Voyage through centuries of fascinating history and explore Eastern Europe on this 9-day river cruise aboard Scenic Pearl. Start the adventure in Budapest, cruise to Kalocsa, Osijek and Belgrade. Relax and admire the spectacular scenery as you pass through the Iron Gates, showcasing a magnificent setting of the natural border between Serbia and Romania. Learn about life in Bulgaria as you discover the towns of Svishtov, Rousse, Silistra and Giurgiu before departing for Bucharest to gain insight about its communist past.
Highlights
Cruise the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge between Carpathian & Balkan Mountains
Meet people who intimately understand the local way of life in Croatia
Visit old town Kalocsa, located on the Great Hungarian Plain
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Located on the Great Hungarian Plain, Kalocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. Today, have the opportunity to witness a traditional Puszta horse show. Be greeted by the horsemen of the Puszta region where this type of activity has been practiced for centuries.
Freechoice: Explore Osijek on a guided city tour, or take a blissful guided bike ride through Osijek’s countryside.
Enrich: As a Scenic guest, be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this is a rare opportunity to meet people who intimately understand the local way of life.
Freechoice: Join a local guide for an in-depth discovery of Belgrade and visit Tito’s Memorial, or see Belgrade on an orientation tour before time at leisure. Alternatively, choose a guided bike ride along the Danube, or journey to Sremski Karlovci to explore the town and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements. Also, have the option of gaining some true insights into everyday life on a walking tour with a local.
Enrich: Visit the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt.
Relax on board and admire the scenery as the ship cruises the spectacular Iron Gates – a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Not only is it a spectacular setting, but it’s also the natural border between Serbia and Romania.
Freechoice: Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi. Or, stay on board and cruise to the Bulgarian town of Rousse where travelers will be treated to a guided sightseeing tour.
Freechoice: Discover Silistra Fort during an active walking tour or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Alternatively, visit a local village and a primary school and learn about life in Bulgaria.
Day 8: Giurgiu | Disembark | Bucharest
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bid a fond farewell to the crew and disembark the ship and travel to Bucharest.
Freechoice: Explore Bucharest and learn about its communist past, including a visit to Ceausescu’s Spring Palace. Or, tour the Village Open Air Museum and discover ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture.
Later, check-in for your stay at your centrally located hotel.
Day 9: Bucharest | Head towards home
1 Breakfast
After breakfast, prepare to head home. It may be the end of your journey, but it’s the beginning of a lifetime of fond memories.
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.
$11,090
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Please confirm embark/disembark locations before reserving flights, as this itinerary operates in reverse on alternating departures.
Rates are subject to change without notice. Book early to get the best rate.
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Standard Stateroom E
160ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
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Standard Stateroom D
160ft2. Standard Suites are located on the Jewel Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
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Single Balcony Suite BS
160ft2. Single Balcony Suites are located on the Sapphire Deck with large picture windows to ensure a great view. They have a spacious design and clever layout alongside all the usual luxurious amenities and furnishings.
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Balcony Suite C
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Balcony Suite BA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Balcony Suite BB
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Balcony Suite B
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire Deck these cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Junior Balcony Suite BJ
These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Sapphire Deck, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.
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Balcony Suite A
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Balcony Suite P
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Balcony Suite PA
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Balcony Suite PP
Located on the Diamond Deck these 205ft2 cabins feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Sun Lounge system and are larger than the standard river cruise cabins on Europe’s rivers.
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Junior Balcony Suite RJ
These spacious Suites (250ft²), located on the Diamond Deck, have a private full-length balcony and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin, bathtub with shower above.
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Royal Balcony Suite RA
315ft2. These suites are located on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
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Royal Balcony Suite R
315ft2. These suites are located on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
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Royal Panorama Suite RS
At 325ft², this suite is the largest on the ship. At the rear of the Diamond Deck, enjoy panoramic views of the breathtaking passing scenery through floor to ceiling windows across two walls of the cabin.
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Royal Owner's Suite RO
520ft2 including the outdoor balcony. These Suites are located on the Diamond Deck and are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Notes
All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa or Mastercard. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wifi
Porterage
Port taxes and charges
All tipping and gratuities
Complimentary beverages
Excluded
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
Passport or Visa fees
All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions
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 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.