This is the last installment about the cruise we took on the Danube River this past summer. It was a fabulous trip. Besides recommending it, we look forward to our next river cruise (whenever and wherever it may be).
When moving downriver from Germany, changes in socio-economics in easily seen. Especially in Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. However, these countries also offer many wonderful sights to visit. This part travel from Belogradchik to Bucharest
Belogradchik, Bulgaria
Located atop the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, Belogradchik is a small town with two unexpected sites: interesting natural rock formations (Belogradchik Rocks) and an ancient fortress built within the rocks (Belogradchik Fortress).
Cetate, Romania
Describing our several hours in Cetate is difficult. Listening to the poet who was a dissident during Romania’s Communist era was enlightening. To me, the part of Cetate that we saw felt like a commune – but it isn’t. They grow many of their own crops, nurture their own livestock, make wine from their organic groups, and promote their own art. Here’s Cetate’s website.
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
We spent the day on a bus trip into Bulgaria from Rousse. As the City of the Tsars, Veliko Tarnovo is home to castle of Bugarian kings. After lunch, we hiked up to the castle for wonderful views of the city and surrounding region.
Arbanassi, Bulgaria
Located above Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi is a village with an old church that has unique frescos. Because photography was not permitted inside the Church of the Nativity of Christ, click here for a link to Google Images search result.
Bucharest, Romania
After disembarking the ship in Oltenita, Bucharest is about a 90-minute bus ride. As Romania’s capital and largest city, Bucharest is busy. To me, it’s a big city without much to offer. Sure their is the second largest Parliament building in the world, the Avenue of the Fountains, old palace, and a vibrant Old Town sector, but our highlight was the food tour we took in the evening through a local neighborhood.
Hope you enjoyed the 4-post trip down the River Danube. I don’t know if I’ll return to Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, but I’m very glad that I got there at least once.
Previous Posts
Part 1 (Prague to Linz)
Part 2 (Melk to Budapest)
Part 3 (Budapest to Iron Gates Gorge)
That rock formation is breathtaking. And I am always fascinated by towns that are built right into mountains.
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Marc,
The Belogradchik rocks and fortress built within them was an unexpected treat – plus toss in the views! Definitely worth the stop.
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Just beautiful, Frank
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An amazing and fascinating trip through Europe ,, I am so delighted for you and green with envy too! 😊 thank you for sharing these beautiful photographs so that I may enjoy vicariously!
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Holly,
Thank you and I’m glad to share. It was an interesting trip, and of this section, Bulgaria (2 stops) was a pleasant surprise. Thumbs up to cruising the Danube!
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I have never imagined visiting Bulgaria, you have visited some places many people would not really consider. The Danube is breathtaking.
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Hopefully some day you will may it to this region.
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Someday! I just returned from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Island and the Grand Bahamas. It’s easier to stay in my part of the world, perhaps when I retire….😊
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Those places are close to you … which definitely helps!
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Yes it makes for a nice cruise. Last time I went to Europe it took me 12 flight hours not to mention a layover. 😊
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Yep … travel to Europe isn’t easy … especially with your location having a long way to go.
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On my way to Bern Switzerland I had to get there via London. Then the same route coming back. Did you have jet lag? I had a terrible case the next day.
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Jet lag? Oh yes … both ways. First day there always tough – but we have a way that works for us.. Longer one is there, tougher to adjust when home. Jet lag is real!
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It is very real. The first day is basically an adjustment day for me coming and going. Have a great day Frank.
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No kidding! Bulgaria is not anywhere near my list.
Frank does open minds.
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Ikr?
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… because travel opened mine.
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Oh I would love to do the whole cruise into Bulgaria, my grandfather’s home.
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Cindy,
Glad to bring you a bit of your heritage. Of this portion of the trip, Bulgaria was the winner!
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Feel kind of sad it ended! Beautiful tour, my friend! 🙂 Yamas
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Marina,
Thank you. Although travel is exciting, it’s always sad when it ends.
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It is….
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Such an interesting trip Frank. I always enjoy it when I learn something on a vacation – and this cruise seems like I would not only relax and enjoy the luxury of the ship, but also see some cultural history.
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Colline,
Absolutely … especially in the lower Danube region. I never imagined visiting Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania – and I found them interesting! FYI: This is the 4th of the 4-part series, Parts 2 & 3 are adjacent … part 1 is after the Opinions in the Shorts … so I invite you to visit the other parts of the trip.
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This is definitely different–and not a place most people pick to visit. I was intrigued by the town built into the mountains and the not-commune Cetate. 🙂
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Merrill,
Belogradchik was interesting … plus great views and cool breezes! Cetate was interesting – but we were only there a few hours. Wine tasting at 9:30 in the morning is a first-ever for me.
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🙂
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It looks like you took in some magnificent sights. I, too, prefer not to spend much time in the larger cities. Cetate is more my style. Love the rocks!
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Eilene,
This trip had a good mix of stops. Something for everyone. Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, and Prague are busy … Bratislava a lower-key city … Melk, Durnstein, Belogradchik, and others are small … Cetate is tiny! Seems like you are one of many enjoying the rocks! 🙂
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Beautiful scenes, Frank. The blue sky caught my attention as well. Thank you.
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John,
We certainly had a lot of blue skies on this trip …. and now that you mention it, it seems this stops definitely had them!
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All my trips to Europe seemed to be under cloudy skies
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What wondrous sights you saw, Frank. Those rock formations are stunning, as is the architecture in Bucharest. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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Sylvia,
Oh yes … Belogradchik Rocks were very interesting, but to think a fortress was built within them even more fascinating. Glad you enjoyed them.
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I enjoyed going over your 4-part River Danube post, but haven’t decided yet on my favorites from the many wonderful photos and site descriptions. Thanks for sharing the trip in such detail!
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Tim,
It’s a wonderful part of the world, but a warning for you … French is not the native language in any of them.
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OK, based on your travel logs, I want a 7-day cruise that starts in Prague – where I’ll spend two days, plus: (1) two days in Vienna (2) one day in Budapest with a hill hike at night and a visit to the nearby Cave Church (4) one day in Bratislava, Serbia, (5) one day in Arbanassi, Bulgaria with a visit to the Church of the Nativity of Christ.
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Given your criteria, that’s not going to happen.
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Correction … It could happen if you privately book your own charter.
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What a beautiful fourth leg! Looks like the weather was quite lovely for your prowling about. Love seeing blue skies as a background for historical European locations. Makes them look even more regal.
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Monika,
We had fabulous weather for most of the trip, especially on the lower Danube. Initially, I was surprised how much the temperatures changed during the trip. After looking at a map, duh!
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There’s always so much to take in sometimes on those trips, it’s hard to keep track of the ‘ordinary;’ we’re too busy focusing on all the amazing sites.
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Absolutely!
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Wow wow wow! Outstanding post, Frank. I’m a bit green, I must admit. To be able to see that part of the world and soak up its history up close and personal, just fantastic!! Those rocks formations and the fortress itself blew me away. Just loved this and I thank you for putting together such a complicated post!
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AmyRose,
Those two stops in Bulgaria were a huge surprise. Well, I admit knowing very little about it. Like all of Europe, so much history in this region – and for most of us, probably history we have no idea about. Glad you enjoyed Belogradchik Rocks!
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I must admit, this part of the world I know nothing about. I can’t tell you how long I looked at your pictures, as I tried to incorporate into my mind the fact that this was a part of the world I am looking at. It is just so foreign and even the names I’ve never heard of. As for the history, much suffering this part of the world has seen, suffering we don’t know about and what we do, most likely has been written according to someone’s slant of what actually happened. I again thank you for sharing what you did. It makes me realize how much I have to be grateful for. I hope you have recovered from your jet lag. Not sure if I could travel like that any more. Uh uh!
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Oh yes … so much we don’t know about, including the suffering. It is important to remember that people/places/things that we’ve never heard of have a special role in the life of others. After all, they probably don’t know about Valley Forge – and I wouldn’t expect them too.
I can’t remember if you saw them or not, but if you didn’t, go back to parts 1, 2, and 3 for the rest of the journey.
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Frank, I know I viewed 1 and 2. Not sure about 3. I’ll make sure I go back to see when I can. Today has been a whirlwind. I’m trying to answer some comments before I shut things down here. Some days ….. whew!!!
I am fascinated by the way about learning about parts of this world I really didn’t even know exist. Truly!
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Good for you answering comments. If someone takes the time to comment, they deserve a good reply … and from my perspective, you do that! 🙂
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Thank you!! The time I’ve been blogging, 7 years (I think!) my attitude has been, this is just not about me. I make it a point not only to answer the comments, but to go to that person’s blog to read and comment on their latest pot. For those who like my posts, I do attempt to get to their blogs as well, and like their latest post, not actually reading it (don’t like admitting that but I am just one person) to let them know I’m not ignoring them. Blogging is huge with the numbers of people that come to my blog, and is challenging especially with the life I have. I’m in the midst of caring for not only 3 of our girl baby cats who are going downhill and in need of 1-on-1 care, but all other babies who require assistance and know when to give them assistance. To be facing the fact we will be loosing 3 of our babies soon, almost destroys me. I turn to my camera and here, (mostly) for the balance I require to keep me sane.
Didn’t see that one coming, did you, Frank? The words just poured out. Not sure if you knew the big piece of pie I’m involved in with my life (there are other pieces too). Have a great weekend. I need the forest! xo
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We view blogging in the same light. Cheers to us and others like us!
Oh my my … the care for those baby kittens in need. The time … the stress .. the potential for loss … that’s quite the burden. Cheers to your efforts and strength. Stay strong!
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I know you are new to my blog, Frank, so you don’t know our cats are special needs. And lately, due to age, etc. …. it’s been very challenging and makes for very intense long days. I’m staying strong, on all levels. If I fall apart, everyone and everything around me does and that I will not allow. Not on my watch! Bless you for your encouragement!! I love my family and when they are struggling, both Hubby and I do our best to keep them happy and stable.
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I appreciate you filling me in, and I toast your dedication!
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My comment may sound a little frivolous, but I’m sincere. It takes quite a bit of education prior to traveling to this region just to keep all these sites straight. The geography isn’t exactly on the tip of most of our tongues. I’d be thrilled to have a chance to travel and learn as I go! 🙂
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It’s a wonderful, and very pretty adventure! Thank you, Frank!
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So very neat. I never made it as far as these countries. Enjoyed the tour!
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Ah the poets! Beautiful photos.
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Nina,
Welcome first-time commenter. Thanks for drifting along on this past of the journey/Because I know you are linked to Rachel, I invite you to read her favorite posts – my Beach Walk Series. Here’s the latest (one that she hasn’t seen) – https://afrankangle.wordpress.com/2019/12/08/on-beach-walk-64-creativity/
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Thank you for the invitation, very kind of you. I can see why it’s Rachel’s favorite. Wonderful music share—I must research more as I’m just now learning to play the piano.
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Good luck with the piano!
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Thank you, Frank. Deeply healing on many levels.
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