Legends of the Balkans with Transylvania
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.
- 06 Jun 2026 – 16 Jun 2026
from $5,470 pp twin share / $9,170 pp solo * - 18 Jul 2026 – 28 Jul 2026
from $5,270 pp twin share / $8,820 pp solo * - 15 Aug 2026 – 25 Aug 2026
from $5,470 pp twin share / $9,170 pp solo * - 02 Apr 2027 – 12 Apr 2027
from $5,670 pp twin share / $9,570 pp solo * - 12 Apr 2027 – 22 Apr 2027
from $5,820 pp twin share / $9,820 pp solo * - 25 Jun 2027 – 05 Jul 2027
from $5,970 pp twin share / $10,070 pp solo * - 23 Jul 2027 – 02 Aug 2027
from $5,870 pp twin share / $9,920 pp solo * - 20 Aug 2027 – 30 Aug 2027
from $5,970 pp twin share / $10,070 pp solo *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrive Bucharest:
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Bucharest.
- Day 2 – Bucharest, Brasov:
This morning, embark on a guided tour of the city, taking in the wide, tree-lined boulevards and Belle Époque buildings. Stroll through the Old Town to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church, and the historic Lipscani district. Later, continue your journey to Brașov.
- Day 3 – Brasov:
This morning, travel to Bran Castle, famously known as ‘Dracula’s Castle.’ With a local guide, explore its fascinating history as you walk through its many rooms, admiring the 19th-century antiques. Afterward, return to Braşov for a guided tour through its medieval streets.
- Day 4 – Brasov, Giurgiu, Embark Ship:
After breakfast, travel to your river ship. Stop on the way in the town of Sinaia for some free time.
- Day 5 – Ruse, Veliko Târnovo, Arbanasi:
Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.
- Day 6 – Vidin, Belogradchik:
Explore Baba Vida, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 10th century, and admire its imposing walls and towers while learning about its storied past. Continue to Belogradchik to visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, dramatically set on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While here, take time to admire the town’s remarkable rock formations, which give Belogradchik its distinctive and striking landscape.
- Day 7 – Scenic Cruising:
The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.
- Day 8 – Novi Sad:
Step ashore to explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and often regarded as its cultural capital. Join a guided tour through its charming streets and lively cultural precincts, followed by free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere. You may also wish to visit Petrovaradin Fortress, an imposing complex overlooking the Danube, where the intriguing catacombs reveal glimpses of the fortress’s storied past.
- Day 9 – Kalocsa, Puszta:
Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town steeped in history on the banks of the Danube. From here, travel to the Puszta for your Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Traditional Horse Show
In the Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show showcasing the remarkable riding skills of the Hungarian cavalry. You may also choose to take an optional carriage ride, visit the stables and meet the riders.
- Day 10 – Budapest:
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to the city’s Great Market Hall, a must-visit housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Alternatively, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a wartime hospital built within the caverns beneath Buda Castle and later used as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Enhance Your Journey – Great Market Hall Tour
Join a culinary tour through the market, discovering a variety of Hungarian sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle.
- Day 11 – Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest:
Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport.
Highlights
- Cruise the Danube River and discover charming riverside towns and villages.
- Visit the grand sights of Budapest, Belgrade, and Bucharest.
- Tour Transylvania and the famous Bran Castle, known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’.
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.
Inclusions
- Traditional Horse Show.
- Day 1 highlights Arrive Bucharest:
Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Bucharest.
.
- Day 2 highlights Bucharest, Brasov:
This morning, embark on a guided tour of the city, taking in the wide, tree-lined boulevards and Belle Époque buildings. Stroll through the Old Town to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church, and the historic Lipscani district. Later, continue your journey to Brașov.
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FAQs
- Bucharest Old Town, Hilton Garden Inn
- Seven Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship
- Two Nights, Brasov, Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel or similar
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 11 days and 10 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 06 Jun 2026 and 30 Aug 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Can I travel solo?
Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
Provided by: APTFine Print
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