Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)
Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)

Along the Danube, the Balkan peninsula and Budapest (port-to-port cruise)

From: 
Regular price
$7,056.00
Sale price
$7,056.00

CroisiCruise: TRB_PP

12 Days

From Romania to Hungary via Serbia, you'll be surprised and delighted by this cruise that will take you to the heart of Eastern Europe. You will discover cities with remarkable landscapes and elegant architecture such as Novi Sad, the capital of the province of Vojvodina regarded as the "Serbian Athens", whose cultural and artistic backgrounds will surprise you. Do not miss out on Ruse, one of the largest ports in Bulgaria and a true melting pot of Bulgarian and Romanian cultures.

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

  • All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
  • Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
  • Free Wi-Fi in lounge and bar
  • Headsets are included for excursions
  • Official welcome from the captain and crew
  • Onboard activities
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • All port fees included
  • Prepaid Classic Sightseeing

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS

  • A comprehensive cruise along the Danube, taking in its history, fascinating culture and sublime landscapes
  • Discover:
    • Bucharest, the surprising Romanian capital
    • Authentic Bulgaria with Veliko Tarnovo and the charming town of Ruse

Day 1: Bucharest - Predeal (Romania)

You'll be greeted by an English-speaking guide at the airport before being transferred to Predeal, the highest city in Romania at 1,060 m (3,477 feet) and a prominent winter sports resort. Check into your 4-star hotel for dinner and the night.

Day 2: Predeal - Sighisoara - Brasov - Predeal

Full-day included excursion: Sighisoara. The colourful old town in Sighisoara contains a thousand years of history in its streets, along its ramparts, and at the hourly toll of the clock tower. The well-preserved medieval center has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll visit the house where Vlad the Impaler, the historical character who inspired Bram Stoker, was supposedly born. The ground floor hosts a restaurant, while a tiny weapon museum occupies the second floor. Lunch today will be in a local restaurant before continuing to Brasov, founded by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. Visit the Black Church, the largest Gothic structure in Romania. Its 4,000-pipe organ dates back to 1839. The stained glass windows, 119 oriental rugs from between the 15th and 18th centuries, statues, and Italian Renaissance paintings are simply superb. We'll then head to the Old Town Hall Square, where colourfully painted Baroque buildings form an exceptional panorama. A Capitoline Wolf, one of the most recognizable icons of ancient mythology depicting the legend of the founding of Rome, stands in front of the City Hall. Your coach will then take you to the hotel for dinner and the night.

Day 3: Predeal - Sibiu - Sibiel - Bran - Predeal

Included full-day excursion: Guided tour of Sibiu, the Brukenthal National Museum, and the Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary. Leave by coach for Sibiu. Located in the heart of Romania alongside the Cibin River, charming Sibiu entrances visitors all year round. Sibiu feels like a time capsule, with houses dating back to 1380 lining the narrow cobblestone streets, staircases leading to the lower town, the imposing Lutheran Cathedral whose construction spanned two centuries, and the "Large" and "Small" squares surrounded by traditional buildings. Brukenthal National Museum, once a palace, is worth a detour for its historical furniture and works of art. Admire the colorful friezes and 18th-century instruments under the chandelier in the Music Hall before strolling through the other rooms containing 17th-century portraits, satin-covered fainting couches, and old jewellery boxes—all in a sumptuously preserved environment. Continue to the impressive and beautiful cathedral, a Lutheran church that follows the Augsburg Confession, then head to Sibiel to visit the Museum of the Icons on Glass. The museum houses the largest exposition of icons on glass—art emerging from the Orthodox Christian Church tradition and the imagination of the Romanian peasant painters. The museum was named after Father Zosim Oance, a revered local priest who collected the vibrant icons. Lunch in a local restaurant before taking the road to Bran Castle. Tour of Bran Castle. Legendary and popular Bran Castle, commonly called Dracula's Castle, sits on a cliff between Transylvania and Wallachia. Built between 1377 and 1388, the castle is an important Romanian monument, whose illustration inspired Bram Stroker when describing Dracula's imaginary castle. Return to the hotel for dinner and the night.

Day 4: Predeal - Sinaia - Oltenita

Join the included excursion to Peles Castle and the Sinaia Monastery. Leave by coach for Sinaia to visit the superb 19th-century Peles Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family. King Carol I commissioned the construction of the palace after falling in love with the mountain scenery, and it is now the small city's major tourist attraction. The immense rooms within the castle are bursting with works of art and decoration, including giant Murano glass chandeliers, stained glass windows, teak woodwork, and all sorts of local touches. The monumental marble staircase leads up to the Hall of Honor, where the family received many royal guests. The next stop will be the Sinaia Monastery, home to a few dozen remaining monks. Notable sites at the monastery include the New Church built in 1846, with icons gifted by Czar Nicholas II of Russia in 1903, and the small history museum that holds several treasures, including the first translation of the Bible in Romanian from 1668.

In the afternoon, you will take an approximate 3.5-hour trip to Oltenita. Passengers are welcome to board the ship at 6 p.m.  

Day 5: Tulcea (Romania)

Spend the morning cruising towards Tulcea. Join the proposed excursions:
CLASSIC: The Danube Delta with its rich fauna and flora.
DISCOVERY: The Danube Delta on a speed boat, a thrilling and original discovery.
In the late afternoon, return on board and keep cruising towards Oltenita.

Day 6: Oltenita (Romania) - Bucharest

Spend the morning sailing. In the afternoon, join the proposed excursion for both packages: Bucharest. Return on board in Ruse

Day 7: Ruse (Bulgaria)

Join the proposed excursion for both packages: Full-day excursion to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, including lunch at a restaurant. Return on board in Ruse. Enjoy dinner and an evening of traditional folk entertainment on board.

Day 8: Ruse

Join the proposed excursion for both packages: Tour of Ruse, a very attractive town thanks to the wide avenues, large squares and wonderful buildings which pay tribute to the national Renaissance architecture. The afternoon will be spent cruising.

Day 9: The Iron Gates

The entire day will be spent cruising on the Danube. Your ship will pass through the Iron Gates, the gorge on the Danube that forms part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. It was called "The Cauldrons” by ancient sailors, since the water, held tightly between two steep cliffs, seemed to be boiling.

Day 10: Belgrade – Novi Sad (Serbia)

Join the proposed excursions:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Belgrade whose rich cultural heritage will surprise you.
DISCOVERY: Discover Belgrade by bike. You'll cycle along the history-filled streets with your guide who will explain the city's recent past from World War II to current times.

In the afternoon, join the proposed excursion for both packages: Discover the multi-ethnic city of Novi Sad, the industrial and financial center of the Serbian economy and a major cultural center, and the Krusedol Monastery.
Return on board in Novi Sad and keep cruising towards Osijek.

Day 11: Osijek (Croatia) – Mohacs (Hungaria)

Join the proposed excursions:
CLASSIC: Guided tour of Osijek.
DISCOVERY: Discover Osijek by bike. The old part of the town, Tvrđa, was built at the beginning of the 18th century and is a dream to cycle through. It is the best-preserved, largest ensemble of Baroque buildings in Croatia.
Spend the afternoon cruising towards Mohacs and through customs before sailing on to Budapest. Tonight's your gala dinner and evening. Your ship will cruise through the night.

Day 12: Budapest

Breakfast on board this morning before disembarking at 9:00 a.m.

INCLUSIONS:

  • Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day
  • Onboard drinks included (except for drinks from the special lists)
  • Double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom
  • Transfer Bucharest airport/hotel in on Day 1
  • Accommodation in 4-start hotel in Romania including dinners and breakfasts
  • Assistance from onboard multi-lingual host/hostess
  • Welcome cocktail
  • Onboard entertainment
  • Gala Evening
  • All port fees
  • Excursions from Day 2 to Day 4
  • Pre-paid Classic Sightseeing Program

EXCLUSIONS:

  • Drinks from the special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers or the extension in Romania
  • Cancellation and luggage insurance
  • Transfers to/from departure/arrival points
  • Personal expenses

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers may be subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are available in some destinations for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Order a Brochure

Click to view our online brochures. We also offer printed brochures to order. Enquire here

Testimonials

Read testimonials from past Innovative Travellers whom we have helped to explore the globe.

Sign up for Emails

Click to sign up for our amazing email exclusive offers, free events, travel tips, and more.

Contact Us

Email: info@innovativetravel.co.nz

Tel: +64 3 365 3910

NZ Toll Free: 0508 100 111

Aust Toll Free: 1800 157 163