Solo Savings: Cruise the Best of the Balkans (Oct 2023)
Discover the beauty of the Balkans on this immersive 14 night cruise.Exploreexciting cities like Belgrade and Bucharest and small towns in Hungary and Bulgaria enjoying the best that the region has to offer.
- 14 nights cruising on a contemporary River ship
- Services of an experienced Cruise Director, Entertainment & Activities Coordinators, and local guides
- Includes 40 meals - 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 14 dinners
- Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
- Explore 15 towns, villages and cities
- Enjoy a traditional Hungarian horse show with Magyar cowboys in Puszta
- Cruise through the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular natural sights along the Danube River
- Learn about life in Serbia during a visit to a local family's village and fruit orchard in Belgrade
Your fare excludes:
- Airfares & Travel Insurances
Day 1 - Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship
Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s capital. Arrive at the airport and be transferred to your river ship, docked on the Danube River.
- Stay: 14 Nights, aboard your river ship
- Included Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - Budapest
Spend the day exploring the sights of Budapest. Visit Castle Hill and admire the sweeping views of the Danube, the Houses of Parliament and Margaret Island. See the bridges arching across the inner city, including the iconic Chain Bridge, which is more than 160 years old. Cross the Danube and take in its historic monuments, such as Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and gala Welcome Dinner on board as your ship sets sail, Budapest putting on a show around you.
- Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 3 - Mohacs, Pecs
From the sleepy port town of Mohacs, history buffs will delight in the chance to travel to the ancient city of Pecs. As Hungary’s fifth-largest city, this World Heritage site offers plenty in the way of sightseeing. Be sure to check out the copper domes of the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, as well as the 11th-century Pecs Cathedral.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4 - Vukovar
Following the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar’s economy, infrastructure and culture were in disarray. However, today you will see the efforts taken to restore this city to its former glory. Today, visit the Vukovar City Museum, hidden inside Eltz Manor. Enjoy the chance to wander through the castle complex.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5 - Belgrade
Special Experience - Discover the traditional Serbian way of life with a local family in the village of Jarak. Take a tour of their home and barn to meet the resident farm animals. Stroll through the family’s fruit orchards to learn about the brewing process of ‘slivovitz’. This plum brandy is the national drink of choice.
In Serbia’s capital, join a guided tour through the city. Perhaps see the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. Experience a traditional Serbian way of living during your Insider Experience today.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6 - Iron Gates
Get ready to witness nature at its finest today as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates. This spectacular series of gorges connects Serbia and Romania, and makes for an out-of-this-world cruising experience. Make sure to have your camera charged and at the ready!
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7 - Rousse
Go ashore to Rousse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Join a walking tour and admire the belle epoque architecture and manicured garden squares, which are reminiscent of Vienna. You’ll also pass by Liberty Square, the courthouse, the Rousse Opera House and Alexander Battenberg Square. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps visit the Regional Museum of History, the National Transport Museum, or the ancient castle ruins of Sexaginta Prista Fortress.
- Included Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8 - Giurgiu, Bucharest
Spend the entire day in Bucharest, Romania’s hip capital. Join a guided tour of the city and take in the wide tree-lined boulevards and belle epoque buildings, then walk through the Old City centre to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the Lipscani district. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, or perhaps you would like to wander the open-air Village Museum and gain an insight into traditional Romanian life.
- Included Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 9 - Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi
Today you’ll discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Tarnovo. With a local expert, be guided through this medieval city and uncover its rich history. At its centre, see the restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. After, head to the hilltops to visit Arbanasi, a village brimming with history.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10 - Vidin, Belogradchik
Begin your day in Vidin with free time to explore your own way. Afterwards, you may like to explore Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval castle which dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, head to Belogradchik to visit its ancient fortress on the northern side of the Balkan Mountains. While you’re here, see the town’s unique rock formations.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11 - Scenic Cruising
The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12 - Novi Sad
Get out and explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, on a guided tour. Afterwards, spend your free time relaxing, or perhaps visit Petrovaradin Fortress and check out its catacombs.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13 - Kalocsa, Puszta
Special Experience:In Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show featuring Magyar cowboys and fine equestrian skills.
Get to know Hungary’s oldest town, Kalocsa, set right on the Danube. The town is best known for its vibrant paprika festival as well as traditional folk art and local handicrafts. Afterwards, head to Puszta for your Insider Experience.
- Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14 - Budapest
Return to Budapest, where you will spend the day your own way. You may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum.
- Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15 - Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest.
Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport.
- Included Meals: Breakfast
Note: Itinerary and inclusions subject to change
Low or high-water levels may cause disruption to cruising
Solo travellers from $7,790 in category D cabin - Travelling 30 October 2023
Looking for the most comfortable travel experience? Ask about upgrades to other cabin types.
Our friendly Australian team is just a quick local call away on 1300 414 198.
Please note: prices are subject to availability at time of booking and may change without notice at the cruise line's discretion.
The latest fleet of European River ships shine bright, named after the most luminous starts in the European skies, these contemporary vessels have been custom built to maximised your enjoyment.
Filled with state-of-the-art facilities and fine furnishing to make your journey that much more special.
Owners suites and French Balcony suites feature electronic slide-down windows allowing fresh air and an ever changing scenery.
The top deck offers stunning views - take a dip or sit back and relax at the bar and enjoy the view.
Dining options include fine dining, relaxed casual and pub style fare.
Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price includes transfers, port charges and tipping
- Low or high water levels may cause disruption to cruising
*Conditions apply. Book by 31 May 2023, unless sold out prior. Prices are per person (pp), AUD. Prices are correct as of 26 April 2023. Prices based on EUTCBB15: 30 October 2023. ALL OFFERS: A limited number of Solo Deal offers are available on select itineraries, cabin categories and/or departures. Offers may be withdrawn at any time, are strictly limited and are available on new bookings only. Offers cannot be combined, unless otherwise specified. Prices are inclusive of stated monetary discount where applicable. DEPOSITS: A non-refundable deposit of $1,000 pp is due within 7 days of booking. ^Grand Empress steam train operates April-September departures.
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