Embark on a 10-day cruise aboard the River Duchess. It is an ideal journey for those seeking hidden gems and unique destinations—travel from beautiful Budapest to vibrant Bucharest, exploring the rich cultures of Eastern Europe. Admire the stunning spires of Hungary’s Parliament, enjoy intimate meals with locals in Croatia and Bulgaria, and uncover historical treasures along the Danube. Perfect for explorers, photographers, history enthusiasts, and lovers of regional cuisine and captivating landscapes.
Highlights
Discover Belgrade’s vibrant history and modern charm on guided tours
Explore Budapest’s architecture and culture on panoramic or walking tours
Visit Croatia's Vučedol Museum and enjoy a home-hosted rustic lunch
Marvel at Vidin's unique rock formations or enjoy a wine tasting
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.
Buda and Pest each have distinctive character and allure, located on opposite sides of the Danube. Explore this dynamic and multifaceted city with your choice of excursions—you can see it from a local’s perspective on a walking tour or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Vibrant Budapest, Hungary’s capital, offers an enchanting combination of East and West.
Choose between the Budapest Communist Tour or Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Synagogue Visit
A special Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you in the evening.
Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has remarkably recovered from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside, thriving folk traditions, and simple, delicious local rustic food.
Choose between the Vučedol Culture Museum and Lunch at a Family Restaurant or the Osijek Walking Tour and a Home-Hosted Lunch with an Eltz Manor Visit.
Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, is one of Europe's oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, juxtaposed with the city's vibrant modern-day present.
Featured Excursion: "Nights Out" Serbian History with Private Concert
Choose between the Belgrade City Tour with a Visit to the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace or the Let's Go: "I Bike Belgrade" Tour.
Head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site and an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval fortress. All along the way, history lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan's Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars, and Turks.
Choose between Lepenski Vir Archaeological Park and Golubac Castle or Let's Go: Kovilovo Viewpoint Hike.
Unwind onboard as you cruise the breathtaking Iron Gates, an 83-mile-long (134-kilometer-long) stretch of scenic gorges cut through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains over eons by the Danube River. These gorges, a natural border between Serbia and Romania, are among Europe's most dramatic and beautiful sights. This was one of the river's swiftest and most dangerous stretches before two dams were built: Iron Gate I and Iron Gate II. Construction on the dams began in 1964 and took 20 years to complete; they have dramatically altered the area's landscape, raising the water level by 114 feet (35 meters) and drowning several islands and villages.
Vidin is a port town on the Danube that once played an important role in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It’s your base for an unusual excursion today—visiting the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Or you can indulge in a tasting at a local winery.
Choose between Belogradchik Red Rock Valley or Dos Alamos Wine Estate Visit and Tasting.
Bulgaria’s foremost Danube port, Ruse, is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings.
Choose between Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with an Authentic Bulgarian Lunch or a Ruse Walking Tour with Ivanovo and Basarbovo Monasteries.
A special Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you in the evening.
Day 8: Disembark in Giurgiu | Transfer to Bucharest
1 Breakfast
This morning, disembark the ship in Giurgiu and drive through the countryside to Bucharest, where you can enjoy a panoramic city tour and visit People's Palace. Tonight, relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel in the heart of the city, Romania's capital and cultural and economic center.
Featured Excursion: Bucharest Communist Tour with People's Palace
Day 9: Bucharest
1 Breakfast
Get to know the bustling heart of Romania's capital city with a full day to explore Bucharest on your own.
Day 10: Depart for Home
1 Breakfast
Check out of your hotel this morning and depart for the airport 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.
$4,6992-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Classic
Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft/14 sq m) located on the Moselle Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, bathrobes, towels and slippers.
Deluxe
Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft /14 sq m) located on the Danube and Main Deck. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, bathrobes, towels and slippers.
French Balcony
Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom located on the Rhine Deck (151 sq ft /14 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, towels, bathrobes, heated mirrors and slippers.
Suite
Lavishly appointed riverview suite located on the Rhine Deck (214 sq ft /20 sq m) with a French balcony. Handcrafted Savoir Beds of England, built-in closet, safe, hair dryer, individual thermostat, flat TV screen and bottled water. Marble bathroom equipped with Hermes bath and body products, bathrobes, towels and slippers.
Notes
Please Note: Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
- All fares are per guest in US Dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
- Single Supplement applies for single accommodation. Solo occupancy pricing is dependent on cabin type, contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 15% of cruise fare plus any additional port charges, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
We are so glad that we chose Adventure Life. The service is top-notch. Everything is well taken care of and we just have to print the documents and go. Franny even gave us timely updates on possible airport strike.
KC Chan
TrustScore 4.8 | 342 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 342 reviews on
3 hours ago
We had such a great experience with Adventure Life when we booked the Galapagos trip a few years ago. Mary Curry helped us then, and again now. She is very knowledgeable, prompt in communication back and forth, and makes it so easy. Thank you, Mary! P.S. Your chat room person, Jo, was also wonderful.
MTPhil
1 day ago
The entire experience was great. Erin really knows her stuff and provided me with a lot of great insight and advice.
MARGARET CINCOTTA
2 days ago
Mary Curry is the BEST! I have worked with her for multiple family trips for over 10 years, and she is responsive, works within your preferences and budget, has great suggestions and has personal travel experience at many of the locations. We prefer active family vacations and Adventure Life and Mary Curry make sure that is what we get!
Heather Spanbauer
2 days ago
Bhutan with stopover in Bangkok. All of our trips with Adventure Life have featured guides and drivers of top professional calibre, a great way to travel. This itinerary was no exception.
Steve Metzler
4 days ago
Very prompt responses. Erin found us the trip we were looking for and gave us good advice.