Upon arrival in Vienna, a warm welcome awaits as a Vantage Explorations representative greets you and escorts you to the cruise pier. After completing all mandatory safety protocols, your journey begins with an early evening departure around 6:00 pm.
For a smooth start to your voyage, please schedule your flight to arrive on or before 3PM.
Once aboard, take time to settle into your well-appointed cabin, your comfortable home for the next two weeks. Later, gather with the crew and your fellow adventurers as you embark on this unforgettable European river cruise.
After breakfast, the ship arrives in Budapest, where an unforgettable morning awaits. Step into a classic car for a nostalgic journey through the Hungarian capital, with each stop offering a glimpse into the city's storied past and vibrant culture. Discover the grandeur of the Buda Castle District, perched high on Várhegy Hill, where centuries of history overlook the Danube. From this vantage point, take in sweeping views of Budapest’s elegant skyline and the river that gracefully winds through the city. Your tour continues to the serene Garden of Philosophy, a peaceful retreat adorned with statues honoring great thinkers and spiritual leaders from around the world. Afterwards, we return to the ship just in time for lunch as we set sail toward our next enchanting destination.
After Breakfast, an exciting excursion awaits you. Embedded in an idyllic landscape, the impressive Krusedol Monastery, which is especially famous for its beautiful murals and icons, welcomes you. Â
Next, we journey to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, known for its warm and welcoming charm. Discover its highlights by both bus and on foot, including the striking Petrovaradin Fortress, the elegant town hall, and the historic city library—each a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
After lunch, our adventure continues to the capital of Serbia on an extensive city tour that includes a special highlight: a visit to the royal palace, Beli Dvor. Your tour begins with a panoramic drive through Belgrade’s most significant landmarks, offering insights into the city's rich history and culture. You will see impressive sites such as the St. Sava Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, as well as the historic city center with its monumental buildings and charming squares.Â
A highlight of this tour is the visit to Beli Dvor, the Royal Palace of the Serbian and Yugoslav monarchy. This magnificent palace, set within vast gardens, provides fascinating glimpses into the lives of the former royal family. During a guided tour of the palace’s grand rooms, you will experience the splendor of past eras and learn more about the history and significance of the Serbian monarchy. After the palace visit, the city tour continues before rejoining the ship in Belgrade in time for dinner. We depart later tonight and continue our journey down the mighty Danube River.Â
Enjoy a relaxing day of sailing on the Danube, soaking up the views while relaxing in one of the many observation areas aboard VIVA ENJOY.Â
Today offers a peaceful interlude as the ship makes a brief operational stop in Ruse before continuing its graceful journey down the Danube. Settle in for a day of scenic cruising, where tranquil river views and ever-changing landscapes create the perfect backdrop for relaxation. As evening approaches and you prepare for dinner, the ship briefly pauses once more in Fetesti before gliding onward toward the next destination.
After breakfast, prepare for an unforgettable adventure as we set out to explore the Upper Danube Delta. Stretching nearly 3,000 kilometers, the Danube is Europe’s second-longest river, flowing through ten countries and constantly transforming in character. In some places, it widens into still, glassy waters; in others, it splinters into countless narrow channels. Nowhere is this transformation more breathtaking than in the vast Danube Delta, where the river meets the Black Sea in a spectacular display of natural wonder.
A haven for biodiversity, this unique ecosystem is Europe’s only wetland of its kind and a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It shelters over 4,000 species of animals and more than 1,000 plant varieties, offering an extraordinary display of life. From Harsova, transfer to Tulcea where you’ll board a smaller vessel to explore the Delta’s hidden corners up close. Cruise through a world of lush vegetation and tranquil waterways, with ample opportunity to witness the region’s rich birdlife in their natural habitat.
After this immersive encounter with nature, return to the ship and relax as we set sail once more in the mid-afternoon, continuing our journey along the storied Danube River.
After Breakfast, we set out to explore the wonders of this Bulgarian city! Your excursion begins with an exciting city tour, allowing you to explore the charming streets and impressive buildings. Next, you'll visit the Basarbovo Monastery, which majestically clings to the rocks, serving as a spiritual oasis of tranquility.  Â
But that's not all – the highlight awaits you at the Regional Historical Museum of Ruse. Here, you'll enjoy a small piano concert, where the wonderful music fills the historical atmosphere of the museum. This unique experience combines the cultural depth of the city with the beauty of music, leaving you with unforgettable impressions.  Â
Ruse opens doors to a world where history, architecture, and music intertwine – an excursion that enchants your senses and immerses you in the magic of the city. Â
We rejoin the ship in Svishtov then continue our journey down the Danube River. Â
Spend a delightful half day in Vidin, a charming Bulgarian town nestled along the banks of the Danube. Rich in history and culture, Vidin invites exploration with its well-preserved Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval stronghold that offers panoramic views of the river. Stroll through quiet streets lined with 19th-century architecture, visit the elegant Orthodox churches, and take in the relaxed atmosphere of this riverside gem before returning to the ship to continue your journey.
After breakfast, set out on a captivating tour beginning with a visit to a striking medieval fortress that stands proudly above the river, offering commanding views and a glimpse into the region’s storied past. From there, journey to the remarkable archaeological site of Lepenski Vir, one of Europe’s oldest known settlements. Discovered during excavations in the 1960s, this site reveals a fascinating window into prehistoric life, partially submerged after the construction of the Danube’s first dam.
Later, rejoin the ship in Veliko Gradište. With a mid-afternoon departure, prepare for a relaxing afternoon of scenic cruising, with the serene beauty of the Danube unfolding around every bend as we voyage toward our next destination.
After breakfast, we set out on an inspiring tour of a family-run farm in Vukovar, where tradition meets a healthy lifestyle. After two decades in Istria, the family returned to provide their children with a healthy upbringing and to realize their dream of a sustainable farm.Â
 Discover how they make homemade jams from fresh fruits without artificial additives, based on traditional recipes. Explore their beekeeping operation with 96 hives that produce high-quality honey, propolis, and pollen, and stroll through their two-hectare orchards filled with plums, apples, quinces, and apricots.Â
To conclude, enjoy delicious coffee and cake with the locals while exchanging stories. This Cultural Connection offers a unique opportunity to taste the fruits of their labor and be inspired by their story of family, tradition, and a better future! We return to the ship in time for Lunch as we set sail down the mighty Danube River. Relax as the sights and sounds of the Danube River pass you by.Â
After breakfast onboard, disembark in Solt for a delightful excursion to Bakodpuszta, a rural retreat steeped in Hungarian tradition. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed with local specialties, including brandy, wine, and hearty lard bread. This charming farmstead is home to rare native animals such as gray cattle and woolly pigs, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s agricultural heritage. The highlight of your visit is an engaging horse show, where you’ll witness the deep bond between horses and riders that has been passed down through generations.
Following this authentic countryside experience, return to the ship just in time for lunch. Sit back and unwind as we continue our journey with a leisurely afternoon and evening of scenic cruising along the Danube.
- Enjoy a tranquil morning cruising the scenic waters of the Danube as the river gently carries you toward your next destination. In the early afternoon, the ship arrives in Bratislava, the vibrant capital of Slovakia, where a captivating tour awaits. Nestled at the crossroads of Slovakia, Hungary, and Austria, this historic city has long served as a cultural crossroads. Once the coronation site of Hungarian kings, today Bratislava blends centuries of architectural elegance with a fresh, modern spirit.
- During a guided walking tour through the charming Old Town, marvel at the beautifully restored Gothic and Baroque buildings, wander through narrow cobbled streets, and discover quiet courtyards and lively squares that echo the city's storied past. A short ride on the whimsical Bimmelbahn tourist train offers a scenic overview, followed by a tasting of a traditional Slovak delicacy—a delicious glimpse into local culinary traditions.
- We return to the ship in time to prepare for this evening’s festive Farewell Dinner. Savor your final night onboard as we bid farewell to Bratislava and begin our return journey to Vienna.
After a final breakfast onboard, we bid Auf Wiedersehen to the ship’s crew as we disembark and transfer back to Vienna Airport with wonderful memories of your Danube Delta River Cruise. Â
Please Note: Disembarkation begins at 930AM. We recommend you schedule your flight to depart on or after 1:30PM
Note: While we make every effort to offer you the excursions mentioned in the itinerary, please note that changes may occur with little or without notice that are outside of our control, and we thank you in advance for your understanding and flexibility.Â
