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 Giurgiu. With options for wine tasting excursions, visits to historical sites, and a myriad of guided tours, this cruise provides something for everyone. This cruise is also offered in a reverse direction from Giurgiu to Budapest.
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.
Arrive in Mohacs during breakfast and then depart for your excursion to Pecs. Founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans, Pecs became an important early Christian bishopric and Turkish cultural base during the many centuries of Ottoman rule. Upon arrival, visit the Mosque Church, the largest structure surviving from the Ottoman period as well as the underground burial chambers dating back to the 4th century. Also visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the main Catholic cathedral in the city, as well as the restored Synagogue, before returning to the ship in Mohacs. After lunch, enjoy a wine-tasting excursion, where you can sample aromatic, spicy wines from the vineyards of Villány.
This morning, enjoy a "Yugoslav Civil War" tour of Vukovar that shows you the Ovcara Memorial, the monumental cross that serves as a memorial to those who lost their lives during Croatia’s struggle for independence. You may also choose to take a wine tasting excursion to Ilok instead. Enjoy lunch on board as you cruise to Novi Sad, Serbia, one of Europe’s greatest historical treasures. On your afternoon walking tour of the city, see the Petrovaradin fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached, now home to a hotel, museum, and artists’ studios.
Wake up in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and enjoy a panoramic tour of the city that includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. This afternoon you have your choice of one of three excursions. The first option is a visit to the mausoleum of Marshal Josip Broz Tito, a beloved figure who was the leader of the Yugoslav Partisans during the Second World War and became the first President of Yugoslavia. The second option is a tasting of Serbian plum brandy and local snacks at the Quburich Distillery. Finally, the third option is a guided bike tour through Belgrade around Ada Ciganlija Island.
Today, take a full day of cruising through one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, the Iron Gates. Here the Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between Serbia and Romania. The banks of the river along this natural border are lined with sheer-faced rocks that stretch high overhead, a sight that is an unforgettable highlight of your adventure.
Your time in Vidin begins with a visit to Belogradchik, a beautifully restored castle located in a stunning landscape of unusual rock formations, as well as Vidin Castle. Afterwards, visit Baba Vida Fortress, the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, where you are treated to a fascinating historical re-enactment. You may also opt instead for a Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting, or a guided bike tour on which you can see sights like the Ottoman post office and visit the synagogue. Afterwards, you have your choice of one of three excursions. The ship departs early afternoon.
Today, enjoy a visit to the ancient capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Turnavo. Here, tour Tsarevets Hill, the old citadel of the city. You can see the old fortress walls, the Royal Palaces and the Patriarchal church, and the Baldwin’s Tower. Or, you may choose to hike to the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, a group of monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries built into the side of a mountain. Return to the ship afterward and enjoy a free evening.
Day 8: Giurgiu | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Disembark the ship in Rousse and connect to your return 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
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Category E
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Category D
Piano Deck, Fixed window, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Category C
Cello Deck, French Balcony, private facilities, 170 sq. ft.
Category BB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Category BA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 210 sq. ft.
Category AB
Cello Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Category AA
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 235 sq. ft.
Suite
Violin Deck, French Balcony & Outside Balcony, private facilities, 350 sq. ft.
I could not be happier with my Adventure Life experience, from beginning to end. I travel a lot, and I think your company and personnel do an outstanding job. I truly appreciate your professionalism, attentiveness, and flexibility. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your company and would be happy to serve as a reference.
Constance Block
TrustScore 4.8 | 254 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
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2 days ago
The holiday of a lifetime. The company is Alaksa-owned and thhat makes a big difference to the experineces you get i.e. meet genuine First Nations tribes people. The amount of wildlife was beyond my expectation, and seeing everything on sucha small, intimate boat made it even more spoecial and unique.
Liz O
2 days ago
Adventure Life covered all the details in planning our trip to Ireland. Any questions we had were answered immediately. Any trip glitches, which always happen when traveling, were resolved immediately. There were no worries, just fun!
Kathleen Weller
2 days ago
It was an outstanding, up-close, educational vacation of nature, culture, history, animals and geology! It was everything they promised! Binoculars were plentiful on the boat, but I'm glad I brought my own. Food was excellent. Rooms had black-out shades. Pack/wear multiple layers of clothing (I carried a small backpack when off the ship). Crew were delightful and very accommodating! Remember to jump FEET FIRST first when taking the optional polar plunge! Spend as much time outdoors as you are able and ENJOY!!!
Janet Dutton
1 week ago
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
1 week ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.