This morning, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about some of Bucharest’s most iconic attractions during a guided tour of the city’s most famous landmarks.  

Jewish Bucharest Experience: After exploring Bucharest’s grand boulevards and iconic landmarks, we turn to the city’s rich Jewish heritage. Begin at the Coral Temple, an architectural gem and one of the most beautiful synagogues in Eastern Europe. Walk through the historic Jewish quarter, where stories of resilience and cultural vibrancy echo in every street. Visit the Jewish Museum, housed in the former Tailors’ Synagogue, to discover artifacts and narratives that trace centuries of Jewish life in Romania. Along the way, see memorials honoring those lost during the Holocaust and learn about the community’s revival in modern times. This immersive experience offers a poignant glimpse into a world that shaped Bucharest’s identity and continues to inspire today 

Following lunch, you will be transferred from Bucharest to Turnu Magurele on the banks of the Danube, where your Emerald Cruises Star-Ship and its welcoming captain and crew await. After check-in, we set sail on our river adventure, beginning with a comprehensive orientation and concluding the evening with a delightful welcome dinner. 

Welcome to Vidin, a picturesque port city on the southern bank of the Danube, framed by medieval fortresses and graceful river views. Known for its strategic location, Vidin has been a meeting point of empires—Roman, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian—each leaving its mark on the city’s architecture and spirit. 

Our exploration begins with Baba Vida Fortress, Bulgaria’s best-preserved medieval stronghold, offering sweeping views of the Danube and a glimpse into centuries of regional history. Stroll along leafy promenades and admire the elegant Austro-Hungarian façades that speak to Vidin’s cosmopolitan past. 

Jewish Heritage in Vidin: Though small today, Vidin’s Jewish community once thrived as part of Bulgaria’s vibrant Sephardic tradition. We’ll visit the site of the restored 19th-century Pascin Synagogue and learn about the community’s resilience during World War II, when Bulgaria famously resisted deporting its native Jews. Hear stories of merchants and scholars who shaped Vidin’s cultural life and discover how their legacy endures in local memory and architecture. 

This day offers a rare opportunity to experience Vidin’s layered history—where the Danube flows past fortresses, faded grandeur, and echoes of Jewish life that once flourished along its banks.

Today’s journey takes you deep into the dramatic landscapes of the Iron Gates Gorge, where the Danube carves its way through towering cliffs and centuries of history. 

Lepenski Vir – Cradle of European Civilization: Begin with a visit to Lepenski Vir, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Europe. Nestled along the Danube, this open-air museum reveals the remains of a Mesolithic settlement dating back over 8,000 years. Marvel at the unique trapezoidal houses and enigmatic stone sculptures that testify to a sophisticated prehistoric culture. Our expert guide will share insights into daily life along the river thousands of years ago and the groundbreaking discoveries that reshaped our understanding of early European societies. 

Golubac Fortress – Guardian of the Danube: Next, explore the imposing Golubac Fortress, dramatically perched on the riverbank at the entrance to the Iron Gates. Built in the 14th century, this medieval stronghold served as a strategic sentinel controlling trade and defense routes. Wander through its towers and ramparts, soak in panoramic views of the Danube, and hear tales of battles between Ottoman and Hungarian forces that shaped the region’s destiny. 

This day blends archaeology, architecture, and breathtaking scenery—an unforgettable encounter with the deep roots and enduring spirit of the Danube. 

Return to your luxurious Star-Ship and prepare for a truly special experience—a Kosher River Cruise Shabbat celebrated together while docked in the picturesque town of Golubac. 

Celebrate a signature Kosher River Cruise Shabbat docked in the charming town of Golubac. Enjoy a day of prayer, study, and relaxation with friends old and new aboard our luxurious ship. Savor the serenity of the Danube as we welcome this sacred day with warmth, tradition, and community.  As evening falls, gather for a beautiful Havdalah ceremony, then set sail under the stars toward Belgrade. 

Welcome to Belgrade, a city where history and modern life intertwine along the banks of the Danube and Sava Rivers. Today, you’ll explore Serbia’s vibrant capital with two unique perspectives: its grand landmarks and its deeply rooted Jewish heritage. 

City Highlights: Begin with a panoramic coach tour through Belgrade’s historic center. See elegant boulevards, striking architecture, and reminders of the country’s turbulent past, set against peaceful streets and lively squares. For those seeking a more active experience, join a guided bike tour to uncover Belgrade’s layers of history at a different pace. 

Jewish Belgrade Experience: Delve into the city’s Jewish story, which spans centuries of resilience and cultural contribution. 

Zemun & the Alkalaj Synagogue Site: Begin your afternoon in Zemun, once home to a thriving Jewish community. Here, visit the site of the former Alkalaj Synagogue, a historic center of Jewish life and thought, often associated with the early roots of Zionism. It is believed that Theodor Herzl spent summers here with his grandfather—a poignant link to the movement that would later shape Jewish history. This site stands as a powerful symbol of Jewish life before the devastation of World War II. 

Holocaust Memorial at the Old Camp: Continue to the Holocaust Memorial, marking the site of the wartime camp where many Serbian Jews perished. This solemn stop offers a moment of reflection on the tragic impact of the Holocaust in this region. 

Belgrade Synagogue & Community Visit: Conclude your tour at the Belgrade Synagogue, the city’s active synagogue and a beacon of continuity for Jewish life today. Here, meet members of the local Jewish community and gain insight into their traditions and modern revival. 

This day offers a profound blend of cultural discovery and remembrance, revealing Belgrade as both a dynamic European capital and a keeper of Jewish memory. 

Welcome to Novi Sad, a city celebrated for its elegance, history, and vibrant cultural life. Nestled on the banks of the Danube, Novi Sad blends Austro-Hungarian charm with Serbian warmth, offering travelers a rich tapestry of architecture, art, and tradition.

City Highlights: Begin with a guided tour through Novi Sad’s historic center. Stroll along Liberty Square, framed by ornate 19th-century buildings, and admire the striking architectural masterpieces that dominates the skyline. Explore the lively pedestrian streets lined with cafés and boutiques, and soak in the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Jewish Heritage & the Neo-Gothic Synagogue: Novi Sad was once home to a flourishing Jewish community, whose legacy endures in its landmarks and stories. The highlight of your Jewish heritage tour is the Novi Sad Synagogue; an architectural jewel built in 1909 in a stunning Neo-Gothic style with Art Nouveau elements. This synagogue, one of the largest in the region, stands as a testament to the cultural vitality of Serbian Jewry before World War II. Inside, admire its soaring arches, intricate stained glass, and elegant design that reflect both spiritual and artistic aspirations of the era.

Your guide will share poignant narratives of Jewish life in Novi Sad—from its golden age to the tragic losses during the Holocaust—and the ongoing efforts to preserve this heritage. Learn how the synagogue now serves as a cultural venue, symbolizing resilience and continuity.

This day combines architectural splendor, cultural discovery, and Jewish memory, making Novi Sad an unforgettable chapter in your Lower Danube journey.

Step into the soul of Hungary as we journey to Kalocsa, a town renowned for its paprika fields, folk art, and deep cultural roots. Begin with an excursion to the Great Hungarian Plain (Puszta), where endless horizons frame a world of tradition. At a classic horse farm, meet the legendary Magyar cowboys and witness their breathtaking equestrian skills—daring stunts, precision drills, and the timeless bond between rider and horse. Your guide will share stories of rural life and customs that have shaped Hungary’s identity for centuries. 

Jewish Heritage in Kalocsa: Beyond its pastoral charm, Kalocsa holds a poignant Jewish story. Before World War II, the town was home to a vibrant Jewish community that contributed to trade, education, and cultural life. Visit the site of the former synagogue, once a center of spiritual and communal activity, and learn about the families who lived here and their fate during the Holocaust. Your guide will share moving accounts of resilience and remembrance, ensuring this chapter of Kalocsa’s history is honored. 

This day offers a rare blend of living tradition and historical memory, connecting you to Hungary’s rural heart and its enduring Jewish legacy. 

Evening Finale – Budapest by Night: As the sun sets, we sail into Budapest for a stunning city lights cruise. Glide past illuminated bridges, majestic Parliament, and the glittering skyline as we celebrate the final evening of our unforgettable Lower Danube voyage together. 

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. We hope to welcome you back again soon! 

or Optional 1 Day Budapest Tour Extension 

Day 9 (We) Optional Budapest – City Splendor & Jewish Heritage 

Extend your journey with an unforgettable day and overnight in Budapest, the “Pearl of the Danube.” This exclusive program includes a fully guided tour, luxurious 5-star hotel accommodations, all meals, and the dedicated care of your Kosher River Cruise tour leaders. Discover the city’s iconic landmarks and immerse yourself in its rich Jewish heritage for a truly meaningful finale to your voyage. 

Welcome to Budapest, a city of grand boulevards, majestic architecture, and vibrant cultural life. Today’s tour blends the best of its iconic landmarks with the rich story of Jewish Budapest. 

City Highlights: Begin with a panoramic tour showcasing the city’s most celebrated sights: the Hungarian Parliament, a neo-Gothic masterpiece on the Danube; the elegant Andrássy Avenue; and the historic Chain Bridge linking Buda and Pest. Stroll through Heroes’ Square, framed by statues of Hungary’s founding leaders, and admire the architectural gems that earned Budapest its title as the “Pearl of the Danube.” 

Jewish Heritage Experience: Dive into the heart of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, anchored by the magnificent Dohány Street Synagogue, the largest in Europe. Explore its stunning Moorish design and visit the Jewish Museum, housing artifacts that trace centuries of Jewish life in Hungary. Pause at the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial Park, home to the moving Tree of Life, honoring Holocaust victims. Your guide will share stories of resilience, cultural vibrancy, and revival that define Jewish Budapest today. 

We delve deeper, with visits to additional sites such as the Kazinczy Street Orthodox Synagogue and explore the kosher cafés and shops that keep traditions alive. 

This day offers a powerful blend of  architectural grandeur, cultural discovery, and Jewish memory, making Budapest a fitting finale to your Lower Danube journey.