Gems of Southeast Europe River Cruise, August 24-31, 2026, with Thumbprint Cellars

DAY 1: FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY

You will be met upon arrival and transferred to the hotel.

OVERNIGHT: Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet (3 nights)

DAY 2: SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

ISTANBUL SIGHTS – ROOFTOP DINNER

Depart your hotel for an enriching guided walking tour, during which you will explore the Hagia Sophia, formerly a church before becoming a mosque and finally a museum. A beautiful example of Old-World architecture, this museum showcases lovely Christian murals and Islamic symbols throughout. After the Hagia Sophia, visit Istanbul’s similarly beautiful Blue Mosque, named for the Blue İznik tiles that cover its interior. For those who are interested, be guided to the lively Grand Bazaar and venture through the market before returning to your hotel. Tonight Thumbprint Cellars Group members enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with spectacular views of the Hagia Sofia and Bosporus. (B,D)

TIP: The granddaddy of all Turkish baths — the indisputable world’s best, most historic and opulent Turkish bath experience is found near the Hagia Sofia at AyaSofya Hurram Sultan Hammami, built in 1556. There are separate men’s and women’s entrances. This is an experience that must be done to be believed. Ask your tour manager to arrange a session. You only live once. Do not skimp on price when it comes to the menu of choices.

DAY 3: SUNDAY, AUGUST 23

HISTORIC ISTANBUL – HAGIA SOFIA & BLUE MOSQUE

Admire the grandeur of the spectacular Ottoman Sultans’ Grand Palace of Topkapi, home to every Sultan from the 15th-19th centuries. During your tour, marvel at the private chambers of the Sultans, the Harem (women’s quarters) and the Imperial Treasury’s vast collection, including the jewel-encrusted Topkapi Dagger and the stunning 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond. (B)

DAY 4: MONDAY, AUGUST 24

ISTANBUL – BUCHAREST – GIURGIU – EMBARKATION

Check out of your Istanbul hotel and fly to Bucharest. Transfer to Giurgiu where you will embark your ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. (B)

DAY 1: MONDAY, AUGUST 24

EMBARKATION – GIURGIU

Embark the ship in Giurgiu for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. Meet your fellow passengers this evening after dinner at a private hosted cocktail hour in the lounge. (D)

Planning Your Travel: The beautiful port city of Giurgiu, located along the Danube River in Romania bordering Bulgaria and is approximately 1.5 hour driving time from Bucharest.

If booking your own flights: Bucharest (OTP) is the nearest airport, and two options are available for travel to Giurgiu.

• Coach Transportation: For those arriving into Bucharest on the same day as embarkation AmaWaterways offers one transfer to the ship -Passengers requesting this service need to arrive in Bucharest “before” 4:00 PM. Cost is $99.00 per person and must be booked with Expanding Horizons at time of final payment.
• Private Car Transportation: This service is offered by various companies – for example BlackLane Global Chauffeur Services.
• Services subject to change without notice.

DAY 2: TUESDAY, AUGUST 25

ROUSSE, BULGARIA

Experience more of Bucharest or visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, or you may visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

VIDIN, BULGARIA

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. 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 choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. Wine-lovers can instead enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi. Located on the vine-growing and wine-producing Danubian Plain, we will tour this boutique winery and end in the cellar for a tasting that includes traditional Bulgarian wines. (B,L,D)

DAY 4: THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES

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. (B,L,D)

DAY 5: FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

BELGRADE, SERBIA

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. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour. Stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall. (B,L,D)

DAY 6: SATURDAY, AUGUST 29

VUKOVAR, CROATIA

Enjoy an afternoon in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to 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 want to enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. (B,L,D)

DAY 7: SUNDAY, AUGUST 30

MOHÁCS – PÉCS, HUNGARY

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 symbols of the city. 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. (B,L,D)

DAY 8: MONDAY, AUGUST 31

BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION

Disembark the ship in Budapest and prepare for your flight home. (B)

Planning Your Travel: Transportation to the Budapest (BUD) airport for onward flights can be arranged on board with the cruise manager. Transfers arranged by AmaWaterways are $30.00* per person.

* Services subject to change without notice.

DAY 1: MONDAY, AUGUST 31

BUDAPEST – EGER – TARCAL – TOKAJI WINE COUNTRY

For those joining our 4 night post-cruise Hungary tour, after breakfast depart by coach two hours to Tarcal, in the heart of Hungarian wine country. En route, enjoy a private tour, tasting and lunch at Kovacs Nimrod, in the village of Eger, followed by a tour of Eger Castle. This is the region where the golden Royal Tokaji wines (“The Wine of the Czars”) is produced. Arrive this afternoon at the magnificent Andrassy Residence Wine and Spa, a country manor converted to a 41 room boutique resort. (B,L)

Overnight: Andrassy Residence Wine & Spa Resort or similar (2 nights)

DAY 2: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

TOKAJI WINE COUNTRY

Today enjoy a private cellar tour, tasting and lunch at Chateau Dereszla, one of Hungary’s most prominent and historic vintners. This winery’s golden Aszu and Eszencia wines consistently rate 94+ points by Wine Spectator. Lunch today is at Chateau Diznoko, a mouthwatering array of new and old Hungarian cuisine. Later Tonight enjoy a special dinner on the lawn at Grof Degenfeld, a manor house hotel in Tarcal. (B,L,D)

DAY 3: WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2

ROYAL GODOLLO PALACE AND LAZAR EQUESTRIAN ESTATE – BUDAPEST

Depart Tarcal for our return to Budapest. En route, visit the Royal Gödöllő Palace, summer home to Emperor Franz Ferdinand and Queen “Sisi”. Then visit Champions Estate. Here brothers Vilmos and Zoltan Lazar raise Hungary’s finest horses, including the beautiful white Lippinzan breed and the big Hungarian draft horses. Enjoy a phenomenal riding show by Hungarian hussars in traditional costume, followed by refreshments (NOTE: great photo opportunities here).This afternoon arrive in Budapest. Tonight enjoy dinner at one of Budapest’s best restaurants. (B,L,D)

Overnight: Budapest Marriott or similar (2 nights)

DAY 4: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

BUDAPEST

Today is at leisure to explore Budapest, arguably central Europe’s most substantive city. Budapest has been a crossroads between Europe and Asia since the time of Genghis Khan. This morning enjoy private tours of Hungarian Parliament, the Budapest Opera and St. Stephen’s Basilica. This afternoon is at leisure. (B)

DAY 5: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

DEPART BUDAPEST

This morning check out of the hotel after breakfast. You will be transferred to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD) for onward flights. (B)