June 11-24, 2027

Sail the legendary Danube through five captivating Eastern European countries on an immersive 14-day journey blending cultural depth, scenic cruising, and meaningful local encounters. This thoughtfully paced program combines time in Romania’s historic capitals with a seven-night luxury Emerald Cruises river voyage, offering curated experiences from Dracula’s Castle and Transylvania to Belgrade, Budapest, and the Iron Gates Gorge.

Guests enjoy boutique-style touring, regional cuisine, wine tastings, folkloric performances, and warm cultural connections — including a hosted lunch with a Croatian family and hands-on heritage experiences along the Danube. This is an ideal program for culturally curious travelers seeking rich storytelling, comfortable pacing, and strong experiential value.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Five-country journey through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary
• Danube River cruise aboard a luxury Emerald Cruises Star-Ship
• Three nights in Transylvania, including Bran (Dracula’s) Castle
• Two nights in Bucharest with guided city touring
• Visit Peles Castle in the Carpathian Mountains
• Serbian folklore performance onboard
• Bulgarian vineyard visit and wine tasting
• Archaeological excursion to Lepenski Vir
• Scenic sailing through the Iron Gates Gorge
• Home-hosted cultural lunch with a Croatian family
• Hungarian Puszta horse farm and equestrian performance
• Touring in Belgrade and Budapest
• Balanced pace with cultural, scenic, and experiential highlights

FREE AIRFARE for reservations made by August 31, 2026 In lieu of Free Air, save $1000 per person when booking your OWN AIR (must register by August 31, 2026). Bookings made after August 31, 2026 can purchase a group airfare package for $1,600 per person.

Selection for the free-air promotion or the OWN AIR option must be made by 8/31/2026.

Airfare is economy class, and seat assignment requests cannot be guaranteed. Air itineraries may not be available until final trip documents are available.

DAY 1 Depart the USA 

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Bucharest, Romania. 

DAY 2 Bucharest, Romania 

Upon arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The day is at leisure to begin discovering this historic city on your own. 

DAY 3 Bucharest – Brasov 

Get ready for the start of your Transylvanian adventure! Depart by coach for the town of Brasov, a pleasant mix of traditional medieval charm and modern city life, in the center of Transylvania. En route, visit the world renown 14th-century Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, perched atop a hill, looking like it’s from the pages of a fairytale book. Explore the castle, believed to be home to Vlad the Impaler, discover the secrets held within the walls, and decide for yourself if the dark tales are truth or legend! Meals: B, L 

DAY 4 Brasov 

A walking tour includes the St Nicholas Church and a visit of the First Romanian School Museum, leading centers of the Romanian community. The museum houses the oldest Romanian bible, printed on goats’ skin. Stroll through Brasov’s historical medieval center, learning of its German heritage, and visit Black Church, the largest Gothic church east of Vienna. Meal: B 

DAY 5 Brasov 

The final day in Brasov is left free of planned activities for relaxation or independent plans. Meal: B 

DAY 6 Brasov – Bucharest 

After breakfast return to Bucharest by coach, traveling through the Carpathian Mountains. Stop in Sinaia, known as the ‘Pearl of the Carpathians’ and home to one of Romania’s most beautiful palaces - Peles Castle. A tour of the palace showcases some of its opulent decor and invaluable collections of art and furniture. Lunch is included during the excursion before arriving in Bucharest for on overnight. Meals: B, L 

DAY 7 Bucharest / Giurgiu, Romania 

Begin the day with a guided city tour where you learn about some of Bucharest’s highlights as the coach takes you on a panoramic drive. See the iconic Palace of Parliament and Triumph Arch. Visit the Spring Palace, former mansion of Nicolae Ceaușescu. Spared from the 1989 uprising that overthrew the dictator, the rooms exude opulence and remain as they were over 30 years ago. Following the tour, enjoy free time for lunch on your own. Journey by coach from Bucharest to Giurgiu, on the banks of the Danube, where a warm welcome awaits from your Captain and crew onboard your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship. The ship sails to Rousse this evening. Meals: B, D 

DAY 8 Rousse, Bulgaria 

After arrival in Rousse, depart on an included walking tour. A local guide will tell about the city’s history and point out some of the highlights. Meals: B, L, D 

DAY 9 Vidin, Bulgaria 

A morning arrival brings you to Vidin in northwest Bulgaria. One of the oldest towns along the Bulgarian Danube, it prospers from its surrounding countryside, renowned for wine production. The day begins with an included tour of a vineyard and the opportunity to sample the local vintage. After a picturesque drive through the Bulgarian countryside, arrive at the medieval Baba Vida Fortress. During the guided tour, see the three fully-preserved towers and original battlements of the city’s main attraction. Alternatively, embark on a hike to Belogradchik Fortress, also known as Kaleto, on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Initially used as a lookout point, it is believed to have been built by Romans, utilizing the already existing rocky landscape. Meals: B, L, D 

DAY 10 Donji Milanovac – Golubac, Serbia / Iron Gates 

Embark on an incredible journey to the archaeological excavation site of Lepinski Vir. Located on the Danube in the Djerdap Gorge, near the town of Donji Milanovac, this Paleolithic site showcases a history spanning more than 8 millennia. Archaeologists have used this site to track the development of prehistoric culture in Europe and numerous Stone Age settlements have been found in the area. Re-embark the ship in Golubac following the excursion and enjoy the rest of the day sailing along the Danube River. Be sure to be on deck as you sail through the Iron Gates - the narrow gorge between the European Alps and Carpathian Mountains, boasting spectacular scenery. Meals: B, L, D 

DAY 11 Belgrade 

Today’s adventure begins with a guided walking tour of this vibrant capital city, showcasing the historic and architectural aspects. Alternatively, learn about the history of Belgrade during a guided bike tour of the city. After dinner, you’re in for a treat as a dance troupe comes aboard and performs a folklore show featuring dances from various parts of the country. Meals: B, L, D 

DAY 12 Vukovar, Croatia 

Enjoy the morning in Vukovar or explore the Vucedol Culture Museum on the DiscoverMORE excursion. This afternoon, for a truly life-enriching experience, you are taken to the homes of local villagers for a home-hosted lunch. Enjoy this fantastic opportunity to share a typical meal with them and learn about their life, local culture, and customs. It’s sure to be a highlight of your cruise! Meals: B, L, D 

DAY 13 Ordas, Hungary / Budapest 

This morning, the ship arrives in Ordas. Visit a local Puszta Horse Farm during an included excursion. Watch a performance showcasing the exceptional riding skills of Magyar cowboys and the “tricks” of the horses themselves. Reboard the ship and enjoy your final afternoon onboard sailing to Budapest. Be sure to be on deck this evening as the ship arrives in Budapest to witness the beauty of the city aglow in nighttime splendor. Meals: B, L, D 

DAY 14 Budapest / USA 

Bid a fond farewell to Eastern Europe as you depart on the transfer to the airport and return home with memories of life-enriching experiences from your cruise along the lower Danube River. Meal: B 

INCLUSIONS

• 14-day fully hosted program
• Round-trip airfare promotion (early booking)
• 27 meals total: 12 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 7 dinners
• Hotel stays in Bucharest and Brasov
• Seven-night Danube River cruise
• Guided sightseeing with local English-speaking experts
• Onboard entertainment, wellness activities, and enrichment
• Wine, beer, and soft drinks with onboard lunches and dinners
• WiFi onboard cruise ship
• Bottled water in stateroom
• Shore excursions and cultural experiences
• Personal listening devices for guided touring
• Bicycles available onboard for independent exploration
• All onboard gratuities included

Not Included

• Travel Protection

CRUISE AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS 

Day 2 – Radisson Blu, or similar, Bucharest, Romania 

Days 3 through 5 – Hotel Ambient, or similar, Brasov, Romania 

Day 6 – Radisson Blu, Bucharest, or similar, Romania 

Days 7 through 13 – aboard an Emerald Cruises Star-Ship 

Cat E&D/Emerald Stateroom/RIVIERA DECK

$7,499 per person/double +$5,200 single supplement

Cat C&B/Panorama Balcony Suite/VISTA DECK

$8,599 per person/double +$5,950 single supplement

Cat A/Panorama Balcony Suite/HORIZON DECK

$8,999 per person/double +$6,350 single supplement

Cat S/Grand Balcony Suite/HORIZON DECK

$9,899 per person/double (single supplement N/A)

Cat SA/One-Bedroom Suite/HORIZON DECK

$10,999 per person/double (single supplement N/A)

• IMPORTANT CONDITIONS/NOTES

  - Travel Protection is not included and HIGHLY ENCOURAGED

  Please Note: When traveling outside the United States, a passport is required for U.S. citizens & some countries require a visa. Valid traveler documentation is the responsibility of each passenger.

Terms & Conditions

Please Note: When traveling outside the United States, a passport is required for U.S. citizens & some countries require a visa. A valid passport & travel visa (when necessary) is the responsibility of each passenger.

- Tour Manager, Itinerary and hotels are subject to change.

- Airline checked luggage fees are not included and will apply at time of check-in

Refunds & Cancellation fees: 

All tour deposits are NON-REFUNDABLE. Cancellations must be received in writing (certified mail or email) to Meridian Guided Travel. If a Travel Protection Plan is not purchased, the following fees apply for cancellations:

Days before Departure/Refund Amount:

Up to 150 days /Deposit Amount is retained

149-120 days/50% of total trip price is refunded

Less than 120 days/No Refund

FINAL PAYMENT DUE 150 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE

RESPONSIBILITY: Meridian Guided Travel (MGT) and the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce (EACC) and its affiliated entities and its employees, shareholders, officers, directors, successors, agents, and assigns (MGT/EACC) neither owns nor operates any person or entity which provides goods or services for these trips or tours. Because MGT/EACC does not maintain any control over the personnel, equipment, or operations of these suppliers, MGT/EACC assumes no responsibility for and shall not be held liable for any personal injury, death, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity which may occur by reason of (1) any wrongful, negligent, willful, or unauthorized acts or omissions on the part of any of the tour suppliers, or other employees or agents, (2) any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment, instrument owned, operated or otherwise by any of these suppliers, or (3) any wrongful, willful, or negligent act or omissions on any part of any other party not under the supervision or control of MGT/EACC. MGT/EACC reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a participant of a tour at its discretion. MGT/EACC and/or its Tour Staff retain the right to require any participant to withdraw from a tour at any time, if determined to be in the best interests of health, safety and general welfare of the tour group or of the individual participant. MGT/EACC monitors security conditions around the world as well as government travel advisories. Conditions may require MGT/EACC to change or even cancel trips.  You accept the risks involved in travel, both foreign and domestic, and accept responsibility for your own travel decisions.  Guests may be required to review and sign a participation agreement prior to engaging in certain activities on the trip. Each client is responsible for proper documentation and inoculations that may be required and/or recommended to participate on tour. Please contact your local travel clinic or personal physician for specific details on the destinations you are traveling to and from. If you decide to make a reservation, you acknowledge and agree that you are physically well enough to travel and understand that medical facilities may not be similar to what you are accustomed to at home. Hotels and itinerary are subject to change. Payment of the deposit for this tour program constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. CST #2137150-40