Cruise · APT · 11 nights

Legends of the Balkans with Transylvania

Guided tours of Bucharest's Old Town and Veliko Tarnovo
Two nights in the medieval city of Brasov
Traditional lunch in the hilltop village of Arbanasi

From

$5,670 pp twin share

$9,420 pp solo share

11 nights

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Legends of the Balkans with Transylvania

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Cruise Snapshot

11 Nights

A Danube River cruise combined with Transylvania, taking in Budapest, Bucharest, Bran Castle and the Iron Gates over 12 days

Seven-night Danube River cruise through the Iron Gates
Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula's Castle
Traditional horse show in the Puszta

Trip Details

Departs: 19 March 2028
Returns: 31 October 2028
Embarks
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.

$5,670

pp twin share

$9,420

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

19 March 2028

Returns

31 October 2028

Duration

11 nights

From pp twin share

$5,670 pp

From pp solo cabin

$9,420 pp

19 Mar 2028 - 30 Mar 2028
from $5,670 pp twin share / $9,420 pp solo *
02 Apr 2028 - 13 Apr 2028
from $5,820 pp twin share / $9,670 pp solo *
02 Jun 2028 - 13 Jun 2028
from $6,670 pp twin share / $11,120 pp solo *
30 Jun 2028 - 11 Jul 2028
from $6,270 pp twin share / $10,420 pp solo *
28 Jul 2028 - 08 Aug 2028
from $6,070 pp twin share / $10,120 pp solo *
20 Oct 2028 - 31 Oct 2028
from $5,870 pp twin share / $9,770 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.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Arrive Bucharest
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Bucharest.
2
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.
3
Bucharest, Brașov
Today, travel to Brașov, a charming medieval city nestled at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace.
4
Brasov
This morning, travel to Bran Castle, famously known as ‘Dracula’s Castle.’ With a local guide, explore its fascinating history as you walk through its many rooms, admiring the 19th-century antiques. Afterward, return to Braşov for a guided tour through its medieval streets.
5
Brasov, Giurgiu, Embark Ship
After breakfast, travel to your river ship. Stop on the way in the town of Sinaia for some free time.
6
Ruse, Veliko Târnovo, Arbanasi
Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.
7
Vidin, Belogradchik
Explore Baba Vida, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 10th century, and admire its imposing walls and towers while learning about its storied past. Continue to Belogradchik to visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, dramatically set on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While here, take time to admire the town’s remarkable rock formations, which give Belogradchik its distinctive and striking landscape.
8
At Sea
The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.
9
Novi Sad
Step ashore to explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and often regarded as its cultural capital. Join a guided tour through its charming streets and lively cultural precincts, followed by free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere. You may also wish to visit Petrovaradin Fortress, an imposing complex overlooking the Danube, where the intriguing catacombs reveal glimpses of the fortress’s storied past.
10
Kalocsa, Puszta
Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town steeped in history on the banks of the Danube. From here, travel to the Puszta for your Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Traditional Horse Show
In the Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show showcasing the remarkable riding skills of the Hungarian cavalry. You may also choose to take an optional carriage ride, visit the stables and meet the riders.
11
Budapest
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to the city’s Great Market Hall, a must-visit housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Alternatively, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a wartime hospital built within the caverns beneath Buda Castle and later used as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War.
Enhance Your Journey – Great Market Hall Tour
Join a culinary tour through the market, discovering a variety of Hungarian sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle.
12
Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Traditional Horse Show.
Day 1 highlights Arrive Bucharest:
Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Bucharest.
.
Day 2 highlights 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.
.

Where you’ll stay

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

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 12 days and 11 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 19 Mar 2028 and 31 Oct 2028, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

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.

Enquire about this cruise