We said farewell to Romania and Hello Bulgaria this morning and was welcomed by a beautiful sunrise as we spotted the Romanian-Bulgarian Friendship Bridge across the Danube which was constructed in 1954.

Rousse is the fifth largest city in Bulgaria and the biggest city in the country on the bank of the Danube River. It is a situated 320 km away from the capital of Bulgaria- Sofia. The city is also called "The small Vienna", because of its unique ancient architecture.

Such a pretty town with an abundance of beautiful historical and architectural delights, Rousse is an easy town to find your way around. The Dohodno building in German classic style was build in 1902 and the Liberty Monument, a unique creation of the Florentine architect and sculptor Arlondo Tsoki was officially opened in 1908. You cannot miss the bright red opera house and there are numerous museums: The Pantheon of the Renaissance men, the City's historical museum, Baba Tonka museum, Museum of the city's style and living standards in the Kaliopa's house, the National museum of transport and communications. "St. Trinity" Orthodox Church built in 1632 has stood the testament of time. The ancient Roman ruins of Sexaginta Prista should not be missed and is worth paying the price of admission to see everything that is underground not just on the surface terrain. .

The Bulgarian navy started operating in Rousse on 31 July 1879. The first Bulgarian Bank "Girdap" and the first navy technical school, later moved in Varna opened doors in the city in 1881. The first trade chamber and Insurance Joint Stock Company Bulgaria also opened in the town. Quite an important town in Bulgarian history.

This evening we were surprised to receive a crown each. Our new friends decided that "Kate and Di" should simply be known as "the Royals" and hence somehow found a crown to purchase!!! Needless to say fun and frivolity continue on board ship.