Compare Eastern European Odyssey by Titan Travel vs Imperial Cities of Europe - 6 Countries by Serbia Tour Operator

Day 1 London - Budapest
VIP Outbound1 Titan’s VIP door-to-door travel service collects you from your home, for your journey to London Heathrow Airport and a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to Budapest. On arrival, transfer to embark MS Serenade 1 (4T), where light refreshments will be available on arrival with time to settle in before a welcome cocktail and Captain’s gala dinner this evening.

Day 2 Budapest - Mohács
Budapest is a most suitable start to our cruise, with its vibrant mix of east and west, medieval and modern. We have included a city tour this morning to introduce highlights such as the Parliament Building and Heroes’ Square. The Castle District on the ‘Buda’ side of the river presents excellent views and photo opportunities. We sail tonight for Mohács, where we dock overnight.

Day 3 Vukovar - Belgrade
Early this morning we arrive into the Croatian port of Vukovar, where the Danube meets the Vuka River. The city suffered terrible damage in the early 1990s in the Croatian War of Independence; however, many buildings have been restored. An optional excursion is available to explain its role during this time. Tonight we arrive in Belgrade, where we dock overnight.

Day 4 Belgrade
Our included excursion today is a tour of Belgrade, capital of the Republic of Serbia. We begin with a panoramic coach tour through the city centre to see the Republic Square and Saint Sava Cathedral, one of the largest church buildings in the world. We then visit the Kalemegdan Fortress that encloses the tomb of Turkish Grand Vezir, Ali Pasha. We take a closer look at the city’s highlights by foot, with free time to enjoy them at leisure. After dinner, entertainment is provided by a local folklore group.

Day 5 Cruise the Iron Gates
A full day on the river, as we navigate the Iron Gates as we passage between Serbia and Romania. This part of the Danube is certainly one of the most scenic, as you travel through steep wooded cliffs.

Day 6 Rousse
After arriving at lunchtime, we spend the afternoon in Rousse, where an optional city walk will be available to discover more of this attractive city, often referred to as the ‘Little Vienna’.

Day 7 Cernavoda
Our day-long excursion takes us to Constanta on the Black Sea Coast. We begin in the old centre of Constanta at Ovid Square, named after the Roman poet who was exiled here in 8 AD. The Archaeological Museum houses a rich collection of prehistoric, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Medieval artefacts. We visit the Orthodox Cathedral of St Peter and Paul and then conclude at the Casino - a beautiful clifftop building, with spectacular views over the harbour of Constanta, the largest port on the Black Sea. Lunch will be included, before we return to the ship later today.

Day 8 Scenic cruising
Relax on board today and enjoy the scenery.

Day 9 Iron Gates
Enjoy the passage of the Iron Gates Gorge, an area of outstanding beauty and a wildlife haven, particularly for birds.

Day 10 Donji Milanovac
This morning we arrive in Donji Milanovac, a Serbian town in the midst of the beautiful Djerdap National Park. The town has been moved several times, with the last move in the 1970s creating a modern town but the area is steeped in history. You may like to join an optional excursion to nearby Lepenski Vir, one of Europe’s most important Mesolithic sites. We continue our cruise this afternoon.

Day 11 Novi Sad
Arrive in Novi Sad, the northern autonomous province of Serbia. An optional tour is available that includes a walking tour of the old town centre and its many 18th and 19th century buildings, followed by a visit to Petrovaradin fortress, for excellent views, and the city of Sremski Karlovci - one of Serbia’s most important spiritual and cultural centres.

Day 12 Mohács
From the port of Mohács in Hungary, you can join an optional tour to Kalocsa and Puszta. Discover the history of Paprika and why this spice is considered the ‘red gold of Kalocsa’, before travelling to Pustza to see an entertaining performance of Hungarian horsemanship. The harmony between horseman and horse is remarkable to see.

Day 13 Esztergom
Esztergom is a small town full of historical and cultural sites. As we sail towards the town, we are greeted with the spectacular sight of the hilltop basilica, a vast church that holds the world’s largest alter piece, which you may wish to visit today. Or perhaps join an optional excursion to combine a tour of Esztergom with time in Szentendre, a gorgeous, modest, colourful town of art and history.

Day 14 Bratislava
The 2,000-year-old city of Bratislava is the capital of Slovakia and the lovingly-restored Old Town with its ancient cobbled streets is a delight to explore, under the watchful gaze of the medieval castle. We take a tour of the charming old town and enjoy a ride on the tourist train that travels through some of the city’s most beautiful aspects. With the rest of the day at leisure, you may want to climb Michael’s Gate and Tower for an insight into medieval weaponry and fantastic city views, or take in the Museum of Jewish Culture, the only reminder of the historic Jewish neighbourhood.

Day 15 Melk - Weissenkirchen
Visit Melk, dominated by its imposing Benedictine abbey, which you may choose to visit on an optional excursion. Over lunch we continue to Weissenkirchen for free time to explore this pretty village, or join an optional wine experience excursion and visit to Krems, before dinner.

Day 16 Vienna
Vienna is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, with its rich culture of arts and music, and of course home to Mozart. Here we include a city tour by coach that will introduce you to the highlights of the city. We remain here overnight, offering a wonderful setting for our Captain’s farewell gala dinner.

Day 17 Vienna - London
VIP Inbound Disembark in Vienna and transfer to the airport for a direct, scheduled British Airways flight to London Heathrow. On arrival you will be met and guided to your Titan vehicle, for the journey home.

Please note:

If you are arriving in Budapest a few days prior to the tour departure, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $65 (Standard package) or $105 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.

Day 1: Arrival to Budapest

Upon arrival in Budapest, the capital of Hungary, you will be welcomed by your driver and escorted to your hotel. On the short coach ride from the Ferenc Liszt International airport, sit back, relax and enjoy the sights of Budapest, the city of bridges and thermal baths. Known by its youthful atmosphere and beautiful architecture, Budapest is with good reason nicknamed “Paris of the East”. Check-in at your hotel.

Use your free time to rest and prepare for the trip. At 7pm in the hotel reception, you will be greeted by your guide who will introduce himself and provide you with detailed information about the entire trip. Overnight.

Day 2 / Leisure day: Budapest Sightseeing

After breakfast, you will set off on a tour (walking and driving) around Budapest. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene as well as a pulsating night life and, last but not least, an exceptionally rich offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe’s most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to its scenic setting and its architecture, it is nicknamed the ‘Paris of the East’. Thanks to their cultural and architectural significance, the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Budapest sightseeing tour will show you all the major landmarks of the city: Chain Bridge, Margaret Bridge, the Castle District with Matiass Church, the Fishermen’s Bastion with the beautiful panoramic views, Gellért Hill (Citadel) with the most spectacular view of Budapest, Elisabeth Bridge, the Central Market Hall, the largest synagogue in Europe, the City Park, Heroes’ Square with statues of the most famous Hungarian kings and dukes, the Opera House, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, the Hungarian Parliament Building and many others.

Optional excursion in Budapest :

Danube Cruise: Experience the beautiful sights of Budapest from a different perspective, during a 1.5 hour cruise along the Danube River. On board you can enjoy a welcome drink and one glass of wine, with the option of a traditional Hungarian buffet dinner.

Day 3: Budapest – Vienna

Breakfast. Drive to Vienna with expected arrival around noon.

Visiting Vienna is an architectural dream! You cannot help but be impressed by the sheer scale and beauty of some of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks. The sightseeing tour starts with buildings and attractions within Ringstrasse, which are excellent examples of 16th and 17th century architecture. After passing the old university, your attention will be caught by Vienna City Hall, a building in the neo-Gothic style. The Parliament building, Burgtheater, Naturhistorisches Museum, Kunsthistorisches Museum and Hofburg Imperial Palace all give you the impression that you are travelling through history. Walking along the main pedestrian street, you will see the newer and renovated part of Vienna, before you reach Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, the most important Gothic structure in Austria. Continuing along the street from Stephenplatz, right after Hotel Sacher and the famous Albertina museum, you will stumble upon the impressive Vienna State Opera, considered one of the most important Opera houses in the world and the home of the famous Vienna Opera Ball.

In the afternoon and evening, use your free time to explore the city further, or visit some of its great museums, or try the famous Wiener Schnitzel and other local specialties in one of the many traditional restaurants.

Day 4: Schönbrunn Palace – Bratislava – Prague

Breakfast. For visiting royal city of Vienna one day is not enough! Start your second day in Vienna with a visit to the astonishing Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important architectural and historical landmarks in all of Austria, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The history of the palace and its gardens spans over 300 years and reflects the changing tastes and aspirations of Austria’s monarchy. While you are visiting the former imperial summer residence, you can feel how the imperial family once lived. At the end of the tour, you will have time to take a stroll through the palace labyrinth gardens or to enjoy a cup of original Viennese coffee and a piece of delicious apple strudel.

In the afternoon, Bratislava is waiting for you. Start the tour with a visit to the most important and historical sights of the city, such as the Presidential Palace, Eurovea – the modern city centre, the National Theatre, the Art Nouveau church and others. The tour will stop at Bratislava Castle for you to take pictures, as well as at the Slavín memorial monument, which not only highlights the tragedy of war but also offers fantastic views.

Drive to Prague. Check-in at the hotel.

Day 5 / Leisure day: Prague Sightseeing

Breakfast. Prague – a European city of culture, the Golden City, the City of a Hundred Towers – is a magical city of bridges, cathedrals, gold towers and church domes, situated on the river Vltava. It has the best preserved medieval town centre in Europe and all the attributes of one of the most modern European cities. Start your sightseeing at Prague Castle (Pražský hrad), the most popular attraction and officially the largest ancient castle in the world. Within its walls lies a varied and fascinating collection of historic buildings, museums and galleries. Listen to interesting stories and walk around Saint Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, the Basilica of Saint George and other historical gems inside the walls. Before heading down to the old city, you will stop at two viewpoints with amazing views over Prague. Below the castle, cross the amazing Charles Bridge and feel like you are in a medieval storybook. Wander through the small, charming streets of the old town until you arrive at Old Town Square, the location of the Town Hall and Astronomical Clock, one of the oldest clocks in the world and a symbol of Prague.

Optional excursion in Prague:

Vltava Cruise with dinner: Sip a glass of Moravian plum brandy, sit back, relax and enjoy the views of Prague’s illuminated attractions. On the leisurely 3 hour cruise, feel the magic of Prague by night and taste different Czech specialties from the delicious buffet.

Day 6: Prague – Regensburg – Munich

Breakfast. Drive to Regensburg, one of the top 10 sights and travel attractions in Germany. The medieval centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testimony of the city’s status as the cultural centre of southern Germany in the middle Ages. The old stone bridge over the Danube, the cathedral and Krauterermarkt square with the Collegiate Church of Saint John, the Cathedral Treasury Museum, Heuport house and the historic Adler Pharmacy are Regensburg’s most significant architectural landmarks.

The evening is reserved for Munich, famous for its beautiful architecture, fine culture and the annual Oktoberfest beer celebration. Germany’s unofficial southern capital, proud of its pretzels, BMW and football club Bayern Munich, is considered the most liveable city in Germany. Walking around the centre of the city, you will see some world-class sights and typical Munich architecture with alpine influence. Sights on your tour include the Pinakotheken art museums, the world famous Hofbrauhaus, the National Theatre with the Royal Palace, Marienplatz and the Viktualien market with its colourful outdoor stalls and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

Day 7: Munich – Salzburg – Hallstatt – Villach

Breakfast. Continue your journey with a visit to Salzburg, a cultural hub of Austria, famous as the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Its picturesque old town with its world famous baroque architecture is one of the best preserved city centres in the German-speaking world and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a relaxing walk with your guide, listen to unheard stories and see the Mirabell Gardens, Mozarteum – a music academy, the Marionette and Regional Theatres, Markart Square, Blasius Church, Mozart’s Square… and many more! Make the most of your time in the city by taking a walk along the Salzach River or climbing up to the Hohensalzburg fortress, and don’t forget to try the popular Mozartkugeln, chocolate-covered marzipan balls inspired by the famous composer, Salzburg’s most famous son, Mozart.

The next stop in Austria will be the breathtaking village of Hallstatt. With pastel-coloured houses that cast shimmering reflections onto the glassy waters of the lake and with towering mountains on all sides, Hallstatt’s beauty alone would be enough to guarantee it fame. Boats chug tranquilly across the lake from the train station to the village, situated precariously on a narrow stretch of land between mountain and shore. Until the 19th century, the beautiful Austrian village of Hallstatt was accessible only by boat or mountain trail. Today, this beautiful village is easily accessible and willing to show its main attractions: the Kalvarienberg Church, Market Square, numerous archaeological artefacts, Hallstatt Museum, The Charnel House in Michael’s Chapel with 1200 skulls, among others.

The small Austrian tour will be finished with an evening visit to Villach, the second largest Austrian city, well known for its legendary carnival. Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, close to one of the crossroads of central Europe, the city attracts many visitors. In this so-called walker’s paradise, you will see Villach Main Square with Trinity Column, Holy Cross Church, the Parish Church of Saint Jacob and many others. Hotel check-in and overnight.

Day 8: Villach – Bled – Ljubljana

Breakfast. Start the Slovenian daily tour with a visit to Bled. This alpine lake with its beautiful island (the most photographed sight in Slovenia) has been a world renowned paradise for centuries, impressing visitors with its natural beauty, wealth of legend and reported special powers believed to help restore wellbeing. You will get to try the famous Bled cream cake and rest your soul looking at the picture-postcard in front of you – emerald green mountain lake that is decorated with island and a church in the center of it, and the medieval castle on a top of the rocky cliff, which reflects in the lake in order to complete this lifelong memory.

Proceed to Ljubljana, the magical capital of Slovenia that boasts of real charm and a great cultural scene. You will be led along the riverfront to the city’s beautiful cultural landmarks, including the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the baroque Town Hall, the medieval town square “Mestni Trg” and Robba’s Fountain, as well as the picturesque central open-air market and the Triple Bridge. After the tour, you will have free time to take a lunch on the banks of the romantic Ljubljanica River.

Check-in at the hotel.

Day 9: Departure

Breakfast and hotel check-out. As most of our clients decide to extend their trip within their own organisation, transfer to the airport at the end of the tour is not included in the overall price. Any guests who would like Serbia Tour Operator to organise a departure transfer on their behalf are welcome to contact us. End of services.

Please note:

If you are departing from Ljubljana a few days after the tour end, you can book additional nights with us, at the same hotel, for a surcharge of $65 (Standard package) or $100 (Premium package). Prices are per person, per night, in a double room.