Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/669304
H I D D E N B A L K A N A N D D A L M A T I A N G E M S BELGRADE (SERBIA) Day 7: Tuesday 12 September We disembark to see the many sides to Belgrade's story, unveiling layers of Celtic history, medieval tombs and Turkish baths. We'll contemplate Tito's memorial, Republic Square and Knez Mihajlova Street, the Varos Gate and mighty Kalemegdan Fortress. MOSTAR – SARAJEVO (BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA) Day 8: Wednesday 13 September We reach Mostar, crossroads of many civilisations, on the new dawn. Recently rebuilt after war, the town's iconic bridge is a poignant reminder of a not so distant past. Ornate mosques and minarets herald our arrival into Sarajevo, a city with a distinct East meets West aesthetic. The city's enduring history is told through an tour revealing the horrors of the Balkan War, as recounted by our local guide who experienced them first hand in the 1990s. ZAGREB (CROATIA) – LJUBLJANA (SLOVENIA) Day 9: Thursday 14 September Rolling into Zagreb we're ready for a teasing taste of Croatia. The capital is a pleasure to navigate on foot where you will pass impressive Austro Hungarian architecture on wide boulevards. But our fleeting encounter with Croatia is over for today as we're all aboard express to Slovenia over lunch. You might have to ask a local to help you with the pronunciation of Slovenia's capital city. Ljubljana is a delight to discover, where ancient architecture melds in harmony with a burgeoning youthful culture. The afternoon introduces us to all the sights including Preseren Square, the Three Bridges, Dragon Bridge and Plecnik Market. TRIESTE – VENICE (ITALY) DISEMBARK GOLDEN EAGLE DANUBE EXPRESS Day 10: Friday 15 September You may recognise the town of Trieste from Winston Churchill's most famous WWII speech. The view of Piazza Unita d'Italia square is surpassed only by the panoramic from the Church of San Giusto. Chasing the contours of the Adriatic coast, towards Mestre, the train curves across the causeway over the Venice Lagoon into Santa Lucia station on the Grand Canal. We enjoy the kind of transfer you'd expect to the five- star Danieli hotel – by boat of course! This fine hotel is just a short stroll from St Mark's Square, the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Proscuitto, gelato, salad caprese – taste Venetian delights on tonight's dine-around. VENICE Day 11: Saturday 16 September Venice is a truly captivating city of romance; its unrivalled beauty takes away the breath of first time visitors and regulars alike. You may like to explore at leisure. Or perhaps take a walk through the winding lanes beside the Grand Canal to St Mark's Square, see St Mark's Basilica and stroll through the Rialto Market. VENICE – ZADAR (CROATIA) JOIN MV PRINCESS ELEGANZA Day 12: Sunday 17 September Leaving Venice, we reach the seaside resort of Opatija, where an tour is rewarded with lunch at Bevanda restaurant, where we can expect fine dining by award winning chef Andrei Barbieri with views over the Adriatic. Then to Zadar, where our journey takes on a watery theme and our cruise begins after a walking tour. What a pleasure it will be to explore the hidden charms of Croatia aboard the MV Princess Eleganza. This intimate small ship is at our disposal, privately chartered for the next seven nights, where we hope to discover a different side to Croatia. ZADAR – ZRMANJA GORGE Day 13: Monday 18 September We're all ashore to explore Zrmanja Gorge. At the dramatic entrance to the gorge, we will board a motor launch for the one hour cruise to Obrovac, where a lunch of local specialities awaits. Tonight, enjoy dinner onboard and perhaps a walk back into town to explore the harbour of Zadar by night under a dazzle of stars. Step back in time at Belgrade's Kalemegdan Fortress Take time out to appreciate a new peace in Mostar Opposite: Glance over terracotta rooftops to the glittering Adriatic 56 CAPTAIN'S CHOICE | Europe 2017