Arrive in Budapest and embark the MS Amabella for your 8-day Danube River cruise. Traverse the dramatic narrow gorge known as the Iron Gates, then cruise along the Romanian-Bulgarian border. Visit Vidin and Rousse before disembarking in Budapest. With options for wine tasting excursions, visits to historical sites, and a myriad of guided tours, this cruise provides something for everyone.
Highlights
Take a walking tour of Novi Sad, Serbia, and see the Petrovaradin fortress
Indulge in MS Amabella's luxuries including fine dining and spa services
Cruise through the Iron Gates, a series of impressive gorges on the Danube
Enjoy culinary and wine excursions in the picturesque European countryside
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
If you're looking to explore more of Bucharest or venture out to Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, there are plenty of options available to you. Veliko Tarnovo is famous for its medieval fortress and numerous orthodox temples. Alternatively, you can choose to visit Rousse, which is known for its 19th and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture. Another option is to visit the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, which have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and are known for their exceptional 14th-century paintings.
Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle. Wine-lovers can instead enjoy a wine tasting at a local winery, situated just outside of Vidin in the village of Negovanovtsi. Located on the vine-growing and wine-producing Danubian Plain, we will tour this boutique winery and end in the cellar for a tasting that includes traditional Bulgarian wines.
The Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour.
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. Or explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on “The Athens of Serbia” walking tour. Stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall.
Enjoy an afternoon in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings and clothing. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Wine connoisseurs will want to enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines.
Visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, and the UNESCOdesignated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago.
Day 8: Budapest | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship in Budapest and prepare for your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,4992-3 travelers
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Category E
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Category D
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
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Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
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Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
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Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
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Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
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Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 350 sq. ft.
This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).
Karen Snider
TrustScore 4.9 | 200 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 200 reviews on
9 hours ago
Erin was really helpful during the booking process! She met with me, answered all my questions and made the booking process really easy!
Adrianne Trogden
18 hours ago
My experience with Sandra at Adventure Life was wonderful. She was very thorough, not only emailed me cruise information to review, she followed up with phone calls to answer any questions. We also received a couple of discounts which helped with our decision. I would recommend Adventure Life to my family and friends.
Gail Murray
1 day ago
We had an excellent experience with Adventure Life. This was our second trip with them and we have a third in process. Our trip to Vietnam and Asia were well planned, great accommodations and very good guides. Everything went smoothly.
Colorado Traveler
1 day ago
This is the second trip we’ve booked through Adventure Life and Jane was very helpful in finding a great price for our adventure.
Michael Mechsner
1 day ago
Mary always does an outstanding job... and this trip planning was no exception. She always brings a high level of quality customer service to any question or request we pose.