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Balkan Adventure with Transylvania

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Operated by Travel Marvel
Tripcode: EUTCBB11
Overview
Destination:
Hungary
Romania
Duration:11 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Style:
Land Tour,
Travel Period
June 2026 - August 2027
Budapest → Bucharest

Explore the best of the Balkans on a seven-night cruise along the Danube River. Discover the grand sights of Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest, visit the fabled Bran Castle, explore charming riverside towns and villages, cruise through the spectacular Iron Gates and tour Transylvania.

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

Highlights:
  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights not included (unless specified)
  • Low or high-water levels may cause disruption to cruising
Standard inclusions
  • Seven nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director, Tour Director and local guides
  • 24 meals - 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners
  • Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
  • Explore seven towns, villages and cities
  • Transfers, port charges and tipping
  • Visit a local Serbian family at their village home and learn about the daily rituals of traditional farm life
  • Explore Bran Castle
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship

Welcome to Budapest, the historic Hungarian capital. Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your river ship, docked on the Danube River.

Day 2 - Budapest

After breakfast, join a local guide to explore the city. Admire Budapest’s grand landmarks and architectural highlights as you discover the city’s rich history.

Day 3 - Mohács, Pécs

From the quiet port town of Mohács, history enthusiasts may wish to travel to the ancient city of Pécs. Hungary’s fifth-largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, it offers a wealth of historic sights, including the copper-domed Downtown Candlemas Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the 11th-century Pécs Cathedral. This afternoon is at leisure, or you may choose to join an optional excursion to Hungary’s renowned Villány wine region for a tasting.

Enhance Your Journey – Villány Wine Tasting

Travel to Hungary’s celebrated Villány wine region, known for its red and rosé varieties. Visit a local winery for a guided tour and tasting.

Day 4 - Osijek

Begin a captivating exploration of Osijek, a vibrant city rich in history. Wander its cobblestone streets, where well-preserved 18th-century architecture reveals glimpses of the past, and visit landmarks such as Holy Trinity Square and the Church of Saint Michael. Later, continue to Vukovar for a tasting of regional delicacies before rejoining your ship for a leisurely afternoon cruise towards Serbia.

Day 5 - Belgrade

In Serbia’s capital, embark on a guided tour of Belgrade. Visit the historic Belgrade Fortress, offering sweeping views over the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, and the Church of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. Later, gain insight into local life and traditions during a special Insider Experience.

Insider Experience – Village Farm and Slivovitz Tour

Visit a local family’s village home, touring the house and barn to meet the resident farm animals. Stroll through the orchards to learn about the distillation of slivovitz — Serbia’s traditional plum brandy — and its place in everyday culture.

Day 6 - Iron Gates

Today, witness nature at its finest as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a dramatic landscape of lush forests, towering cliffs and rugged gorges. Forming part of the border between Serbia and Romania, this remarkable stretch of the Danube offers one of the river’s most spectacular cruising experiences.

Day 7 - Ruse

Go ashore in Ruse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Join a walking tour to admire its Belle Époque architecture and manicured garden squares, often compared to the charm of Vienna. Along the way, pass the Monument of Liberty, the courthouse, and Battenberg Square. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure — perhaps visit the Rousse Regional Historical Museum the National Transport Museum or the ancient ruins of the Sexaginta Prista fortress.

Day 8 - Giurgiu, Disembark Ship, Braçov

After breakfast, travel to your hotel in Brașov, stopping en route in the town of Sinaia for free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure.

Day 9 - Brașov

This morning, travel to Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. With a local guide, learn about its history as you walk through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques. Return to Brașov and join a guided tour through its old streets, lined with well-preserved medieval architecture. Explore the colourful baroque buildings and Gothic masterpieces while enjoying the bustling ambiance of the cafes, restaurants and shops.

Day 10 - Brașov, Bucharest

Journey to Bucharest and join a guided tour of this vibrant metropolis and cultural hub. Stroll along wide, tree-lined boulevards, past elegant Belle Époque buildings, before exploring the Old City centre, with highlights including the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the lively Lipscani district.

Day 11 - Depart Bucharest

Your adventure comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport.

Dates

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Travellers

Operator
Travelmarvel

Travelmarvel delivers premium journeys at exceptional value. We are part of Australia’s largest locally-owned travel company, with a commitment to service and innovation, and a focus on the safety and wellbeing of our guests.

Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice. For more information, please see Terms of Use
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Price from
$5,795 $5,506 *
Member price from
$5,506*
per person twin share
10 nights
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