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Voyage Through the Balkans

Explore historic capital cities, voyage through the spectacular Iron Gate and admire incredible scenery on this 14-night cruise from Budapest. Includes return from the UK, private home to airport transfers, complimentary drinks on board, excursions and signature experiences

Fly Cruise
14 nights

River Cruise Holiday
Belgrade, Serbia
Fisherman's Bastion, Budapest
Pecs Cathedral
Iron Gates, Serbia

Call us now on 01756 706500

Discover historic treasures and the vibrant cities of Eastern Europe and admire the beautiful scenery as you cruise along the River Danube on this exceptional 14-night voyage.

Watch a folklore show and sample local delights in Bratislava's Old Town and then discover the highlights of Vienna and hear masterpieces by Mozart and Strauss at a cocktail party and private concert in the heart of the musical city. Enjoy a special Signature Experience in Budapest as you are treated to a Welcome Reception at Budapest Station's Waiting Room, before boarding the Grand Empress steam train to the stunning Godollo Palace. Later, you'll be treated like royalty with dinner served on board the train (May to Sep departures).

Wander through the charming plazas of Belgrade to the impressive Kalemegdan Fortress, and have your camera at the ready as you cruise through the spectacular Iron Gates to Bucharest where you can uncover traditional Romanian life at the open-air Village Museum. Discover the medieval Baba Vida Fortress from Vidin and witness the landmarks of the Yugoslavian Civil War in Vukovar before visiting the fascinating Folk Art House in the historic Hungarian city of Kolacsa.

See an traditional horse show and enjoy an authentic Hungarian lunch in the Puszta wilderness and join a local expert to explore the many treasures of Budapest including Matthias Church, the Fisherman’s Bastion, Heroes’ Square, Buda Castle before this fantastic cruise comes to an end.

A157 Operated by APT Luxury Cruises

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Voyage Through the Balkans Itinerary

Day 1 - UK - Budapest (Hungary)

Arrive in Budapest and transfer to your luxury river cruise ship. This evening, enjoy dinner with your fellow guests. (D)

Day 2 - Budapest

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore. This evening, set sail as Budapest’s monuments put on a twinkling show around you. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Mohacs

Head to the city of Pecs, travel to Villany for a tasting at a local winery. Alternatively, take the guided bike ride along the Danube River to an ancient water mill. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Vukovar (Croatia)

Bearing battle scars from the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar has risen strong and offers a rich history to discover. Visit Eltz Manor, a castle that houses the Vukovar City Museum. Wander through the complex then be treated to a glass of sparkling wine, accompanied by classical music. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Belgrade (Serbia)

See the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. Alternatively, join the kayak tour along the Danube or take part in a Serbian cooking class. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Cruising the Iron Gates

Enjoy a full day of cruising through the awe-inspiring landscape of the Iron Gates where the Danube winds its way through a range of magnificent gorges between the southern Carpathian Mountains and the foothills of the Balkan Mountains. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Rousse (Bulgaria)

Select your inclusion today. You might choose to explore the incredible World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. Alternatively, set out on a walking tour and discover Rousse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Bucharest (Romania)

Arrive in Giurgiu, Bucharest and spend the morning exploring the city. See the Royal Court, Stavrolopeos Church and the Lipscani district in the Old City, wander along the pretty tree-lined boulevards and admire the Belle Epoque buildings. This afternoon, perhaps visit the Palace of the Parliament, which is the second-largest administrative building in the world, or wander the open-air Village Museum and gain an insight into traditional Romanian life. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - Rousse - Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria)

In Veliko Tarnovo, a local expert will guide you through this medieval city. Uncover its rich history as you wander through the city’s cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - Vidin

Arrive in Vidin and head to the Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval castle on the remains of the ancient town of Bononia. Then, venture to Belogradchik to uncover its ancient fortress on the northern slope of the Balkan mountains. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - Scenic Cruising

Relax and enjoy the ships facilities during a day of scenic cruising.

Day 12 - Novi Sad (Serbia)

Get out and explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city. Otherwise, call in on a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture – featuring traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts. The afternoon has been set aside for you to further explore Novi Sad at leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 13 - Kalocsa (Hungary) - Puszta

Enjoy a guided tour of the historic Hungarian city of Kalocsa and see local handicrafts and porcelain at the Folk Art House before visiting a producer of one of Hungary's spiciest exports, paprika. Next, drive into the Puszta wilderness to witness a horse show and enjoy an authentic Hungarian lunch. (B,L,D)

Day 14 - Budapest

Today unfolds as you please. The active may like to hike to Gellert Hill, or perhaps enjoy a more relaxed culinary walk through Budapest’s Great Market Hall. Alternatively, set out on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow guests. (B,L,D)

Day 15 - Budapest - UK

After breakfast, disembark your ship in Budapest and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)

Due to navigational reasons, the Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary.

Price Includes

  • 14 nights all-inclusive cruising in an outside cabin on a luxury river cruise ship
  • Home-to-airport transfers by private car within 75 miles of your chosen airport
  • Flights from regional UK airports with transfers between ship and airport
  • Complimentary beverages throughout the cruise
  • Room service and champagne on arrival for selected suite categories
  • Freedom of Choice Touring and Signature Experiences
  • Services of a professional Cruise Director
  • Butler service for selected suite categories
  • In-cabin entertainment system with flat screen TV, keyboard, free internet access, film and music library
  • Choice of open seating dining venues including main restaurant, casual lounge and alfresco on selected evenings
  • Welcome Reception, Captain's Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
  • Evening entertainment including music performances, folklore dances, lectures and piano interludes
  • Guided excursions in small groups with personal headsets
  • All tipping and gratuities included
  • Complimentary use of bicycles
  • Port taxes

Special Features

  • Signature Experiences:
  • Enjoy a folklore show in Bratislava
  • Visit Liechtenstein’s City Palace for a Cocktail Reception and a private concert
  • Board The Grand Empress steam train, then tour Gödöllő Palace (operates May to September)
  • Tour the historic town of Kalocsa

Please contact us for the latest dates and prices

Call us now on 01756 706500

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