Voyage Through the Balkans

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Welcome to Budapest. We’ll meet you on arrival and transfer you to your luxurious floating home for the next 15 days. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship.

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral before a visit to the Great Market Hall for some tastings of local produce.

Freedom of Choice – City Tour

Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral before a visit to the Great Market Hall for some tastings of local produce.

Freedom of Choice – Funicular Ride

Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman’s Bastion. 

Gala Welcome Dinner

Enjoy a multi-course meal with an enhanced menu.  

You have the choice as to how you spend your day.

Freedom of Choice – Pécs Sightseeing Tour

Embark on a guided walking discovery of this ancient city, which is renowned for its architectural wonders including the Early Christian Mausoleum and Szent Istvan Square.

Freedom of Choice - Villány Wine Tasting

Travel to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villány, known for its red and rose varieties. Here, you will pay a visit to a local winery, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting.

Freedom of Choice – Guided Bike Ride

Perhaps get active on a guided bike ride along the Danube to an ancient mill. 

Bearing battle scars from the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar has risen strong and offers a rich history to discover. Enjoy a Signature Experience here.

Signature Experience - Eltz Manor Visit

Today, visit Eltz Manor, a castle that houses the Vukovar City Museum. Wander through the complex then be treated to a glass of sparkling wine, accompanied by classical music.

In Serbia’s capital, choose your activity.

Freedom of Choice - Guided Exploration of Belgrade

Uncover the rich history of Belgrade on this guided discovery. You will see iconic wonders, including the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava.

Freedom of Choice - Kayak Tour

Discover Belgrade from a different perspective on this sightseeing adventure. Begin at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, where you will paddle to Great Island and Lido Beach.

Freedom of Choice - Serbian Cooking Class

Prepare to put your culinary skills to the test and feel like a local during this intriguing cooking class, showcasing the very best that Serbian cuisine has to offer. 

Cruise through the Iron Gates and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you will encounter on this cruise.

With an entire day in Bucharest, take in the wide tree-lined boulevards and Belle Epoque buildings, then walk through the Old City centre to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the Lipscani district. After lunch, choose your activity.

Freedom of Choice - Palace of the Parliament

The Palace of the Parliament is the seat of the Parliament of Romania, and is the second largest administrative building in the world. Enjoy a tour through this grand monument.

Freedom of Choice - Village Museum

Embark on a visit to the Village Museum, an insightful open-air historic museum located in Herăstrău Park which showcases traditional Romanian village life. 

In Veliko Tarnovo, a local expert will guide you through this medieval city. Uncover its rich history as you wander through the city’s cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire.

Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik to uncover its ancient fortress on the northern slope of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.

Choose how you’d like to spend the day in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second largest city.

Freedom of Choice – Guided City Discovery

Enjoy a guided tour of Novi Sad, situated on the banks of the Danube River. Discover the city's iconic sights found along the main walkway of Zmaj Jovina.

Freedom of Choice – Local Farmstead

Visit a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture, featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts.

Enjoy a Signature Experience today.

Signature Experience – Folk Art House & Horse Show

Visit the Folk Art House where local handicrafts are on show, then visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch. 

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Today unfolds as you please. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s farewell dinner.

Freedom of Choice – Hospital in the Rock

Set out on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.

Freedom of Choice – Thermal Baths Visit

You may wish to relax in the thermal water pools at the historic Gellért Thermal Baths, which first opened its gates over 100 years ago.  

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is located over the River Danube. It is one of the largest cities in the European Union and much of its historical sites have been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Originally formed in 1873 by the joining of Buda, Pest and Old Buda, the city suffered heavy destruction during World War II and was rebuilt into the country's political, cultural and commercial hub it is now. Bridges and railways connect the city over the Danube, including the six small islands situated on the river themselves. Some of Budapest’s UNESCO World Heritage sites include Chain Bridge, Budapest Parliament, the striking Matthias church and the iconic Royal Palace visible from every location within Budapest City. The Castle Hills district architecture represents over a thousand years of the city's history with examples of Roman, Turkish, Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau styles. Budapest also has a rich Jewish heritage and is home to the largest synagogue in Europe. The city has an abundance of restaurants offering international cuisines, as well as traditional Hungarian dishes ,including goulash soup, a very popular lunchtime dish. Hungarians enjoy their coffee so a traditional cafe is never hard to find.

Say your farewells, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport.