3 Weeks in Europe - Krakow, Heidelberg, and Budapest to Bucharest (part 2)

"Throughout human history, societies have grappled with fundamental questions of how to organize themselves, the proper relationship between the individual and the state, the best means to resolve inevitable conflicts between states.  And it was here in Europe, through centuries of struggle -- through war and Enlightenment, repression and revolution -- that a particular set of ideals began to emerge:  The belief that through conscience and free will, each of us has the right to live as we choose." - President Barack Obama

Day 9-11 -

We kicked off our Budapest adventure with the thrilling excitement of... laundry day! Nothing like the sweet smell of detergent to start a trip, right? After that, we mastered the art of relaxation, which we’re pretty sure deserves a gold medal. Next up was a day of sightseeing and meeting up with some new pals we met at Jack's class reunion. Who knew reunions could be so international? Even though we'd traveled to Budapest before, this time we shacked up on the Buda side—where the hills were alive with the sound of our heavy breathing. The views were stunning while the hikes were our personal boot camp. We also got a crash course in Hungarian history and indulged in their food and drink. (Which was so good it should come with a warning label!)

Day 12 -

Our river cruise adventure was unique because the water levels decided to play hide and seek. Originally, our travel plan looked like a masterpiece, but the final version resembled a toddler's doodle. We were chauffeured for nearly 4 hours from Budapest to Vukovar, Croatia, skipping Kalocsa, Hungary. We made an unexpected cameo in Ilok, Croatia and Dobreta-Turnu Severin, Serbia, while Ruse, Bulgaria, got ghosted. Then we endured a nearly 5-hour bus ride from Vidin, Serbia to Bucharest, Romania. Not quite the dream we envisioned, but definitely an interesting plot twist!

On our trip to Vukovar, Croatia, where our ship was waiting, we were entertained by sunflowers busting out their best dance routines, followed by a laid-back chill session!

Day 13-

Croatia is an absolutely fascinating country, bursting with captivating history, unique shape, and an array of attractions, from poignant war memorials to luxurious 5-star beach resorts! Vukovar, in particular, enchanted us with its rich history from the 1991-95 Croatian War of Independence between Croatia and Serbia. This city played a crucial role in the war, fought primarily by brave civilian volunteers, and made an enormous sacrifice with 90% of the city destroyed to aid the rest of Croatia. Many of the damaged buildings have been preserved as powerful reminders of the war. We climbed the iconic Water Tower's 198 steps twice, marveling at the visible damage from the strikes. We also had the delightful opportunity to explore local street art and witness a breathtaking sunset over the Danube!

Day 14 -

Just a hop, skip, and a splash away from Vukovar, we found ourselves in the charming town of Ilok, Croatia. There, we took a stroll through their ancient civilization museum—where history's greatest hits are on display! After that, we sipped on wines so fancy, they’ve been served at the coronations of both Queen Elizabeth and King Charles. Talk about royal treatment! And let me tell you, those evening skies were so breathtaking, even the stars were jealous.

Day 15 -

Next stop, Belgrade, Serbia - Country #76! Get ready to dive into a world of rich history and unique charm, reminiscent yet distinct from its neighbor, Croatia. Founded in 1867, Serbia embraces the Julian Calendar and predominantly practices Orthodox Christianity. Belgrade, one of Europe's oldest cities and the capital of Serbia, is known as the "White City" due to its striking white limestone. This historic gem has been rebuilt over 20 times, showcasing incredible resilience with landmarks like the massive St. Sava Church, one of the largest Orthodox buildings in the world. Our day was packed with excitement, starting with an intriguing historic tour in the morning, followed by an adventurous and exhilarating e-bike tour around Ada Ciganlija lake. To top it all off, we immersed ourselves in the vibrant local culture with Serbian Folklore music and dance in the evening.

Day 16 -

We made an exhilarating stop in Golubac, Serbia - the enchanting Town of Doves - known as the gateway to the stunning Djerdap National Park! Our adventure kicked off at the magnificent Golubac Fortress, a place where the mighty empires of the past fiercely battled for control over the centuries. This fortress has seen the reigns of Serbs, Hungarians, Bulgarians, and Turks. We were in awe of the ancient Roman foundations from the 2nd century and the captivating Turkish baths from the 15th century. After exploring the fortress, we embarked further down the Danube, experiencing the breathtaking Iron Gate, where the river is flanked by a carving of Decebalus in the stone wall. Decebalus was the last king of the Dacians and a national hero of Romania.

Day 17 -

Next, we made an unexpected stop in Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Romania - Country #77! Our adventure began with a self-guided tour through the charming town, exploring paths that few tourists ever tread. We then embarked on an enlightening tour that delved into Romania's rich history, starting with the Dacians, the original settlers, who were famously conquered by the Roman Empire in 105 AD, under Emperor Trajan. Despite the Ottoman Empire's long rule over this region, it's fascinating that the Romanian language still draws 60% of its roots from Latin. Romanians proudly describe themselves as a island of Latinity surrounded by a Slavic sea. The highlight of our visit was undoubtedly the ruins of a Roman bridge, constructed between 103 AD and 105 AD. What a testament to the astounding engineering feats of that era!

Day 18 -

According to our fabulous tour guide, Bulgaria - Country #78 - is the ultimate vacation spot where you can enjoy fabulous beach resorts along the Black Sea without breaking the bank, indulge in rose oil, hit the winter slopes, and soak in countless mineral water springs. Founded way back in the 7th century, this place has history! Near Vidin, Bulgaria, we spent a day hiking the Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress, which are these epic natural rock formations that have been around for a whopping 203 million years. They've morphed into all sorts of funky shapes over time. That afternoon, in Vidin we explored Baba Vida Fortress, where Jack got to play a fun game trying to figure out if his ancestors were "Knights or Prisoners or Both?" It's one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in all of Bulgaria. One of the city's most incredible historical achievements was saving all 49,000 Jews during World War II! Unfortunately, only about 500 stayed, probably due to the impact of Communism. And now, for our grand finale in this charming city—raising a glass of fabulous wine at Dos Alamos Winery. Nazdrave! 🍷🎉

Day 19-20 -

Our last two days were an exciting journey, traveling 5 hours by bus, instead of by ship, to the vibrant city of Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Known as the Paris of the East, Bucharest is a city with a compelling history. The last communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu, ruled from 1965 to 1989. During his reign, he drastically cut off electricity and food supplies and stripped away most human rights from his people, leading to a dramatic uprising that ended with the execution of him and his wife. Despite this dark chapter, he invested heavily in his private real estate, including his former mansion, now the impressive Parliament building, renowned as one of the heaviest buildings on earth!

Day 21 -

On our last day, we journeyed through Switzerland on our way home, where we were thrilled to take in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alps from the terrace at the airport lounge!

5 Recommendations for an Eastern Europe River Cruise

1. Budapest is an endlessly fascinating and enchanting city to explore! The costs can be high and they use the Forint instead of the Euro, which may be a bit tricky but it's all part of the adventure!

2. Spring could be the perfect season for a European River Cruise, as climate change is significantly affecting Europe's rivers. Just don't miss out on this vibrant experience!

3. A river cruise offers an amazing opportunity to visit multiple countries in one journey! However, keep in mind that itineraries can change, and if you're adventurous explorers like us, it might not be the ideal travel method, as many of the activities are more relaxed and include larger groups.

4. Immerse yourself in the rich history of these countries, from the days of the Roman Empire to their more recent paths to independence. It's a captivating journey through time!

5. And don't forget to savor the delightful Croatian and Bulgarian wines. Cheers to new experiences!