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Voyage Through the Balkans

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Operated by APT
Tripcode: EUVC15
Overview
Destination:
Hungary
Start:Budapest, Hungary
Finish:Budapest, Hungary
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 45)
Style:
Land Journey,
Travel Period
March 2026 - March 2026
Budapest → Budapest

Immerse yourself in the treasures of Eastern Europe during this spectacular 15-day luxury cruise along the Danube River, Budapest return. Explore Belgrade and sail through the Iron Gates. Marvel at Bulgaria’s natural wonders and admire Bucharest’s architecture.

Highlights
  • On this Signature Experience, enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Golubac, a charming village in eastern Serbia. Explore the striking 14th-century Golubac Fortress, which stands at the entrance to the Iron Gates of the Danube, and hear about its captivating history from your expert guide. Then, visit a local riverside tavern, where you’ll delight in a delicious Serbian meze tasting, featuring an array of small dishes such as cheeses, cured meats and other local specialties.

  • On this memorable Signature Experience, visit the Folk Art House, where local handicrafts are on show. Then, visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.

  • 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 unparalleled cruising experience.

  • On this Freedom of Choice sightseeing activity, travel to Villány, a renowned Hungarian wine region known for its red and rose varieties. Here, you will pay a visit to a local winery, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting.

  • Venture to the town of Belogradchik in Bulgaria and visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.

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Standard inclusions
  • Experiences in 12 destinations
  • Freedom of Choice Inclusions
  • A total of 41 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
  • Expert Cruise Director
  • Butler, room service and laundry (select suites)
  • Transfers, port charges and gratuities
  • Visit Eltz Manor, a baroque castle set amongst vast parkland
  • Discover all things Hungarian in the town of Kalocsa
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Itinerary
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Day 1 - Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship

Welcome to Budapest. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Day 2 - Budapest

Decide how to explore Budapest with a choice of sightseeing activities.

Freedom of Choice – City Tour

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, taking in historic monuments such as Heroes’ Square and St. Stephen’s Basilica.

Freedom of Choice – Culinary Tour

Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride

Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion. 

Gala Welcome Dinner

Enjoy a multi-course meal with an expertly crafted menu. 

Day 3 - Mohács

Decide how to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer.

Freedom of Choice – Pécs Sightseeing Tour

Embark on a guided walking discovery of this ancient city, which is renowned for its architectural wonders, including the Early Christian Mausoleum and Szent István Square.

Freedom of Choice – Villány Wine Tasting

Travel to Villány, a renowned Hungarian wine region known for its red and rose varieties. Here, you will pay a visit to a local winery, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride

Perhaps get active on a guided bike ride along the Danube to an ancient mill. 

Day 4 - Vukovar

Bearing battle scars from the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar has risen strong and has a rich history. On an enlightening city tour, hear about the city's wartime past and visit the Memorial Centre of Homeland War Vukovar.

Day 5 - Belgrade

In Serbia’s capital, choose your activity.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Exploration of Belgrade

Uncover the rich history of Belgrade on this guided discovery. You will see iconic wonders, including the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of Saint Sava.

Freedom of Choice – Kayak Tour

Discover Belgrade from a different perspective on this sightseeing adventure. Begin at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, where you will paddle to Great War Island and Lido Beach.

Freedom of Choice – Belgrade Culinary Tour

Visit a bustling food market, where you’ll learn about the secrets of Serbian cuisine and be introduced to a range of local produce, meats and cheeses. Then, delight in a tasting of various types of Serbian brandy, known as rakija, complemented by traditional gingerbread biscuits, known as medenjaci.

Day 6 - Golubac, Iron Gates Cruising

This morning, your ship will dock at the Golubac Fortress, where you'll disembark for a Signature Experience. Later, cruise through the Iron Gates and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you will encounter on your journey.

Signature Experience – Golubac Walking Tour

Set out on a fascinating walking tour of Golubac, a charming village in eastern Serbia. Explore the striking Golubac Fortress, which stands at the entrance to the Iron Gates of the Danube. Built in the 14th century, the fortress’ strategic position made it an integral military border stronghold. Wander along the walls and towers of this remarkable fortification as you hear about its captivating history from your expert guide. From the fortress, take a scenic walk along the riverbanks of the Danube and soak up the breathtaking views. Then, visit a local riverside tavern, where you’ll delight in a delicious Serbian meze tasting, featuring an array of small dishes such as cheeses, cured meats and other local specialties.

Day 7 - Scenic Cruising

Spend the day relaxing on board and enjoying the amenities of your luxurious ship. Perhaps indulge in a treatment at the onboard spa or sip a delicious cocktail on the Daystar Deck as you admire the serene landscapes unfolding before you.

Day 8 - Giurgiu, Bucharest

With an entire day in Bucharest, take in the wide tree-lined boulevards and Belle Epoque buildings, then walk through the Old Town to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the Lipscani district. After lunch, choose your activity.

Freedom of Choice – Palace of the Parliament

The Palace of the Parliament is the seat of the Parliament of Romania, and is the second largest administrative building in the world. Enjoy a tour through this grand monument.

Freedom of Choice – Village Museum

Embark on a visit to the Village Museum, an insightful open-air historic museum located in Herăstrău Park, which showcases traditional Romanian village life. 

Day 9 - Ruse, Veliko Târnovo

Discover the wonders of Veliko Târnovo with an expert local guide. Uncover this charming Bulgarian city's rich history as you wander through its cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the ship.

Day 10 - Vidin, Belogradchik

Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik and visit its ancient fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.

Day 11 - Scenic Cruising

The day is yours to relax on board, sleep in and take it easy, or awake early and take in stunning views from the Daystar Deck.

Day 12 - Novi Sad

Choose how you’d like to spend the day in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city.

Freedom of Choice Guided City Discovery

Enjoy a guided tour of Novi Sad, situated on the banks of the Danube River. Discover the city's iconic sights found along the main walkway of Zmaj Jovina.

Freedom of Choice Local Farmstead

Visit a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture, featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts.

Day 13 - Kalocsa, Puszta

Enjoy a Signature Experience today.

Signature Experience – Folk Art House and Horse Show

Visit the Folk Art House, where local handicrafts are on show. Then, visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch. 

Day 14 - Budapest

Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. This evening, enjoy a captain’s farewell dinner.

Freedom of Choice – Hospital in the Rock

Embark on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.

Freedom of Choice – Hike to Gellért Hill

Take a guided hike up Gellért Hill and admire the panoramic views over the Danube River. You'll also see the St Gellért Monument, honouring the Italian bishop and martyr who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Hungary in the 11th century.

Day 15 - Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest

Say your farewells, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport.

Departure dates

Select your preferred date or enquire

Enquire now

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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