2025 Christmas Treasures in Southeast Europe Cruise
When:
Tour Leader(s):
Activity Level:
Relaxed
At a Glance
- December 1-8, 2025
- 8 days, 7 nights
Itinerary
December 1 Giurgiu, Romania (D)
Board your ship, settle in, and meet your fellow travellers. Get to know the TourMagination group over dinner.
December 2, Rousse, Bulgaria (B,L,D)
Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. Learn about Bulgarian Christmas traditions and folklore. Instead, You can go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture. Then visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with exceptional 14th-century frescos. Or travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. At a Christmas market in Bucharest, savour the holiday sights, sounds, and smells of Southeast Europe.
December 3, Vidin, Bulgaria (B,L,D)
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas on your choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria, then explore Vidin on a guided walking tour, where you can also visit the city’s Christmas Market. For a taste of local cuisine, stop at a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. Alternatively, you can bike through Vidin or enjoy a wine tasting at a local boutique winery.
December 4, Iron Gates(B,L,D)
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. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers.
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions. Also, see the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. You’ll have time to explore Belgrade’s Winter Fest in the main square and its holiday treats, colourful Christmas Market stalls, concerts and more. Alternatively, you could hike to Belgrade Fortress or join a guided bike tour through Belgrade. Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian brandy, Šlivovitz, paired with delicious local delights, at the Quburich Distillery. Or discover Novi Sad, the “Serbian Athens,” on a full-day walking tour to Dunavski Park, through Stari Grad, the Old Town center, and the Petrovaradin Fortress, originally built to defend against the Ottoman Turks, but now home to summertime festivals and beautiful views of the Danube below.
December 6, Vukovar, Croatia (B,L,D)
Tour the historic Croatian city of Vukovar by coach to see many significant sites, including the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Manor House. For a more active excursion, enjoy a guided bike tour of Vukovar. This morning you could also choose to visit nearby Osijek on a guided tour. In the afternoon, wine lovers will want to sample Croatia’s famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines during a special tasting excursion. You could also visit the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites.
December 7, Mohács, Hungary (B,L,D)
December 8, Budapest, Hungary (B)
Say farewell to your companions as you return home rested and ready to celebrate Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: itinerary subject to change.
For further information, please contact us. We would be happy to be of assistance.
