11-Day ~ Gems of Southeast Europe Knitting Cruise (Apr 2022)
AmaWaterways
Start Date: |
April 18, 2022 |
End Date: |
April 29, 2022 |
Gems of Southeast Europe Knitting Cruise (Apr 2022) ~ Knitting Cruises Description
Gems of Southeast Europe Knitting Cruise
April 18-25, 2022
History abounds on this knitting cruise visiting Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. The old-world charm of the exotic lower Danube is sure to please. From its Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, and grand cities to its natural landscapes and fabled stories, few consider this destination, but most treasure it. This itinerary features the very best of eastern Europe. For those who love history and beautiful natural landscapes, this is the perfect trip.
Bulgaria is home to Belogradchik. This fairytale town near Vidin is known for its shining stone fortress that is associated with many legends. Explore centuries-old wine-growing regions and see Roman ruins. Cycle through Belgrade's Kalemegdan Park while taking in the scenery and sampling culinary delights. This cruise, which includes so many flavors, sights, and history, highlights this diverse region and is perfect for those looking for something new. We invite you to come along for some fun.
Budapest, Hungary is the port of embarkation for our Gems of Southeast Europe knitting cruise. The cruise line offers an optional pre-cruise extension visiting Vienna, Austria, and Craft Cruises is offering a pre-cruise package in Hungary. Hungary has so much to offer in terms of rich history, food culture, and wellness. Arrive early to enjoy Visegrad and Szentendre as well as all the top attractions in Budapest, including the UNESCO-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica, and the Chain Bridge.
Gems of Southeast Europe Knitting Cruise - Highlights
- In Budapest, Hungary shop for yarn before embarking on this knitting cruise, take a cooking class, relax at a spa and take in numerous cultural attractions. Come early and learn more about the medieval history of the region, traditional folk dishes, costumes and history. Visit the Hungarian Open Air Museum, Skanzen, in Szentendre. See all the top attractions in Budapest, including the UNESCO - listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman's Bastion, St. Stephen's Basilica, and the Chain Bridge.
- In Mohacs and Pecs, Hungary you will learn about the more than 2,000 years history here starting with the Romans. Sample wine in the Szekszard wine region, known for its spicy reds or take a bike tour.
- Vukovar, Croatia & Novi Sad, Serbia are stops on this cruise. Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance and Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times is where visitors can sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac, and Frankovka wines. Afterwards, see Novi Sad, sometimes called the "Serbian Athens."
- Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava and the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia.
- Visit Golubac Fortress - a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River - before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one 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.
- 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. Next, continue to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations.
- Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterward visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. Later in the day, travel through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest's capital, known as the "Little Paris of the East."
- Extend your adventure in Romania and continue to the legendary Transylvania region, a place deeply rooted in myth and history. Your first stop on the road to Transylvania will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia. While in Sinaia you will visit Peles Castle. Peles Castle is considered by many to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe and a German masterpiece filled with priceless European art. After you tour Peles Castle, you will depart for Brasov.
- Dracula lovers will be in for a treat with an excursion to SighiÅ?oara, the birthplace of Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It's hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO-designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers, and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today, it houses a kitschy restaurant called "Casa Dracula."
- En route to Bucharest, visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula.
- Spend time in Bucharest, Romania's capital. Nicknamed, the "Little Paris of the East," this city is known for its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe.