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Discover grand sights in Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest, visit Bran Castle, and cruise the spectacular Iron Gates on this 11-night Balkan adventure
- Cruise the Danube River through the Balkans
- Visit historic cities, castles and villages
- Explore Transylvania and learn about local culture
Trip Details
- Departs
- 16 March 2028
- Returns
- 28 October 2028
- Operator
- APT
Explore the best of the Balkans on a seven-night cruise along the Danube River. Discover the grand sights of Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest, visit the fabled Bran Castle, explore charming riverside towns and villages, cruise through the spectacular Iron Gates and tour Transylvania.
Departures & Pricing
- 16 Mar 2028 - 27 Mar 2028
from $5,870 pp twin share / $9,770 pp solo * - 30 Mar 2028 - 10 Apr 2028
from $5,920 pp twin share / $9,870 pp solo * - 30 May 2028 - 10 Jun 2028
from $6,770 pp twin share / $11,270 pp solo * - 27 Jun 2028 - 08 Jul 2028
from $6,370 pp twin share / $10,620 pp solo * - 25 Jul 2028 - 05 Aug 2028
from $6,170 pp twin share / $10,270 pp solo * - 17 Oct 2028 - 28 Oct 2028
from $5,970 pp twin share / $9,920 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
Itinerary
- 1
Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship
Welcome to Budapest, the historic Hungarian capital. Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your river ship, docked on the Danube River.
- 2
Budapest
After breakfast, join a local guide to explore the city. Admire Budapest’s grand landmarks and architectural highlights as you discover the city’s rich history.
- 3
Mohács, Pécs
From the quiet port town of Mohács, history enthusiasts may wish to travel to the ancient city of Pécs. Hungary’s fifth-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, it offers a wealth of historic sights, including the copper-domed Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the 11th-century Pécs Cathedral. This afternoon is at leisure, or you may choose to join an optional excursion to Hungary’s renowned Villány wine region for a tasting.
Enhance Your Journey – Villány Wine Tasting
Travel to Hungary’s celebrated Villány wine region, known for its red and rosé varieties. Visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting.
- 4
Osijek
Begin a captivating exploration of Osijek, a vibrant city rich in history. Wander its cobblestone streets, where well-preserved 18th-century architecture reveals glimpses of the past, and visit landmarks such as Holy Trinity Square and the Church of Saint Michael. Later, continue to Vukovar for a tasting of regional delicacies before rejoining your ship for a leisurely afternoon cruise towards Serbia.
- 5
Belgrade
In Serbia’s capital, embark on a guided tour of Belgrade. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress, offering sweeping views over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, and the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Later, gain insight into local life and traditions during a special Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Village Farm and Slivovitz Tour
Visit a local family’s village home, touring the house and barn to meet the resident farm animals. Stroll through the orchards to learn about the distillation of slivovitz — Serbia’s traditional plum brandy — and its place in everyday culture.
- 6
Iron Gates
Today, witness nature at its finest as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a dramatic landscape of lush forests, towering cliffs and rugged gorges. Forming part of the border between Serbia and Romania, this remarkable stretch of the Danube offers one of the river’s most spectacular cruising experiences.
- 7
Ruse
Go ashore in Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Join a walking tour to admire its Belle Époque architecture and manicured garden squares, often compared to the charm of Vienna. Along the way, pass the Monument of Liberty, the courthouse, and Battenberg Square. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure — perhaps visit the Rousse Regional Historical Museum the National Transport Museum or the ancient ruins of the Sexaginta Prista fortress.
- 8
Giurgiu, Disembark Ship, Braçov
After breakfast, travel to your hotel in Brașov, stopping en route in the town of Sinaia for free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure.
- 9
Brașov
This morning, travel to Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. With a local guide, learn about its history as you walk through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques. Return to Brașov and join a guided tour through its old streets, lined with well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic masterpieces while enjoying the bustling ambiance of the cafes, restaurants and shops.
- 10
Brașov, Bucharest
Journey from Braşov to Bucharest, Romania’s vibrant capital. Once you’ve checked in to your accommodation, the rest of the day is at leisure. You might wander along elegant boulevards like Calea Victoriei, relax in one of the city’s leafy parks, or admire the ornate Romanian Athenaeum, a symbol of Bucharest’s cultural heritage.
- 11
Bucharest
Today, discover Bucharest on a guided tour, taking in its wide, tree-lined boulevards framed by elegant Belle Époque architecture. Explore the atmospheric Old Town, where highlights include the Stavropoleos Monastery and the lively Lipscani district, where medieval merchants once traded. The remainder of your day is at leisure to continue exploring at your own pace or relax and soak up the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
- 12
Depart Bucharest
Your adventure comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Village Farm and Slivovitz Tour.
- Day 1 highlights Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship:
Welcome to Budapest, the historic Hungarian capital. Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your river ship, docked on the Danube River.
. - Day 2 highlights Budapest:
After breakfast, join a local guide to explore the city. Admire Budapest’s grand landmarks and architectural highlights as you discover the city’s rich history.
.
Accommodation
- Seven Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship
- Two Nights, Brașov, Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel or similar
- Two Nights, Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town or similar
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
Can I travel solo?
What is generally included?
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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