Best of the Balkans

Includes return flights from the UK. Discover the beauty of the Balkans on this immersive 14-night cruise. From exciting cities like Belgrade and Bucharest, to small towns in Hungary and Bulgaria, enjoy the best the region has to offer.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship

Fly from the UK to Budapest, Hungary’s capital. Arrive at the airport and be transferred to your river ship, docked on the Danube River.

Day 2: Budapest

Spend the day exploring the sights of Budapest. Tonight, delight in a Gala Welcome Dinner on board before your ship sets sail. Marvel at the sight of Budapest as its famous monuments are illuminated, creating a mesmerising spectacle around you.

Day 3: Mohacs, Pecs

From the sleepy port town of Mohacs, history buffs will delight in the chance to travel to the ancient city of Pecs. As Hungary’s fifth-largest city, this World Heritage Site offers plenty in the way of sightseeing. Be sure to check out the copper domes of the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, as well as the 11th-century Pecs Cathedral. With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to join an optional tour to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villany for a wine tasting.

Day 4: Almas, Osijek

Embark on a captivating tour of the dynamic city of Osijek. Meander through its charming cobblestone streets, where the well-preserved 18th-century architecture will transport you back in time. Explore notable landmarks like the iconic Holy Trinity Square and the majestic St. Michael's Church, as well as the historic Tvrda, Osijek's Baroque Fortress. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Osijek's famous food market, renowned for its local delicacies, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. Indulge in sampling regional specialties such as sljivovica (plum brandy) and delectable traditional pastries.

Day 5: Belgrade

In Serbia’s capital, join a guided tour through the city. See the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. Experience a traditional Serbian way of living during your Insider Experience today.

Day 6: Iron Gates

Get ready to witness nature at its finest today as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates. This spectacular series of gorges connects Serbia and Romania and makes for an out-of-this-world cruising experience. Make sure to have your camera charged and at the ready.

Day 7: Ruse

Go ashore to Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Join a walking tour and admire the belle epoque architecture and manicured garden squares, which are reminiscent of Vienna. You’ll also pass by Liberty Square, the courthouse, the Ruse Opera House and Alexander Battenberg Square. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps visit the Regional Museum of History, the National Transport Museum, or the ancient castle ruins of the Sexaginta Prista Fortress.

Day 8: Giurgiu, Bucharest

Spend the entire day in Bucharest, Romania’s hip capital. Join a guided tour of the city and take in the wide tree-lined boulevards and belle epoque buildings, then walk through the Old City centre to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the Lipscani district. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, or perhaps you would like to wander the open-air Village Museum and gain an insight into traditional Romanian life.

Day 9: Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Arbanasi

Today you’ll discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Tarnovo. With a local expert, be guided through this medieval city and uncover its rich history. At its centre, see the restored Tsarevets Fortress, the citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. After, head to the hilltops to visit Arbanasi, a village brimming with history. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before rejoining your ship.

Day 10: Vidin, Belogradchik

Explore Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval castle that dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, head to Belogradchik to visit its ancient fortress on the northern side of the Balkan Mountains. While you’re here, see the town’s unique rock formations.

Day 11: Scenic Cruising

The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, enjoying postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.

Day 12: Novi Sad

Get out and explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, on a guided tour. Afterwards, spend your free time relaxing, or perhaps visit Petrovaradin Fortress and check out its catacombs.

Day 13: Kalocsa, Puszta

Dock in Hungary’s oldest town, Kalocsa, set right on the Danube. From here, head to Puszta for your Insider Experience.

Day 14: Budapest

Enjoy the day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to discover Budapest Great Market Hall, a must-visit attraction. Housed in a beautiful historical building dating back to the 19th century, the market is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers, where you can immerse yourself in Hungarian cuisine and local culture. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum, a hospital created in the caverns under Buda Castle in Budapest in the 1930s, in preparation for the Second World War. This evening, delight in a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

Day 15: Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest

Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.