2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #16 - Bucharest, Romania

Bucharest & the Palace of Parliament
Visit Parliament and See Iconic City Sights During a Guided Walk
Discover Bucharest’s Old Town on foot and step inside the opulent Palace of Parliament for an intriguing tour.

Set off by motor coach on a panoramic drive to the Palace of Parliament and learn about the fascinating history behind the impressive site during an inside visit. The second-largest administrative building in the world, it was commissioned by the former Romanian president, Nicolae Ceauşescu, and took 13 years to build. Admire the ornate interior and large rooms adorned with crystal chandeliers and enjoy a traditional lunch at the Parliament’s restaurant. As you dine, listen to stories of how this former Eastern Bloc country overcame an oppressive regime to become a thriving member of the European Union. After, drive to Revolution Square for a guided walk in the old town, strolling the cobblestoned streets to admire the neo-baroque architecture in the heart of the city.


Sights & Flavors of Bucharest
Sample Romanian Fare and See Famous Landmarks
Enjoy a mix of authentic Romanian cuisine and see the city’s sights during a stroll of the Old Town.

Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach, passing the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world, to the heart of the city. Upon arrival, enjoy a short walk to a local restaurant. Here, sample regional beers, wines and appetizers before delighting in traditional Romanian fare for your main course. After, stroll along the narrow, winding streets of the Old Town and through the beautiful Macca-Villacrosse Passage to admire the yellow glass-covered arcade. Reboard your coach and enjoy a short drive to another establishment, where you will savor classic Romanian desserts, paired with schnapps. Your appetite sated, enjoy a peaceful drive as you return to your hotel.

Sharon and I were both up and moving shortly after 5:30 am. We have both had a lot of trouble sleeping on this trip.

After packing up the room, we headed to breakfast before 7 am. Marty (Wisconsin) ended up joining us. We have been talking to him and his wife Sandy since the pre-tour in Prague.

We put the luggage out in the hall at 7:45 am and headed off the ship to join our excursion for the day. [Note to self], in a post trip musing blog entry when we are back home, I need to write more about the room and ship.

We signed up for the eight hour optional Viking "Bucharest & the Palace of Parliaments" excursion. I was very pleased to see that this was a small ten person group in a sprinter. The group included Coleen and Chris (Houston and Park City) who we have probably gotten to know the best over the course of the trip.

It was about an hour and twenty minute drive from the ship to downtown Bucharest. Along the way, there was miles of concrete four story apartment buildings.

The first stop was Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției). It is one of the most significant historical and architectural landmarks in Bucharest, serving as a symbol of Romania's transition from communism to democracy.
The square gained its current name following the Romanian Revolution of 1989. It was here, on December 21, 1989, that Nicolae Ceaușescu gave his final televised speech from the balcony of the Central Committee Building. What was intended as a staged show of support turned into a riot, forcing the dictator and his wife to flee by helicopter from the roof of the building the following day. This event marked the beginning of the end of the communist regime in Romania.

The most prominent—and debated—monument in the square is the Memorial of Rebirth (Memorialul Renașterii). Completed in 2005, it commemorates the victims of the 1989 Romanian Revolution. It features a 25-meter-tall white marble pillar that pierces a large, metal, crown-like object. The abstract design is highly controversial among locals, who have given it various nicknames like "the potato on a stick."

After the Revolution Square, we did a short panoramic drive through Bucharest. It is more of a substantial city than I expected.

We stopped in Old Town for a walking tour. Bucharest’s Old Town, known locally as Centrul Vechi (the Old Center) or the Lipscani district, is the only part of the city where the pre-World War II street layout remains largely intact. While much of Bucharest was redesigned during the communist era, this pocket of the city preserved its narrow, winding cobblestone streets and eclectic 19th-century architecture.


We stopped briefly at the Church of the "Stavropoleos" Monastery in Old Town. Founded in 1724, it is a masterpiece of the Brâncovenesc style, which combines Byzantine, Ottoman, and Western Baroque elements.


We had lunch at Hanu' Berarilor (Casa Oprea Soare). It is widely considered one of the most beautiful restaurants in Bucharest. The restaurant is housed in a landmark building that is a masterpiece of early 20th-century Romanian architecture. The building was completed in 1914 and is a prime example of the Neo-Romanian (Neo-Brâncovenesc) architectural style.

Sitting with Mike(?) and Bonnie (Florida), we had pork knuckle served with horseradish and polenta as the entree. This was a couple that we hadn't interacted with on the trip. We spent part of the large talking about our trip to South Africa and selling them on Rothschild Safari.

Interestingly, this was the second couple that I was selling on Rothschild Safari. We had a number of conversations over the course of the week with Larry and Sharon about our trip and the company.

There was an odd situation at lunch. There was a large group seated at a long table in the same room. Shortly after we sat down, an Eastern Orthodox priest started a long ceremony at the head of the table. In the Eastern Orthodox religion, and specifically within Romanian culture, there are Mercy Meals (Makaria or Pomană) at different intervals after someone dies.

From there, we headed to the parking lot across the street from the Palace of the Parliment for some pictures. The Palace of Parliament is one of the most polarizing and physically massive landmarks in the world. It stands as a colossal monument to the ambition and excess of the late dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. The building’s statistics are difficult to comprehend without seeing it in person. It is frequently cited as the world’s heaviest building and the second-largest administrative building, surpassed only by the Pentagon.

We parked in a smaller lot behind the building and walked to the entrance. Including a short break, we did an hour and a half walking tour of the building with a different guide. The pictures don't do justice to the size and scale of the outside or inside of the building.


Viking dropped us at the JW Marriott Hotel just before 4 pm. This is the nicest hotel that we have had as part of any Viking trip.

We were scheduled to go on a evening Viking excursion. With Sharon feeling a little under the weather and a very, very early start for home scheduled for Sunday, we decided to skip the excursion and have an early dinner in the hotel.

We had dinner in the JW Steakhouse. Sharon had a beef filet, while I had lamb chops. We split a caesar salad, a twice-baked potato and some asparagus.

We crashed just after 8:30 pm...

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #15 - Ruse, Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi
Witness True Bulgarian Character
Tour two cultural gems rich in Bulgarian heritage during this full-day excursion into the heart of the country.

Begin with a drive through Ruse, then continue to Veliko Tarnovo, a fascinating medieval town built around Tsarevets Hill and its castle. After a coffee break, stop at the Yantra River bridge for a nice view of the majestic Assenev Brothers monument, a towering obelisk flanked by horses. Next, explore Samovodska Charshia, a traditional street teeming with handicrafts, or visit the castle ruins and enjoy vistas of the Old Town and countryside. Afterward, proceed to Arbanasi, rich in history and Greek influence. After lunch at a local restaurant, sample the Damascus rose products, locally made from the essence of roses. After, you will visit a local merchant house and see the intricate frescoes of the Nativity Church with a local guide.

A very long day!

We were up and moving about 6:10 am. Although my back was better than Thursday night, I skipped my morning Peleton Core or Bodyweight workout.

We had breakfast in the restaurant. We sat with Cindy and Don from Wisconsin This was not someone that we had talked to before; I frankly don't remember seeing them on any of our excursions.

We were signed up for the included Viking "Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi" excursion. We boarded the bus just before 8:30 am. It was a two hour drive to the Village of Arbansi.

I was surprised by the amount of agriculture. There were miles and miles of fields. Apparently, they grow a lot of wheat, rye, corn, sunflowers and rapeseed (often referred to as Canola or winter oilseed rape). The rapeseed fields were bright yellow as we drove through the countryside.

We made a stop for the restrooms and coffee at the Kaloyanova Fortress just outside the viilage.

The first stop in the village of Arbanasi was the Chruch of the Nativity. I was very surprised by this stop. It was beautiful. We had a very good local guide.

The church is often called the "Sistine Chapel of the Balkans." From the outside, it looks like a low, stone house with no bell tower. This was because, during the Ottoman era, Christian churches were not allowed to be taller than a man on a horse. Inside, it is entirely covered in over 3,500 frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries.

After the church, we stopped briefly at the Lema Rose Shop (or simply the Rose Distillery Lema outlet). We tasted Rose Liqueur.

The third stop was the Konstantsalieva House. We toured the upper floor with the Viking guide. The house is one of the most famous examples of the "house-fortress" style that Arbanasi is known for. This 17th-century merchant’s home offered a great look at how wealthy families lived during the Ottoman era—combining high-security defenses with a surprisingly cozy, refined interior.

Finally, we had lunch at the Izvora Tavern nearby. We sat with Colleen and Chris at lunch; we met them on the first Viking tour in Prague. At the end of the meal, there was some regional music and dancing entertainment.

After lunch, we headed to the town of Veliko Tarnovo. The town is one of Bulgaria's most visually striking and historically significant cities. Often referred to as the "City of the Tsars," it served as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire between the 12th and 14th centuries. The city is famous for its unique layout, with houses stacked steeply along the cliffs of the Yantra River gorge.

We did a walking tour through Samovodska Charshiya (The Old Market). The cobblestone street has workshops for pottery, copper-smithing, and weaving.


While Sharon did some shopping, I continued on the walking tour to Tsar Asen I Square. From there, we had a view of Tsarevets Fortress. This massive medieval stronghold sits on a hill and was once the primary seat of Bulgarian royalty and the patriarchate. It is surrounded by thick walls and features the Patriarchal Cathedral at its summit.


Getting a water and a lemonade, we sat for a while at a cafe along the shopping district. We were back on the bus at 3:45 pm.

It was 5:30 pm by the time we pulled up to the dock. A nine hour excursion!?!

We rushed to get cleaned up and get to the final drink with the captain.

Heading to dinner, we ended up sitting with Jim and Renee (Colorado) and Gary and Germana(?) (New Jersey). I had the regional dinner, including; Ciorba de Perisoare (Romanian meatball soup); Saramura de Pui (brined chicken, bell pepper; grilled polenta); and Alba ca Zapada - "Snow White" (Romanian lemon cream cake). Sharon had Beetroot Salad (pickled pumpkin & radish, seeds, chimichurri sauce) and Seared Sea Bass Fillet (lemon, caper & parsley sauce). She started with the regional chicken, but sent it back.

We crashed just before 10 pm. With a transfer to a hotel in Bucharest tomorrow morning, we never made it to the lounge after dinner...

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #14 - Vidin, Bulgaria

Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress
Spectacular Rock Formations and the Defensive Structure They Helped Shape
Journey into one of Bulgaria’s most scenic regions to see how geography helped create an architectural treasure.

Join your guide for a drive from Vidin to the Belogradchik Rocks. With their strange, red-hued cliffs and massifs, these stunning mountains strike a dramatic pose. The result of millennia of weathering, river erosion, freezing and countless other factors, these formations are more than Bulgaria’s great natural wonder. They are also a curiosity for the multitude of fantastic figures and profiles that emerge when you catch them at just the right angle. Silhouettes of people, towers, ships, mushrooms, palaces and animals populate the cliffs. You will also see the fascinating Belogradchik Fortress, built by the Ottomans in a maze of rock columns and pillars. Take a walk around the compound and enjoy superior views of the caves and rock shapes from its many terraced courtyards.


Baba Vida Fortress & Bulgarian Wine
Tour Medieval Castle and Sample Delicious Vintages
Explore the wonderfully preserved Baba Vida fortress and sample a selection of Bulgarian wines at a local winery.

Meet your guide and embark on a scenic drive to Vidin’s most prominent landmark, the medieval Bada Vida fortress. Enjoy a guided visit of its defensive walls and towers and learn about its history as you tour the museum exhibits. Next, you will visit the Dos Alamos winery for a tour of the facility with an expert oenologist. See how the modern approach of wine production blends harmoniously with more than 200 years of family wine-making heritage during a tour of the lab and underground cellars. Afterward, you will sit down to sample a selection of fine wines accompanied by savory snacks, before returning to your awaiting ship.

A busy day. We had two long excursions.

My back is still brothering me enough that I skipped my Peloton Core or Bodyweight workout for the second straight day. Addtioinally, neither Sharon or I are sleeping very well.

We did the morning included Viking "Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress" excursion. It was an hour bus ride from the port to fortress. Based on the bus ride out of town, Vidin looks very rough. It has lots of Soviet style concrete apartment buildings and a number of abandoned factories on the outskirts of the city.

The Belogradchik Rocks are a natural phenomenon in northwest Bulgaria. It is located near the town of Belogradchik on the western slopes of the Balkan Mountains. One of the most striking features of the area is how the natural rock walls were integrated into a man-made stronghold.

The fortress was originally built by the Romans between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD to guard trade routes. They utilized the 200-foot-high rocks as natural defensive walls, needing to build artificial barriers only on two sides.

Both Sharon and I enjoyed the fortress. While we both climbed to the middle courtyard, neither of us climbed to the highest point.

We had lunch in the restaurant with Cora and Annie and Tom and Anne. We both had Tomato Rasam Broth (traditional Indian tomato soup; cilantro & rice) and Beetroot & Apple Salad (iceberg lettuce, beetroot, apple, carrot, sunflower seeds; lemon vinaigrette).

At 2 pm, We joined the optional Viking "Baba Vida Fortress & Bulgarian Wine" excursion. About half an hour into this excursion, Sharon turned to me and said "this is the worst tour guide that we have ever had."

The first stop was a fortress. The castle in Vidin, known as Baba Vida, is one of Bulgaria's most significant historical landmarks. It is famously regarded as the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country.

The fortress was built upon the remains of the ancient Roman town of Bononia. Construction of the medieval structure began in the 10th century.


We wandered around the exterior and then visited the inside of the fortress. It was interesting to how the layers have been added over the centuries to build it to its current size.

The second stop was the Dos Alamos Winery. We did a wine tasting in the cellar. Although the group was almost thirty, it was a nice set-up. They had individual barrels set up for each couple with some cheese, olives and bread. The cellar was lit primarily by candlelight.

Thankfully, the guide turned the winery presentation over to the owner. Although the wine was not as good at the Croatian wine that we had on Monday, I enjoyed the tasting. With a video presentation behind him, the owner did a nice job talking about the vineyards, the winery and local traditions.


On the bus back to the ship, the guide talked a lot about how the communists had destroyed the town. They had tore down 18th and 19th century homes and built concrete apartment buildings. She passed around a number of pictures showing how the town used to look.

We were back at the ship at 5:15 pm. After sitting at the iPad for a bit when we were back the ship, my back really started to give me a problem. I wasn't sure that I was going to be able to walk to dinner.

Rushing to get cleaned up, we went to the port and disembarckation talk. I was able to walk to the lounge and then down to dinner.

We ended up sitting with two older couples: Tanya and Tom; and Eddie and Amy. For dinner, Sharon and I split a Bulgarian fried cheese starter. We each had a grilled romaine salad and beef tenderloin. For dessert, I had a Bugarian chocolate cake.

We crashed about 10 pm. We have not gone to the lounge after dinner on this trip.

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #13 - Golubac, Serbia

Golubac Fortress by Foot
Medieval Town with Striking Views of the Danube
Admire sweeping views of the Danube River and its surroundings during a walking tour of Golubac Fortress.

Disembark your ship at the pier and meet your guide, then take a short stroll to this fortified medieval town that sits along the shores of the mighty Danube. Explore the remnants of the high stone walls and looming square towers as your guide regales you with stories of the fortress’s history. Originally a Roman settlement, it was built during the 14th century; who built it remains a mystery, but its strategic position along the Danube made it a valuable prize for conquering armies throughout the centuries. Stop atop the ramparts to gaze across the Danube and revel in the natural beauty of the encircling landscape. After your walk, take a moment to appreciate your surroundings on your own before returning to your awaiting ship and continuing your cruise.

The ship was quieter overnight than the previous night while we were sailing downstream.

In an odd turn of events, I have done something to my lower back. My tailbone? I have a suspicion that I did it doing a 15 minute stretch with Sharon on Monday...

The morning included Viking excursion was a tour of the Golubac Fortress. The Golubac Fortress (Golubačka tvrđava) is one of Serbia's most iconic and well-preserved medieval structures. Situated on the right bank of the Danube at the very entrance to the Iron Gates (Djerdap Gorge), it is famed for its "fan-shaped" architecture that seems to tumble down the rocky cliffs into the river.

Because the river narrows significantly here (from 4 miles wide to just a 650 feet), the fortress allowed its rulers to control all river traffic and trade between East and West. It changed hands dozens of times between the Serbian Despotate, the Kingdom of Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire.

One of the optional excursions was a guide hike that climbed to the top of the fortress!

The rest of the day was lazy. We had lunch in the restaurant. We both had Corn Chowder (whiskey sabayon) and a Shepherd Salad (romaine lettuce, tomato, cucumber, feta cheese, ham, egg; Italian dressing). We sat with Cora and Annie and Tom and Ann.

The afternoon was scenic cruising of the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates (Serbo-Croatian: Đerdapska klisura; Romanian: Porțile de Fier) are one of the most spectacular natural wonders in Europe. It is a massive gorge system that forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania, where the Danube River cuts through the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.


In 105 AD, the Roman Emperor Trajan built a massive bridge across the Danube to invade Dacia. While the bridge is gone, you can still see the Tabula Traiana, a Roman memorial plaque carved into the Serbian side of the cliffs.


On the Romanian side, directly opposite the Roman plaque, is a colossal 40-meter-high rock carving of Decebalus, the last king of Dacia. Completed in 2004, it is the tallest rock sculpture in Europe.


After going to the port talk, we had dinner in the restaurant. It was a regional Balkan dinner with a meat platter. It was better than the food we had in the restaurant in Belgrade. We sat with Phil and Fern and Chris and Coleen.

Losing an hour due to the time change, we crashed at just before 10 pm.

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #12 - Belgrade, Serbia

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Historic Belgrade On Foot
Walking Tour of Serbian Capital
Stroll the historic streets of Belgrade and see the city’s architectural highlights on a walking tour.

At Kalemegdan Park, marvel at the landscape dominated by the imposing fortress. Built in the 3rd century BC by the Romans, the fortress guarded the border separating the ruling Roman Empire from barbarian lands across the Danube, later the divider between the Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Explore the grounds as you learn of its dramatic storied past. Next, walk along the Grand Boulevard to Knez Mihailova Street where you will enjoy free time to stroll the pedestrian area and indulge in some shopping. Stop for coffee and cake at the historic Moscow Hotel and take a bus ride to the Church of St. Sava, one of the largest orthodox churches in the world. Return to your ship by tram.


Belgrade by E-Bike
Pedal Through the Capital City’s Green Side
Join locals on a leisurely exploration of a popular urban outdoor escape along the banks of the Sava River.

Begin your electric bike tour near the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, where the city of Belgrade has its roots. Pass Belgrade’s new waterfront complex, located on the right bank of river Sava, with its modern buildings and wide promenade. Surprisingly soon, you leave the bustle of Belgrade behind as you wind your way through parklands and quiet residential neighborhoods toward Ada Lake, located on an island in the river. This small idyll, lined with cozy cafés and sunny beaches, provides the perfect urban oasis and is very popular with the people of Belgrade. Spend some time taking in the tranquil surroundings and enjoy a refreshing drink before heading back to your ship.


Dine in Belgrade’s Bohemian Quarter
Savor a Tasty Meal of Local Fare
Stroll the vintage streets of Belgrade and savor an authentic Serbian meal at a local restaurant.

Meet your guide and embark on a guided walk through Skadarlija, the bohemian quarter of Belgrade known for its many cafes, art galleries and taverns. Stroll the cobblestoned streets of the Old Town and admire notable architecture, dating back to the 19th century. Soak up the atmosphere of the city’s quaint squares as you watch people amble by. At a local restaurant, sit down to a tasty meal of local fare and enjoy a lively toe-tapping performance. You will enjoy urnebes, a popular Serbian paprika spread; a tasty meat selection including ćevapi; grilled Serbian beef sausages; and a selection of traditional desserts. You will also enjoy some local Serbian wine. Your appetite sated, return to your awaiting ship.

A very aggressive and rewarding day!

As a sidebar, the ship seemed very noisy when it was cruising overnight. Both Sharon and I were restless. We are very close to the back to the ship in room 335.

We started the day with the optional Viking "Historic Belgrade On Foot" excursion at 8:15 am. This was perfect. The group included only ten people. Leaving from the ship, we walked up to Kalemegdan Park and explored Belgrade Fortress. From there, we walked along Knez Mihailova Street. This historic street is the city's primary pedestrian zone and shopping hub.

We stopped briefly at Republic Square (Trg republike). The prominent equestrian statue in the center of the square depicts Prince Mihailo Obrenović, who was responsible for liberating Serbia from Ottoman rule and establishing many of the city's cultural institutions.

We had a break at the Moscow Hotel for coffee and treats. The group then took a city bus to St. Sava Church. The Church of Saint Sava (Hram Svetog Save) is the largest Orthodox church in Serbia and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Belgrade. The temple was built on the site where it is believed the Ottoman Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha burned the relics of Saint Sava in 1594. Saint Sava was the founder of the autocephalous Serbian Orthodox Church and is the patron saint of the Serbian people.

After touring the church and the crypt, we caught a city bus back to the ship. It started to rain fairly hard as we were working our way back to the ship.


We got back to the ship about 1:15 pm. With an excursion planned for 2 pm, we dashed to the restaurant. We both a Monte Cristo Sandwich (ham, turkey & Emmental on mustard-coated bread; coleslaw; potato chips).

At 1:50 pm, I headed to the optional Viking "Belgrade by E-Bike" excursion. I really enjoyed this. The two person team leading the tour did a really nice job. With a number of stops, we covered just over thirteen miles in almost two hours. We headed up the Sava River and around Lake Sava. It is an artificial lake created by damming a branch of the Sava River, effectively turning the former island of Ada Ciganlija into a peninsula.


I was back to the ship about 4:30 pm. It didn't rain on the tour!

Getting cleaned up, Sharon and I did the optional Viking "Dine in Belgrade’s Bohemian Quarters" excursion. Viking took us to Dva Jelena. It is one of the oldest and most iconic restaurants in Belgrade, located in the historic and bohemian Skadarlija district. Established in 1832, it has served as a central hub for the city's artistic and political life for nearly two centuries.

For several reasons, we both enjoyed this more than we expected. Part of the experience is always who you are sitting with. We ended up at table with one of the guides (Marco), the Ship's Program Director (Adrian), Scott, Angela and David. The conversation, the food and the music exceeded our expectations. I can't begin to describe the menu... There was lots of meat for the main.


We were back on the ship by 8:30 pm. Sharon and I crashed just before 10 pm.

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #11 - Vukovar, Croatia

Croatian Countryside & Wine Tasting
Croatian Castles and Fine Vintages
Discover the rich and varied history of northern Croatia and sample some of its delicious wines.

Since Roman times, this region of the country has been coveted, thanks to its strategic location on the Danube. During this enlightening excursion, you will drive with your guide to one of the area’s renowned museums, a castle with fascinating medieval origins, where you will browse a rich and revealing collection of artifacts dating back centuries. As you tour the castle chambers and halls, Croatia’s past comes alive in priceless relics that have survived the ages. You will also turn to the fruits of the earth when you descend into a wine cellar in the historic town of Ilok. In these dim corridors, you will taste a combination of five red, white or rose wines and experience for yourself why its prized grapes and hearty vintages have helped put Croatia on every oenophile’s map.

We ended up sleeping late. It was almost 7 am by the time we were moving. We decided that we were going to skip the morning Viking included excursion. We got a large dose of this area when we stayed on a local farm during the OATS trip in 2024.

With almost everyone taking the morning excursion, we had the restaurant to ourselves. Surprisingly, after the morning excursions left, the boat pulled away from the dock and headed back up river. It docked at a freight dock where a truck was waiting for supplies for the boat. The crew spent more than two hours loading the boat using a human chain. Talking to the bartender (Carlo) at lunch, we said that they stop once a week to load provisons.

Sharon and I did a 10 minute bodyweight Peloton workout and 15 minute full body stretch together. Afterwards, we walked for thirty minutes on sun desk. Power walking in circles, I covered almost two miles.

We had lunch in the Aquavit Terrace with a nice table for two. We both had cauliflower soup and nicoise salad. After lunch, we did the after optional Viking excursion titled "Croatian Countryside & Wine Tasting." I was surprised at the size of the group; they loaded more than 50 people on one bus.

The first stop was the Vukovar Municipal Museum (Castle Eltz). The museum is housed in a grand 18th-century Baroque palace complex. Originally built between 1749 and 1751 for the noble Eltz family, it was expanded over the centuries into one of Croatia's most significant examples of secular feudal architecture. .

We saw a film showing the damage from the 1991 Battle of Vukovar. The city is best known for the 87-day siege by the Yugoslav People's Army (JNA) and Serbian paramilitaries. It was the first major European city to be entirely devastated since World War II.

We walked through the Ethnographic Collection. This section features traditional folk costumes and jewelry from the Danube region.

Leaving the museum, we passed the Vukovar Water Tower. It is the most recognizable symbol of the city and a powerful emblem of Croatian resistance. Standing 165 feet tall along the Danube, it serves as a "silent witness" to the 1991 Battle of Vukovar during the Croatian War with Serbia.

Heading out into the countryside, we drove almost 45 minutes to the Kast Winery. We did a cellar tour.


After the cellar tour, we did a tasting. Sharon and I were both impressed with several of the wines. Sharon was very critical of Croatia wines during our OATS tour; she was pleasantly surprised. Interesting, Sharon's brother Tom visited this winery on this trip last year.

We ended up sitting with Bill and Joel at dinner. I had the regional dinner again. It included: Podunavska Mesna Seleckija (assorted local cold cuts) as a starter; Pecena Vratina sa Ajvarom (pork roast with ajvar potato, savoy c abbage) as a main; and Cupavci (chocolate coconut cake) for dessert. Sharon had a steak.

We crashed just before 10 pm.

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #10 - Kalocsa, Hungary

Kalocsa & Puszta
Hungary’s Capital of Paprika and Equestrian Arts
Visit one of Hungary’s major cultural centers and attend a breathtaking display of traditional horsemanship.

Depart your ship for a short drive to the city of Kalocsa, where a rich history is flavored by the town’s renowned peppery paprika. In Holy Trinity Square, you will see the splendid cathedral and admire the Archbishop’s Palace. After a short organ concert at St. Joseph Church, continue to the Bakodpuszta Equestrian Center. The people of the Hungarian Puszta region have long relied on horses for transportation, settlement and defense of their land. Many locals worry that their country’s equestrian connection is being lost to a motorized world, so they hold fast to rural ways and to their four-legged comrades, elevating horsemanship to an art form. Witness the sometimes acrobatic culmination of this long-cherished relationship during a thrilling show.

I slept a litte better. We were up moving about 6:15 am. Although there is not much space in the room, I did a five minute Peloton core workout.

We headed to our first breakfast on the ship. We ended up sitting with Gary and Cindy. They split their time between Naples, Florida and Minnesota. He was a primary care physician.

Just before 9 am, they loaded almost the whole boat on four buses. It was about a twenty minute ride to The Bakodpuszta Horse Farm. We saw a horse riding show. Afterwards, we wandered the property. They had HUNGARIAN GREY CATTLE, MANGALICA PIGS and HUNGARIAN RACKA SHEEP.

Sharon bought some paprika. The region is a major paprike growing region.

From there, we headed to the Assumption Cathedral (also known as the Kalocsa Cathedral). It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Kalocsa-Kecskemét and one of the most important religious sites in Hungary. The current building is a masterpiece of Italian Baroque architecture, completed between 1728 and 1774. It was built on the ruins of several earlier churches, the first of which was founded by St. Stephen around 1010.


There was a twenty organ concert in the church. Afterwards, we headed back to the ship.

We were on the first bus back. We grabbed a seat on the front of the boat in Aquavit restaurant. We ended up having a long leisurely lunch with Lindsay and Shelia. With temperatures in the 70s, the four of us ended up sitting there and visiting long after they closed up for lunch.

We both took naps after lunch. I did two Peleton outdoor walks around path on the sun deck for half an hour.

We went to the lounge for a welcome drink with the captain. This was followed by a review of the optional excursion over the next couple of days.

We sat with Chris and Coleen and Phil and Fern at dinner. Both Sharon and I had the regional mail. It included Hortogbágyi Palacsinta (chicken crepe roulade, creamy paprika sauce) as a starter, Fogas Kárpathy (seared pike perch, shrimp, mashed potatoes, white wine sauce) as the main and Somlói Galuska (traditional Hungarian trifle) for dessert.

We crashed about 10:30 pm...

2026 Passage to Eastern Europe - Day #9 - Budapest, Hungry

Highlights of Budapest
Visit Hungarian Parliament and Sample a Selection of Dishes
Step inside Hungary’s grand parliament building and get a flavor for the nation’s hearty cuisine.

Transfer with your guide to the Budapest Parliament building, the world’s third largest. As the nation’s business goes on around you, you will enjoy a guided tour of select public rooms. Next, walk to Szabadság Square, or Liberty Square, stopping to view the statue of Ronald Reagan and the art nouveau treasures that surround this public space. You will also see the US Embassy and the decorative Postal Savings Bank. Pause to taste some pogácsa, or salty scones, enroute to the Urban Betyár Restaurant, where you will sample heart sausages and a cup of goulash soup. Finish your tasting tour with a delicious Somlói Galuska and hear the story behind this beloved sweet treat.

Moving day. We are finally getting on the Viking Longship Honir today!

We set an alarm for 6:15 am. After packing up the room, we went to the breakfast buffet in the hotel. Back at the room, we put the suitcases in the hall at 7:45 am. We headed down to join our excursion at 8:15 am.

We did the "Highlights of Budapest" excursion. It turned out to be much different than I expected. It was a walking tour. With a group of twenty, we boarded a tram in front of the hotel. We rode the tram to the Parliament Building. We did an audio tour of the building. Getting a chance to see the building over the last couple of days and then tour it was very cool.

From there, we walked through Freedom Square with statues of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. The latter was poignant because I read a book about Bush senior recently. He was very involved in the fall of the Iron Curtain.


We had a group lunch at Urban Betyar. We had Hungarian Goulash Soup.

After 5lunch, the guide got everyone on a bus to the Viking Longship. We got checked in and started to settle in room. Although I tried to prepare her, Sharon was a little surprised by the small size of the room compared to the other cruises that we done.

Getting cleaned up, we went to the lounge for the Captain's welcome and the port talk. Heading to dinner, we sat with two other couples: Angela and Scott; and Joel and Pat.

While Sharon had Halibut, I had the regional dinner. It included Magyar Marhagulyás Leves (Hungarian goulash soup with paprika spiced beef and vegetable broth) as a starter, Sertésszüz Szeletek (pork tenderloin medallions with pepper sauce; mashed sweet potato, savoy cabbage) as a main and Mákos Guba (poppy seed bread pudding & plum jam) for dessert.

As we were finishing dinner, the boat pulled away from the dock. We sailed up river and around Margaret Island. As we started back down river, the view of the city was beautiful. With so many building lite up at night, Sharon noted that there may not be another city in the world with this kind of view from the river.

We crashed about 10:30 pm.