DAY 1: UK - Bucharest.
Fly to Bucharest and transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay. With its wide, leafy boulevards, classical buildings and very own Arc de Triomphe, which earned it its nickname 'Paris of the East', Romania's capital is a fascinating garden city filled with museums, churches and lively café life.

DAY 2: Bucharest - Oltenita.
Bucharest's streets and architecture testify to its recent turbulent history. The colossal, 6,000 room Parliament Palace is the world's second largest building, second only to the Pentagon, while the imposing Royal Palace Square was the scene of riots in 1989 that triggered the fall of the Soviet-controlled communist state. The stately Royal Palace is now home to Romania's National Art Museum, with its fine collection of works by the country's painters and Old European Masters. This afternoon, the crew of your cruise ship, MS Avalon Artistry awaits to welcome you on board at Oltenita. (B, D)

DAY 3: Constanta.
Constanta, known as the 'Pearl of the Black Sea Riviera' is Romania's most important commercial centre and a popular holiday resort. This historic city stands on the Black Sea coast and dates back to Roman times. Enjoy the city's highlights including its Natural History and Archeological Museum and grandiose St. Peter and Paul Orthodox Church. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Rousse - Veliko Târnovo - Arbanassi - Svistov.
Situated on the River Danube, Rousse is Bulgaria's largest inland port and a comfortable drive from Veliko Târnovo. Today, enjoy a full day excursion to admire Bulgaria's ancient capital, a natural fortress standing on three hills above the Yantra River. Along with charming streets and ancient stone houses clinging tightly to the hillsides, Veliko is a treasure trove for history buffs. The oldest area of the town, Tsarevits Hill, houses a magnificent Royal Fortress, numerous palaces and a resplendent Patriarch's Church. Offering wonderful views of the medieval castles of Trapezitsa and Tzarevets, the nearby village of Arbanassi is best known for its fascinating Ethnographical Museum and the exquisite frescoes displayed at its church. After our explorations today, you'll rejoin your ship at Svistov on the Danube. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Iron Gates.
A day of spectacular scenery awaits as your ship sails along the magnificent Danube, passing memorable sights such as the honey-coloured Serbian fortresses of Golubac and Smederevo, as well as Trajan's Tablet, a remarkable rockside tablet carved by the Romans to commemorate their crossing of the Danube. Today's highpoint is when your ship passes through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, a narrow and previously treacherous steep-sided ravine, which forms a natural border between Serbia and Romania (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Belgrade.
Situated at the meeting point of the Danube and Sava Rivers, Serbia's capital is renewing itself after suffering major damage in the recent Bosnian conflict. Now bursting with life, this vibrant city overflows with charming pavement cafes, historic monuments, museums and other notable sights. Today, marvel at its mighty Kalemegdan Fortress, stately Church of St. Sava and the tomb of Marshal Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia, as well as other landmarks. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Cruising.
Relax on board MS Avalon Artistry as it cruises past magnificent, ever-changing scenery on both sides. This section of the river divides Croatia and Serbia, so you'll have Croatia on your left and Serbia on your right. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Kalocsa - Budapest.
Today, disembark for our excursion to Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town renowned for its paprika production and strong folklore traditions. Founded by St. Stephen in 1009 and later as an archbishopric, tthe serenity of this old town belies its turbulent past of relentless Ottoman attack and the terrible fire of 1875, which saw much of its centre destroyed. Today, see its majestic Baroque-style Archbishop's Palace and fine Cathedral, fronted by its impressive Holy Trinity Square. Rejoin your ship as it sets sail for Budapest, the Hungarian capital. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Budapest.
Straddling both banks of the romantic Danube, magnificent Budapest is a sightseer's paradise. With its older quarter of Buda on the right bank and commercial centre of Pest on the left, the two halves of the city are united by no less than seven majestic bridges, including the famous Chain and Elisabeth bridges. Today, disembark your ship and transfer to your Budapest hotel for a two-night stay, giving you plenty of opportunity to discover this enthralling city. Our sightseeing tour includes the splendid Fishermen's Bastion in old Buda, as well as other landmarks. Just outside the city is Hungary's Great Plain or 'Puszta', the grasslands that play a key role in the country's rural economy and everyday life. Enjoy an excursion today into these vast, rolling plains for a glimpse into how Hungary's beloved, fiery horses are reared and kept. (B, L)

DAY 10: Budapest.
A day free for you to get deeper under the skin of Budapest. Perhaps revisit the sights that interested you yesterday, discover more of the capital's churches and museums, or just relax and people-watch at Buda's charming outdoor cafes and restaurants. Don't forget to pick up mementoes of your trip such as colourful Hungarian embroidery and the country's renowned Herend porcelain and paprika. Your Cruise Director will have plenty of suggestions and recommendations on how to make the most of your day. (B)

DAY 11: Budapest - UK.
Transfer to the airport in Budapest for your return flight to the UK. (B)