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

After breakfast, join a local guide to explore the city. Tonight, delight in a Gala Welcome Dinner on board before your ship sets sail. Marvel at the sight of Budapest as its famous monuments is illuminated, creating a mesmerising spectacle around you.

Day 3: Mohács, Pécs

From the sleepy port town of Mohács, history buffs will delight in the chance to travel to the ancient city of Pécs. 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 Pécs Cathedral.  With the afternoon at leisure, you may wish to join an optional tour to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villány for a wine tasting. 

Enhance your Journey – Villány Wine Tasting

Travel to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villány, known for its red and rosé varieties. Pay a visit to a local winery for a tour and 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 tvrđa, 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 šljivovica (plum brandy) and delectable traditional pastries.

Day 5: Belgrade

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

Insider Experience – Village Farm and Slivovitz Tour

Visit a local family’s village, taking a tour of their home and barn to meet the resident farm animals. Stroll through the family’s fruit orchards to learn about the brewing process of ‘slivovitz’. This plum brandy is the national drink of choice.  

Day 6: Iron Gates

Get ready to witness nature at its finest today as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a stunning natural wonder of lush forests, towering cliffs and rugged landscapes. This spectacular series of gorges connects Serbia and Romania and makes for an out-of-this-world cruising experience.

Day 7: Ruse

Go ashore to Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Join a walking tour and admire the Belle Époque 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 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 Târnovo, Arbanasi 

Today you’ll discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo. With a local expert, be guided through this medieval city and uncover its rich history. At its centre, see the restored Tsarevets Fortress, 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, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.

Day 12: Novi Sad

Get out and explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and known as its cultural capital, on a guided tour. Afterwards, spend your free time relaxing, or perhaps visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a massive fortress complex overlooking the Danube River, 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.

Insider Experience – Traditional Horse Show

In Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show featuring Magyar cowboys and fine equestrian skills. You may choose to take an optional carriage ride, view the stables, and be greeted by horsemen. 

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.

Enhance your Journey – Great Market Hall Tour

Embark on a culinary tour. Wander through this large market to discover a variety of Hungarian sausages, meat, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Enhance your Journey – Hospital in the Rock

Tour this museum, once a World War II hospital, located in the caves beneath Buda Castle.

Day 15: Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest

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