A unique cruise from the Hungarian capital of Budapest to picturesque Lake Balaton along the legendary Danube and Sava rivers. Includes overnight hotel stay in Balatonfured with complimentary visit to the Tihany Peninsula
From Budapest to Lake Balaton, embark on a unique cruise along the majestic Danube and Sava rivers.
Exciting optional excursions showcase the treasures of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia and Bosnia, while a complimentary hotel stay in Balatonfured is the perfect way to discover the beauty of Lake Balaton.
Cruise from the Hungarian capital of Budapest across the border into Croatia, taking in the stunning scenery of Kopacki Rit Nature Park which can be explored on an optional tour. Take the opportunity to explore medieval Ilok and beautiful Novi Sad, located in the Great Plain.
See the sights of Belgrade, the fascinating capital of Serbia, before cruising along the Sava River and crossing the plains of Vojvodina and Slavonia. Perhaps join the walking tour of Slavonski Brod, overlooked by the soaring Brod Citadel, or discover an abundance of wildlife in Lonjsko Polje Nature Park.
Zagreb is the perfect mix of green space and architecture, while Varazdin is a real Baroque gem. Next, head to Lake Balaton for an overnight hotel stay, during which you'll enjoy a guided tour of the captivating Tihany Peninsula.
9 nights accommodation on board on a full-board basis
1-night hotel stay in Balatonfured, with guided tours included
Unlimited complimentary house wine, beer, mineral water and soft drinks on board
Welcome cocktail
Entertainment on board
Cruise Manager
Gala farewell dinner
Port taxes
Excludes
Cruise only prices do not include flights or transfers
Optional Excursions (must be pre-booked at least 4 weeks before departure or bookable on board subject to availability)
Gratuities
Personal insurance and expenses
Special Features
CroisiEurope is the leading French river cruise company. Their ships have a distinctly French flavour, the service and the food having received much praise from Blue Water Holidays customers. Staff and passengers come from many European countries and there may be other English speaking passengers on board.
Cruise Map
Itinerary
Day 1Budapest (Hungary)
Board your ship at 6pm. After comfortably settling into your cabin, meet the crew at a welcome cocktail.
Day 2Mohacs - Osijek (Croatia) - Slavonia
Cruise and cross the border into Croatia in Mohàcs, passing Batina and the nature park of Kopacki Rit before reaching Osijek. This afternoon, join an optional excursion to the Kopacki Rit Nature Park and to Osijek. The nature park, located close to the confluence of the Drava and the Danube, is one of the largest and most attractive preserved wetlands in Europe.
Day 3Vukovar - Ilok - Novi Sad (Serbia)
Cruise towards Vukovar, one of the prettiest towns in the Danube Valley. Join an optional excursion to the medieval city of Ilok. Return on board and cruise to Novi Sad. Join an optional guided visit of Novi Sad, located in the Great Plain, the city is the multi-ethnic capital of Vojvodina. Return on board and cruise to Belgrade.
Day 4Belgrade
Join an optional guided tour of Belgrade. Located at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, the town has created its own cultural identity based on a mix of Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and Slavic cultures. This afternoon, join an optional excursion across Vojvodina. Around the hamlet of Iriski Venac are more than 16 Orthodox monasteries, the chance to discover Serbian art - a mix of Byzantine style and Baroque architecture. Return on board and start sailing.
Day 5Brcko (Bosnia)
Today will be spent cruising towards Brcko. Cruise along the Sava River, crossing the plain of Vojvodina, a genuine bread basket of Serbia with a mosaic of cultures. Upon reaching Brcko, enjoy a traditional folklore evening on board.
Day 6Slavonski Brod (Croatia)
Cruise towards Slavonski Brod. The Sava River marks the border between Bosnia and Croatia, and you'll pass through Slavonia, the fertile plain of Croatia, reaching Slavonski Brod in the afternoon. Enjoy time at leisure.
Day 7Slavonski Brod - Jasenovac
Join a walking tour through Slavonski Brod. You'll discover the town centre and its main square, the Franciscan church and the Brod Citadel - an imposing construction in Vauban style, built to protect the Austro-Hungarian Empire from Turkish invasions. Return on board and cruise to Jasenovac, reaching it in the evening. Enjoy an evening of onboard entertainment.
Day 8Jasenovac - Sisak
Join an excursion to Lonjsko Polje Nature Park: A land much favored by migratory birds when the Lonja floods. Cruise towards Sisak, reaching it in the evening.
Day 9Sisak
Join an optional excursion to Zagreb. The harmonious combination of architecture and green space makes Zagreb a perfect model for a town. Even the cemetery, cultivated like an English landscaped garden, is a comforting place for a pleasant walk. Take a stroll along the steep streets of Gradec and Kaptol, the historic center of Zagreb. Return on board for the gala dinner and evening.
Day 10Zagorje - Lake Balaton (Hungary)
Disembark and transfer by coach to Varazdin, in the Zagorje province. Join a guided visit of the historic town of Varazdin, a real Baroque gem. Then continue towards Lake Balaton, a favorite short break destination for Hungarians. Settle into a 3-star hotel for the night.
Day 11Lake Balaton - Budapest
After breakfast at the hotel, join a guided tour of Tihany. This peninsula is truly captivating and you'll be charmed by its beautiful setting and its baroque Benedictine abbey. Afterwards, you'll be transferred to Budapest, stopping for lunch along the way (not included).
DSA_PP/SDA_PP - Central Europe and the Balkans ItineraryFor navigational reasons the Captain of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary.