Lake Balaton, the authentic Sava and the majestic Danube (port-to-port cruise)

We'll set off by coach to visit Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, which is also one of the oldest cities in Europe with a history stretching back some 7000 years. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, close to the Morava Corridor which links the countries of the Danube to the Aegean Sea. The town has a fortress sitting atop one of the highest hills in Belgrade as well as a commercial center and port. We'll start off our visit with a guided panoramic tour of the city, during which you will have the opportunity to admire Belgrade's National Theatre and National Museum, the Royal Palace which currently houses the City Assembly of Belgrade, the Ancient Royal Palace and more. We'll stop to visit the Orthodox Temple of St Sava. The construction of this church began in 1939 but is still a work in progress, given that the Second World War followed by Tito's dictatorship put a halt to it. Construction only started again in 2001 and is funded exclusively by charitable donations. We'll head back to the city center by coach for some free time before our guides take us to Kalemegdan Park, the largest and most beautiful park in the city where the Belgrade Fortress is located, overlooking the confluence of the Danube and Sava. Return to the ship by coach.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• Times are approximate.
• The order of the visits can change.

We'll set off by coach to visit the town of Novi Sad. Capital of the autonomous region of Vojvodina, Novi Sad is also the second largest town in Serbia, going by the size of its population. The town has a long and troubled history since it was under the rule of Celts, Romans, Franks, Barbarians and Turks until it became part of the Habsburg empire. It was known as "Petrovaradin” in the past, and the name Novi Sad (meaning ‘new plant') only came into use in 1748. The history of the town was further troubled during the 20th century when after the First World War, the Balkan territories were in turn united and separated under different names, until in 2006 when the town finally became part of an independent Serbia.
We'll visit the city center on foot. The Austro-Hungarian old town, with its baroque buildings, grew up around the ancient fortifications. We'll get the chance to visit the Episcopal Church as well as an orthodox church before we continue up the main street to Freedom Square where we'll find the Town Hall, dating from 1895. The coach will be waiting for you near Freedom square to finish the visit with a panoramic tour up the main boulevards leading to the boat.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended (paths with cobbles and earth in the fortress).
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

In the company of our guides, we will begin our tour with a visit of Osijek, a town in the East of the historical Croatian region of Slavonia. The town was founded by the Slavs, who built a river port on the ruins of the Roman town in the 7th century. In 1526, the Turks took possession of the town and remained there for over 160 years, making Osijek the capital of Ottoman Slavonia. But in 1687, they suffered a heavy defeat in Harkany and left the town without a fight. It was looted by the Austrians, who left nothing of its Ottoman splendor. The Austrians built a citadel over the demolished Turkish town.
Our tour will first take us to the upper town for a view of the Church of St Peter and St Paul. Commonly referred to as the Cathedral, this imposing red brick church dominated by its 90m spire was built under the impetus of Bishop Strossmayer, a native of Osijek. We'll then move on to the Old Town with a visit of the 18th century fortress built between 1712 and 1721 by architect Maximilien Gosseau d'Hennef who designed the citadel's civilian and military buildings, giving the whole a remarkable architectural unity. Afterwards, we'll walk up to the main square with its Holy Trinity monument.
The tour finishes with the Kopacki Rit Nature Park, located northwest of the confluence of the Drava and the Danube at the border with Serbia. It is one of the largest protected wetlands in Europe. Part of the Kopacki Rit Park is strictly protected as a bird reserve. If you are lucky, you may be able to see some of the 260 species of birds that nest in this area, such as wild geese, wild ducks, the black woodpecker, and the numerous mammals that live in the park, including deers, roe deers, wild boars, wild cats, martens, stone martens and more.

PLEASE NOTE

• Good walking shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Departure by coach to Vojvodina. This region offers a journey through the civilizations and landscapes of the Pannonian Plain. In Sremska Mitrovica, the imperial palace of Sirmium is now protected by a modern structure to preserve its remains from the weather. This site hosted the first archaeological excavations of the city. Identified by its monumental walls, hypocaust heating system, mosaics, and proximity to a hippodrome, the palace was built between the late 3rd and early 4th centuries. As a center of imperial power, it served administrative, residential, and entertainment functions. The preserved fresco fragments still allow an impression of the original luxury and richness of its decorations.The visit continues to the Petkovica Monastery, nestled in a peaceful setting, famous for its remarkable 16th-century frescoes. This excursion highlights the historical and spiritual richness of Vojvodina, where ancient heritage and Orthodox traditions meet harmoniously.Return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Please dress appropriately to visit the monastery (no shorts, no T-shirt, shoulders covered for ladies and closed shoes).
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Panoramic tour of Vukovar, marked by a tragic past, the city is gradually rebuilding. Situated on the banks of the Danube and Vuka rivers, it is slowly regaining its baroque charm, even though traces of the Croatian War remain visible. Then drive to the medieval town of Ilok. Overlooking the Danube, this small fortified town has been famous since ancient times for its vineyards. The old town is a rich source of evidence of life in the region from prehistory through the Middle Ages to today. The earliest remains date back to the Neolithic period. You will see numerous Roman-era ruins as well as a rich medieval heritage: the remains of Saint Peter’s Basilica (13th century) and the fortress walls built by Nikola Ilocki (15th century). You will also visit the historic center, the Church and Convent of St. John of Capistrano, built in the 14th century by the Duke of Ugrin, and the Odescalchi Castle. Inside the castle, you will explore a museum showcasing the city’s cultural and historical heritage. The visit includes a tasting of local products.

PLEASE NOTE

• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.