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Hungarian parliament, Budapest

Highlights of Eastern Europe

Budapest - Bucharest - Example 10 Day Cruise aboard River Duchess
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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.
Discover the gorgeous architecture of BudapestBudapest CityscapeCruise through BelgradeBudapest, the capital city of HungaryHungarian parliament, Budapest
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
Activities
Activity Level: Variable
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.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Budapest | Embark

Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, a representative will greet you and transfer you to the ship.

Day 2: Budapest

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.

Day 3: Mohacs | Batina (Osijek) | Vukovar

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.

Day 4: Belgrade

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.

 

Day 5: Golubac | Cruising the Iron Gates

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.

Day 6: Vidin

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.

Day 7: Ruse

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.

Ship/Hotel

River Duchess

Blue Danube Lounge
Palace Restaurant
River Duchess Lobby

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$4,699 2-3 travelers
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Classic Cabin
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 Cabin
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 Cabin
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 Cabin
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.
Included
  • 9 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Bilingual English-speaking guide
  • Unlimited Wifi
  • All gratuities, shipboard and shoreside 
  • Bicycles & Hiking Sticks equipment if needed
  • Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
  • Guided “Do as the Locals Do” and “Let's Go” programs
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Cultural enrichment, including a Signature Lecture
  • 2 nights in Bucharest at The Marmorosch Bucharest Hotel (or similar) with breakfast
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Airport Tax
  • Port Fees
  • Excess baggage charges
  • Passport or Visa fees

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