Highlights of Eastern Europe

Day 1: Budapest
If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted at the airport by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel. There you will check in, drop off your bags, and, if you wish, go out and explore the city on your own. Your Uniworld local host can offer suggestions for your leisure time.

Day 2: Budapest
FEATURED EXCURSION: Budapest walking tour with Rock Hospital
Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a former emergency hospital and nuclear bunker located underneath Buda Castle Hill. This museum pays homage to the almost six-mile stretch of interconnected caves and cellars that date back to World War II. After, take the elevator up to the Castle District for a stroll around. Enjoy panoramic views of Pest across the way, and walk along famed museums and attractions, like Matthias Church. Marvel at its breathtaking architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and golden frescoes.

Day 3: Budapest
After breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel. You’ll have some free time before your river cruise adventure begins, so you might explore on your own. Perhaps you’d like to take the funicular from the foot of Chain Bridge up to the top of Castle Hill and visit the castle that gives the district its name. Long ago, it was a royal residence, but these days it houses a museum. In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to the ship to start your incredible journey along the Danube River.

Day 1: Budapest
FEATURED EXCURSION: Budapest walking tour with Rock Hospital
Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a former emergency hospital and nuclear bunker located underneath Buda Castle Hill. This museum pays homage to the almost six-mile stretch of interconnected caves and cellars that date back to World War II. After, take the elevator up to the Castle District for a stroll around. Enjoy panoramic views of Pest across the way, and walk along famed museums and attractions, like Matthias Church. Marvel at its breathtaking architecture, beautiful stained-glass windows, and golden frescoes.

Day 2: Budapest
Enjoy a day in Budapest at your leisure. It’s a large and eclectic city, with fascinating sites to explore everywhere you look. Perhaps you’d like to visit the thermal baths, explore one of the city’s iconic ruin pubs, or take in the awe-inspiring views from the top of Gellért Hill.

Day 3: Budapest
It’s time to check out of the hotel. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to the Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your trip home. We hope you will enjoy the memories you’ve made for years to come.

Day 1: Bucharest
Arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport. If you have arranged a Uniworld arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the InterContinental Athénée Palace (or similar) for check-in.

Day 2: Bucharest, Brasov (BB, L)
After breakfast at our hotel in Bucharest, we’ll make our way to Brasov. En route, we’ll stop for a visit to the stunning neo-Renaissance Peles Castle. Later make your way to Busteni for lunch at Cantacuzino Castle. After lunch you will be transferred to the Radisson Blu Aurum (or similar) for check-in.

FEATURED EXCURSION: Peles Castle Visit
A gem of the Carpathian Mountains, Peles Castle is a masterpiece of intricate wood carvings, colorful frescoes, and stained glass. Across over 160 rooms, the castle houses a remarkable collection of European art. Though it was completed as recently as 1914, its ornate style harkens to an earlier era—with the modern perks of central heating, electricity, and even a retractable glass roof in the central hall.

Day 3: Brasov (BB, D)
FEATURED EXCURSION: Brasov Walking Tour
After breakfast, set off on a guided tour of Brasov, starting at the Fortified Church of Prejmer. Originally founded by the German Teutonic Knights, a Catholic military society, the church is built to function as a defensive fortress in times of war. Transylvania is known for having a remarkably large collection of fortified churches such as this one scattered throughout the region, making this stop a must for any visitor to Brasov. After, we’ll continue on through the town, stopping at other significant sites, such as the Black Church and Council Square.

FEATURED EXCURSION: Private Evening at Bran Castle with Dinner
Tonight, you’ll visit Bran Castle after hours for a crowd-free experience at “Dracula’s Castle”—as it has been popularly known since readers of Bram Stoker’s Dracula found similarities between the real-life Bran Castle and the fictional vampire’s eerie estate. The beautiful 14th-century building is situated amongst stunning mountain scenery. After a private tour of the castle and grounds, we will head to a nearby tea house for dinner.

Day 4: Bucharest (BB, L)
Following breakfast today, you will have one final adventure before your transfer to Bucharest to begin the next leg of your journey.

FEATURED EXCURSION: Sinaia Monastery
On route from Brasov to your hotel in Bucharest, stop in the peaceful Carpathian village of Sinaia, named for the Orthodox Sinai Monastery. Still home to an order of monks, Sinai welcomes visitors to appreciate its tranquil atmosphere, nestled into the forested hills near Peles Castle, and historic architecture. An exemplar of the Brâncovenesc style, Sinai Monastery blends Byzantine and traditional Romanian influences. In addition to Sinai’s courtyards, carved stone details, and colorful murals, the monastery also houses a museum of religious art, all of which you can admire on a guided tour today.

After, sit for lunch with a view at a beautiful—and delicious!—restaurant overlooking Bucharest’s Lake Herastrau.

Day 1: Brasov (L)
Transfer from Bucharest to the Radisson Blu Aurum (or similar) in Brasov for check-in.

FEATURED EXCURSION: Sinaia Monastery
Before departing Bucharest, sit for lunch with a view at a beautiful—and delicious!—restaurant overlooking Bucharest’s Lake Herastrau.

Next, we’ll make our way to your next hotel in Brasov. Along the way, stop in the peaceful Carpathian village of Sinaia, named for the Orthodox Sinai Monastery. Still home to an order of monks, Sinai welcomes visitors to appreciate its tranquil atmosphere, nestled into the forested hills near Peles Castle, and historic architecture. An exemplar of the Brâncovenesc style, Sinai Monastery blends Byzantine and traditional Romanian influences. In addition to Sinai’s courtyards, carved stone details, and colorful murals, the monastery also houses a museum of religious art, all of which you can admire on a guided tour today.

Day 2: Brasov (BB, D)
FEATURED EXCURSION: Brasov Walking Tour
After breakfast, set off on a guided tour of Brasov, starting at the Fortified Church of Prejmer. Originally founded by the German Teutonic Knights, a Catholic military society, the church is built to function as a defensive fortress in times of war. Transylvania is known for having a remarkably large collection of fortified churches such as this one scattered throughout the region, making this stop a must for any visitor to Brasov. After, we’ll continue on through the town, stopping at other significant sites, such as the Black Church and Council Square.

FEATURED EXCURSION: Private Evening at Bran Castle with Dinner
Tonight, you’ll visit Bran Castle after hours for a crowd-free experience at “Dracula’s Castle”—as it has been popularly known since readers of Bram Stoker’s Dracula found similarities between the real-life Bran Castle and the fictional vampire’s eerie estate. The beautiful 14th-century building is situated amongst stunning mountain scenery. After a private tour of the castle and grounds, we will head to a nearby tea house for dinner.

Day 3: Brasov, Bucharest (BB, L)
En route from Brasov to Bucharest, stop for a visit to the stunning neo-Renaissance Peles Castle. Following our visit, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before checking in to the hotel for the night.

FEATURED EXCURSION: Peles Castle Visit
A gem of the Carpathian Mountains, Peles Castle is a masterpiece of intricate wood carvings, colorful frescoes, and stained glass. Across over 160 rooms, the castle houses a remarkable collection of European art. Though it was completed as recently as 1914, its ornate style harkens to an earlier era—with the modern perks of central heating, electricity, and even a retractable glass roof in the central hall.

Day 4: Bucharest (BB)
This morning, check out of the hotel. If you have arranged a Uniworld departure transfer, you will be transferred to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport for your trip home. Your Uniworld adventure may be over, but we know you’ll enjoy the memories you’ve made for years to come.