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Choose your departure
Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
37 departures
- Mon 15 Mar 2027 → Mon 22 Mar 2027 Outside $5,862 Balcony $9,242 Suite $11,832 from $5,862 pp twin share Enquire
- Mon 22 Mar 2027 → Mon 29 Mar 2027 Balcony $10,106 Suite $12,408 from $10,106 pp twin share Select
- Mon 5 Apr 2027 → Mon 12 Apr 2027 Balcony $10,681 from $10,681 pp twin share Select
- Sun 18 Apr 2027 → Sun 25 Apr 2027 Outside $6,807 Balcony $10,978 from $6,807 pp twin share Select
- Sun 25 Apr 2027 → Sun 2 May 2027 Balcony $11,584 from $11,584 pp twin share Select
Sail the lower Danube through five countries, discovering medieval towns, Celtic fortifications and natural wonders
- Cruise through the Iron Gates, Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonder
- Visit UNESCO sites including Christian Necropolis in Pécs and Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
- Choose from guided city tours, bike rides, hikes and wine tastings throughout the journey
Trip Details
- Departs
- Mon 15 Mar 2027
- Returns
- Mon 22 Mar 2027
- Embarks
- Budapest
- Disembarks
- Giurgiu
- Ship
- AmaVerde
- Operator
- AMA Waterways
Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, calling at Budapest, Budapest, Vukovar, Belgrade, Golubac, Vidin, Rousse and Giurgiu.
You'll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaVerde, AmaBella and 2 sister ships.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Your transports AmaVerde
AmaVerde
- Deck plans
- 4
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
AmaBella
- Deck plans
- 4
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
AmaMagna
- Deck plans
- 4
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
AmaRudi
- Deck plans
- 4
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026. Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Itinerary
- 1
Budapest
Mon 15 MarBUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise. - 2
Budapest
Tue 16 MarMOHÁCS – PÉCS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács. - 3
Vukovar
Wed 17 MarVUKOVAR, CROATIA. Enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. Alternatively, you may see Osijek on a guided tour. For those looking for a more active experience, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. In the afternoon, enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. You can also choose to explore the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. - 4
Belgrade
Thu 18 MarBELGRADE. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. You may also explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on a full-day excursion. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall and the Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. - 5
Golubac
Fri 19 MarSCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe, and delight in exquisite wines sourced from Rajačke Pimnice, a prominent viticulture region in Serbia, complemented by the flavors of traditional Serbian cheese and bread. Then cruise through the Iron Gates – one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. - 6
Vidin
Sat 20 MarVIDIN, BULGARIA. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. - 7
Rousse
Sun 21 MarROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. For more active exploration, join an unforgettable hike up the iconic Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo. Explore its ancient walls, towers, and the Patriarchal Church, adorned with stunning modernist frescoes. You may also opt to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. You may also join a full-day tour to Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a guided tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture. - 8
Giurgiu
Mon 22 MarGIURGIU – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Scenic cruising.
- Pécs excursion.
- Szekszárd wine tasting.
- Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube </dd.
- Vukovar City tour.
- Osijek Tour.
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaVerde, AmaBella and 2 sister ships.
Stateroom categories available
- Category OS
- Category GS
- Category SA
- Category SB
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category D
- Category E
Common questions about this voyage
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Book this cruise
Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.
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Gems of Southeast Europe
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- Guided visits to UNESCO sites, museums and historic landmarks throughout
Gems of Southeast Europe
- Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways river ships with multiple stateroom categories
- Included excursions with choice of standard tours, bike tours and hikes
- Transportation to Budapest and guided visits to Pecs, Vukovar, Belgrade, Vidin, Rousse and Giurgiu
Gems of Southeast Europe (Smithsonian Journeys)
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