Capitals of Eastern Europe - Day 12 - Vidin

Day 12 – Thursday 3 July 2025 – Vidin

Vidin name sign

When we woke we were in Vidin, Bulgaria, moored Port side to bank. We’d had to set our watches one hour earlier now we were in Bulgaria. Despite loudspeaker announcements and a reminder in Viking Daily I met a lady puzzled by people leaving the ship who thought she had another hour before the excursion left.

Vidin Castle

At the convenient time of 09:30 we took the included excursion which was led by an 18 year old guide. The boat was moored by a park running along Danube’s banks and our excursion ambled through the park to the castle. Opposite the entrance was a souvenir stall recommended by our guide in preference to the shop in front of the boat ramp.

Alternative lunch from BBQ on prow

In the afternoon there was an optional excursion to the Belgradchik Rock & Fortress. We had visited this impressive place in 2019 on Viking’s Passage to Eastern Europe, where it is an included excursion.

At the Port Talk we were told we’d be leaving the boat on Saturday and having three nights in Bucharest instead of the scheduled two. 

One dinner would be supplied at the hotel and the optional Constanta Wine excursion would be included with the excursion to Constanta, with a refund to those who had booked the winery trip. Those who didn’t go on the Constanta excursion would get a credit for lunch at the hotel. 

Those on the Silver Spirits package would get one day’s fee refunded.

Vidin mooring https://what3words.com/extend.caves.targeted 

Capitals of Eastern Europe - Day 11 - Donji Milanovac

 Day 11 – Wednesday 2 July 2025 - Donji Milanovac & Iron Gate

We arrived at Donji Milanovac, Serbia during breakfast, Port side to shore.

Instead of going on the included excursion Charming Donji Milanovac we walked through the small town on our own, thus missing ABC on the guided tour. The boat was moored next to a manicured small park, with a few booth selling souvenirs, ethnic embroidered tops and dresses.

After lunch Kadlin cast off to sail through the Iron Gate gorge. Programme Director Michael gave a running commentary and some people missed seeing the huge sculptured head of the Dacian king Decebalus (above).

Cruising downriver, it’s on the left and the best viewpoint is from the sundeck. It’s not on the main river but in a tributary. Look for the monastery at water level on the left (above). Immediately after is the entrance to the tributary and the carving faces you on the bank to your left.

Sunset after cruising the gorge

Donji Milanovac mooring https://what3words.com/cropped.smugly.transported

Capitals of Eastern Europe - Day 10 - Belgrade

 Day 10 – Tuesday 1 July 2025- Belgrade

When we woke we were moored Port side to bank  in Belgrade, Serbia, the fourth Capital on our cruise. Town centre was a short distance from the boat, but up a very steep hill. Viking supplied shuttle busses for those who didn’t fancy the multitude of steps on the direct route or the very steep streets.

After a comprehensive walking excursion through the extensive citadel with its views of the rivers we went to the Cathedral of St Sava, whose huge exterior gives no indication of the richly golden interior. 

Nearby is a statue of Nikolas Tesla who had Serbian parents and whose body is in Belgrade.

About 17:00 a local boat rafted to us.

There was an announcement on board asking that at least one person from each cabin attend that evening’s Port Talk. The Captain was standing by Programme Director Michael Gryna who introduced him by saying that an appearance by the Captain at a Port Talk only happened when there was bad news. The news was that low water meant that the cruise couldn’t go to its destination at Constanta. Not for the first time I was confused by Michael; he said we’d leave the boat on Friday. We actually left Saturday.

Pre-dinner Champagne

After dinner we cast off for Donji Milanovac.

Belgrade mooring https://what3words.com/plots.lighter.blanks