of Kovacica. The town’s population is predominantly made up of the Slovak ethnic minority, who have turned this town into a sanctuary for traditional arts and crafts. You’ll visit the famous school where people learn these ancient skills, and visit its gallery – the largest in the world dedicated to naive painting. While you’re here, indulge another sense and visit the café to savor the region’s delightful cake specialties. You’ll then move on to the studio of master violin maker Jan Nemček. Here, in his workshop, you will witness the meticulous craft of violin making, which is a rare and demanding art form. Experience the magic as Jan demonstrates his skill, creating some of the finest violins in the world, and enjoy the soulful melodies played by the master himself. This visit promises to be a memorable blend of art, culture, and music, leaving you with a deep appreciation for Kovacica's rich heritage. Optional excursion can be done in the afternoon instead of free time in Belgrade Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.
• Day 4
  Iron Gates Gorge - For many, today will be a highlight of the cruise as we begin our passage through the magnificent Iron Gates Gorge. One of the most memorable stretches of the Danube, this is where the river cuts its mighty path between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountain ranges, forming part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. The ‘true’ Iron Gates is a single narrow gorge, but the name covers 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 a number of historic settlements. We pass through the Great Kazan, meaning ‘cauldron’, where the river narrows to just 500 feet. As the Captain skilfully steers us through, you’ll see the huge sculpture of a Romanian hero – Decebalus – carved into the rock. Created in the 1990s, at over 130 feet high it 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, taking his own life rather than being captured. On a day like this, the spacious Sun deck comes into its own. Watch the spectacular scenery drift by from the comfort of a sun lounger or maybe enjoy a drink with new friends. You may even find an ice cream being served on the Bow deck, which is beautifully attired with soft furnishings and stylish wooden fittings.
• Day 5
  Pleven - By now you’ll have come to appreciate the luxuries on board your five-star ship – little touches from complimentary dressing gowns and slippers to plush carpets in the corridors and the marble-topped bar. Crossing the border into Bulgaria tonight, you awake in Nikopol, a town dating back to Roman times, and after breakfast we drive across the Danubian Plain to Pleven. The town is famed as the scene of a major siege in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877, which led to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the restoration of Bulgaria as a state and the independence of Romania. We visit the panorama depicting the events of this war, before we enjoy some free time here, so perhaps visit the St George Chapel Mausoleum or one of the town’s many other museums. Or simply wander the Old Town and enjoy the tranquillity of its pedestrian-only streets. During lunch we slip our moorings for an afternoon’s cruising, so why not enjoy the invigorating river breeze up on the Sun deck? It will soon be time for dinner, so reconvene with your fellow travellers for an aperitif in the bar. However, the real fun comes after dinner with a live performance of Bulgarian folk music featuring traditional costumes and instruments.
• Day 6
  Bucharest - Today we visit Bucharest, with its tree-lined boulevards and elegant belle-époque villas – echoes of the hedonistic 1900s when it earned the nickname ‘Little Paris’ – dotted among the utilitarian architectural legacy of Communist rule. Dominating the capital city of Romania, though, is the astonishing Palace of the Parliament, a colossal concrete extravagance commissioned by the Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceauşescu. 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. Furnished with all the gaudiness expected from a heartless despot at the head of a bankrupt state, from marble staircases to mosaics and chandeliers, to some it’s a marvel, to others a monument to vanity. On our guided tour we see the outside of the Palace of the Parliament and the city’s other main sights, such as the former royal palace – now the national art museum – and the Athenaeum with its impressive Baroque cupola and remarkable acoustics. There are also some superb Orthodox churches and squares, including Revolution Square, named after the 1989 uprising that swept away Ceausescu’s regime. There’s time to explore this vibrant city under your own steam. Lunch isn’t included today, so seek out a cosy restaurant in the Old Town for a fortifying plate of traditional meatballs, generously spiced with garlic, dill and parsley; freshly stuffed peppers or a hearty vegetable and dumpling soup. We return to the ship with time to relax before dinner. Perhaps borrow a board game or novel from the library or book yourself in for a manicure or pedicure at the on-board Hair and Nail Salon. Personalise Your Holiday - Tour the Palace of Parliament Price: £28pp Duration: Approximately 1 hour There’s no doubt that the Palace of Parliament is impressive from the outside, with its dominating stature over the city, but it’s well worth a peek inside on a guided tour. It is the brainchild of former dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu, who started construction in 1984. It’s still unfinished, but there are over 3,000 rooms inside!  If there’s one word to describe it, it’s grand. Huge rooms are decorated with impressive chandeliers, huge windows, and detailed mouldings around the walls and ceilings. The country’s parliament and official offices use some of the rooms, but many of them are unused. Please note: There are around 200 steps to climb as part of this tour, and no lift. Optional excursion can be done instead of some free time in Bucharest. Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.
• Day 7
  Danube Delta - Overnight, we'll cruise towards Brăila, and this morning, we take a coach from Brăila to 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. We'll board smaller boats and sail into the tranquil Danube Delta. Our guide helps to point out some of the fascinating flora and fauna – you could spot a colourful kingfisher or a catfish darting beneath the water's glassy surface. The Danube Delta consists of 2,200 square miles of rivers, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands and is home to nearly 3,500 animal and fish species and 1,700 types of plants. A birdwatcher'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 harsh Northern European winters. Keep an eye out for cormorants and white-tailed eagles.  (Please note, lunch is not provided on this full day excursion; the ship will prepare a packed lunch snack to take with you.) As dusk falls on this magical landscape, we slip our moorings again. Enjoy another delicious dinner, maybe tonight choosing a more intimate dining experience in the Riverview Kitchen at the stern.
• Day 8
  Constanța - Today we depart 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. Originally known as Tomis, it is said that Jason landed here with the Argonauts after finding the Golden Fleece. Situated on 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. There is free time to explore, so perhaps visit one of the museums or simply enjoy the sea air with a portside walk. During lunch back on board we continue our return passage, but these lands still have so much to reveal. Hold on to your hat up on deck, as this area is well known for its windy weather and windmills were once a common sight. Watch the rocky shoreline drift by, dotted with the occasional ruined fortress.
• Day 9
  Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi & Ivanovo - Enjoy a tour of Ruse, Bulgaria’s fifth largest city, to get your bearings. This city is known as ‘Little Vienna’ for its wealth of fine 19th-century buildings. It was a popular stop off for traders sailing the Danube in the late 19th and early 20th century, and with the passing communities, there came different cultural and artistic influences which can be seen across the city. Our next stop is the Churches of Ivanovo, a fascinating 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 are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The terrain here can be uneven and there are some steps, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear. We finish this excursion with a visit to Basarbovo monastery. The monastery was built into the rocky cliffside in the Lom river valley using some natural caves and some man-made spaces. This the only active rock monastery in Bulgaria today, although there are another 300 rock buildings in the valley, with around 40 of them being churches. There is a pretty yard here with flowers and trees and, perhaps most famously, a well dug out by St. Dimitar which is said to have healing properties. After a morning of exploring, you’ll return to ship for lunch and then have the rest of the afternoon to spend as you wish, whether it’s exploring Ruse at your leisure or relaxing onboard. A scenic drive from Ruse 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 its houses stacked on steeply sided valleys, while the remains of the once-impregnable fortress complex stands 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 picturesque, cobbled streets are tiny workshops, where you can watch copper pots being beaten or wooden utensils skilfully carved. It is delightful to wander here, keeping an eye out for interesting traditional snacks to try, admiring the architecture while soaking up the atmosphere. 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.  Note: if you choose this full-day tour, lunch is not provided, but you’ll have time in Arbanasi to grab some food – your guide can help with recommendations. We end the day with a visit to the Churches of Ivanovo, a fascinating 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 are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The terrain here can be uneven and there are some steps, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear.
• Day 10
  Belogradchik - This morning why not take a cup of coffee up on deck and soak up the spectacular open spaces of this landscape, where thick woods of fragrant pine and silver fir cling to the banks, forming a hazy outline on the distant horizon? 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 a spectrum 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 gigantic natural sculptures are named after people or objects they are thought to resemble, while others are associated with colourful legends. Belogradchik town features an impressive fortress, with two-metre-thick walls that stretch up to 12 metres high. Most of the fortress is surrounded by rocks up to 70 metres high. If you decide to climb one of the rocks to take in the impressive views, please consider that appropriate footwear is required as the terrain can be slippery and uneven. We return to the ship for dinner. Later on, maybe enjoy a drink in the lounge with your companions while the resident pianist plays gentle melodies. Personalise Your Holiday - Learn about banitsa pastry and yoghurts at a local’s home Price: £54pp Duration: 2 hours 30 mins We’ll take a short transfer to a private home in the vicinity of Vidin. Your local hosts will welcome you into their yard to sit and break freshly baked bread together, and even have a tipple of brandy.  You will be given a demonstration on how to make the traditional filo pastry of the region – banitsa. Whilst the host’s own banitsa is baking, you’ll be invited to try your hand making it for yourself. Afterwards, you’ll also learn about Bulgarian yoghurt, a staple on the country’s diet and traditional foods. With your own banitsa wrapped up to take with you, you’ll bid farewell to your hosts and drive back to the ship. Optional excursion can be done in the afternoon instead of the included tour to Belogradchik. Please contact us at least two weeks before you’re set to depart to add the above experience to your booking before departure. Minimum numbers apply.