Sail the Danube through five countries, discovering medieval fortresses, ancient cities and natural wonders
Cruise through the Iron Gates, Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonder
Explore UNESCO sites including the Christian Necropolis in Pécs and Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo
Choose from guided city tours, bike rides, hikes and wine tastings at each port
Trip Details
Departs
Mon 11 Oct 2027
Returns
Mon 18 Oct 2027
Embarks
Budapest
Disembarks
Giurgiu
Ship
AmaBella
Operator
AMAWaterways
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 ship AmaBella.
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.
Life in transit
Your transportsAmaBella
Details · AmaWaterways
AmaBella
Deck plans
4
AmaBella · Deck plans
Piano Deck
Source: AmaWaterways, captured 10 October 2026.
Deck plans are provided by the cruise line and are subject to change at any time.
Day by day
Itinerary
1
Budapest
Mon 11 Oct
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
2
Budapest
Tue 12 Oct
MOHÁCS – 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 13 Oct
VUKOVAR, 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 14 Oct
BELGRADE. 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. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. 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.” Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on an afternoon walking tour. 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.
5
Golubac
Fri 15 Oct
SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is 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 16 Oct
VIDIN, 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 17 Oct
ROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead 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. Later in the day, travel through the Romanian countryside to the capital of Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a panoramic tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture.
8
Giurgiu
Mon 18 Oct
GIURGIU – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home.
What you get for the price
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Scenic cruising.
Pécs excursion.
Szekszárd wine tasting.
Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube </dd.
Vukovar City tour.
Osijek Tour.
Where you’ll stay
Accommodation
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaBella.
Stateroom categories available
Suite
Category AA
Category AB
Category BA
Category BB
Category C
Category D
Category E
Legendary Danube stateroom
From the operator
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 24 May 2027 and 18 Oct 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Ready to lock in?
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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