Have questions? We're here.
Romanian Athenaeum Of Bucharest, Romania

Gems of Southeast Europe

Example 14 Day Cruise aboard MS Amabella
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Danube River trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds, and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to see Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends; or to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Ilok, a royal and vinous town. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds, and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
Veliko Tarnovo, BulgariaBelgrade, SerbiaMemorial Cross in Vukovar, CroatiaIron Gates, Danube RiverBudapest CityscapeFisherman's Bastion in Budapest, HungaryHungarian parliament, BudapestRomanian Athenaeum Of Bucharest, Romania
Highlights
  • Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Pécs
  • Visit the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary
  • Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad
  • Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities
Activities
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Arrive In Vienna, Austria

Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2: Vienna

  • 1 Breakfast
The “City of Waltzes” offers a treasure trove of gems on a city tour that showcases its regal splendors. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna’s historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B)

Day 3: Vienna | Budapest, Hungary | Embarkation

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
Transfer from Vienna via motorcoach to Budapest where you'll be taken on a city tour. Visit the UNESCO listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Basilica, Houses of Parliament and the Chain Bridge. During the evening, be treated to an Illuminations cruise past the capital’s glittering river front. (B,D)

Day 4: MohÁcs | PÉcs

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated 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. 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 2000 years ago. 

Day 5: Vukovar, Croatia | Novi Sad, Serbia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you’ll better understand on your city tour showcasing the Ovčara Memorial and Eltz Palace. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a center of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens.” Discover Novi Sad on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town center. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking or hiking tour. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached.

Day 6: Belgrade

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Later, choose from three intriguing excursions. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family; and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. 

Day 7: Scenic Cruising Through The Iron Gates

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
The Iron Gates is one 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. The banks of the river dazzle with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead along this natural border between Serbia and Romania. 

Day 8: Vidin, Bulgaria

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
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 overlooking the Danube. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. 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. 

Day 9: Rousse | Giurgiu, Romania

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo- Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings and Bulgarian medieval art. 

Day 10: Giuriu | Disembark | Brasov

  • 1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and board a motorcoach to journey through the Romanian countryside to Bran, where you’ll visit Transylvania’s legendary Bran Castle, which is forever linked with the legend of Dracula. Afterward, you'll travel to the lovely village of Brașov. Enjoy a tour of the town and then check into your hotel. 

Day 11: Brasov to Sighisoara

  • 1 Breakfast
Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighişoara, birthplace to Transylvania’s most notorious ruler, Vlad Ţepeş, also known as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula. It’s hard to believe that this perfectly preserved UNESCO designated town filled with resplendent pastel-colored buildings, stone lanes, medieval towers and pedestrian-friendly Old Town was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard; however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called “Casa Dracula.” 

Day 12: Brasov to Bucharest

  • 1 Breakfast
En route to Bucharest, stop in Sinaia to visit the enchanting Peleș Castle, considered by many to be one of the most stunning in Europe. Tour the castle, which was once the residence of the royal family. Later in the day, check into your hotel. 

Day 13: Bucharest

  • 1 Breakfast
Bucharest, Romania’s capital, has earned its nickname, the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy a visit to the city’s most impressive sites—including the historic city center and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world.

Day 14: Depart Bucharest

Bid farewell to Bucharest as you prepare for your independent homeward flight. 

Ship/Hotel

MS Amabella

Bicycles outside the Amabella.
Stay in a luxurious suite while touring Eastern Europe aboard the AmaBella.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$5,259

Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Select a Date
Category E
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Cabins Category D and E
Select a Date
Category D
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Cabin Category C
Select a Date
Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Select a Date
Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 350 sq. ft.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 13 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Onboard Entertainment 
  • Bottled water replenished daily
  • Personalized service from a highly trained Cruise Manager during both cruise and land programs
  • Beverages: Unlimited fine wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner.
  • Beverages: Unlimited sparkling wine and fresh juice with breakfast
  • Personal headset for excursions. 
  • Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Gala Dinner
  • Knowledgeable guides
  • Internet and Wi-Fi access
  • Sip & Sail Daily Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
  • La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs exclusive dining experience
  • Bike tours and hikes
  • 2 nights hotel in Vienna at the Intercontinental Vienna (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the hotel in Vienna to Budapest with city tour
  • Transfer from the ship in Giurgiu to Bran Castle and then Brașov
  • 2 nights hotel in Brașov at the Kronwell Brașov Hotel (or similar), including city tour, Sighișoara excursion and daily breakfast
  • Transfer from the hotel in Brașov to Peleș Royal Castle in Sinaia and then to Bucharest
  • 2 nights hotel in Bucharest at the Radisson Blu (or similar), including city tour and daily breakfast
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
  • Laundry 
  • Port Fees

Map

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin
More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By