ABTA 40 Years | Mon-Fri: 9am to 5:30pm | Sat: 9am to 5pm | Sun & Bank Holidays: 10am to 4:00pm
ABTA 40 Years | Mon-Fri: 9am to 5:30pm | Sat: 9am to 5pm | Sun & Bank Holidays: 10am to 4:00pm
On this extensive river cruise through the Balkans, begin your journey with visits to Kalocsa and Belgrade, with its historic Kalemegdan Fortress. Then continue to Pleven, passing through the Iron Gates Gorge and the Djerdap locks before visiting Bucharest for a Romanian river cruise. Known as ‘little Paris’ this gem of a capital city will charm you with its romantic buildings and tree-lined boulevards.
Then experience the very best of The Danube Delta and venture into Europe’s largest area of wetlands and marshlands – a UNESCO-listed site. From here, see Constanta where you can explore it’s charming Old Town and museums, Veliko Tarnovo and the village of Arbanassi.
After taking a scenic drive to the awe-inspiring red sandstone cliffs of Belogradchik, visit Lepenski Vir – one of the most important Mesolithic archaeological sites in Serbia before travelling to the cities of Novi Sad, Osijek and Vukovar. Finally, on the final leg of this stunning river cruise, discover the imperial city of two halves – Budapest.
This river cruise also has dedicated departures available for solo travellers. Please enquire or call for more information
*Expect two lunches on full day excursions
Day 1: Arrive in Budapest
Fly to Budapest, before transferring by coach to the cruise ship. Enjoy a friendly welcome and settle into your spacious suite. The ship will remain docked overnight.
Day 2: Kalocsa or Puszta
The ship arrives in Kalosca this morning, where you have the option to take a walking tour of the town, followed by a visit to the Paprika Museum. Alternatively, you can take a scenic drive into the Puszta, where you can learn about the production of paprika before visiting an equestrian farm to watch some of the region’s most skilled riders. Return to the ship at lunch before an afternoon of cruising.
Day 3: Belgrade
In the morning, arrive at the historic city of Belgrade. Enjoy a guided tour seeing its main sights such as St Sava Cathedral, Republic Square and Prince Michael Street. After lunch, you’ll have free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 4: Iron Gates Gorge
Sail down one of the Danube’s most memorable stretches. Pass through the Great Kazan and admire the huge sculpture of the Romanian Hero Decebalus, carved into the rock. Head to the ship’s Sun Deck to watch the scenery glide past in comfort.
Day 5: Pleven
Cross the border into Bulgaria overnight and awake in Nikopol. After breakfast, you’ll drive across the Danubian Plain to Pleven. Visit the panorama depicting the Russo-Turkish war of 1877 before having free time to explore independently. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon of cruising. In the evening, watch a live performance of Bulgarian folk music.
Day 6: Bucharest
Take a guided tour of Bucharest, visiting the Palace of Parliament and the former royal palace, now a national museum, along with the other main sights. Lunch isn’t included today, giving you the chance to seek out a cosy restaurant in the Old Town. Return to the ship to relax before dinner.
Day 7: Danube Delta
Overnight, you’ll cruise towards Brăila, and this morning, we take a coach from Brăila to Tulcea,regarded as the gateway to the vast Danube Delta. Board smaller boats and sail into the Delta to see some of the flora and fauna, perhaps keeping an eye out for Egyptian pelicans if you’re visiting in spring. Return to the ship for dinner as the ship continues along the Danube.
Day 8: Constanta
Today, visit the city of Constanta, where you’ll find remains from Greek and Roman times in the numerous museums as well as Art Nouveau casino. Enjoy some free time before heading back to the ship for lunch.
Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi & Ivanovo
Today, you can choose between a half day or full day excursions. On the half-day excursions, you’ll take a guided tour of Ruse, before visiting the Rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo and the Basarbovo monastery, the only active rock monastery in Bulgaria today. Then return to the ship for lunch and a free afternoon. On the full day excursion, you’ll visit the city of Veliko Tarnovo and spend some time exploring before heading to the village of Arbanasi, a commercial centre during the Ottoman era. After lunch at leisure here, visit the Churches of Ivanovo.
Day 10: Belogradchik
Take in the views during a morning of cruising before mooring in Vidin. From here, drive into the wilderness to admire the Belogradchik Rock, immense sandstone cliffs. Return to the ship for dinner
Day 11: Iron Gates & Lepenski Vir
Sail back through the splendid Iron Gates Gorge. This afternoon, moor in Donji Milanovac and take the short drive to Kapetan Mišin breg, built in honour of the first President of the National Assembly of Serbia. Explore the compound and enjoy a tasting of local delicacies before continuing to Lepenski Vir, a site containing a series of Mesolithic villages where you’ll take a guided tour to learn more about how its ancient inhabitants lived. In the evening, enjoy the Chef’s Dinner.
Day 12: Novi Sad
Pass the medieval Smederevo Fortress in the morning and continue on to Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city. Take a guided tour and see its impressive squares, buildings and the mighty Petrovaradin Fortress including a visit to its museum. Remain moored here in the evening and enjoy a performance by a pianist and violinist.
Day 13: Osijek & Vukovar or Kopački Rit Nature Park
Cross into Croatia, where you’ll stop in Vukovar, the country’s largest river port. Choose from two tours this morning. The first starts with an orientation tour of Vukovar before heading to Osijek where you’ll explore both the Old Town and Upper City. Alternatively, visit the Kopački Rit nature park where you’ll see an interactive exhibition about the local wildlife before taking a boat tour and a walk along the boardwalk. Reembark the ship for an afternoon of sailing.
Day 14: Budapest
Enjoy a relaxing final morning on board as you sail back to Budapest. After lunch, choose between two guided tours: a panoramic coach tour to highlights such as the Central Market Hall, Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Heroes’ Square, with photo stops along the way. Or an active walking tour to explore the Castle District and Fisherman’s Bastion with free time to wander before returning to the ship. (Moderate walking involved.) Stay docked here overnight. After a farewell dinner, enjoy a vibrant Hungarian folk show.
Day 15: Return Home
Return to the airport for your flight home.
Please note, ship will depend on departure.
MS Geoffrey Chaucher
MS Emily Brontë
MS William Wordsworth
MS Riviera Radiance
MS Riviera Resplendence
MS Riviera Reflection
Fact File
*All transfer times listed here are approximate and dependent on traffic
| Airport | Ship location | Transfer time |
|---|---|---|
| Budapest Airport | Budapest | 45 mins |
Important Information: Prices are available on request and will include all mandatory charges, taxes, and fees applicable to your booking. Some destinations may have local taxes or resort fees payable on arrival; these will be clearly confirmed in your personalised quote.
Please call us free on 0800 707 6229 for pricing and availability
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