Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets

This morning, enjoy a walking tour through the historic old town of Bucharest. Observe the many changes this capital city has experienced through a mixture of architectural styles and cultural influences. Your guided tour will take you through the old town and show you the most popular places in Bucharest while hearing stories of its history and getting local insights into shopping and dining opportunities. Later, explore the Romanian Christmas traditions as you stroll through the Bucharest Christmas Market, where there will be plenty of holiday festivities to enjoy, such as sipping on hot mulled wine or shopping for handcrafted goods at the small wooden stalls.

Journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you'll visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Later, head to Braşov for a walking tour where the fairytale-like old town transforms into a beautiful Christmas Market, and then check into your hotel.

Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighişoara, the birthplace of Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It's hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers, and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today, it houses a kitschy restaurant called "Casa Dracula."

Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia, you'll visit Peleș Castle, which is considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Later in the day, transfer to Giurgiu, where you will embark on the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe Christmas Markets cruise.

Experience more of Bucharest, where you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the Bucharest Christmas market, shining bright in festive holiday lights, in front of the Palace of the Parliament. Or visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples, and make new holiday memories when learning about Bulgarian traditions and folklore during Christmastime. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterward visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings.

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, and then enjoy a walking tour of Vidin with a visit to the local Christmas Market. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the option to take an exhilarating bike tour through Vidin. You may also opt for a wine tasting at a local winery.

The Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour.

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor's life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Serbia celebrates the holidays with festive Winter Markets as they have an extended Christmas period, following the Orthodox calendar where Christmas falls on January 7 and the New Year on the 14th. You'll have time to explore Belgrade's Winter Fest in the main square and its holiday treats, colorful Christmas Market stalls, concerts, and more. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian brandy, Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO's list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage," paired with delicious local appetizers. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.

Enjoy a morning of scenic cruising. In the afternoon, explore Vukovar on a guided city tour, where you can visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings, and clothing. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Wine connoisseurs will enjoy Croatian wine tasting and tour the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines.

Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the city's symbols. You can also visit the delightful Pécs Christmas Market in front of Town Hall. Or, for wine connoisseurs, you'll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago.

Bid Farewell to Budapest and prepare for your homeward flight.

*Book return flights from the Budapest Airport (BUD)*