Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & Highlights of Eastern Europe (2026)
Cruise & Rail: Grand Alpine & Highlights of Eastern Europe (2026)
Immerse yourself in new cultures as you travel from splendid Budapest to dynamic Bucharest, discovering the best that the revitalized nations of Eastern Europe have to offer along the way.
After your cruise, board the Golden Eagle Danube Express to ascend into the idyllic natural wonderland that is the Swiss Alps. The perfect complement to a Uniworld river cruise, a Golden Eagle journey promises ever changing views outside your window, unmatched comfort, and the opportunity to visit multiple destinations without having to unpack between each one.
| Day 1 |
Tree-lined avenues, grand architecture, and the imperative to live well defines Bucharest, a bustling city that is rebounding and expanding. In the 1900s, this vibrant Romanian capital was nicknamed "Little Paris" and that jubilant, raise-a-glass spirit carries over to this day.
Travelers are advised to linger in historically-rich Bucharest, even if their future itinerary stop of Transylvania is beckoning. Those that do will be rewarded with 21st-century modernity and belle époque antiquity. Attractions include the gargantuan Palace of Parliament, the grand concert hall Romanian Athenaeum, King Mihai I Park, and the Arch of Triumph war memorial. |
| Day 2 |
Tree-lined avenues, grand architecture, and the imperative to live well defines Bucharest, a bustling city that is rebounding and expanding. In the 1900s, this vibrant Romanian capital was nicknamed "Little Paris" and that jubilant, raise-a-glass spirit carries over to this day.
Travelers are advised to linger in historically-rich Bucharest, even if their future itinerary stop of Transylvania is beckoning. Those that do will be rewarded with 21st-century modernity and belle époque antiquity. Attractions include the gargantuan Palace of Parliament, the grand concert hall Romanian Athenaeum, King Mihai I Park, and the Arch of Triumph war memorial. |
| Day 3 |
Tree-lined avenues, grand architecture, and the imperative to live well defines Bucharest, a bustling city that is rebounding and expanding. In the 1900s, this vibrant Romanian capital was nicknamed "Little Paris" and that jubilant, raise-a-glass spirit carries over to this day.
Travelers are advised to linger in historically-rich Bucharest, even if their future itinerary stop of Transylvania is beckoning. Those that do will be rewarded with 21st-century modernity and belle époque antiquity. Attractions include the gargantuan Palace of Parliament, the grand concert hall Romanian Athenaeum, King Mihai I Park, and the Arch of Triumph war memorial. |
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| Day 5 |
Nestled on the banks of the Danube River, Vidin, Bulgaria, is a city where history and scenic beauty converge. This ancient city, known for its well-preserved medieval fortress, the Baba Vida Castle, offers a unique glimpse into Bulgaria's past. The fortress, dating back to the 10th century, stands as one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in the country. Explore its towers and battlements, which have witnessed centuries of history from Ottoman sieges to royal ceremonies. Vidin's historical charm extends beyond the Baba Vida Castle. The city's architectural landscape features the colorful and ornate St. Dimitar's Cathedral, built in the 19th century, which is renowned for its striking frescoes and intricate iconography. Nearby, the historical houses along the main street reveal a blend of Ottoman and Bulgarian architectural styles, providing a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. A vibrant cultural scene thrives in Vidin, with local festivals and markets offering a taste of Bulgarian traditions. The city's riverside promenades and parks offer serene spots for relaxation, while the nearby Magura Cave, adorned with prehistoric cave paintings, invites those interested in exploring natural wonders. |
| Day 6 |
Milan, Italy’s fashion capital, offers an exquisite blend of historical grandeur and contemporary chic. As you wander through this vibrant city, you’re greeted by architectural masterpieces like the Milan Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic design and the largest church in Italy. Its intricate façade and the panoramic views from the rooftop provide a breathtaking experience. Nearby, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II invites you to explore luxury boutiques and elegant cafes within its historic arcade, making it a must-visit for both shopping enthusiasts and architecture aficionados. Delve into Milan’s artistic heritage with a visit to the Pinacoteca di Brera, which houses an impressive collection of Renaissance art, including works by Caravaggio and Raphael. For a dose of historical intrigue, the Sforza Castle offers a glimpse into Milan’s medieval past with its fortified walls, museums, and beautiful surrounding parks. Don’t miss the chance to see Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece, The Last Supper, housed in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie – a true highlight for art lovers. Milan is also renowned for its culinary scene. The Navigli District, with its picturesque canals and lively atmosphere, is perfect for sampling local delicacies and enjoying an aperitivo. The area buzzes with bars, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal spot for evening relaxation. Fun Fact: Milan is home to the world’s first shopping mall, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, which opened in 1867 and continues to impress with its blend of history and modern luxury. |
| Day 7 |
A historic capital in the heart of the Balkans, Belgrade will absolutely charm you with its picturesque cafés, striking religious monuments, riveting museums, and thriving nightlife. Belgrade’s Skadarlija neighborhood is a must-see for any visitor to this Eastern European city. A whole host of quaint restaurants and bakeries line its cobblestone streets and offer a perfect respite for weary travelers. Be sure to sample some of Serbia’s gastronomic staples, including ćevapi, sarma, kobasice, and more! The immense Belgrade Fortress, originally built during Antiquity and reconstructed many times during Serbia’s tumultuous past, overlooks the intersecting point between the mighty Danube and Sava Rivers. Immerse yourself in Belgrade’s extensive history and learn more about its most prominent historical figures in the city’s many museums, including the National Museum, the Nikola Tesla Museum, and the Museum of Yugoslavia. The greenish-blue tinge of the domes atop the Temple of St. Sava beckon you to explore its ornate, Byzantine-style interior; the beauty of this marvelous temple is guaranteed to astonish you. Unwind and let your hair down on the Sava River. Ada Ciganlija provides this landlocked city a beach-like getaway. Board one of the floating splavovi clubs docked further down-river to dance the night away. Belgrade, Serbia awaits! |
| Day 8 |
Ilok, the easternmost town in Croatia on the Danube River, may be small but it has a lot to offer. A well-preserved Franciscan monastery and a 15th century castle make it a popular day trip for domestic as well as foreign tourists. Its wine-making tradition is even older; some say the region's viniculture dates back as early as 280 AD. |
| Day 9 |
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture. A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater. |
| Day 10 |
The capital and largest city in Hungary, Budapest is a favorite European destination for millions of tourists each year. Once the center of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, this cosmopolitan city and UNESCO World Heritage site has plenty of historical and cultural landmarks to explore.
The prominent Chain Bridge, built in 1849, connected the former villages of Buda, Óbuda, and Pest, separated by the glistening Danube, and led to the establishment of today’s Budapest. Despite extensive destruction to the city during World War II, major efforts to restore historic castles and build new hotels led to an influx of tourists in the decades that followed. Visitors will marvel at the stunning architectural beauty of Budapest’s many cathedrals, basilicas, and synagogues. Climb to the top of famed St. Stephen’s Basilica in Pest to find a spectacular panoramic view of the city, or visit Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest synagogue on the continent and a paradigm of Moorish Revival architecture. A cruise down the mighty Danube will provide ample sightseeing opportunities for many of the city’s most famous attractions. Find the striking Buda Castle, crafted in a Baroque style and once home to Hungarian royalty, in the “Castle District” of Castle Hill and old-town Budapest, not to mention a host of galleries, museums, and the Hungarian National Library. The Hungarian Parliament building, resembling the Neo-Gothic architectural style of London’s Parliament building, lies across the Danube from Buda Castle. Here, guests can visit the crown jewels and regalia of Hungary’s royalty and take guided tours of the building’s many halls. Even the ruins of Budapest have become exciting tourist attractions, including one of many “ruin bars,” Szimpla Kert, which doubles as a flea market and nighttime music bar. Lovers of theater and the arts will appreciate tours of the opulent Hungarian Opera House or authentic folk dancing shows at Danube Palace Theater. |
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| Day 13 |
Lake Como, nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, offers a sublime retreat with its stunning landscapes and elegant charm. Renowned for its crescent shape and crystal-clear waters, Lake Como is framed by lush hills and dramatic mountain scenery. The lake's picturesque towns, such as Bellagio and Varenna, showcase charming cobblestone streets, historic villas, and lush gardens. Visitors can explore the beautiful Villa Carlotta and its renowned botanical gardens, or take a leisurely boat ride to soak in the tranquil beauty of the lake. The allure of Lake Como extends beyond its natural beauty. The region is steeped in history and culture, evident in its grand villas and ancient churches. Villa del Balbianello, perched on the lake's western shore, is a prime example of the area's opulent architecture and has been a backdrop for numerous films, including "Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones" (Villa del Balbianello). The town of Como itself features the stunning Como Cathedral, a Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece that stands as a testament to the region's rich architectural heritage. Lake Como is also renowned for its luxurious accommodations and dining experiences. High-end hotels and elegant restaurants offer breathtaking views and world-class cuisine, making it a favorite destination for celebrities and discerning travelers. The area's cuisine highlights local specialties such as freshwater fish and truffles, which are best enjoyed in a lakeside restaurant. A fun fact about Lake Como is that it is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, reaching depths of over 400 meters (1,300 feet). This depth contributes to its distinctive blue color and has helped shape the region's unique microclimate, which is ideal for growing lush vegetation and beautiful gardens. For a truly memorable visit, consider traveling to Lake Como between April and October when the weather is most pleasant and the lake is bustling with cultural events and festivals. This period offers the best conditions for exploring the lake’s scenic beauty and indulging in its luxurious offerings. |
| Day 14 |
Verona is situated at a bend of the Adige River in northern Italy. It is hard to imagine that antique arts, monuments that date back to Roman times, and the shadows of the world's most famous tragic lovers can add up to a smiling, buzzing city. Yet they do, thanks perhaps to Verona's talent for melding her past and her present, her ancient and new so gracefully that everything blends in easy harmony. It may be that the pleasing openness of Piazza Bra or the liveliness of the Piazza Erbe market set the buoyant tone. Or the city's character may reside in the Veronese themselves. Whatever the answer, the city reminds one of a fairground, with people out enjoying themselves.
The soft pink pitted stone of the Roman arena draws your attention, the structure's arches now as delicate in color as pieces of seashell. Though diminished from its original size, the ancient arena still holds more than 20,000 spectators for open-air performances each summer. Its once larger dimensions are betrayed by a wing of stone arches standing proudly alone. From any angle Piazza Bra is irresistible, a good place for an afternoon rest. Italy has other generous and beautiful spaces, dignified or dazzling, but Piazza Bra's mood is more informal, more welcoming, with an inner quiet beneath the liveliness. A natural extension of Piazza Bra is Via Mazzini, a shopping street where the pace is more hectic, the crowd more dense. Baby carriages roll by, while mechanical toys hawked on corners skitter around one's feet. Even when the shops are closed, couples take their affectionate passeggiata along Via Mazzini, strolling and meeting friends. The street serves as an outdoor parlor, where one inevitably bumps into Aunt Marta and picks up the latest family gossip. After a long look at the surrounding houses, some quite old and almost all with flowered balconies, there are pleasant decisions to be made, depending on the time one has and the slant of one's interest. Let us assume that the visitor has come to the market at the proper time, about ten in the morning, and has the day ahead and that we would not, under any circumstances, miss Piazza dei Signori. However, instead of marching resolutely to this noble plaza of the ancient lords, let us make a short, seemingly eccentric, turn in another direction. Via Cappello (Capulet) starts at the chapel end of the market. A short distance down the street one finds what is said to be the house and courtyard of the prosperous citizen whose daughter was Juliet. Lovers often come to Verona in homage to Romeo and Juliet, although their brief courtship and marriage and violent end would hardly seem to augur well for long wedded bliss and a house filled with bambini. Yet the story was Italian a long time before Shakespeare borrowed it,and it maintains its hold on the Italians. From here the road to Romeo's house need not be long, but it offers a rich journey with many stops and detours. The first stop is a trip up the Lamberti Tower. For a small fee one can take a lift to the top for spectacular views of the market below, out to distant steeples and hills, and down to the nearby tangle of urban spaces. Leaving the square of Piazza dei Signon, one sees small, fantastic Gothic structures protected by a lovely wrought-iron fence. These are the tombs of the Scala family, or della Scala or Scaligeri, as they are variously referred to -- overlords of Verona from 1260 to 1387. With detours out of the way but with Shakespeare's lovers still in mind, it is time to look for Romeo's house. Immediately behind the tombs, on the street called Via Arche Scaligere, is a simple dweling. No gaudy kiosks here. The liveliest object in sight is the sign of a wineshop, Vini del Duca. Obviously Romeo has not caught the city's imagination as Juliet has, but Verona at least did him honor by engraving several of his most moving lines on a plaque. |
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| Day 16 |
Roads? Where you're going you don't need roads... but don't rule out a romantic gondola ride or a water taxi. Welcome to Venice, with its network of canals, rich history and composition of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea.
One of the most popular features of this Northern Italy capital is the Grand Canal, once a major center of the Renaissance. Be sure to see the central square Piazza San Marco, where all can marvel at Byzantine mosaics, the Campanile bell and St. Mark’s Basilica. Fine art, stunning architecture, white limestone bridges, moving about via watercraft... Venice is a singular experience and an astonishing masterpiece of civilization. Summer is the busiest time to visit, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for an unforgettable costume party, visit during Venice Carnival from the end of February to the beginning of March. |
| Day 17 |
Roads? Where you're going you don't need roads... but don't rule out a romantic gondola ride or a water taxi. Welcome to Venice, with its network of canals, rich history and composition of over 100 small islands in the Adriatic Sea.
One of the most popular features of this Northern Italy capital is the Grand Canal, once a major center of the Renaissance. Be sure to see the central square Piazza San Marco, where all can marvel at Byzantine mosaics, the Campanile bell and St. Mark’s Basilica. Fine art, stunning architecture, white limestone bridges, moving about via watercraft... Venice is a singular experience and an astonishing masterpiece of civilization. Summer is the busiest time to visit, so plan accordingly. If you're looking for an unforgettable costume party, visit during Venice Carnival from the end of February to the beginning of March. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
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04/24/26 - 05/02/26 |
Starting At $24,898 |
Get A Quote |
