Voyage Through the Balkans

Trip Code:50930
(AUD) Twin Share from $11,995pp
Days 15
Nights 14

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.

  • 07 Apr 2027 – 21 Apr 2027
    from $11,995 pp twin share / $20,995 pp solo *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Itinerary

  • 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. In the evening, join your fellow travellers for a welcome to remember. Enjoy a performance of Hungarian folk music while you indulge in local brandy, as well as artisan meats and cheeses.

  • 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.

    Freedom of Choice – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum

    Embark on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, 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.

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the Balkans.
  • Sail through the stunning Iron Gates gorge.
  • Admire the architectural gems of Bucharest.

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.

Inclusions

  • Golubac Walking Tour.
  • Iron Gates Cruising.
  • Folk Art House and Horse Show.
  • Villány Wine Tasting.
  • Belogradchik.

FAQs

  • 14 Nights, APT Ostara

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 15 days and 14 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 07 Apr 2027 and 21 Apr 2027, subject to live availability.

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.

What style of accommodation is used?

Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.

Provided by: APT

Fine Print

Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.

(AUD) Twin Share from $11,995pp
Days 15
Nights 14

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