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Trace the Danube westward through Eastern and Central Europe, discovering grand capitals, historic fortresses and charming riverside towns
- Explore Bucharest's elegant Belle Époque architecture and Bran Castle's Dracula lore
- Discover medieval Brasov and the fortified walls of Veliko Tarnovo
- Enjoy a traditional Hungarian horse show in the Puszta region
Trip Details
- Departs
- 2 April 2028
- Returns
- 14 November 2028
- Embarks
- Operator
- APT
Begin in vibrant Bucharest and trace the Danube westward through the heart of Eastern and Central Europe to Amsterdam. Discover grand capitals, historic fortresses and charming riverside towns as you travel from the Balkans and Hungary to Austria and Germany, before cruising the scenic Rhine to the Netherlands. Along the way, Travelmarvel's hallmark touches reveal the region’s rich heritage and culture.
Departures & Pricing
- 02 Apr 2028 - 27 Apr 2028
from $14,670 pp twin share / $25,470 pp solo * - 28 Jul 2028 - 22 Aug 2028
from $15,020 pp twin share / $26,070 pp solo * - 20 Oct 2028 - 14 Nov 2028
from $12,720 pp twin share / $22,120 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Cabin grades, balcony upgrades and pre-cruise hotel options are quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.
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
Brașov
This morning, travel to Bran Castle, famed for its Dracula lore. With a local guide, learn about its history as you explore its many rooms and admire 19th-century antiques. Return to Brașov for a guided walk through its old streets, lined with well-preserved medieval architecture.
- 5
Brașov, Giurgiu, Embark Ship
After breakfast, travel to your river ship, stopping in Sinaia along the way 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. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
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
Budapest
We have set aside a full day for you to explore more of this fascinating city at your leisure.
- 13
Budapest
Awake to views of one of the Danube’s most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and discover Budapest’s vibrant history on a guided tour featuring many of its most impressive sights. Back on board this evening, enjoy a Gala Welcome Dinner as you cruise.
Insider Experience – Hungarian State Opera Performance
Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.
- 14
Vienna
On arrival in the city centre, join a walking tour taking in highlights such as St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben and the Hofburg. Later, explore the vibrant Naschmarkt at leisure.
- 15
Vienna
With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city’s famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital. This evening, you may wish to attend an optional concert.
Enhance Your Journey – Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience
Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Explore the resplendent palace apartments adorned with exquisite textiles and glass chandeliers, before strolling through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of the stables, where you’ll encounter the magnificent Lipizzaner horses up close. Learn what makes these noble horses so special through insights into their breeding, care and training, before witnessing an exclusive performance that showcases their remarkable grace and discipline.
Enhance Your Journey – Visit Bratislava in Slovakia
Visit Bratislava, a charming city where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city’s intriguing past.
Enhance Your Journey – Mozart and Strauss Concert
Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna’s historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.
- 16
Dürnstein, Melk
Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend the morning wandering its cobbled streets, historic townhouses and inviting taverns, or perhaps join an optional tasting of the region’s renowned wines. Later, sail through the scenic Wachau Valley to Melk, where you’ll tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation since 1089.
- 17
Aschach, Passau
Today, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Passau.
Insider Experience – Bavarian Evening on Board
This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by folk music, song and dance.
Enhance Your Journey – Český Krumlov
Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.
Enhance Your Journey – Salzburg Sights
Travel through Austria’s scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart’s hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.
- 18
Regensburg
Continue along the Danube to Regensburg, in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. Join a guided tour through its historic streets, discovering medieval architecture and cultural landmarks.
- 19
Nuremberg
Arrive in Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler’s infamous rallies during World War II. This afternoon, take a city tour including sites such as the Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice.
- 20
Bamberg
Discover Bamberg, one of the few German cities largely spared destruction during World War II. Join a locally guided tour of its historic centre, taking in sights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore at your leisure.
- 21
Würzburg
Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, Würzburg is home to the magnificent Baroque Würzburg Residence. Tour the palace and stroll through the Court Gardens before perhaps choosing an optional visit to Rothenburg, a charming medieval town along the Romantic Road.
Enhance Your Journey – Medieval Rothenburg Tour
Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town on the Romantic Road in Franconia.
- 22
Miltenberg
Enjoy time at leisure to discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and, as evening falls, watch the lights of medieval towns drift past during your overnight cruise.
- 23
Rüdesheim, Rhine Gorge
In Rüdesheim, ride the Winzerexpress mini train to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later, back on board, enjoy spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge.
- 24
Cologne, Brühl
Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Augustusburg Palace in Germany
Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August of Bavaria, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they represent some of the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.
- 25
Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s network of canals is a sight to behold. Board a glass-top boat for a scenic cruise, then enjoy free time ashore before a Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.
- 26
Disembark Ship, Depart Amsterdam
After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
- Augustusburg Palace.
- Traditional Horse Show.
- Amsterdam Canal Tour.
- Hungarian State Opera Visit.
Accommodation
- 21 Nights, Travelmarvel river ship
- Two Nights, Brașov, Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel or similar
- Two Nights, Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town
Common questions about this voyage
How long is this journey?
When can I travel?
Are there different departure options?
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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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