Compare Budapest to the Black Sea - Eastbound 2019 by Tauck vs Amazing Balkans and Transylvania (4 Star Hotels) by Travel Talk

Day 1 Your adventure begins in Budapest

Tour begins: 6:00 PM, The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest. A transfer is included from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport and Budapest-Keleti Station to The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest in the heart of the city. Meet your fellow travelers and Tauck Directors at the welcome cocktail reception and dinner at the Festetics Palace in Budapest.

MEALS : D

LODGING : The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest

PORTOFCALL : Budapest, Hungary

Day 2 Discovering Pest, past & present

Once independent cities located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest joined together when they were linked by the Chain Bridge in the mid-19th century to become Hungary's cosmopolitan capital, Budapest. You have a choice of Budapest discoveries this morning. You can choose to join Tauck's local guides for sightseeing in Pest starting with a visit to St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest's neo-Renaissance cathedral completed in 1905; continuing with Pest's impressive mix of architectural masterpieces and historic monuments, viewing City Park, patriotic Heroes' Square with its statues of Hungarian leaders through the ages, the Gothic-Revival Parliament building and tree-lined Andrassy Avenue; and time spent wandering through bustling Central Market Hall, a veritable showcase of Hungarian life from food to gifts and cafés. Or you can choose to spend the morning touring the Pest side of the city by bicycle with a local guide (you'll need to be comfortable riding a bicycle in a city environment). The rest of the day and evening are yours to enjoy the city as you like; if you wish, you may join your Tauck Director on an optional visit to Budapest's Holocaust Memorial Museum this afternoon.

MEALS : B

LODGING : The Ritz-Carlton, Budapest

PORTOFCALL : Budapest, Hungary

Day 3 Visit Budapest landmark sights and set off on your cruise

Today's exploration of Buda begins with a visit to the Hungarian Parliament building, rich with history; it is nothing short of an architectural masterpiece. Next up is a visit to Castle Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where a guided walking tour introduces architectural landmarks such as well-known Fisherman's Bastion. Go back to the days of World War II and the Cold War at the Sziklakórház ("Hospital in the Rock"), a museum recreating underground military medical and civil defense facilities in a former secret nuclear bunker hidden beneath Buda Castle. Enjoy some time to explore more of Budapest as you please, then board ms Joy to begin your Budapest river cruise. Join us tonight for a welcome reception followed by dinner onboard.

MEALS : B, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Budapest, Hungary

Day 4 Antiquities & more in Hungary

Arrive in Mohacs this morning and travel to Pécs for a walking tour. Here you'll also explore the fascinating Christian Necropolis, a complex dating back to the 4th century that includes underground burial chambers and chapels adorned with early Christian art and frescoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the 19th century, Pecs was famous worldwide for the exquisite Zsolnay porcelain manufactured here, and your visit includes a stop at the Zsolnay Museum for a look at its stunning examples of Art Nouveau stoneware, tiles and pottery. Visit a winery in Villány for lunch (this region is renowned for its red wines) then return to Mohacs for dinner aboard ship.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Pecs, Hungary

Day 5 Vukovar, Croatia & Novi Sad, Serbia

Your riverboat exploration of the lower Danube cruises into Croatia; an onboard lecture by a local expert provides insights into the country's culture and history. Dock in the Baroque city of Vukovar, once showcasing opulent 18th-century mansions, but now poignantly symbolizing the effects of the 1990s war as it rebuilds; visit the home of a Vukovar family who have recently returned to resume their lives in the city after the conflict, who will share homemade refreshments with you. Reboard your riverboat for lunch and cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, enhanced by commentary by your Tauck Directors. You'll have a little free time this evening to explore Novi Sad before your cruise continues to Belgrade.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Vukovar, Croatia

Day 6 The sights of Belgrade and a private palace evening

Dock in Belgrade, Serbia's eclectic, cosmopolitan capital at the juncture of the Danube and Sava rivers. You can choose to spend the morning touring the "New Belgrade" section of the city by bicycle with a local guide (you'll need to be comfortable riding a bicycle in a city environment); or join our local guides for a city tour that includes visits to Tito's Memorial and the formidable Kalemegdan Fortress, and views of busy Slavija Square (now one of the city's major squares, but once a large pool where residents hunted wild ducks!), Parliament, Republic Square and City Hall. After lunch onboard, you have the afternoon free to spend as you please. Following onboard entertainment by Serbian performers during cocktail hour, you'll return to shore for this evening's sparkling Tauck Exclusive - dinner at the Royal White Palace of the Serbian Royal Family in Belgrade, built in the 1930s for members of the Yugoslavian royal family and set within the same complex as the Royal Palace of Dedinje, today home to HRH Crown Prince Alexander II of Serbia and his family.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Belgrade, Serbia

Day 7 The Iron Gate, King Decebalus & more

Be on deck to watch the scenic heartland of Eastern Europe unfold during a leisurely morning on the Danube River today. Winding lazily for much of its length, the Danube suddenly narrows into a series of high cliffs to create four steep, spectacular gorges comprising the Kazan Narrows and the Iron Gate of the Danube. Pass through these dramatic landscapes as you cruise along the Romanian-Serbian border. Look for a monument to the 2nd-century Dacian King Decebalus, a Romanian national hero, carved into the Danube's rocky bank; it's Europe's tallest rock sculpture, completed in 2004 after a decade of work by a dozen sculptors. Savor views of the Transylvanian Alps as you cruise to Bulgaria.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Cruise Kazan Narrows/Iron Gate

Day 8 Bulgarian art in Ruse or Ivanovo

A leisurely morning cruise takes you to Bulgaria, the oldest state in Europe. Enigmatic and off limits during four centuries of Ottoman Rule and decades behind the Iron Curtain, today the country is a treasure trove of natural beauty and history. Disembark after lunch in Ruse, referred to by many as "Little Vienna" for its Art Nouveau homes, Austro-Hungarian architecture and lively cafés. A choice of afternoon excursions includes a guided walking tour or a beautiful (but challenging) hike to the Rock Churches of Ivanovo featuring stunning medieval frescoes inside stony chambers carved into steep, cliffside caves. The path up to the churches is rough and irregular but the views - and frescoes - at the top of the valley are very rewarding.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Ruse, Bulgaria

Day 9 Constanta & Mamaia on Romania's Black Sea coast

Spend the morning cruising the Danube all the way to Constanta, Romania on the Black Sea coast. Upon your arrival in the early afternoon, take a guided tour of this historic port city, originally the ancient Greek colony of Tomis and home to numerous Greek and Roman antiquities; sights include an Art-Nouveau casino and a monument to the Roman poet Ovid, who was exiled here by the Emperor Augustus. Then it's on to Mamaia, the largest seaside resort on the Black Sea, for some time at leisure to enjoy the beach before returning to the riverboat, docked in Constanta, for your final night aboard your Budapest river cruise. Join us for the ship's farewell reception and dinner onboard this evening.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : Aboard your 443-ft. riverboat

PORTOFCALL : Constanta, Romania

Day 10 Explore Bucharest & an evening at the Palace of Parliament

Disembark your riverboat in Cernavoda and travel across fertile plains to Bucharest, capital of Romania and once regarded as the "Paris of the Balkans." A sightseeing tour of city landmarks includes Revolution Square and the Triumphal Arch; erected to commemorate Romania's reunification and those who fell in World War I, it is a smaller but otherwise exact copy of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Lunch in the Old Town, the city's charming historic center; a former enclave of artisans and merchants in the 16th century, it's now a trendy district of old inns, antique shops, galleries, and cafes, riddled with winding networks of vaulted cellars, cobblestone streets and passageways. Settle in for the next two nights at the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel in the heart of the city, then depart for the massive Palace of Parliament (a.k.a. the People's Palace), built by dictator Nicolae Ceaucescu to be the center of political power in the capital; the Soviet-style white marble complex, 12 stories high, with over a thousand rooms and four underground levels, is the world's largest building after the Pentagon, and some parts of it are still unfinished! An introductory tour concludes with a special farewell reception and dinner at the ubiquitous Palace, complete with musical entertainment.

MEALS : B, L, D

LODGING : JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Bucharest, Romania

Day 11 Castles, monasteries, mysteries & a gala dinner in Transylvania and Romania

A choice of sightseeing today echoes the legacy of 15th-century Romanian prince Vlad Tepes (a.k.a. "Vlad the Impaler"), thought to be the historical model for Bram Stoker's Dracula. You may choose to take a full-day excursion to Transylvania's 14th-century Bran Castle, which Tepes once used as a fortress during his military campaigns; the excursion includes a brief walk and lunch in Brasov. Or you can opt for a trip to Targoviste to see the ruins of Tepes' palace, including its imposing watchtower, restored in the 19th century; you'll also visit the army barracks (now a museum) where Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was tried and executed in 1989. Your third option today is an excursion into the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania for a visit to Peles Castle and Sinaia, with lunch at a local restaurant and a return to Bucharest for free time and dinner as you please.

MEALS : B, L

LODGING : JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel

PORTOFCALL : Bucharest, Romania

Day 12 Journey home

Tour ends: Bucharest, Romania. Fly home anytime. A transfer from the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel to Henri Coanda International Airport or Bucuresti Gara de Nord train station is included. Allow a minimum of 3 hours for flight check-in.

MEALS : B

PORTOFCALL : Bucharest, Romania

Day 1: Bucharest

Welcome to Bucharest! At the airport, keep an eye out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At the hotel around 7pm, have an informal welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers. After you get all the critical information about the tour, head out for our optional group dinner around 8:15pm and walk the streets of Bucharest.

Accommodation

Hotel Mercure Unirii - 4 Star

Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities

Group Dinner

Day 2: Bucharest City Tour

After a hefty breakfast at the hotel, it's time to launch our discovery of the fascinating Romanian capital, Bucharest. Follow your guide as we visit unmissable landmarks of the city starting with the Revolution Square, Arc of Triumph and Romania Athenaem. Learn about the unique culture and vast history of the city as we continue to the famous Opera House, National Military Club, Dimitrie Gusti National Village and the Palace of Parliament, each building presents a different perspective to the Romanian culture and an artwork in itself. After some personal leisure time for you to explore this gorgeous city on your own terms, return to the hotel following a long day of discovery.

Accommodation

Hotel Mercure Unirii - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Bucharest City Tour

Entrance Fees

National Village Museum - EUR 6

Day 3: Bucharest, Sinaia, Bran, Brasov

Today's the day we set course for the fascinating region of Transylvania. Drive through misty forests of lush green towards our first stop at Peles Castle in Sinaia, a beautiful neo-renaissance castle in the Carpathian mountains (Please note that it is not possible to visit inside of the castle). Just as we start to warm up to this unique atmosphere, goosebumps creep in... Prepare for the legendary Bran Castle, also known as the Castle of Count Dracula! This iconic sight is where legend and reality blend together to create the timeless stories of the vampires. Continue deep into Transylvania to Brasov, a fascinating town surrounded by medieval Saxon walls and embellished with gothic & baroque architecture. Starting with the cobble-stone Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square), visit famous landmarks as the Black Church and Muresenilor House Museum before checking into our hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel Ambient – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Visit to Peles Castle

Visit to Count Dracula Castle

Brasov Sightseeing

Entrance Fees

Dracula Castle Bran - EUR 8.5

Day 4: Brasov, Sighisoara, Cluj-Napoca

Ready to follow the footsteps of Count Dracula? Our journey continues to Sighisoara after making a stop at the Clock Tower. Soak in marvellous views of Sighisoara Citadel, the Dominican Monastery, The Church on the Hill (Biserica din Deal), and Dracula's House while listening to your guide about the colourful background of the town. Our next stop will be the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region, Cluj-Napoca! Tag along your tour leader for a sightseeing tour of the colourful town, visiting the Union Square, St. Mihail Church and Matthias Corvinus Monument. Then make way to our 4-star hotel following a long day of discovery with spare time to scroll through your photo reel.

Accommodation

Hotel River Park – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sighisoara Sightseeing

Cluj-Napoca Sightseeing

Day 5: Cluj-Napoca, Salina Turda, Hunedeoara, Sibiu

After breakfast at the hotel, we depart for the salt mines of Turda. This fascinating geologic wonder first produced salt for the region in antique times and has been active since the 11th century! Continuing to Hunedeoara Castle, also known as the Corvin Castle, learn all about the vibrant history of the Transylvanian citadel from your guide. Our next stop will be the fairytale-like town of Sibiu. Relax at our comfortable 4-star hotel following a day filled with cultural adventure or start exploring Sibiu as you wish.

Accommodation

Hotel Golden Tulip Ana Tower – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Visit to Salina Turda (Salt Mine)

Hunedeoara Sightseeing

Entrance Fees

Salina Turda - EUR 10

Corvin Castle - EUR 8

Day 6: Sibiu, Bucharest

We start our day with a walking tour of charming Sibiu. Presenting marvellous samples of Germanic architecture, Sibiu's legacy dates back to Saxxon settlers from the 12th century. Tag along your tour leader to view landmarks such as Brukenthal Palace, Piata Mare (city square), Lutheran Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. In the afternoon, we will be heading back to Bucharest for our overnight stay.

Accommodation

Hotel Mercure Unirii - 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sibiu Sightseeing

Optional Activities

Group Dinner

Day 7: Bucharest, Veliko Tarnavo, Plovdiv

It's time to bid farewell to Romania as we embark our ride for Veliko Tarnavo, the City of the Tsars. The historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire displays the unique Bulgarian architecture from the medieval age. Uncover the vast history and gems including Tsareverts Fortress and the Holy Forty Martyrs Church before moving on to Plovdiv.

Accommodation

Best Western Premier Plovdiv Hills – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Veliko Tarnavo Sightseeing

Entrance Fees

Tsarevets Fortress - EUR 5

Day 8: Plovdiv, Sofia

Fill up at breakfast at the hotel as we prepare for a city tour of beautiful Plovdiv. Launching our tour at Old Plovdiv in Nebet Hill, visit the Balabanov and Georgi Mavridi House, witness the impressive St. Konstantin Church and Elena Church, and proceed to Roman Amphitheatre of Philippopolis and Stadium - some of the best-preserved samples of Roman architecture in the world. Then we continue to visit the Citadel Door, Castle Streets and St. Nedelya Church. Having explored the marvels of Plovdiv, we embark for Sofia! Upon arrival, discover the Bulgarian capital on a panoramic city tour covering all the unmissable sights of the city and learn about its rooted history.

Accommodation

Novotel Sofia – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Plovdiv City Tour

Sofia Panoramic Tour

Day 9: Sofia, Belgrade

After a substantial breakfast, hop on the bus and make your way to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. With stunning views over the Danube and Sava rivers by the mighty medieval Belgrade Fortress, head to the heart of the capitol. Starting off at the vibrant pretty shopping street, Knez Mihailova, filled with cafes, shops and charming sites, kick off the walking tour to discover the incredible landmarks Belgrade has in store and their marvellous histories.

Accommodation

Abba Hotel - 4 Star or similar

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Belgrade City Tour

Day 10: Belgrade, Sarajevo

Next stop Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the city that has been through it all! It is where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split and where people of many nations and religions met, lived and warred. You can still see many reminders of the Yugoslav War in bullet holes and cannon marks all around town. Though, still an oriental beauty with a unique twist, and a delight to discover on your walking tour in the old town. The city offers endless delicacies to taste, but the specialty is lamb.

Accommodation

Hotel Ibis Styles – 4 Star or similar

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sarajevo City Tour

Entrance Fees

Catholic Church - EUR 1

Day 11: Sarajevo, Mostar,Trebinje

Today, we drive for the amazing Adriatic shore, but first a stop at Mostar! As you arrive in this dreamland, walk through the Old Town of this Herzegovina pearl, see the iconic highlights Old Bridge – Stari Most, and the old čaršija (market). Enjoy your lunch with an amazing view at one of the local venues, discover the old town and make sure to try the delicious Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, we ride to Trebinje for our overnight stay.

Accommodation

Hotel Central Park – 4 Star or similar

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Mostar City Tour

Optional Activities

Kravice Waterfalls - EUR 30

Day 12: Trebinje, Dubrovnik, Trebinje

Get ready for a long day at Dubrovnik, the “Pearl of the Adriatic"! With its well-preserved majestic walls encircling the whole town and its sea of terra-cotta roof tiles, giving life to the "King’s Landing", the whole town is an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even the drive down to town from the mountain-side is a breakth-taking highlight in itself! We start off with a guided walking tour of the Old Town and marvel at the millennial history of this fairy-like town. Walk atop the mighty walls, discover cute narrow streets, taste delicious seafood or jump off into the crystal-blue waters. In the evening, we return to Trebinje for a good night's rest.

Accommodation

Hotel Central Park – 4 Star or similar

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Dubrovnik City Tour

Optional Activities

Dubrovnik Boat Trip - EUR 40

Entrance Fees

Dubronvnik City Walls - EUR 15

Day 13: Trebinje, Kotor, Shkoder

Next stop Montenegro! Arrive in Kotor after a scenic drive an meet its calming natural beauty and characteristic architecture, a less-crowded version of Dubrovnik with its impressive medieval citadel. Following a walking tour of the old town with your expert local guide and some free time. Departure to Albania, which is our final destination for the day. Shkoder is one of the most authentic cities in Albania. Walking tour through the centre. Overnight in Shkoder.

Accommodation

Grand Hotel Europa – 5 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Kotor City Tour

Shkoder Walking Tour

Day 14: Shkoder, Tirana, Ohrid

Hit the road after breakfast! A panoramic city tour of Tirana will introduce the best preserved and most beautiful samples of Albanian architecture, and drop us off at the town centre for some free time to discover the bustling Skenderbeg square. In the afternoon, continue towards Ohrid, Macedonia and check-in to your comfy hotel. You can rest up after a long day, or join the optional Balkan night with dinner.

Accommodation

Hotel Nova Riviera or Hotel Aqualina – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Panoramic Tour of TiranaOhrid Walking Tour

Optional Activities

Balkan Night With Dinner - EUR 35

Day 15: Ohrid, Skopje

Start off the day with a guided city tour of Old Ohrid hosting hundreds of chapels and churches scattered all around. In the afternoon travel to Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, for the night.

Accommodation

Hotel Panoramika – 4 Star

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Ohrid City Tour

Optional Activities

St. Naum Tour - EUR 20

Day 16: Skopje, Sofia

Prepare to discover the beautiful Skopje with a guided sightseeing tour filled with stunning architecture, grand monuments and unique history. Pose with the famous statue of Alexander the Great or walk through the Macedonian Arc de Triumph. The city has countless landmarks and a vibrant street life with many cafes and bars around. In the afternoon, leave for Sofia, where our trip ends and we say goodbye to our new friends. You can explore the shopping streets, highlights and the nightlife as you wish.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Skopje City Tour