ITINERARY

Day 1 : DUBLIN-BUCHAREST

We will fly today to Bucharest and stop overnight.

Evening meal included

Day 2 : BUCHAREST - OLTENITA (Romania)

Morning tour of Bucharest. We will travel by coach or by rail to Oltenita. Passengers are welcome to board the ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce the crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner. Our ship will cruise through the night towards Cernavoda.

Day3 : CERNAVODA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA (Romania)

Morning sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. The completion of the Danube-Black Sea Canal is a colossal work in the history of Communism in Romania and Eastern Europe.

In the late morning, arrival in Constanta. Join us on an optional excursion for both packages: guided tour of Constanta and local wine tasting. Enjoy dinner and a traditional folklore evening.

Day 4 : CONSTANTA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CERNAVODA - OLTENITA

A day's sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. Construction began in the 1950s and the canal was inaugurated in 1984, making it the third longest in the world after the Suez and Panama canals. Take advantage of this day to relax on the sun deck and take part in the activities on board. Our ship will cruise through the night towards Oltenita.

Day 5 : OLTENITA (Romania) - GIURGIU (Romania) - RUSE (Bulgaria)

Join us on an optional excursion: Guided visit of Bucharest. Bucharest offers a striking combination of architectural styles: orthodox churches, Empire-style manor houses, Communist-inspired architecture, and the Parliament (outside only - entrance fees not included.)

We'll cruise to Ruse, one of the biggest ports in Bulgaria. Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment.

Day 6 : RUSE (Bulgaria)

Join us on an optional excursion : Tour of Ruse. The city is impressive with its broad avenues, large squares and wonderful buildings which pay tribute to the architecture of the national Renaissance. After our tour, we'll return to the ship and begin to cruise all afternoon. We will pass through two countries, Romania on the left bank and Bulgaria on the right bank. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 7 : THE IRON GATES

The day will be spent cruising on the Danube sailing through Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia. Our ship will pass through the Iron Gates, the gorge on the Danube between the Carpathians and the Balkans, also known as “The Gates of Hell”. On the Serbian bank of the river, we'll catch a glimpse of the Tabula Traiana - a marble plaque honouring the Roman Road that once linked Rome to the province of Dacia.

Day 8 : BELGRADE (Serbia) - NOVI SAD (Serbia)

We'll arrive in Belgrade. Join us for the optional excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Serbian capital. DISCOVERY: Biking in Belgrade. You'll cycle along the history-filled streets with your guide, who'll explain the city's recent past from World War II to current times.

After our tour, we'll return to the ship. Join us on an optional excursion: Guided tour of Novi Sad and the Krusedol monastery.

We'll start cruising in the direction of Mohacs.

Day 9 : MOHACS - KALOCSA

We'll arrive in Mohacs. In the afternoon, join us on an optional excursion: The Puszta. We'll return on board in Kalocsa and cruise to Budapest.

Enjoy a Hungarian dinner this evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 10 : BUDAPEST (Hungary)

Join us on an optional excursion: Guided tour of Budapest. Enjoy a free afternoon in Budapest: Discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (not included in the packages). After our visits, we'll begin to cruise to Bratislava. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 11 : BRATISLAVA (Slovakia)

We'll arrive in Bratislava. Join us for the optional excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava and Tasting of Local Delights. DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava. We'll then return on board.

Gala evening. Our ship will cruise to Vienna.

Day 12 : VIENNA (Austria)

Join us for the optional excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Visit to Schoenbrunn Palace (only on pre-booking before departure), former summer residence of the imperial family, and panoramic tour of Vienna. DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living: Music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back stage in the Konzerthaus concert hall.

After our tour, enjoy a steaming cup of Vienna Coffee and a delicious pastry. We'll then return on board. You'll be free to explore the city on your own in the afternoon. Join us on an optional excursion proposed: Horse-drawn carriage ride though Vienna. In the evening, join us on an optional: Concert of Viennese music (subject to availability.)

Day 13 : VIENNA (Austria)

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.

Transfer to airport and fly to Dublin.

MS VIVALDI

The MS Vivaldi is named after one of the greatest virtuosos in the history of music, who notably composed “The Four Seasons”. The ship sails on the Danube, and takes passengers to discover the many wonders offered by this romantic river.

The MS Vivaldi is a superb Premium ship, measuring 110 meters long and 11,40 meters wide. It can accommodate 176 passengers, in 88 cabins spread over three decks. The size of each cabin is between 9 m2 and 13 m2, offering amenities and providing guests with all the comforts they need during their stay. The decoration is stylish and its atmosphere, both elegant and friendly, and in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Located on the middle deck, the restaurant offers a delicate cuisine in a refined setting, where large bay windows allow guests to fully enjoy the panorama. Also situated on the middle deck is the lounge / bar with a dance floor, while a piano bar welcomes passengers on the upper deck, in an intimate and cozy atmosphere. Comfortable sun loungers are provided on the sun deck, with a large shaded area, the ideal place to relax and admire the surrounding landscapes.

NOTES

1.           There are a range of excursions offered during this cruise, as detailed in the itinerary. You will have a £150 credit towards the excursions. All you have to pay is anything over the £150.

2.           Croisieurope offer a fixed three course menu for lunch and dinner, with a choice of main course options. The food is of the highest quality but sometimes a particular course may not appeal to you. The menu is on display from early morning and you may ask your waiter if he/she can arrange something else for you. You must do this at breakfast time, or an alternative may not be available.

3.           Unlimited drinks, alcoholic and otherwise, are available throughout your cruise. The offer includes beers, spirits, soft drinks, teas & coffees, bottled water and a selection of fine house wines but excludes those from the wine list.

4.          Gratuities are included aboard the ship but, if you feel you have received exceptional service, please feel free to put something into the unmarked envelope, which will be left in your cabin towards the end of the cruise. Gratuities for tour guides, etc. are not included and a small contribution would be appreciated.

5.           “Accessibility” Whilst the “MS Vivaldi” offers one fully-accessible cabin for those who require wheelchair access, our experience shows that this cruise is not ideal for those with limited mobility. Berthing is often via steep ramps, possibly steps, and we may also need to cross through another vessel, often involving steep steps. We would endeavour to ensure you get the maximum from a cruise but cannot guarantee you will be able to get off at each and every port. You must also have a carer with you, who is able to manage every aspect of operating and pushing the wheelchair, your luggage, etc. Neither our representatives nor the crew of the ship can be called upon to assist, as we are not insured for it.

Excursion details to follow