Upon arrival in Vienna, after clearing customs and claiming your luggage, your 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 stateroom, your comfortable home for the next two weeks. Later, gather with the crew and your fellow travelers as you embark on this unforgettable European river cruise.
As you enjoy breakfast onboard, the ship arrives in Budapest, Hungary’s enchanting capital. Begin your panoramic tour on the lively Pest side with a visit to St. Stephen’s Basilica, followed by a drive along Andrássy Avenue past the State Opera to Heroes’ Square. Glide through the city center and take in the grand architecture lining the bustling Grand Boulevard.
Cross the iconic Chain Bridge to the Buda side, where you’ll enjoy sweeping views from Gellért Hill and a scenic drive through the historic Castle District. From the riverside, capture stunning views of Buda Castle and the Parliament building, two of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
As your tour concludes, return to the ship just in time to savor a delicious lunch onboard. With the afternoon ahead, settle into the comfort of your vessel as it resumes its graceful journey along the river. Spend the afternoon and evening immersed in the beauty of scenic cruising. Take in the ever-changing landscapes unfolding before your eyes; charming villages, vine-covered hills, and fairytale castles drifting past in a mesmerizing panorama. Whether you choose to relax on the sun deck, enjoy a good book in the lounge, or simply take in the view with a glass of wine in hand, this is river cruising at its most serene and enchanting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After breakfast, your ship makes a brief morning stop in Ruse, where you’ll disembark for a full-day excursion to Bucharest, the spirited capital of Romania. Home to over 1.8 million people, Bucharest is a city of fascinating contrasts where ornate Orthodox churches stand beside bold communist-era monuments, and tree-lined boulevards echo the charm of Paris.
As you journey into the city, take in sweeping views of architectural landmarks such as the Arc de Triomphe, Unity Square with its graceful fountains, and the capital’s stately avenues lined with historic buildings.
The day’s highlight is a guided tour of the colossal Palace of Parliament, one of the world’s largest and most extravagant government buildings. Commissioned during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the palace is a staggering display of scale and opulence, featuring endless marble corridors, soaring ceilings, and crystal chandeliers. Please note: A valid government-issued ID is required for entry, and all visitors must pass through security screening.
The tour continues along Liberty Boulevard and through Revolution Square, where echoes of history linger. Here, the Rebirth Memorial stands as a striking tribute to the brave souls of the 1989 revolution, a turning point in Romania’s modern story.
Pause midday to enjoy a traditional Romanian lunch, offering a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Afterward, rejoin your ship in Fetești, where time is yours to relax and refresh before dinner.
As evening falls, the ship gently sets sail once more, carrying you onward to your next unforgettable destination along the Danube.
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, step ashore and begin your discovery of Rousse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant and culturally rich cities, often called “Little Vienna” for its refined architecture and European flair.
Your excursion begins with a panoramic city tour, where stately facades, neoclassical buildings, and lively squares tell the story of a city shaped by centuries of commerce, culture, and creativity. Wander through charming streets where East meets West, and history whispers from every corner.
Next, journey to the Basarbovo Monastery, a remarkable sanctuary carved directly into the cliffs above the Lom River. This rock-hewn monastery, still active today, is a peaceful retreat and a powerful spiritual site, offering a serene moment of reflection amid striking natural surroundings.
The experience reaches its poetic crescendo at the Regional Historical Museum of Rousse, where you’ll be treated to an intimate piano concert set within the grand, history-laden halls of the museum. As music fills the space, it brings the city’s cultural soul to life in an unforgettable fusion of sound and setting.
This is Rousse at its finest! A city where history, spirituality, and the arts converge, leaving a lasting impression on both heart and mind.
Return to the ship just in time for lunch, then settle in for an afternoon of scenic cruising as your voyage continues. Watch the landscape unfold as the Danube winds its way through timeless countryside, carrying you ever deeper into the heart of Eastern Europe.
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, embark on a heartwarming journey into the Croatian countryside with a visit to a family-run farm near Vukovar, where tradition, sustainability, and a passion for healthy living come together in perfect harmony.
After spending two decades in Istria, the family returned to their roots with a dream: to raise their children in nature and create a sustainable lifestyle. Today, that dream flourishes across their vibrant orchards and buzzing beehives, offering a truly inspiring glimpse into rural life along the Danube.
Wander through lush orchards brimming with plums, apples, quinces, and apricots. Discover how they craft their homemade jams, free of additives and full of flavor, using cherished family recipes passed down through generations. Then explore the beekeeping operation, home to 96 thriving hives, where high-quality honey, propolis, and pollen are produced with care and respect for nature.
To conclude your visit, gather with your hosts for coffee and homemade cake, sharing stories and laughter in the warmth of true Croatian hospitality. This Cultural Connection is more than a visit, it’s a window into a life built on resilience, family values, and a hopeful vision for the future.
Return to the ship in time for a delicious lunch, then settle in as your vessel sets sail down the mighty Danube River. The afternoon invites you to relax and take in the ever-changing scenery—rolling hills, peaceful villages, and timeless riverbanks unfolding with every passing mile.
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.
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.
