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Overview
This river cruise takes you through the Balkans, starting in Budapest and concluding in the same city after exploring various captivating destinations.
At a glance
*Except two lunches on full day excursions.
Highlights
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Explore Belogradchik Rocks, Pleven and Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi and Ivanovo, or Ruse and the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo & Basarbovo in Romania on guided tours.
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Discover the only European capital built at the confluence of two rivers, Belgrade, Serbia’s second largest city, Novi Sad, and Mesolithic Lepenski Vir.
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Visit Romania’s Bucharest with its tree-lined boulevards, the Orthodox churches and squares that this ‘Little Paris’ has to offer, and the ancient city of Constanța on the Black Sea coast.
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Marvel at the natural beauty of the Danube Delta, Europe’s largest wetlands with UNESCO status, and sail through the impressive Iron Gates Gorge.
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See Croatia’s Vukovar and Osijek or visit Kopački Rit nature park, tour Hungary’s Kalosca or take a scenic drive into the Puszta to an equestrian farm, and explore the imperial city of Budapest.
Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your five-star cruise ship. Welcome dinner on board.
Day 2: Kalocsa & Pecs
Explore Kalocsa’s historical sites and the Puszta (Great Plain). Visit Paprika Museum or a paprika house. Drive to Pecs, a cultural and artistic city. Tour Pecs, visit a 4th-century Christian mausoleum, cathedral, and more.
Welcome, drink with the Captain and a special Welcome Dinner on board.
Day 3: Belgrade
Arrive in Belgrade, a guided tour of the city. Visit Kalemegdan Park and Fortress, Republic Square, and more.
Afternoon free to explore Belgrade.
Day 4: Iron Gates Gorge
Cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge, a scenic highlight. Pass through the Great Kazan and see the sculpture of Decebalus.
Day 5: Pleven
Cross into Bulgaria and explore Nikopol. Drive to Pleven, visit the Pleven Panorama. Free time to explore Pleven.
Day 6: Bucharest
Guided tour of Bucharest, visit the Palace of the Parliament. Explore Revolution Square and other city sights. Free time in Bucharest.
Day 7: Danube Delta
Cruise to Tulcea and excursion into the Danube Delta. Explore the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta’s rich wildlife.
Day 8: Constanta
Depart for Constanta, visit archaeological and mosaics museums. Explore the Old Town and enjoy free time.
Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanassi & Ivanovo
Arrive in Rousse and drive to Veliko Tarnovo. Explore Veliko Tarnovo, visit Arbanassi and the Churches of Ivanovo.
Day 10: Belogradchik
Visit Belogradchik Rocks, unique sandstone formations. Return to the ship for dinner.
Day 11: Iron Gates & Lepenski Vir
Cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge again. Visit Lepenski Vir, an important archaeological site.
Day 12: Novi Sad
Pass Smederevo Fortress and moor in Novi Sad. Guided tour of Novi Sad and Petrovaradin Fortress.
Day 13: Osijek & Vukovar
Cross into Croatia, visit Vukovar’s main sights. Drive to Osijek, explore the Old Town.
Day 14: Budapest
Return to Budapest, guided tour of the city’s main sights. Captain’s Dinner in the evening.
Day 15: Return Home
Depart for the airport and return home.
