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Best of the Balkans

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Operated by APT
Tripcode: EUTCBB15
Overview
Destination:
Bulgaria
Hungary
Start:Budapest, Hungary
Finish:Budapest, Hungary
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
This product has sold out, you can still contact us for other options.
Budapest Return
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.

Trip notes
  • Overseas transfers, port charges and tipping included
  • Disruptions to cruising and itinerary may occur
  • *Flights from the UK are subject to flight and booking class availability
  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change
  • This itinerary is operated by Travelmarvel, part of the APT Travel Group
  • Prices are for cruise and return flights from the UK only

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Standard inclusions
  • Return scheduled flights from the UK*
  • 14 nights cruising on a contemporary Travelmarvel river ship
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director, Entertainment and Activities Coordinators, and local guides
  • 40 meals - 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 14 dinners, onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
  • Explore 15 towns, villages and cities
  • Enjoy a traditional Hungarian horse show with Magyar cowboys in Puszta
  • Cruise through the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular natural sights along the Danube River
  • Learn about life in Serbia during a visit to a local family’s village and fruit orchard in Belgrade
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Itinerary
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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. 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 the city's historic monuments, such as Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and gala Welcome Dinner on board as your ship sets sail.
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.
Day 4 - Vukovar
Following the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar’s economy, infrastructure and culture were in disarray. However, today you will see the efforts taken to restore this city to its former glory. Today, visit the Vukovar City Museum, hidden inside Eltz Manor. Enjoy the chance to wander through the castle complex.
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 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 - Rousse
Go ashore to Rousse, 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 Rousse 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 - 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.
Day 10 - 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. 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
Head to Puszta for your Insider Experience.
Day 14 - Budapest
Return to Budapest, where you will spend the day your own way. You may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock.
Day 15 - Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Departure dates

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Travellers

Operator
APT

APT Luxury Travel offers all-inclusive, all taken care of and all-inspiring luxury cruises, tours and rail journeys. As Australia’s largest family-owned tour and cruise company, we are committed to delivering unforgettable travel experiences to our valued guests. What began as just a vision, over 90 years ago, has now grown into a proud global business, demonstrating the power of dreaming fully.

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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14 nights
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