Legends of the Balkans River Cruise
Discover the highlights of the Balkans on this 8 day river cruise from an award winning river cruise operator. Enjoy unique cultural experiences throughout your journey from Bucharest to Budapest with most meals included (local beer & wine served during lunch & dinner) and the service of a cruise director.
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Why you’ll love this trip
- Unique cultural experiences in up to eight towns, villages and cities
- Explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s ‘Athens of the North’
- Join a guide to explore Budapest and enjoy views of the Danube from Castle Hill
- Enjoy a traditional horse show with Magyar cowboys in Puszta
- Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director, Entertainment & Activities Coordinators, and local guides
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners, plus onboard water stations, complimentary soft drink, beer and local wine with lunch and dinner on board your cruise
- Return scheduled flights from the UK*
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Bucharest, Giurgiu, Embark Ship
Fly from the UK to Romania’s hip capital, Bucharest. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to Giurgiu, where your river ship is docked, ready to begin its voyage. Dinner is served as you cruise down the Danube.
Stay: Seven Nights, Travelmarvel river ship
Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Rousse, 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, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. After, head to the hilltops to visit Arbanasi, a village brimming with history.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Vidin, Belogradchik
Begin your day in Vidin with free time to explore your own way. Afterwards, you may like to explore Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval castle which dates back to the 10th century. Later on, 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day4: Scenic Cruising
The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.
Daily: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: 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.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Kalocsa, Puszta
Insider Experience: In Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show featuring Magyar cowboys and fine equestrian skills.
Get to know Hungary’s oldest town, Kalocsa, set right on the banks of the Danube. The town is best known for its vibrant paprika festival. In fact, its production of paprika is so renowned that it is recognised globally as the paprika capital of the world. Aside from its famous paprika peppers, the city is also a great place to see traditional folk art and local handicrafts. Afterwards, head to Puszta for your Insider Experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Budapest
Spend the day exploring the sights of Budapest. Visit Castle Hill and admire the sweeping views of the Danube, the Houses of Parliament and Margaret Island. See the bridges arching across the inner city, including the iconic Chain Bridge, which is more than 160 years old. Cross the Danube and take in its historic monuments, such as Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. You may like to spend your free time on an optional experience to the Hospital in the Rock.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
Departures & Prices
SAVE up to £1,196 on this incredible 8 day river cruise with prices starting at just £1,199 per person and operated by one of specialist travel partners Travelmarvel.
March 2022 departures from £1,199pp (SAVE up to £1,196 per person)
April 2022 departures from £1,323 (SAVE up to £1,322 per person)
May 2022 departures from £1895 (SAVE up to £500 per person)
March 2023 departures from £1,895 (SAVE up to £500 per person)
April 2023 departures from £2,445 (SAVE up to £500 per person)
November 2023 departures £1,895 (SAVE up to £500 per person)
Please enquire below and one of Travelmarvel’s cruise experts will be in contact to discuss this cruise.