DAY 1: Budapest.
On arrival in Budapest you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay.

DAY 2: Budapest.
Straddling both banks of the 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, the sightseeing tour includes the splendid Fisherman's Bastion in old Buda. (B)

DAY 3: Budapest.
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. In the afternoon transfer to your cruise ship, MS Avalon Artistry for embarkation. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Kalocsa.
Today, enjoy an 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, the 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 the majestic Baroque-style Archbishop's Palace and the fine cathedral, fronted by the impressive Holy Trinity Square. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Novi Sad, Serbia.
Your guided tour shows you the mighty Petrovaradin Fortress overlooking Novi Sad. Known as the 'Gibraltar of the Danube', this vast edifice commands superlative views from its walls. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Belgrade.
Situated at the meeting point of the Danube and Sava Rivers, Serbia's capital is bursting with life. This vibrant city overflows with charming pavement cafés, historic monuments, museums and other notable sights. Today, marvel at the mighty Kalemegdan Fortress, the stately Church of St Sava, and the tomb of Marshal Tito, the former president of Yugoslavia. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: 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 8: Svistov - Veliko Târnovo - Arbanassi - Rousse.
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, Tzarevets 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 in the church. Later, return to meet your ship in Rousse, at Bulgaria's largest inland port. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: 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 Archaeological Museum and the grandiose St Peter and Paul Orthodox Church. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Oltenita - Bucharest.
Disembark your ship at Oltenita, only a short drive from Romania's lively capital, Bucharest. Influenced by Paris, Bucharest has wide, tree-lined boulevards, elegant buildings and its very own Arc de Triomphe. Lively and inviting, the city is home to exquisite churches, bustling cafés and some magnificent architecture, from the colossal, Soviet-style, 6,000 room Palace of Parliament - the world's second largest building, second only to the Pentagon, to the classical and stately Royal Palace, now home to Romania's National Art Museum with its fine collection of works by Old European Masters. (B)

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