Suzanna Travels

Suzanna's bus trip (green line) shows where we DROVE through Yugoslavia in 1979. From Athens Greece, to Thessaloniki to Skopje to Belgrade (overnight) to Zagreb to Ljublijana Yugoslavia (overnight) then to Austria.

Yugoslavia was created in 1918 (after the end of WWI and 28% of Serbs were killed)

It was created by combining territories of Austria-Hungary (Slovenes, Croats and Serbs) and Kingdoms of Serbia and Montenegro.

"Yug" means South "Slavia" means Country of Slavs. It is a country of South Slavs.

Tito lead Socialist Yugoslavia from 1943 until his death in 1980.

1948 Tito liberated Yugoslavia from the Soviet Union. Stalin tried to assasinate Tito many times. Yugoslavia never became an Eastern bloc country.

YugoNotCommunitst

After Tito's death in 1980 there was economic crisis and Yugoslavia started to split apart. Yugoslavia disintegrated in 1992.

10 years of Yugoslav Wars lasted from 1991 to 2001. The result was the breakup of Yugoslavia (population 23 million) and the formation of independent successor states.

Total deaths: 130,000 - 140,000 Displaced 4 MILLION Some history of this area (from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yugoslav_Wars )

Yugoslav Wars included:

DATE LENGTH

Ten-Day War 27 June 1991 – 7 July 1991 1 week and 3 days

Croatian War of Independence 31 March 1991 – 12 November 1995 4 years, 7 months, 1 week and 5 days

Bosnian War 6 April 1992 – 14 December 1995 3 years, 8 months, 1 week and 6 days

Insurgency in Kosovo 27 May 1995 – 27 February 1998 2 years and 9 months

Kosovo War 28 February 1998 – 11 June 1999 1 year, 3 months and 2 weeks

Insurgency in the Preševo Valley 12 June 1999 – 1 June 2001 1 year, 11 months, 2 weeks and 6 days

Insurgency in Macedonia 22 January 2001 – 13 August 2001 6 months, 3 weeks and 1 day

In 1979 we DROVE through Yugoslavia, Communist Czechoslovakia, Communist East Germany. I saw 16 countries in 57 days. The cost was $1648 and it included transportation within Europe, all breakfast and dinners, hotel every night.

In 1979 we DROVE from Athens Greece, Thessaloniki to Skopje to Belgrade to Zagreb to Ljublijana Yugoslavia. We stayed in Hotelska legitimacija: Tozd Hotel Turist Ljublijana Dalmatinova 15 which is now City Hotel Ljubljana, then to Austria Click here for the Europe Trip Journal.

Suzanna1979 Trip

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Money exchange charts

I put these charts in my wallet.

Hungary Forint HUF

1 USD = 367 HUF

50 USD = 18,000 HUF

1 HUF = .0027 USD

500 HUF = 1.36 USD

1,000 HUF = 2.72 USD

5,000 HUF = 13.62 USD

10,000 HUF = 27.25 USD

Bugaria Lev

1 USD = 1.83

10 USD = 18

1 LEV = .55 cents

5 LEV = 2.73 USD

10 LEV = 5.46 USD

20 LEV = 11.00 USD >

50 LEV = 27.34 USD

Romania LeLLeu

1 USD = 4.65

10 USD = 46.57 /p>

1 LEU = .21 cents

5 LEU = 1.07 USD

10 LEU = 2.14 USD

50 LEU = 10.73 USD

100 LEU = 21.47 USD /p>

Turkey Lira TRY

11 USD = 32 TRY

50 USD = 1,600 TRY

1 TRY = 0.03079 cents

5 TRY = 0.15 cents

10 TRY = 0.30 cents

20 TRY = 0.61 cents

50 TRY = 1.54 USD

100 TRY = 3.08 USD

200 TRY = 6.16 USD

500 TRY = 15.40 USD

1000 TRY = 31.80 USD /p>

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Day 0 - Fly to Budapest, Hungary

Panic! The morning of our departure we found out that our 8 hour Lufthansa flight to Frankfurt, then 1.5 hours flight to Budapest was canceled. We had been rescheduled on a 12 hour Turkish airline flight to Istanbul, then 1.5 hour flight to Budapest.

Viking booked our air so I called them and asked if this was a joke. No joke. They checked every flight from Atlanta to Europe and every flight is full. So we have to get the airport earlier than planned, and suffer that long flight and backtrack to Budapest. We were planning on taking Marta, but thank goodness Judy (Thank you Judy!) could drive us directly to the Atlanta International terminal to get the earlier flight OUTTA HERE!

This flight cancelation/change fiasco added some stress and that is not how I wanted to start this trip. Prayed it is not indicative of future events. I am really looking forward to this 2-week cruise with 3-day extension to Istanbul. I have been preparing meals for my elderly parents for the past year so now I am going to love having the food served to me!

On the brutally uncomfortable, packed airplane, long 12-hour flight I watched the movie "Killers of the Flower Moon." It is a 2023 American epic Western crime drama film by Martin Scorsese about Oklahoma ‎Osage Nation Indian oil money being taken away and they were being killed so white men could get their money.

We finally arrive in Istanbul where we have a 3-hour layover. This airport is very nice and it is HUGE! A Budapest flight at gate F9B is posted on the board, but it is not our flight. Turkish airline help desk said they would post the gate 45 minutes before the flight leaves. What? Really? So I lay down and try to rest. Gary misread the flight board and rushes over to me saying our flight is boarding and we need to leave NOW for gate F9B. Nope, not our flight. Wait and finally our flight at A7 appears on the departure board.

At gate A7, we finally boarded our 2-hour flight to Budapest.

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Day 1 - Arrive Budapest, Hungary - Check into hotel

Viking itinerary:

Arrive and check in to your hotel.

Riverside beauty and a vibrant cultural scene blend together in Budapest to form one of Europe’s most rewarding cities. Hungary’s enchanting capital straddles the banks of the Danube, with traditional hillside Buda on one side and modern Pest on the other. By day, stunning art nouveau buildings, stalwart castles and grand palaces set the stage for inspiring strolls and long soaks in thermal spas. By night, the shimmering lights of the Parliament building dance across the waters of the Danube, the Chain Bridge uniting it all as a dramatic centerpiece.

About Hungary:

Capital and largest city Budapest
Budapest Density 8240 people per square mile (New York City density is 30,000 per square mile)

Official language Hungarian

Ethnic groups (2022 census)

88% Hungarians
2% Roma
2% Germans
1% others
7% unanswered

Religion (2022 census)

43% Christianity (30% Catholicism, 10% Calvinism, 3% other Christian)
16% no religion
1% others
40% unanswered (our guide mentioned Jewish and Muslim)

Government Unitary parliamentary republic with a President , Prime Minister and Speaker

Legislature National Assembly

Area 35,920 sq mi

Population (2023 estimate) 10 million (9,580,000) with about 20% 2 million in Budapest

GDP (PPP) 2024 estimate purchasing power parity

Total Increase $438 billion
Per capita Increase $45,691

x550 years old-world

Foundation

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Hungary

Principality of Hungary 895
Christian Kingdom 25 December 1000
Golden Bull of 1222 24 April 1222
Battle of Mohács 29 August 1526
Liberation of Buda 2 September 1686
Revolution of 1848 15 March 1848
Austria-Hungary 30 March 1867
Treaty of Trianon 4 June 1920
Third Republic 23 October 1989 - Hungary's transition from communism to capitalism

Communism (1945–1989) 45 years of Communism

Following the defeat of Nazi Germany, Hungary became a satellite state of the Soviet Union.

The Regime change was peaceful and prompted by economic stagnation, domestic political pressure, and changing relations with other Warsaw Pact countries.

Hungary joined the European Union (EU) in 2004

About Budapest: (locals say “BOO-daw-pesht”)

There are two sides of the city:

Buda means hilly. Where the Romans lived.

Pest (Pesht) means flat. The eastern part of the city where the barbarian Huns lived. Twice a big, twice as many people.

In 1873 the two sides were unified to make Budapest.

3 Bridges

Erzsebal hid

Szabadsag hid - Yellow bridge from 1870.

Szechenyl Lanczhid – Famous, iconic 1800s stone suspension bridge "The Chain Bridge"

The story: Noble man Szecheny needed to get across the river and had a difficult time finding a way to get across He offered his income for an entire year to build a bridge. This chain bridge built 1848-1860 to link Buda to Pesht.

I took this picture from the top deck of our Viking boat!

Budapest chain bridge

Gary at the entrance to the Chain bridge on the Buda side. This is near The Buda Castle Fenicular.

Behind him on the left is the Buda Castle on the Pest side.

Budapest chain bridge

Laying Lions on Szechenyl Lanczhid

Budapest chain bridge

Playing Lions on the St. Augustine Florida bridge

st augustine lion bridge

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My notes:

We arrive in Budapest, collect our luggage, go thru customs and a Viking representative is there to greet us in the arrival hall. Our documents said "In the event that you are delayed in leaving the baggage claim area, you may call the ship number listed in your Cruise Documents to adjust your airport transfer time. Ship Phone: +49 152 225 38 692

We are driven to Hilton Budapest, Castle District phone +36 1 889 6600 Address: Hess Andras ter 1-3 Budapest, H-1014 Hungary. We are here for two nights. What an incredible location on "Castle Hill".

My picture below shows our hotel on Castle Hill, a World Heritage site.

On the left is St. Mathias Church beside the Hilton (square building)all surrounded by Fishermans Bastion.

hilton budapest

Fishermans Bastion

Fishermen defended this part of the wall that is why it is called Fishermans Bastion.

fishermans bastion

In my photo below: King Stephen on a horse. He was the first king and he converted the country to Christianity.

And note the stairs on the far right of the picture. Wait till after 8 pm and the steps are open with no ticket. Sunset is at 8:50 pm.

fishermans bastion

The Hilton Hotel

Mr. Conrad Hilton (age 55) married Zsa Zsa Gabor (age 25, from Hungary) in 1942, then divorced in 1947. Overall, she had 9 husbands!

In January, 1977 Mr. Hilton opened the Hilton hotel in Budapest on the old Buda side of the river.

It was built on top of a Dominican monastery (chapel dated 1252-1254 13th century) and 16th century Jesuit college. The hotel includes the Dominican Cloisters renovated parts of this history.

As the town of Buda developed into a regional centre the monastery attained “Studium Generale” in 1304 and was rebuilt in classic gothic, and received a manor farm outside the city walls.

Rich citizens and foreign merchants supported the monastery financially in return for which they obtained the right to be buried within its precincts.

King Matthias generously endowed the college at the end of the 15 th century.

Before the 150 years of Turkish occupation the monastery was severely damaged in 1530, abandoned in 1541 and fell to ruin in 1686.

Excavated and preserved during the construction of the Budapest Hilton.

Dominican Cloisters in the basement of the Hilton

Hilton

Hilton Budapest built on the location of Dominican monastery incorporating 13th century stones into the building

hilton

On top of the Hilton hotel, there is a roof-top bar which has the best views of the city. The bar restricts numbers, and you have make a reservation. I tried getting us a reservation for 2 months before we arrived they were book full. Oh well.

This picture from the Hilton rooftop is not my picture. Every night picture that I took was blurry so I am posting this beautiful shot from the Hilton website ( it may be subject to copyright).

hilton budapest night

The picture above was taken from the Hilton hotel roof is on the old Buda side of the river. The picture shows the Fishermans Bastion on the Buda side of the river and Parliament building and St. Stephans Cathedral on the Pesht side. The decorative lights are turned off at 11 pm.

The Parliament building was built in 19 years (1885 - 1904) by 100,000 people, using 40 million bricks, half a million precious stones and 88 pounds of gold.

There were two houses: Lords and Commons. They are now combined so only one wing of the building is used.

Our guide said the Parliament has a dome because "every circus needs a tent".

Near the Parliament Building on the corner is the Shoes on the Danube memorial

Honours the Jews who were massacred during the Second World War.
They were ordered to take off their shoes (shoes were valuable and could be stolen and resold by the militia after the massacre), and they were shot at the edge of the water so that their bodies fell into the river and were carried away.
The memorial represents their shoes left behind on the bank.

Our guide said there 600,000 Hungarian Holocost victims.

shoes on the danube

Our suitcases were delivered to our room and we had a short time to freshen up. I was so tired, I did not change clothes. Went back downstairs for the walking tour at 4:30.

My notes:

4:30 Walking orientation tour around the Hilton by Niki

If you exit hotel and turn right you go to the Old town to North gate. Veer left at the split and the dark stone building is the National Archives.

Across from the hotel is a government building restored to 1908. Last year there were no roof tiles.

Turn left to go to the main square: Methias Church (we tour that tomorrow) Trinity Square and Fishermans Bastion.

We walked beside and behind the hotel. There is super great view across the strait of the Parliament building. The building with the black dome and 2 mini towers (not minarets) is St. Stephens Cathedral.

She explained that transport here by taxi. Use the “BOLT” app to get an Uber-like service.

Or you can take bus 16 (NOT bus 16A) to St. Stephnes, then walk to the parliament. Use the ticket machine to get a single ticket. Buy buy two tickets for a round trip. Validate the ticket on the bus.

The exchange rate is about 450 for 1 USD.

For the toilet, you can use 1 USD.

We walked across the street. The "Prima" grocery store on the corner of the alley.

Walk down the alley to a bakery where you can get the best strudel with fruit for 1.5 USD. Walking.

She pointed out an elevator Granit lift that you take down one level to a museum of "Hospital in the rock". You get a tour of the tunnels where people were safe from bombing. To the ArpadSetany street.

Walking back to the Hilton we passed the oldest pastry shop: Ruszwurm 1827.

Pastry shop 1827

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Day 2 - Budapest, Hungary City Tour

Viking itinerary:

Budapest’s old town is a fascinating medieval patchwork of narrow streets and colorful houses. In the Castle District, the Matthias Church soars in Gothic glory. Adjacent, the expansive wall and seven turrets of Fisherman’s Bastion overlook the Danube, the graceful Chain Bridge and the Pest side of the river. The centerpiece of the district is the sprawling Buda Castle. Constructed in the 13th century and expanded to its current baroque splendor during the 18th century, this edifice was home to Hungary’s kings for almost 700 years.

Cross the Chain Bridge, browse a museum or visit a thermal spa in the “Paris of the East.”

My notes:

Breakfast is included. Breakfast hours are 6:45 to 10:30.

They seated us and served us coffee and OJ, then we went to the buffet. What a magnificent spread! And they had porridge! Yay.

The tour starts at 9 and we are here early at the Viking table. So we could have taken more time at breakfast.

I am absolutely loving that I don’t have to work. I am watching the Viking people working to prepare for us. Gary is socializing with other people so I can write.

In this room against the wall there are 17 pieces of luggage that all matches. The boat employees workers.

We did this tour:

Morning 9 am to 1:30 (3.5 hours) Sightseeing UNESCO Shopping Moderate

PANORAMIC BUDAPEST HUNGARY’S GRACEFUL AND INSPIRING CAPITAL

Take in one of Europe’s great cultural capitals and see its iconic sights. Over the last few decades, Budapest has reemerged as one of the continent’s iconic cities, divided by the Danube River and connected by the graceful Chain Bridge.

Meet your guide for a panoramic tour, beginning in modern Pest. Along the elegant Andrássy Avenue, admire the National Opera House. Pass Heroes’ Square, a spacious plaza of monuments and statues commemorating the Magyar state. Across the river, explore the more traditional Buda side of the city. Here, visit the Castle District with its massive hilltop castle complex, the turreted Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. From the heights of Buda Hill, take in views of the famous Chain Bridge. Afterward, enjoy free time at Budapest's colorful Market Hall to browse an array of speciality food and handicrafts.

My notes:

Sylvia is our tour guide.

Our first tour was inside Matthias Church. It is beside the Hilton hotel so we just walked over there.

The roof tiles are Pyro granite (flamed granite) porcelain manufacturing

It is an active Roman Catholic church so take your hat off.

There are three names for the church

1 The Church of Our Lady of Buda Castle

2 Mathias Church

3 Coronation Church (because in 1961 the last coronation took place . King Charles ?. We have no more kings.)

They had 150 years of Turkisk Ottomans occupation when this church was a mosque. The walls were white washed.

The Virgin Mary is on the main statue on the high altar. Wearing Hungarian holy crown on her head.

I think this is story why the crown on her head: King Steven’s son was killed. He offered the holy crown to the virgin mary to take care of the land

St Mathias Budapest

After the church we continued the tour on the bus.

Two thirds of city was bombed in WWII.

After WWII they endured 40 years of communism.

Our guide told us "In 1956 there was uprising that was suppressed by 2000 Russian tanks. We really appreciate our democracy now. We are very happy with freedom. We finally live in a peaceful period.”

Someone asked about Hungary opinion of the war in Ukraine. She responded “We have Neutral government and we do not support the Ukranians or the Russians. And Viking policy cannot talk about politics.”

They reconstruct and restore castle and buildings, and you can still see bullet holes in the lower part of the castle.

The style is “Stalin Baroque” for the old communist buildings 1970-1980.

A college degree requires 2 languages. English, German, Italian, French. The guide said “Hungarian is the most useless language in the world”

We drove to downtown area. To Elizabeth square where there is a ferris wheel. The jewish quarter is beside the “Elizabethtown” area/district. The Jewish synagogue has black onion domes.

The Opera building in Budapest was not allowed to be bigger than the one in Vienna. But it is “more beautiful than the opera house in Vienna”!

opera house

Opera house pictures are from Wiki and https://www.opera.hu/anyagok/galeria/1080/

We drove by the House of Terror Museum. “TERROR” entablature on the top of the museum.

Our guide said “Hungarian KGB, Communist headquarters. It was a very dark period.”

From Wiki: It contains exhibits related to the fascist and communist regimes in 20th-century Hungary and is also a memorial to the victims of these regimes, including those detained, interrogated, tortured, or killed in the building.

In front of this museum is an original piece of the Berlin wall.

Terror

We drove to the Millennium Memorial in “Hero square”. Ark angel on top of the column in front of the tomb of unknown soldier.

MillinniumMemorial

Museum of Fine Art on Hero square

MillinniumMemorialArtsMuseum

Information from our guide

In 1896 the subway opened. It is the oldest subway on the continent and the second oldest in Europe (the London tube is older).

About half the population is Roman Catholic. The government in coalition with Christian teachings so 1 religion class is required in school.

The Danube is not “blue” like the name of the Blue Danube waltz implies. The composer liked red wine. He had too much and some red wine went into the river so it is not blue any more. She never said “green” though. It looks green to me.

20% of the cost of renovating a building must be spent on the outside of the building. After so much destruction, I can’t imagine starting the renovations. It will be Ukraine that needs it next…. This picture shows a beautiful renovated buiding beside a drab 70's Soviet architecture building.

renovated and soviet

We got off the bus and walked a couple blocks to a square (“Vorosmarty ter” on Google maps) with a fountain and cafe Gerbeaud. There is a shopping street off this square.

We had 20 minutes to walk around and she told us to meet 11:55 in front of the cafe. Gary claimed his brain was not working this morning and he needed some more coffee. Perfect time to see the famous cafe Gerbeaud. He got a Cafe Americano and I found the toilets. His coffee was too strong so he asked for water to pour in his coffee. Odd that usually you add milk or cream but G didn’t think of that..

78 degrees F today. Wow. Perfect. Very windy today. I even wore a jacket on our morning tour

12:30 and we are back at the hotel. The afternoon is free to do what we want. But first we took a short nap. I wanted to tour the caverns under castle hill “Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum”. I finally got G agree to doing that because there was not an alternative suggestion and we would end up in a cafe drinking alcohol. That is why I avoided the Atlanta ski club group in Barcelona. There was so much to see and do and sure enough, they ended up in a bar drinking.

So first we walked to the bakery and Gary got a strudel. I paid with local currency.

We found the Granite elevator, but instead we walked down the stairs. I didn’t see the museum, then turned right at it was right there. G was NOT that interested. It was 30 Euro entrance fee or 21 for G (senior) for an hour tour. I did not have enough Hungarian money so the guy helped me use the ticket machine. My American Express card did not work and G was not offering his credit card because he didn’t really want to see the museum. G lucked out and we did not do the tour. I just took a picture of the museum entrance and gas mask box.

Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

The hospital was designed to treat 60–70 patients,
but at one point during the 1944 seige of Budapest it was being used to treat 600 wounded soldiers

hospital in the rock

We walked back up the steps and over to the old town. We found the National Archives of Hungary building and I went in the front door. The sign said it was closed today for a special event. G lucked out again. He did not have to endure that tour. We walked toward the hotel and stopped at an outdoor cafe. G got a glass of wine and I got a beer. Conversation was strained because I was a little disappointed that two things that we could have done to pass the time were not possible. So there we sat doing what I did not want to end up doing, like the Atlanta ski club group drinking at a cafe. But the weather was perfect so it was nice to sit and relax and watch the people.

garo

Castle district walking area

casle hill

We walked back to hotel and took another short nap while he showered and changed clothes.

G picked the place for dinner and it was one of the places on Viking recommendation list. They were encouraging us to make dinner reservations for the restaurants on that list. We walked to the restaurant and it was closed so we went across the street. The name of that restaurant is “21”. It was excellent.

Some different things on the menu: Trout tartare, Catfish paprikash, Hortobagy chicken pancake.

G got chicken paprikash - 2 thighs and a drumstick with sauce and noodles and wine.I had quinoa salad with chicken. Delicious.

Dessert was a floating island. The "island" was a sweet egg white (whipped and baked). It floated when they poured an evaporated milk cream over it. It was not as good as the Floating Island dessert that I got when I went to dinner with Carolyn in Buckhead. G got an interesting tasting chocolate whipped cream concoction.

These are the other tours that Viking also offered:

OPTIONAL Budapest by Night Price: $109.00 USD

Duration: 2.00 Hours HUBUDSEO17 Date: July 02, 2024 09:00 PM

An Enchanting Evening of Sights and Landmarks -- Meet your guide and set off on a panoramic drive to witness several iconic sights. Admire the twinkling lights along the Danube and enjoy memorable views of the city known as the “Paris of the East.” See brilliantly illuminated bridges, including the Liberty Bridge—the shortest bridge in the city that connects Buda and Pest. View landmarks, such as Gellért Hill and Buda Castle, as your knowledgeable guide regales you with stories of the city’s history. Your drive continues along the Danube River to the beautiful Parliament building; its illuminated façade is a sight to behold after dark. Cap your excursion with a visit to a bar, where you can enjoy views of the Danube River as you sip a glass of sparkling wine.

OPTIONAL SZENTENDRE & THE MARGIT KOVÁCS MUSEUM $109

DURATION: 4 HOURS 2 PM Afternoon Sightseeing Easy*

HUNGARY’S RENOWNED RICH AND THRIVING ARTISTS’ CENTER

Stroll the delightful streets of Szentendre, a colorful village of galleries and artists, and pay a visit to one of its renowned museums commemorating one of the town’s beloved. With cobblestone streets, pastel facades and a red-roofed townscape, Szentendre overflows with charm. In the 1500s, the Hungarian-Serbian community laid the foundations of what we see here today; at one time, eight Serbian Orthodox churches served this rural hamlet. The town holds fast to its roots. And today, it is home to a thriving artists’ community, embodied in the richly hued houses and decorated storefronts. Journey here with your guide and amble along the narrow, picturesque streets, pausing to browse inviting galleries that display the work of local artists. You will also visit the Margit Kovács Museum; this artist’s early 20th-century ceramics and other sculptures won her international accolades as they captured a rich tableau of past times in the Hungarian countryside.

OPTIONAL BUDAPEST CASTLE HILL CITY HIKE $109

DURATION: 4 HOURS 8:30 AM Morning Active Sightseeing UNESCO Demanding

QUAINT HILLTOP DISTRICT OF THE HUNGARIAN CAPITAL

Explore historic Buda during a city hike to Castle Hill and admire magnificent vistas over the Danube. Depart your ship and set out on foot, crossing the bridge over the Danube where you will begin your ascent to Castle Hill, home to some of the city’s most prized medieval treasures. Explore the maze of cobblestone streets and pathways, and keep watch for the entrances to the underground labyrinth of caves that run beneath Castle Hill. Stroll around the grounds of the Royal Palace and time your visit to witness the Changing of the Guard. See the beautiful Matthias Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion, and stroll along quaint streets lined with coffeehouses. From the top, you can also admire stunning views over the Danube and the majestic Chain Bridge, an engineering marvel of its time. Walk down the hill to the riverside and return to your ship.

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Day 3 - Budapest, Hungary Cruise Embarkation

Viking itinerary:

After breakfast, check out of your hotel. Transfer to your ship and settle into your stateroom.

During the 12th century, the first Jewish settlers arrived in Buda from neighboring German and Slavic countries. Over the next hundreds of years, the community played an important role in the cultural and economic development of Hungary. But, like elsewhere in Europe, life for Jews alternated between periods of prosperity and persecution. More than 100,000 perished during the Holocaust, and a number of Budapest’s landmarks serve as a reminder of the events that took place. One of the most poignant memorials is the 60 pairs of cast-iron shoes that line the banks of the Danube River. They represent the men, women and children who fell there at the hands of the Hungarian Nazi Arrow Cross Party.

Pay homage to master magician Harry Houdini or see the statue commemorating Ronald Reagan.

My notes:

8 am luggage out this morning, checkout by 10 am, 11:30 departure to the ship.

Breakfast this morning was good. We do not get lunch today so I make a cheese sandwich. I definitely needed it yesterday.

Meet in Viking lobby at 11:30 for transfer to ship (not boat or vessel). 12 PM Embarkation, 3 PM stateroom access

Yeah! Finally the less stress part of the vacation starts.

It is 67 degrees F this morning. High is about 76. Perfect.

We were supposed to be on the Viking Lofn ship but instead we are on Viking Lif. Evidently the Lofn is somewhere else on the Danube. There has been a lot of water issues in the European rivers this year.

There is information about all the Viking ships on their site: https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/ships/longships/viking-lofn.html

In the trip information we got the ship phone and email:

VIKING LOFN Ship Phone: +49 152 225 38 692 Ship Email: viking.lofn@viking.com

Docking places N1 - N8
Elizabeth Bridge - Belgrad rkp. 7 Budapest, Hungary
Akademia North of Chain Bridge - Szechenyi Istvan ter 9 Budapest, Hungary
Vigado 1 South of Chain Bridge - Eotvos ter Budapest, Hungary

Unpack and we have plenty of space for stuff.
Short nap, then I walked around the ship. Gary stayed in the room so I brought him a chocolate cookie. He made a comment that he feels like a prisoner. He needs to leave the room!

It is 4:30 and I am sitting in lounge chair on the roof. The ship is right beside the chain bridge! I’m sitting here looking at the lions right now. Very cool.

Get dressed and ready for dinner. Captain Anne introduces himself and provides some information:

He was born on a river ship!
100 people on this ship came from Amsterdam and 91 more people arrived today.
There are 54 crew from 14 countries on this boat.
When you exit the ship, tap your card. When you return to the ship tap your card

To get on the network, go to Viking Lif network and enter your name, room PIN, and date of birth.

We meet Program Director Niki.

He has been doing Amsterdam to Black Sea for 30 years on the Danube.
We are going to the pink/red part of the map.

Places where we are going is not yet barrier free. There are difficult walking places and sometimes no handrails.
Sign up for the excursions ASAP. They need to know how many people on each tour so they can get the buses and guides that are up to Viking standards.

We go to Kaloscsa tomorrow. 8 minute bus ride then a 500 meter walk to an organ concert.
20 minute drive to farm to see horse demonstration.

Woolly pig – Manglitza pig is the animal of the area.
Osjiek home host visit.
Croatia is the last chance to use Euros
Always use credit card for even the smallest amount. For example the toilet!

Truly amazing first dinner on the ship tonight.

Then a perfectly timed night cruise through Budapest. All of the lights are on. Perfect photo opportunities. Perfect weather. A little chilly so need a sweater. We went around Margaret Island. The island is connected by Margaret bridge. It was designed by the man who designed the Eiffel tower. There is no traffic on the island. It is a park.

I really screwed up because I had my old Canon camera and it take AWFUL night photos. I should have used my phone to take those pictures. Oh well.

It is so nice sitting up here on the sun deck. But it is 10 pm and I need to turn in.

These are the other tours that Viking also offered:

OPTIONAL DOHÁNY STREET SYNAGOGUE & JEWISH BUDAPEST $109

DURATION: 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES Morning 10 am to 1:30 pm Sightseeing Special Interest Moderate*

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A CHERISHED HISTORY

Explore Budapest’s Jewish history and heritage, including the Jewish Quarter and massive synagogue. A century ago, Budapest had a thriving Jewish community. In the years leading up to and including World War II, half of the city’s 250,000 Jews were killed. The 19th-century Moorish-Revival Dohány Street Synagogue (Great Synagogue), the largest in Europe, was converted to a stable. Today, a rich Jewish history is preserved, as you will see with your guide. During a walking tour of the Jewish Quarter, once the Budapest Ghetto, admire the Great Synagogue with its glittering interior. In the synagogue complex, browse religious relics at the Jewish Museum and view the “Tree of Life” memorial to the 400,000 Hungarian Jews killed by Nazis. Note that the synagogue is not open to tours on Saturdays and Jewish holidays.

OPTIONAL GÖDÖLLÖ ROYAL PALACE & GARDENS $119

DURATION: 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES Morning 9:30 am to 1 pm Sightseeing Easy*

ONE OF HUNGARY’S LARGEST, MOST IMPORTANT PALACES

Visit one of Hungary’s most beloved monuments, built by a count in the 1760s.

Gödöllö Royal Palace was built by Count Antal Grassalkovich, well-respected among the monarchy and a confidante of Empress Maria Theresa. But when the last direct male descendant in the family died, it was bought for the royal couple as a summer house. In the 20th century, Soviet troops used it as a barracks and transformed some wings into rest homes for the aged. Restoration began in 1985 and continues today. Upon arrival, you will tour the elegantly adorned rooms of King Franz Joseph’s suite. See the lush furnishings and finely detailed woodwork of Empress Elisabeth’s private apartments. And pause in the impressive Grand Hall to imagine the royal court gathering for ceremonial occasions. Later, there will be time to admire the French-inspired gardens and vast, beautifully manicured park surrounding the palace.

OPTIONAL but SOLD OUT HIGHLIGHTS OF BUDAPEST $140

DURATION: 5 HOURS Morning 8:30 am to 1:30 pm Culinary Sightseeing Moderate*

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.

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Day 4 - Kalocsa, Hungary – Puszta horse show, organ concert

Viking itinerary:

Once the seat of the archbishop, the cultural center of Kalocsa is more than 1,000 years old.

The quaint town, surrounded by 8,000 acres of farmland growing fiery red peppers, is brimming with traditional Hungarian culture and steeped in the piquant flavors of paprika, the “red gold” that has been giving local goulash its distinctive taste for centuries. The world’s first Paprika Museum chronicles the spice’s history.

The streets are adorned with bright murals of floral motifs, which create a cheery ambience for browsing craft-filled shops. Hungary’s artistic heritage takes center stage at the House of Folk Arts museum.

Sample paprika-flavored food in this cultural center and see blue-attired csikós, or Hungarian cowboys at a Puszta horsemanship show.

We did this tour:

Morning 8:30 – 12pm (3 HOURS 30 MINUTES) Sightseeing Easy

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.

My notes:

Great breakfast this morning. I ordered oatmeal and the waiter asked “water-based or milk based?” That was a first. So I guess it is cooked to order.

It is 8:20 am Thursday. Tour starts at 8:30. It was 63 degrees when we woke up. Looks like 73 now. There are four buses. Viking really has their act together. The phone app is most impressive. Leela is our guide for the tour. We are going to see Kalocsa region and horsemen of Puszta.

Our first stop is the main square. We will see 20-25 minutes organ concert 15 minute bus ride to horse show. A foal was born a few weeks ago!

This was all corn fields but now it is sunflowers, wheat, barley, rye, poppy seeds.

Paprika is the most important vegetable grown here. It doesn’t need much rain. Paprika harvest, dry it, grind it. There is a hot paprika, sweet paprika and smoked paprika.

We are passing HUGE FIELDS of sunflowers.

My notes from Leela's information:

Hungarian language: Hello (have a good day) "Yunabot" Thank you is "Kusonum"

Kalocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. Established in 1007.

Kalocsa (I thought they were saying “Kolicha”) is the center of a region of 20 small villages.

15,000 population but it is decreasing. The youth leave to go to the university and better jobs. University public governance

Hungary has older people. Births are less than deaths.

If you have at least 3 children you get better support from the government.

The (big) houses were built in the 80’s. It is a safe place to raise a family.

The highest point is the cathedral. It is safe from water.

In 1957 the business area was all underwater. There were 3-4 floods before river regulations.

Before communism, all Catholics here. Now Catholic and Calvinists.

During Communist time you were “not on a good list” if you practiced religion.

The 1970’s was tough here. You could get taken away for any reason.

Russian was a mandatory language. After communism, there was no more Russian language requirement. Now English, German.

In 1991 the last Russian soldier left Hungary. We drove through the area where all the soldiers lived. The area is named “Ukraine”. The buildings are a now state/public schools now. Don’t really have private schools.

Holy Trinity square

We arrive at Holy Trinity square. Get off the bus and see this building riddled with bullet holes.

Kalosca

Walk to the square. This picture is from wiki.

Kalocsa

The U-shape building is the Archiepiscopal Palace (the Archbishop Palace).

Our guide said five people live there. Their library has 150,000 books. A very special collection including Century-old books. Latin and books in every language. African, Asian and books on every topic. It is a huge and valuable collection. Keep codex in good condition from heat and humidity.

This is my picture of the church. Wiki calls it St. Mary's Cathedral

Kalocsa

The Assumption Cathedral is the fourth church that stands here.

1st church was woodwork

2nd was stone and it lasted 20 years

3rd3rd church was same style and it lasted 300 years

4th church built after 150 years and the occupation. The Turks left and they rebuilt it again middle of 18th century finish. It is Italian baroque style 1754 in the cathedral.

All buildings in the square are the same style – yellow baroque style. The church has many ornate and heavy decorations to entice people to come back to church.

The pulpit is carved wood. Ceiling is gilded frescos with a pink background.

Church is dedicated to Virgin Mary.

There are four side chapels.

St. Stephen converted Hungary to a Christian state. He was the first king of the new country.

We sit down in the extremely uncomfortable pews and wait for the organ concert. Is is OK to put feet on the kneeling board like a footrest?

The organ has 4,680 pipes. The organ was put in after the world war. Smaller organs in the other 3 previous churches. .

There will be 5 pieces in the concert: Bach, Bach ? Dubois, Stanley trumpetal inquiry. I did not get the name of the songs...

Yesterday we were told that if you have a hearing aid to turn it down because some notes will not sound good – I can’t remember how he said it. A “screetch” maybe.

At one point in the concert I felt the music inside me. Very powerful resounding notes. Deep sounds. All over the keyboard. Light notes like birds fluttering around. It’s hard to believe that only one person is playing the organ.

After the beautiful organ concert, get back on the bus and drive to the Bakodpuszta Equestrian Center. http://www.koronatours.hu/

Horsemen of the Puszta at the Bakodpuszta Equestrian Center

“Puszta” means "port" of Hungary. There are great plains in this area and no mountains.

Horse riders (herders) wear blue linen. A leather belt holds the whole costume on the man.

But on the saddle there is no girth. A girth (or cinch) is the belt that keeps a saddle in place. It goes underneath the horse's barrel, or belly, close to their shoulders to keep the saddle from shifting side to side.

Kalocsa Equestrian Show

In the show there are 5 Horse riders plus one donkey.

Part of the show was a “Puszta siesta”. They lay the horse on the ground then the man sits on the horse.

Kalocsa Equestrian Show

A snap of their whip can break the sound barrier.

Kalocsa Equestrian Show

Another position is the horse sitting like a dog. It is the most difficult position for a horse. This unusual position is only for the show.

The played games with the horses. They did a skill game with a whip, a balance game, a tag game. One game was with wine, but this is "duty time" so it is not really wine.

That part of the show was over so the horses and the (sometimes humorous donkey) left the field.

Kalocsa Equestrian Show

The next part of the show was managing multiple horses.

They had a 3-horse carriage. It was a very unique configuration where one horse pulls the back wheels. It is a very good solution to get the carriage out of the mud. That must be the strongest horse.

A farmer needs to decide if he wants/needs a strong horse, or a fast horse (which is more expensive). If he can’t afford 3 horses, he borrows a horse from the neighbor.

They also had a 4-horse formation. My picture below shows a 10-horse horse formation.

This farm has done 3 rows of 6 horses. “Coq 20” in a competition. That is very hard to control. Must be very skilled.

Kalocsa Equestrian Show

The last part of the show was the long horn cattle. These horns can get twice as long. Horns are used to scratch themselves and each other.

Gray color but brown when born. They are outside year round so they grow longer thicker fur.

There is no bull. These are oxen. Semi-domestic animals. Use these cattle for meat but not for milk.

Kalocsa Equestrian Show

Before and after the show they offered us Apricot Palinka to drink.

Pálinka is a traditional fruit spirit (or fruit brandy) with origins in the medieval Hungary, known under several names.

Kalocsa Equestrian Show

We had some time to look around the farm. There was a man playing an instrument like an oboe and clarinet.

Kalocsa Equestrian Show

We went back on the boat and had lunch, then a short nap. Some rowers went right past our window! When the boat started, I went to the roof. Gary stayed in the room.

We were docked backward from the direction of travel so the captain had to turn the boat around so the current comes toward our V shaped front (stern?).

We stopped at Mohacs to pick up people that left on a wine tour and bused to this stop.

I was watching the shore go by…And watching Christy walk around the track. She said her fitness tracker measured 3 miles. You have to go around the track 12.75 times for one mile but the tracker was not measuring that distance. The tracker was measuring how far the boat moved!

It is 6:30 on July 4th. Very pleasant temperature here on the roof. Even in the sun. You have to be very relaxed and not need entertainment to enjoy this. Tomorrow same as today. Breakfast, tour, lunch, relax.

We passed a lot a lot of trees on the shore. Some houses.

Port talk:

We are very close to the Croatian border here.

The next port is Bukaba (or is that supposed to be Vukovar? I can’t read my handwriting).

The town was detroyed in the 90’s war. Now it is mostly restored. The water tower is a major point of interest. There are big cobblestones. He called them “children’s heads” on the excursion tomorrow. Tomorrow is the last port to use Euros. Except you can Euro for toilet. The “porcelein museum”

Sunset and good night!

This is another tour that Viking also offered:

OPTIONAL THE ART OF COOPERAGE & HUNGARIAN WINE MAKING $149.

DURATION: 5 HOURS 1:30 pm to 6:30 pm Working World Special Interest Demanding*

VISIT A VINEYARD FOR A TOUR AND TASTING

Enjoy a fascinating experience at a Hungarian vineyard during a wine barrel-making demonstration and a tasting. Journey to the Antinori-owned Tűzkő Estate, where you will meet your host, who will take you on a ride through the vineyard in a 4x4 jeep. Admire the terraced vines and enjoy a tasting at the viewing platform; some of the wine from the estate is available on your Viking ship. In the estate’s workshop, watch a master cooper at work and learn about the process of making a wine barrel, from selecting the right oak and cutting the staves to assembling the barrel. Witness the “toasting” of the staves and learn how integral this part of the process is in defining the wine’s properties. Cap your tour with a visit to the wine cellar for a tasting of a selection of wines, accompanied by snacks. You will be able to purchase wine to take home, before returning to your ship.

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Day 5 - Osijek and Vukovar, Croatia
Viking itinerary:

The fourth-largest city in Croatia, Osijek is located near the confluence of the Drava and Danube Rivers. It is the largest city and the economic and cultural capital of the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia. /font>

In its early days, Osijek was a Roman settlement called Mursa Maior (“major”). It was later rebuilt by the Ottomans and ruled by the Hapsburg Empire. Today, with an abundance of farmland and game, as well as plentiful baroque architecture and musical and outdoor venues, Osijek has become a gastronomic and cultural center of Croatia. Its cathedral can host 3,000 people.

See Osijek’s highlights and meet a local family; admire Vukovar’s buildings and palace.

Osijek was bombarded in the early 1990’s during the Croatian War for Independence, but its historic center escaped major damage, and the entire city has undergone major restorations.

About Croatia:

Capital and largest city Zagreb

Official language Croatian

Writing system Latin

Ethnic groups (2021)

92% Croats
3% Serbs
5% others

Religion (2021)

88% Christianity (80% Catholic, 3% Orthodox, 5% other Christian)
6% no religion
2% other
4% undeclared

Government Unitary parliamentary republic
President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Parliament

Legislature Sabor

Area 21,851 sq mi

Population (2023 estimate) 3,861,967

Density 177.2/sq mi

GDP (PPP) 2024 estimate
Total Increase $175.269 billion
Per capita Increase $45,702

Establishment history

Duchy 7th century
Kingdom 925
Croatia in personal union with Hungary 1102
Joined Habsburg Monarchy 1 January 1527
Secession from Austria-Hungary 29 October 1918
Creation of Yugoslavia 4 December 1918
Declaration of independence 25 June 1991
Joined NATO 1 April 2009
Joined the European Union 1 July 2013

We did this tour:

8:30 am to 1 pm (4 HOURS 30 MINUTES)

OSIJEK & VUKOVAR TOUR TWO MAJOR CROATIAN CITIES AND VISIT A LOCAL FAMILY

See the highlights of Vukovar and Osijek, and stop to meet a Croatian family along the way.

Join your guide and make the short drive to Vukovar, passing the Vuka River, the palace of the former Count Eltz and the city’s main street, lined with buildings that carry echoes of Northern Europe.

As you arrive in Osijek, pause to visit a local family in their home and learn about their daily lives.

After, continue to the Osijek Citadel complex for a walking tour.

Enjoy a concert in the Rising of the Holy Cross Church. Then explore Holy Trinity Square, see the town’s only surviving gate and stroll the picturesque promenade along the Drava River. See more of the town by motor coach, passing green parks and driving along European Avenue, the most scenic street in Osijek, lined with elegant baroque and Belle Époque buildings.

My Notes:

I ordered French Toast for breakfast this morning. Yum

We are docked in Vukovar, Croatia. The tour goes to Osijek about 15 miles away to listen to music, see a Citadel and do home visit.

Introduction information

Vukovar pop 20,000 of Croatians and Serbians.

There are 20 counties in Croatia. There are over 1000 islands as part of Croatia.

Vukovar

The Capital is Zagreb - the 4th largest city in Croatia.

Zagreb population is 1 million.

Croatia population 3.8

Largest river port in Croatia is in Vukovar.

There are over 1000 islands as part of Croatia.

Vukovar unemployment rate is 37%.

Required languages: English and German at age 7.

This area is the breadbasket of the country. Soybeans, sunflowers, corn, canola wheat barley sugar beets. Very fertile land.

Yugoslavia wanted this area. Yugoslavia army in 1991 used tanks. 30 tanks destroyed this area.

In 1991 war 90% of Vukovar was destroyed. Now, everything is rebuilt and restored

It became part of Serbia in 1997.

In 2012 the land mines were cleared and it was safe to build and live here.

There are piles of wood in front of the houses. It is used for heating.

There is no crime rate is registered here.

Northern port called Poola and port has same hills and mountains.

5th part of Croatia called Dalmatia where Dalmation dogs come from.

People were living here over 50,000 years ago.

Romans ruled here in the 6th century

3 rd century wine productions started here

1 st century Slavic people here.

All countries around here can understand the language.

161 year ottoman rule , then Hapsburg ruled

end WWI

Kingdom of Yugoslavia WWII

Yugoslavia was never a part of eastern bloc.

Croatia was more developed and did not want to send money to other countries.

Croatia wanted their own independence.

Croatia wanted eastern breadbasket and port on the sea. A lot of money from the ports.

Then a civil war here.

Vukovar destroyed, and cut of from civiliation till 1997 a Peaceful contract “Thy Daytonk agreement” So Vukovar into the territory of Croatia Bosnian mostly Muslim

1999 NATO bombed Serbians

2006 Milosovek died.

In 1667 a brewery was founded here. There is a Lidl here!

Begeta or Vegeta is a dry seasoning spice made with vegetables. A Croatian product.

Mostly Roman Catholic Croatians Eastern Orthodox Serbians

Croatia was never a part of the eastern bloc.

Schools are all government run. There are no private schools.

6 ½ or 7 years old go to elementary school for 8 years. The only required education. Then they choose grammar 4 years or vocation school for 3 years, then work.

University requires a 4 year degree.

Sometimes a building has multiple owners and they cannot agree on who should pay to renovate.

No snow here any more

“HR” is on the license plate stands for Republic Hrvatska

Euro is the only official accepted currency in Croatia.

They recently had a hail storm. 3 people died. Many roofs can cars were ruined.

There is a land registry before the war so evacuees could get their property back. The government gives aboubt 40 percent of what people needed to rebuild.

Area languages can understand each other. Except for Hungarian. It is a little like American English and England English. x

Church Visit

“The church of the Holy Home of the Virgin Mary” is official name of the Roman Catholic church that we are visiting. In 1714 this church was established here.

In 1991 nothing from the church was stolen, but there are marks on the ceiling from war damage.

There is an Organ in the church. Dora, our music performer, is using the piano and a Ukulele. She sang a song in Croatian first, then Amazing grace – many people from our group sitting in the pews joined in singing. Beautiful. Then she sang Leonardo Cohn Allelujah song. Wow. My entire body has goose bumps! To find here, look up “Dora Vestic” on the Youtube channel.

Croatia church

Osijek

Osijek means low tide – related to the river of Drava.

We are going to visit the Habsburg star fort Tvrda (Citadel).

This is a star shaped fortress on the River Drava.

Habsburg star fort Tvrda

There was a wall around. Built by Austria. Hung ? I can’t read my writing? Arians ? To fend off the Ottomans in case the Ottomans came back. But the Ottomans never came back so this was never used as military. The fortress is now used by civilian who do not want gates. Most of the walls and towers were taken down.

Habsburg star fort Tvrda

This is a student town. There are 15,000 students at the university here.

There so many bombed buildings with bullet holes in the outside walls still here. Our guide told us that she hid for 8 months in a basement in Osijek. There is no more military here any more. Now it is a civilian fortress.

Osijek

Government building. 1789 built .

Osijek

All civilians 3000 people lived inside fortress. Some own, some rent, homeless people pay utilities only so they are not homeless. The government takes are of them. Restoration by the government. EU and other countries to bring back life into the area. Coat of arms looks like chess board.

Last year Schengen. No border with Slovenia or Hungary.

Home Visit

It is 11 am now and we are leaving Osijek and headed to a “Rural Tourism” home visit in the town of Bilje, Croatia.

They divided 40 people into 3 groups to be dropped off at 3 different homes for about an hour visit.

The homes must sign a contract with a local vendor and obtain a license to serve food and drink. They are registered as a B&B.

“There are no questions that are forbidden” during the visit.

We visited a property that has been doing rural tourism for 22 years.

Srdan “John” Lacovic family has had the property for 55 years since 1968. There are 4 in their family, the two kids are 8 and 11 years old.

To find it: Go to Booking.com and search for “Farm stay Lackovic” Or “Seoski Turizam Lacovic” on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lackovicturizam/

Croatia home visit

We sat around a big table and we were served cake, coffee, tea, juice.

Croatia home visit

He said they have 9000 square meters.

They can accommodate 20 people here in 8 rooms.

They have about 300 animals. “Almost all of them with feathers.” Geese, etc. No goats sheep or they had cows before but not now.

The location is good to see nature in this part of Croatia.

This is a flood plain area. There are 21 varieties of mosquitos. Be careful. 7 are protected by the government!s

Ride back to boat, then a walk into Vukovar town

There is watermelon for sale at the side of the road for 1 EU!

It is 82 degrees F (28 degrees C) at 12 noon.

The Danube river has very little traffic (boats). Someone said the Rhine was very very buy. There were loud engines going by at night and all day.

12:30 and it is now 84 degrees F (29 degrees C)

There is movie about Vulkovar: “Harrison’s Flowers” .

We ate lunch on the boat. I had the veggie burger. I don't think I will order that again. Also did not care for the Semolina Flan.

We were still docked (not moving) so we went for a walk into town of Vukovar.

Here is a picture of me taking a picture

and Gary getting ready to take the same picture

of the picture of the famous water tower.

Vukovar water tower

and so it goes, more duplicate photos to sort through..

Welcome to Vukovar.

Vukovar

The town was very quiet, somewhat deserted but shops were open. We found a shopping plaza and a store stuffed with anything you need to buy. This is mural on the side of building in town:

Kalosca

Some information about sunflowers:

sunflowers

Dinner

For dinner I got the Vegetarian burger. It was OK, I don’t need to order that again.

Desserts were Semolina Flan, Apple mango chili and Chutney (I did not care for that).

Evening Program on the boat 6:45 in the lounge

Tomorrow we go to Belgrade. We had a lecture about Belgrade but I merged those notes into the notes about Belgrade from our guide tomorrow.

We also had an interesting lecture about our Viking ship.

Our Ship the Viking company

Right now we are parked on the Sava river. The Danube is 1000 feet away.

The boat beside us is 75 feet (23 meters) wide. “Amagagma” or was is Amamagna. It is the biggest ship on the river.

About our ship

Minimum height 20 feet
Maximum height 37 feet
Length 443 feet
Wide 38 feet
Draft 5.5-7 feet
Max speed 2 km/hour
Diesel uses 33,000 gallons for one month.
Fresh water 48,800 gallons
Ballast water 137,000 gallons
Uses 10,000 gallons of water a day.
Has a diesel / electric engine generator
8 propellers – 4 engines – two props per engineering

Danube water goes to a reverse osmosis system. The water is “too clean” so they have to add minerals to make the coffee/tea taste right.

They have our passports and they take care of the stamps in the passports.

There are 50 locks. 39 feet wide.

Once in 5 years every ship goes to dry dock. Clean, Paint protect from rust.

There are 87 Viking sips.

There are over 200 ships coming to Vienna this year. There is much more traffic now.

Viking has over 100 captains. A captains needs special training and experience on this part of the Danube.

There are two locks but after the Iron gate, the river is always changing.

The next 86 km, Danube is free flowing and the water level is always changing.

The captain has to find the water. If he steers to the sand and hits ground, he must back up quickly, go 10 feet over, try again.

Viking is doing a cruise in the United States but it is difficult to hire worker. There are too many rules for workers. There is only one ship now. The “Jones Act”

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a federal law that regulates shipping in U.S. coastal waters and between domestic ports. The law requires that cargo transported by water between U.S. points must be shipped on vessels that are: Built in the United States, Owned by U.S. citizens, Registered in the United States, and Crewed by U.S. citizens.

They must follow academic statistics for the state online. Use certified vendors.

Maybe back to basics school, they cannot talk about some stuff. t

These are the other tours that Viking also offered:

OPTIONAL CROATIAN COUNTRYSIDE & WINE TASTING $129

DURATION: 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES 2:30 pm to 6 pm Sightseeing Snack Demanding*

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.

OPTIONAL CROATIA’S WAR OF INDEPENDENCE

DURATION: 4 HOURS 2:30-6:30 Special Interest Sightseeing Moderate*

DISCOVER A NATION’S JOURNEY TO FREEDOM

Delve into recent history and discover the events that contributed to the breakup of the former Yugoslavia. From 1991 to 1995, the Croatian War of Independence was fought. Starting in August 1991, the 87-day Battle of Vukovar commenced. With your knowledgeable guide, you will visit the Homeland War Memorial Center and view military equipment that was used by the Croatian army, including armored vehicles, tanks and aircraft. After time to explore the open-air and housed exhibits, continue to the Ovčara Memorial House. Here, you may pay tribute to the Croatian veterans and civilians that lost their lives. Cap your tour with a stop at the Vukovar Water Tower. Built during the 1960s, it became an iconic symbol of resistance when images emerged of the ruined city with only its water tower still standing. Today, it serves as a reminder to those who bravely fought for their independence.

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Day 6 - Belgrade, Serbia City Tour

Viking itinerary:

The Serbian capital and former capital of the state of Yugoslavia, Belgrade is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its location at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers has long made it a contested region. Throughout its history, the “White City,” as its Serbian name translates, has been destroyed and rebuilt 20 times. Fortunately, the wide-reaching citadel remains, housing the Kalemegdan Fortress, Orthodox churches, Turkish baths and green parkland. Its Church of St. Sava is one of the largest Orthodox buildings in the world.

Walk around Kalemegdan Fortress or see the Church of St. Sava and Square of the Republic.

About Serbia:

Capital and largest city Belgrade

Official language Serbian

Ethnic groups (2022; excluding Kosovo)

84.4% Serbs
2.6% Hungarians
2.2% Bosniaks
1.2% Roma
9.6% other / unanswered

Religion (2022; excluding Kosovo)

86.6% Christianity (81.1% Serbian Orthodoxy, 3.9% Catholicism, 1.6% other Christian)
4.2% Islam
1.1% no religion
8.0% other / unanswered

Parliamentary democracy or Government Unitary parliamentary republic
President, Prime Minister, President of the National Assembly

Legislature National Assembly

Area

Total 34,170 sq mi
Excluding Kosovo 29,966 sq mi

Population 2022 census

Neutral decrease 6,647,003 (excluding Kosovo) Belgrade 1,197,714

Our guide said population Serbia is 6.5 million and Belgrade is 2 million
Density 222.0/sq mi

GDP (PPP) 2023 estimate

Total Increase $173.075 billion
Per capita Increase $26,074

Establishment history

Principality 780
Kingdom 1217
Empire 1346
Ottoman conquest 1459–1804
Serbian Revolution 1804–1835
Principality of Serbia 1815
Independence recognized 1878
Kingdom of Serbia 1882
Yugoslavia 1918
Serbia and Montenegro 1992
Independence restored 2006

My notes from the guide's lecture and the evening lecture last night about Belgrade, Serbia:

Belgrade: “Bel” means white-space. “Grad” means city.

1841 it became the capital.

Belgrade has always been the capitol, but they have changed the name of country FOUR TIMES!

When Tito took control, he did not move the capital to Zagreb so he built a new Belgrade.

Belgrade has never had peace for more than 50 years in our entire history.

Belgrade has been burned down 23 times, and built up 23 times.

Belgrade has been destroyed 44 times.

The guide quoted the Chinese curse “May you live in Interesting times. That is what we live in. “Interesting times”.

2.3 million population.

Belgrade is on the Danube and Sava rivers. There are six bridges over the Sava river.

Serbia has lithium, gold, and coal mines. The USA bought the gold mines. The Chinese bought the coal mines.

In WWI Serbia lost 29 percent of the males.

Hitler was invited to Austria by 98% of the population. The Austrians run the concentration camps. They are not as innocent as they try to appear.

When Serbia tried to pull away and be independent, NATO bombed Serbia for 78 days (when Milosovec was president.)

We (Serbia) have never been communist. It was “socialist”. And never part of the Eastern Block.

Our guide admitted that her lecture is coming from a Serbian, but we also need to hear the Slovinian Cosvarian sides of this information.

Economic information from the guide

Currency is Serbian Dinar. They are not allowed to accept Euro or Dollars in exchange for Serbian money. They can take Euro or dollar for tips.

105 Dinar = $1USD

If you see a price in local currency, remove the zeroes and that is the price in US dollars.

At one time, inflation was 6 percent PER HOUR! There is a Guinness record 500 billion note printed.
Seems they had a similar problem as Zimbabwe:

BillionaireStarvin

Maximum salary is about $950 USD

A family of 4 needs $1900 USD so both parents must work

An average of 1.48 kids per family

For the 3 rd baby, you can stay at home for 2 years and get 100% pay.

85% of us own real estate.

Utilities for an 800 square foot unit are about $320 USD and that includes heat, gas, water, cell phone.

Prices for groceries:

Bread 50 cents
Milk 1 gallon $6
Cooking oil 1 gallon $8 USD
Zucchini 2 pounds about 70 cents
Apples 50 cents
Tomatoes less than 2 USD for 2 lbs.

72% of out paycheck goes to medical, retirement.

Example: Hip replacement surgery and you pay 1 USD per day to stay in hospital.

If she gets $100 pay check, govt take ?????

Abortion is legal up to 10 weeks

After birth you get 100% of your salary and you can stay at home for one year.

There is a mile long pedestrian street Knez Mihailova. In the middle of the pedestrian street (near No. 35) is a pyramid.

The pyramid is mile 0 for Belgrade: Latitude 44 Longitude 20E to mark the location of this city on the globe.

The Little Known Truth about the "Illuminati" Pyramid in Belgrade - Be in Belgrade

Our guide says “I wants to live a boring life. However, we live in interesting times.”

History is written by the winner of the war.

Verbal dialect. Say the wrong thing and go to jail.

Tito’s Yugoslavia

“I am the leader of one country that has

two alphabets,

three languages,

four religions,

five nationalities,

six republics,

surrounded by seven neighbors, a country in which live eight ethnic minorities.”- Josip Broz Tito

We stopped in front of the building where Tito is buried.

Tito is the reason that communism is not here.

Tito said “no” to Stalin. Kruschev came here to apologize for Russia trying to take the area.

Tito died at 88 years old. He was a “benevolent dictator”.

Our guide is not a fan of Tito, but respects where he was able to do.

“We were not happy that he died because then we were uncertain of our future. No one is capable of being the new Tito.”

There were many many foreign dignitaries were here for the funeral.

Tito made world history.

This is “proxy country” - a new term to describe the government.

You work 7 years to get a flat. You pay the utilities. When you die it goes back to the government.

Tito died in 1980. Then you could own.

$400 USD to buy a flat. 10 square-foot $2000-4500 USD to buy.

We did this tour:

8:30 am to 12:30 pm DURATION: 4 HOURS Sightseeing Shopping Easy

PANORAMIC BELGRADE TOUR THE “WHITE CITY” AT THE SCENIC CONFLUENCE OF TWO RIVERS

See Belgrade’s monuments and architectural splendor during this enlightening tour of Europe’s most resilient city. The Serbian capital of Belgrade overlooks the confluence of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Ravaged and rebuilt 20 times in its history, many of the city’s finest buildings have been gloriously restored. Take a guided walk around the famed Kalemegdan Fortress. Its stalwart walls loom over the Old Town; impressive medieval gates enclose Orthodox churches, Turkish baths, a soaring monument to “The Victor” and more. Enjoy a stroll in the park around the fortress, taking in vistas of the river. Later, witness modern-day Belgrade during a panoramic drive and visit the Church of St. Sava, one of the world’s largest Orthodox churches. Stop in the Square of the Republic to admire the statue of Prince Michael and enjoy free time to browse stores in the adjacent pedestrian shopping area.

My notes:

We went to see Kalemegdan Park

The park is located on a 410 foot cliff where the Danube and smaller River Sava merge. The river are two different colors.

BelgradeKalemegdan

My notes from a National Geographic show on 8/29/2024

Belgrade is on the Sava and Danube rivers. The Orthodox Epithany is when Jesus was baptised so all water is holy.

At this intersection, on the Epithany (January 11 this year) they swim 33 meters (the age when Jesus death) in 3 degree water. It takes at least 22 seconds. 7 women participated this year.

The naked “Victor” statue (it means “winner”) supervises the meeting points of the rivers.

This bronze statue was made to celebrate 1918 end of the great war.

BelgradeKalemegdan

The park plans date from 1867. The park is the green space between the town and the fortress.

Within the park is the 180 acre Belgrade Fortress

46 AD there was a military camp here

About 380 AD Roman camp was invaded by the Goths and Huns (Legend is that Attila’s grave is here)

Star shape fortress. Built 1750.

BelgradeKalemegdonFortress

We walked through the outer Stanbul gate to the inner Stanbul gate. The inner clock tower gate is offset from first gate so the gates are not in a straight line.

BelgradeKalemegdonFortress

Looking left and right at the Stanbol Gate to see the armanents on display.

BelgradeKalemegdonFortress

June 15, 1389 was the Battle of Kosovo

Our guide said “nobody won that battle. Both leaders were assassinated.

Ottomans came to conquer the Serbians and convert religions.

Serbians experienced Islamization. Note that even now Serbia is less than 3 percent Muslim.

Ottomans did not force you to convert but if you rebelled you were “gently impailed” and given water to make it last longer.

You must change your religion to save your family.

It is complicated from centuries ago here.

Religion causes horrible events.

And then there was the Devshirme system of slavery.

From Wikipedia: Devshirme (usually translated as "child levy" or "blood tax") The Ottoman practice of forcibly recruiting soldiers and bureaucrats from among the children of their Balkan Christian subjects and raising them in the religion of Islam. Balkans came primarily from noble Balkan families and rayah (poor) classes. It is first mentioned in written records in 1438, but probably started earlier. It created a faction of soldiers and officials loyal to the Sultan. It counterbalanced the Turkish nobility, who sometimes opposed the Sultan.

From our guide: The Ottomans invented “tax of the blood” imposed on Balkan Christian family:

The first born son is taken away at 4-5 years old to join the army and forcibly converted to Islam.

He came back at 16 years old and he did not recognize parents/family.

So the family would mutilate young boys to they won’t be taken. Cut finger etc.

In 1521 Belgrade fell to the Ottoman Turks but there was ongoing wars with Ottoman’s and Hapsburg Empire (Austrian monarchy) in Serbia.

1690 was the Great Migration of Serbs to get away from their occupiers.

1804-1835 Serbian Revolution and they were finally independent.

The last Ottoman Turks left Serbia in 1867. Ottomans 1878, then Austrians after that.

1914 July the war started here in Belgrade.

The guide told a very complicated description of war 1 and war 2 and how WWI started. I could not write it down. She is mentioning an “Unde Peter” “Balkanization” of small countries in an area.

First time in 1928 when the name of “Yugoslavia” was used.

At 10:20 we will meet here in the shade. Then to St. Sava.

St. Sava:

The Church of St. Sava is named after Saint Sava (1175-1235) the founder of the Serbian Orthodox church

Our guide said "July 16 1054 church split: Catholic and Orthodox."

In 1595 the Ottomans burned Saint Sava's relics (coffin).

In 1935 begin building on this site – the location of St. Sava’s grave.

Communists banned construction so this is how it looked until 1980.

BelgradeStSava

During Tito’s time, there were no new religious buildings so this was the called the “National Library”.

They finally said church construction was OK. 57 million came from the government and the church was completed in 1989.

It is the biggest orthodox church in Europe.

The 400-ton concrete dome (built on the ground) was raised to it’s position on top of the church. The dome is “approximately the same diameter” as Hagia Sophia dome.

There are 49 bells that weigh from 22 pounds to 6 tons!

Our guide said 36,000 square-feet. Wiki 48,000 sq feet (4500 sq meters) Guide said “St. Sava is bigger than Hagia Sophia without the corridor”

BelgradeStSava

On the door

Rejoice
O Virgin Theotokos
Mary full of grace
The Lord is with thee
Blessed are thou amongst women
And blessed is the fruit of thy womb
For thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls a

BelgradeStSava

The church faces East. When you walk inside, this is what you see: The altar is on the East wall and prominent Jesus apse mosaic above it.

The mosaic of the Virgin and Child (below Jesus) is a copy of the Virgin and child in the Hagia Sophia (In Istanbul ) In fact the entire church is modelled after Hagia Sophia and St. Sava replicates the dimensions and architecture of Hagia Sophia. Since Hagia Sophia converted to a mosque in 2020, St. Sava was supposed to symbolically replace Hagia Sophia and become the “New Hagia Sophia” (Wiki)

The photo below shows the chandelier. It is the biggest the chandelier in the world. 12-sided chandelier (or choros). 60 foot (21 meter) diameter. Weighs 72 tons

BelgradeStSava

StSava StSava

St. Sava BEFORE mosaics

StSava

Guide said “There are 150,000 sq feet of mosaics finished in 2020. “ Wiki reports 130,000 sq feet of (12,000 sq m) of gold mosaics.

BelgradeStSava

Wow, wow, and wow.

BelgradeStSava

Our guide pointed out "Mary reclining - you would not see this in a Catholic church"

BelgradeStSava

And a final wow on the Western wall as you exit St.Sava

BelgradeStSava

Every sunday there is a service here.

The Congregation always standing during the service! And the service may last for hours.

The floors are heated.

There is no organ, no instruments. Only acapella singing.

The term “Cathedral of St. Sava” is wrong because cathedral is a Catholic term. St. Sava is a Serbian Orthodox church.

In the afternoon we had some free time. We were told to pick up our passports at the front desk and carry our passports when we went into Belgrade today and tomorrow when we are in Serbia. I wanted to go into Belgrade to find the hotel where I stayed in 1979. The address is

Hotel Union Kosovsta 11 Belgrade, Yugoslavia

It was very easy to find the hotel. We walked the entire length of the pedestrian street, walked through a park to the capitol building to the street behind the building. J-15 is the name of the group on that trip in 1979. It was a life-changing trip and we all still keep in touch in a Facebook group. I posted: /p>

Belgrade Union HOtel

Saturday Evening presentation and Serbian dancing

This was a very interesting 100 slide PowerPoint show by Srdjan Ristic about the wars and changing powers in the region. This is his book:

Yugoslavia: Utopia or Inspiration? From Exalting Vision to Fractured Reality by Mr. Srdjan Ristic and Rudy B. Baker PhD

From Amazon: In Yugoslavia: Utopia or Inspiration?", Belgrade native and preeminent Yugoslav history speaker and lecturer Srdjan Ristic details more than 30 years of dedicated study into the profound exploration of the birth, existence, and demise of the once-powerful Communist country of Yugoslavia—a subject that continues to captivate Europe and the world at large.

I watched his presentation on the television set in my room and I took a picture of each PowerPoint slide but I can’t include his copyrighted pictures in my journal. I found some of the information that he presented on the Internet and Wikipedia and I included that in my write-ups about Yugoslavia and the southeastern European countries that we visit on this trip. I hope he doesn’t mind that I am posting his Recommended Books slide:

9 pm after the presentation they had great show of traditional dances. The dancers were also wearing traditional Serbian clothes.

These are the other tours that Viking also offered:

OPTIONAL BEST OF BELGRADE $159 -

DURATION: 6 HOURS 830 am – 2:30 pm Sightseeing Meal Moderate*

DISCOVER SERBIA’S RESURRECTED CAPITAL AND SAVOR LUNCH IN A WINE CELLAR

Explore the rich history and culture of Serbia’s capital and head underground for a lunch paired with wine. Once the center of a civil war, Belgrade today is an exuberant, forward-looking city. Drive with your guide to the ancient Kalemegdan Fortress, the pinnacle of the city. Enjoy a guided walk through the surrounding park. Then, during a panoramic drive, see the imposing Town Hall, once home of the Obrenović dynasty and Republic Square, before stopping to visit the Church of St. Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. You will also tour the Tito Memorial, a moving tribute dedicated to the “Father of Yugoslavia,” Marshal Josip Tito. Later, descend underground into a vast labyrinth owned by the wine-making Panajotović family. Within the cool walls of these fascinating Roman-era cellars, savor a delicious lunch paired with a selection of their wines. - Our guide said you will have lunch in underground catacombs dated 1680.

OPTIONAL KOVAČICA ART COLONY $99

DURATION: 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES 2pm – 5:30 pm Special Interest Snack Easy*

WITNESS NAÏVE ART AND THE ART OF VIOLIN MAKING

Journey into the Pannonian Basin to learn about the Naïve Art movement and to visit a violin-making studio. In the 1950s, Kovačica residents Martin Paluska and Jan Soko took brushes to canvas without formal training, and began to paint daily life around them. Perspective was not a concern for them, nor was realism. But the Naïve Art style that they created stuck and became a movement. Journey into the Carpathian Basin, past soybean and sunflower fields, where Slovaks, Serbs, Hungarians, Romanians and Slavs live in harmony side by side. Here, you will learn about the Naïve Art movement from an expert and browse the village collection. Some of the finest violins are made in Kovačica, too, as you will see when you visit the studio and home of violin maker Jan Nemček. The master will demonstrate some of his techniques and play a tune on a violin that he constructed.

OPTIONAL HISTORIC BELGRADE ON FOOT $89

DURATION: 4 HOURS 15 MINUTES 8:15 am- 12:30 pm Sightseeing Snack Shopping Demanding*

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.

OPTIONAL BICYCLING BELGRADE $99

DURATION: 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES 2;30 pm – 5 pm Active Moderate*

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 bicycle 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.

OPTIONAL DINE IN BELGRADE’S BOHEMIAN QUARTER $129

DURATION: 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES 6pm – 8:30 pm Culinary Culture Local Life Sightseeing Moderate*

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.

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Day 7 - Golubac, Serbia – Tour Fortress and Scenic Sailing: The Iron Gate
Viking itinerary:

Learn about the history of the 14th-century Golubac Fortress and admire scenic river views.

Millennia of history await at “the Town of Doves,” the gateway to the Djerdap National Park. The Iron Gate of the Danube lies between the mighty Carpathian and Balkan Mountains, its dramatic scenery carved by narrow ravines. Guarding the Danube is the imposing 14th-century Golubac Fortress, which has seen ruling empires vie for its control over the centuries, changing hands between the Serbs, Hungarians, Bulgarians and Turks. Serbian culture is swathed in tradition, and it is an integral part of the country’s identity that has carried its people through challenging times in history. Ancient civilizations to modern empires have left their mark, creating a unique, fascinating heritage that spans thousands of years.

We did this tour:

8:30 – 9:30 (1 hour) Sightseeing Moderate

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.

I added the red tower labels to this Golubac Image by Slobodan Marković from Pixabay. https://pixabay.com/photos/castle-river-architecture-landscape-5146680/

My Notes:

We see the fortress tour this morning. The tour is one hour then we have only 20 free minutes at the end of the tour to walk around.

About Golubac (from Wiki, the Day 6 evening presentation, our guide “Gogo” and the 8/29/2024 National Geographic show)

Our guide said the Golubac Fortress name translated means “pigeons”. It says Golub is “dove” on this site https://tvrdjavagolubackigrad.rs/eng/history/

It was built at the exceptional strategic entrance point to the Iron Gate.

This fortress was the last military outpost on that stretch of the Danube river. It is located at the head of the Iron Gate gorge.

It has been controlled by the Ottoman Empire, Serbia and Hungary throughout it’s history.

It enabled easy control of all the land and waterway routes that connected the east and the west.

It was the final line of defense. Whoever controlled the fortress, controlled the border, controlled the river traffic and all trade from here.

It has resisted 120 assaults.

It is mystery of who and when this place was built on these steep cliffs.

The fortification was founded in the 13th Century but first mention of the fortress is 1335 (14th Century) when Tower 1 is the oldest part was built.

The youngest Tower 9 was built about ~1475 (15th century) when it was the strongest military base.

70’s Danube 50 meters

Maximum of about 500 soldiers lived here.

Ottomans ruled 15th to 19th century controlled here.

1428 ottomans hung a battle The range of the ball thrower is 350 meters.

Traffic went through the fortress for 90 years! In the 20th century trucks damaged gate and stuck in tunnels.

2014 project to relocate the highway 8 million and 5 years whole fortress restored

1427 Serbia rule ended.

Towers

There are 9 towers. They are towers are 66 to 82 ft high.

Inside floors and stairs inside were made of wood, while external stairs were made of stone.

All towers were originally rectangular, but the Ottomans upgraded them and additionally fortified them against the artillery. The towers have no walkways between them so you have to conquer each tower separately.

Tower 1, nicknamed "Hat Tower".

The oldest and tallest tower built on the highest spot on the cliff. The citadel and the keep tower is the safest during danger or attack. Eight-sided base with a circular spire rising from it and a square interior.

Tower 2 The watchtower over the Danube. Completely circular in shape.

Tower 3 The tower defended by arrows (over 7000 were found)

Square base, with the open side facing the dungeon tower to the north. On the top floor is a terrace that overlooks the Danube and the entrance to the Iron Gate gorge. Extremely challenging to access.

Tower 4 The tower with a chapel. Square base.

It is an enclosed 5-story building. The ground floor has a Serbian Orthodox chapel. Army accommodations on other floors.

Tower 5 The tower that protected and defended the Palace.

6-story structure. Living quarters with fireplace and toilet. The only tower to remain completely square. Tower 6, Protecting the Fortress from hillside attacks. has a square base which was reinforced with a six-sided foundation. No access to this tower.

Tower 7 Square base reinforced with a circular foundation.

Christian inscriptions written in Serbian Slavic. Possibly a dungeon at some point.

Tower 8 Guarded the main gate.

Generally square base. It is also the shortest of the first nine towers. An amoury and food storage.

Tower 9 is the “Cannon Tower”. Used to guard the harbor.

It has only one floor and is the shortest of all the nine towers.

The youngest Tower 9 was built about ~1475 (15th century) when Golubac was the strongest military base.

It was built with an eight-sided base (polygonal shape) and cannon ports to help control traffic on the Danube.

It used to be on dry land, but with the formation of the artificial Lake Đerdap in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the water level rose so today it protrudes into the Danube. The tower from which cannons roared.

The Cannon Tower 9 is part of the Lower External Fortress and was later added to the Fortress in the fourth quarter of the 15th century (1475)

It was built as an attempt of the then expanding Ottoman Empire to fortify the captured strategic positions on the right bank of the Danube thereby consolidating the acquired positions against their major opponent on the European battlefield, the Kingdom of Hungary, and prepare for future conquests of its territories north of the river.

The tower was built as a protruding active-defensive fortification element, i.e„ as an artillery position or a cannon platform set in specially and purpose-fully constructed openings. Judging by its present appearance, it was equipped with 16 cannons deployed on two levels, with eight combat positions each, and served by several dozen crew who managed the tower. Its main function was to protect the port and the waterway. So far, replicas of cannon barrels made after authentic archeological models from Serbia have been installed in the Tower.

The cannon carriage is modeled according to the graphic and written sources of the Middle Ages.

Palace The majestic edifice - home of the long gone Fortress' commanders

The Palace is a monumental, multi-storey building belonging to the Lower compound of the Inner Fort

It is attributed to the second phase of construction, i.e. reign of despot Stefan Lazarevic.

The Palace comprised three storeys: the basement, used as a storage facility, the ground floor housing the main hall used for public functions as well as the private quarters of the town's commander, and the second floor where the palace garrison resided. The Palace had two entrances - gateways.

The staircase adjacent to the grand entrance with a semi-circular finish led to the chambers on the lower - ground level, currently under water due to Djerdap accumulation, which separated the entire Palace space into two parts.

The latest archaeological research has uncovered the access communication to the Palace made from trimmed rock.

Reconstruction from 2014 to 2019 and continued restorations

The area became Derdap national park and about 9 million Euros of European Union funds were for this "Cultural Route - Fortresses on the Danube".

The fortress required repairs from centuries of neglect and damage from heavy traffic was passing right through the fortress since the 1930’s Repairs were slow because of “discrepancy between the projected solutions and the existing situation”

It took 2 years of controlled explosions to build a 2300 ft tunnel to redirect the traffic.

April 2018, when the international cruise ships began to dock.

Based on the accessibility and difficulty, the complex is divided in four zones:

green (the lowest section; 3 towers and the palace are open for all visitors)

blue (only for adults; towers 3 and 4) red (only for adults with assigned special escort)

black (only for adults with assigned special escort, and applying specific safety procedures - physical fitness, special attire and footwear, absence of acrophobia and ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), allowed access for only two visitors at the time; Hat Tower).

They are considering building a bridge over the Danube close to the fortress to connect Romania with Serbia

The Danube is at its narrowest here, and the bridge will be some 370 m (1,210 ft) long.

----------------------- 1995 limestone crushed quarry was closed here

Traffic went through the fortress for 90 years! In the 20th century trucks damaged gate and stuck in tunnels.

Reconstruction from 2014 to 2019 and continued restorations - This is Hat Tower 1 Hat

After the tour we only had 20 minutes to walk around. I lost track of Gary but I wanted to go up some of the towers.

I made it up two towers. Tower 5 I think I counted steps 46 wood steps and 29 stone steps.

We had to be back on board the ship at 9:45 am to start our “scenic sailing”.

We were told to carry our passports while we were in Serbia, so when we got back on the ship, we had to give our passports back to the front desk. One person did not return their passport so Niki made announcement at lunch to get it “now”. The Serbian authorities were waiting. Actually, they are on board the boat "socializing". I'm guessing Viking provides food and drinks to keep the favorable relationship between the company and the country.

The estimate for the schedule today was to start scenic sailing at 3 pm, but that did not happen. At 3:45 the Serbian officials finally left with their brief cases and we were finally on our way.

Viking's descripiton of Scenic Sailing: The Iron Gate. Sail the picturesque Danube River and admire the natural wonders of the Iron Gate. Sail through one of Europe’s most dramatic natural wonders, the picturesque stretch famously known as the Iron Gate. Meander through narrow gorges that slice through the Carpathian Mountains to the north and the Balkan Mountains to the south, and marvel at the towering white limestone cliffs draped with forest. Be on the lookout for ancient remains upon the dramatic walls. On the Serbian side, Trajan’s Tablet was laid to mark the construction of a Roman military road; on the Romanian side, marvel at the enormous rock sculpture of Dacian king Decebalus.

We sailed down to a dock to pick up 13 people that did the hike. Some folks started the hike but turned around when they saw how steep was the climb. Brian (I think) at our lunch table said the guide was surprised all 13 people made it to the top!

We also picked up the people that went to the Lepenski Vir archaeological site. Archeologists say “exhumation” when you dig them up and “inhumation” not “burial”.

Yup, floating along the river and it is scenic. There are hills, mountains, all along the border now. There is a road all along the edge of the river. A very loud motorcycle (I thought it was an airplane) rode by.

Nice breeze so it is relatively cool as long as you have shade up on this top deck.

We are going through the Iron Gates. the “Iron Gate” is the point where the Danube is the widest and then runs into the gorge of the Karpathian mountains.

Finally the announcement to go up to the top deck.

King Decebalus

“The face in the rock” The Guardian of the Iron Gates , The “Stone keeper of the iron gate gorge”

6.5 km is the widest part of the Danube then narrow parts later.a

ScenicSailing

About 5:45 we arrive at the lock.

A "Lock" is a watertight chamber built to raise and lower ships in areas where the river bed is not uniform.

This is the only lock that we will encounter on this cruise. I'm glad we get to watch the ship go through it.

On the Rhine river a lady on our trip said they went through 60 locks. 6 inches on each side and the ship would bump bump and very annoying wakes you up at night.

There is a 60 meter lift through 2 locks.

Lock 1 is 52 feet (16 meters)

Lock 2 is 40 feet (12 meters) downhill.

There is man-made hydro power plant here: City of Bay Oshava. The power plant is 18.53 meters long.

We were very lucky to enter the lock with no wait, which is very unusual.

Romania (in the EU) on left. Serbia (not in EU) on the right

Enter the lock chamber. Close the gate.

RomaniaSerbiaLock

Drain the water in the chamber to lower the ship.

Open the exit gate.

When the gate is all the way down, move into the exit chamber. Close the gate.

We are inches from the wall in the chamber! This my hand reaching out from our room on the ship!

When we were in the lock, it was very, very HOT. We are not moving and there is no breeze in the deep hole. The air was very heavy and HOT.

At 6:50 pm is was 91 degrees and we were in the second lock.

It took about an hour and half we finally made it through the lock.

I took a picture of this Yugoslavian flag on the far Serbian border.

SerbiaTitoflag

Sunday dinner was a special buffet. I think it was the best dinner by far on the trip.

They had lamb skewers, roast chicken (I got thigh and leg), beets. I regret not getting the mushroom soup with oysters.

Many selections of desserts, but both strudels (cherry and cinnamon) were dry.

These are the other tours that Viking also offered:

OPTIONAL HIKE TO VISTAS OF THE IRON GATE $99

DURATION: 4 HOURS 9 am – 1 pm Active Local Life Snack Demanding SCENIC VIEWPOINTS, GOLUBAC FORTRESS AND KAPETAN MIŠIN BREG

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Serbia during a hike to a scenic viewpoint in idyllic Djerdap National Park. Stretching out along the Danube River and covering more than 245 square miles, the park is famous for its sweeping views of the Iron Gate gorge. Your park ranger and knowledgeable guide will lead you along a forest trail as you hike up the 1,174 feet to the Kovilovo viewpoint. Stop for refreshments and time to admire the beautiful landscape before hiking down. Your excursion will also take you to the remnants of Golubac Fortress, an imposing medieval town, and the eco-village of Kapetan Mišin Breg, where you will visit an art gallery before browsing the handicrafts on display and sampling local favorites such as honey brandy, proja (corn bread) and pohovana kopriva (fried nettles) at a private viewpoint. At the end of your tour, you will return to your awaiting ship.

OPTIONAL LEPENSKI VIR $99

DURATION: 4 HOURS 9 am – 1 pm Culture Local Life Snack Moderate LIFE ALONG THE DANUBE FROM PREHISTORY TO TODAY

Discover one of Europe’s oldest settlements during a visit to the famous Lepenski Vir archaeological site. Founded more than 8,500 years ago along the banks of the Danube River, this important Stone Age find is often called the “first city in Europe.” Upon arrival, enjoy an insightful presentation, guided tour and free time to learn more about this prehistoric settlement and the culture that once flourished here. Your excursion into life along the Danube will take you to the remnants of Golubac Fortress, a medieval town with views of the surrounding landscape, and the eco-village of Kapetan Mišin Breg, where you will visit an art gallery before browsing the handicrafts on display and sampling local favorites such as honey brandy, proja (corn bread) and pohovana kopriva (fried nettles) from a private viewpoint. At the end of your tour, you will return to your awaiting ship.

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Day 8 - Vidin, Bulgaria
Viking itinerary:

Admire Vidin’s historic landmarks, including the preserved medieval castle.

One of Bulgaria’s oldest riverside towns, Vidin is home to the only entirely preserved medieval Bulgarian castle. Perched impressively on the riverbank, its striking pose, thick ring walls, stout towers and solid gates form a fortress known as Babini Vidini Kuli, which means Granny Vida’s Towers. Around the castle rose a fairy-tale town of 25 minarets, domes and other charming architecture of the period. Though many of these features have been shadowed by today’s city, Vidin retains its charms. Today it is largely an agricultural and trade center renowned for its wines.

About Bulgaria: (from Wiki)

Capital and largest city Sofia

Official language Bulgarian

Official script Cyrillic

Ethnic groups (2021 census)

85% Bulgarians
8% Turks
4% Roma
3% other

Religion (2021 census)

65% Christianity (63% Bulgarian Orthodoxy, 2% other Christian)
16% no religion
10% Islam
0.1% other
10% unanswered

Government parliamentary democracy

with a Prime Minister, President and Vice President , Chairperson of the National Assembly

Legislature National Assembly

Area 42,854.9 sq mi

Population (2023 estimate) Neutral decrease 6,385,500

Density 163.2/sq mi)

GDP (PPP) 2023 estimate
Total Increase $216.499 billion
Per capita $33,780

Establishment history

1st Bulgarian Empire 681–1018
2nd Bulgarian Empire 1185–1396
Principality of Bulgaria 3 March 1878
Independence from the Ottoman Empire 5 October 1908
Monarchy abolished 15 September 1946

We did this tour:

9 am-1pm DURATION: 4 HOURS Sightseeing Natural World Demanding*

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.

BELOGRADCHIK FORTRESS

Gary took a picture of me and the incredible mountain view and town behind me

Belogradchik

These are the other tours that Viking also offered:

OPTIONAL VIDIN HOME-HOSTED COOKING DEMONSTRATION $79

DURATION: 2 HOURS 30 MINUTES 9:15 for 2.5 hours OR 2:30 for 2.5 hours

Local Life Snack Easy*

THE FINE ART OF BULGARIA’S CELEBRATED BANITSA PASTRY

See how everyday Bulgarians live; learn how to prepare the nation’s beloved banitsa, and how the diet here helps some locals live to 100. Drive with your guide to a home near Vidin, where your gracious hosts greet you with freshly baked traditional round bread. Relax, get comfortable and look around the house and garden. Then, head to the kitchen to see how Bulgaria’s banitsa is prepared, and try preparing it for yourself. This phyllo pastry, a central part of family celebrations, may be prepared with spinach, cheese, grated pumpkin or whatever ingredient is on hand. Often, the baker inserts a lucky charm into the dough before cooking so it can be discovered with much surprise later. As your banitsa, cooks, you can sample the local yogurt and learn to curdle your own. Locals love yogurt in Vidin, and they claim it is why so many of them are centenarians.

OPTIONAL BABA VIDA FORTRESS & BULGARIAN WINE $79

DURATION: 3 HOURS 2pm – 5 pm

Special Interest Culinary Moderate*

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.

firends

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Day 9 - Ruse, Bulgaria City Tour

Viking itinerary:

Admire medieval architecture and sample local Bulgarian food.

The most integral Danube city in Bulgaria, Ruse enjoys a setting amid a rolling countryside blanketed in sunflower and wheat fields. Once an outpost of the Roman Empire, it was known as Sexaginta Prista, or Sixty Ships, for the fleet that once docked here. Today, it is more known for its colorful atmosphere and as a gateway to Romania’s fabled Transylvania region. Best explored on foot, the city features many fine examples of 19th- and 20th-century neobaroque and neorococo architecture.

We did this tour:

9 am – 12pm DURATION: 3 HOURS Sightseeing Moderate

RUSE HIGHLIGHTS - THE BEST OF A REMARKABLE ARCHITECTURAL ENSEMBLE

Marvel at the brilliant architectural variety of Bulgaria’s most important river port, known as “Little Vienna.” Established during the 1st century AD, Ruse is a repository of neo-baroque, neo-rococo, Empire, Renaissance and Secession brilliance. During this guided excursion, you will see the city’s most beloved landmarks.

Pass the rich, crimson-hued Opera House, the Monument of Liberty—the symbol of the city—and the neoclassical Theater and Concert Hall.

Continue to the baroque Old City Center, a collection of architectural styles, and the impressive Sveta Troitsa, or Holy Trinity, Church with its hexagonal tower.

Then, browse the fascinating collection at the Museum of History, which houses 140,000 artifacts and items discovered in Danube castles.

Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the old town on your own, before returning to your awaiting ship.

Brutalist Architecture

Art Deco or Byzantine

The Bauhaus was an influential art and design school operational in Germany from 1919 to 1933. It was founded by architect Walter Gropius with the goal of unifying art, craft, and technology. Bauhaus buildings are defined by their minimalist, functionalist aesthetic using modern materials like glass, steel, and concrete.

These are the other tours that Viking also offered:

Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanasi

9:00 AM – 5:30 pm (8.5 Hours) EASY MEAL SIGHTSEEING SHOPPING 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.Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.

OPTIONAL IVANOVO ROCK-HEWN CHURCHES & BASARBOVO MONASTERY $99

DURATION: 3 HOURS 30 MINUTES 2 pm – 5:30 pm

Sightseeing Active UNESCO Culture Demanding*

VISIT A UNESCO SITE AND STROLL THE CITY OF ROUSSE

See the fascinating rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo and visit the impressive Basarbovo Monastery. Join your guide and transfer by motor coach to the Basarbovo Monastery, an Orthodox monastery on the cliffs near the village of Basarbovo. Chiseled out of rocks, this spectacular sight is the only functioning rock monastery in Bulgaria. Next, visit the rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a complex of monolithic churches sculpted out of solid rock, located in the Rusenski Lom Nature Park. View the 14th-century frescoes, a series of incredible examples of mastery in Bulgarian medieval art, inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The works showcase the craftsmanship of the artists from the Tarnovo School of painting. After your tour, return to your awaiting ship.

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Day 10 - Disembark Bucharest, Romania City Tour

Viking itinerary:

Explore Romania’s capital; view the Palace of Parliament and the Village Museum.

After breakfast, disembark your ship and transfer to your destination. Arrive and check in to your hotel. Bucharest is Romania’s cultural capital. Its original fortress, the first of many, was built to protect the Walachian state from the Turks. Today, it is a city of elegant French-style boulevards, lush gardens and green expanses, including the tranquil Bucharest Botanical Garden. The historic Lipscani district exudes the old-world charms of cobblestone alleys, inns and shops. The sprawling Palace of Parliament is the world’s largest civilian building, said to contain 3,000 rooms.

About Romania:

Capital and largest city Bucharest

Official languages Romanian

Recognised minority languages: Albanian, Armenian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, German, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Hungarian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Ruthenian, Serbian, Slovak, Tatar, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Yiddish

Ethnic groups (2021)

90% Romanians
6% Hungarians
3% Roma
1% others

Religion (2021)

85% Christianity (74% Eastern Orthodoxy, 6% Protestantism, 4% Catholicism, 0.2% other Christian)
1% no religion
1% other
9% unanswered
5% missing data

Government Unitary semi-presidential republic

President, Prime Minister, President of the Senate, President of the Chamber of Deputies

Legislature Parliament

Upper house Senate
Lower house Chamber of Deputies

Area Total 92,046 sq mi

Population (January 2024 estimate) 20 million (19,064,409)

Density 206.9/sq mi

GDP (PPP) 2024 estimate
Total Increase $817.986 billion
Per capita Increase $43,179

Formation

Principality of Wallachia 1330
Principality of Moldavia 1346
Little Union 24 January 1859
Independence from the Ottoman Empire 13 July 1878
Constitutional monarchy 25 March 1881
Great Union 1 December 1918
People's Republic 30 December 1947
Current constitution 8 December 1991

We did this tour:

OPTIONAL HIGHLIGHTS OF BUCHAREST $129 DURATION: 6 HOURS 7:30 am – 1:30 pm

Sightseeing Meal Shopping Demanding

ADMIRE STUNNING ARCHITECTURE AND DISCOVER ROMANIA’S POLITICAL PAST

Explore the sights of Bucharest on a tour of the Romanian capital. Embark your motor coach for a scenic drive to Spring Palace—once the residence of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. View the collection of treasures and personal items that have remained intact since the revolution of 1989.

Next, take the subway to Roman Square. Visit the beautiful concert hall and admire the fresco depicting stories of Romanian history. Walk down the Calea Victoriei (Victory Avenue) and admire the stunning architecture as you pass the National Art Museum, National Library and Crețulescu Church.

At Revolution Square, stop and view the building that was once home to the Central Committee of the Communist Party and see the balcony on which Ceaușescu gave his final speech before he was arrested and executed.

In the Old Town, you will stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and stop at the oldest beerhouse in the city for a traditional lunch with locally brewed beers.

Ceausescu

Ceausescu Romania

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Filharmonic Bucharest Romania

Lunch

Lunch Bucharest Romania

These are the other tours that Viking also offered:

INCLUDED BUCHAREST & THE VILLAGE MUSEUM

DURATION: 7 HOURS 30 MINUTES 8:30 am – 4 pm Sightseeing Meal Easy*

FROM MODEST RURAL DWELLINGS TO THE WORLD’S LARGEST BUILDING

Explore Romania’s fascinating capital, an impressive collection of unique architecture and grand monuments. Founded in the 14th century, Bucharest became Romania’s capital in 1859 with the merging of Moldavia and Walachia.

See the city’s wide boulevards, the Romanian Athenaeum, the Arch of Triumph and the expansive Palace of Parliament—the largest civilian building in the world.

Visit the outdoor Muzeul Satului, otherwise known as the Village Museum, where authentic dwellings from all regions of the country have been relocated and reassembled, including rural cottages, farmhouses and water mills.

Head to the Old Town and wander amid its narrow streets before lunch at a local restaurant. Here, you will cap your excursion with a lively folkloric performance that recalls the simple pleasures of rural life.

OPTIONAL BUCHAREST AND THE PALACE OF PARLIAMENT $129

DURATION: 8 HOURS 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Meal Special Interest Sightseeing Moderate*

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.

After your visit, continue your scenic drive to Revolution Square for a photo stop, followed by a guided walk in the Old Town. Stroll the cobblestoned streets while admiring the neo-baroque architecture in the heart of the city. Cap your walk with a delicious lunch at traditional Romanian restaurant and enjoy free time to explore before returning to your ship.

OPTIONAL Sights & Flavors of Bucharest $129 Per Person

6:30 PM – 9:30 pm (3 Hours) MODERATE CULTURE SIGHTSEEING CULINARY LOCAL LIFE

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, the second largest building in the world. Here, you will meet your host for a beer tasting of local brews, accompanied by a selection of traditional appetizers, at the popular Becker Brau brewery.

Continue your culinary journey to the Interbelic District in the heart of the city for your main course, here you will dine on tasty fare paired with wine, housed in an elegant art nouveau-style inn.

For dessert, alight your coach at United Nations Square at a stylish Neo-Romanesque villa. Your appetite sated, cap your tour with a stroll through the delightful Old Town, through the beautiful Macca Villacrosse Passage, with its yellow, glass-covered arcade.

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Day 11 through Day 15 See Istanbul, Turkey Trip Jounal

Day 11 - Fly from Bucharest, Romania to Istanbul, Turkey - Check into hotel

Day 12

Day 13

Day 14 Fly Home

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