Highlights of Eastern Europe

9 nights commencing Wednesday 24th Apr 2024

Immerse yourself in new cultures as you travel from splendid Budapest to dynamic Bucharest, discovering the best that the revitalized nations of Eastern Europe have to offer along the way. Gaze in wonder at the lofty spires of Hungary’s Parliament Building as it rises majestically above the Danube in Budapest. Sit down for friendly, intimate meals with farmers in Croatia and enthusiastic locals in Bulgaria. Uncover scores of little-known treasures and step back in time to investigate the history and legends along the Danube. Who will love this cruise? Explorers wishing to discover ancient ...

Itinerary

Map

					Arrive	Depart
	24th24	AprApr	202424	2 nights accommodation before your cruise, staying in Bucharest
	26th26	AprApr	202424	Bucharest, Romania, embark on the River Duchess
Bucharest is a fascinating combination of Communist grandiosity, elegant French-influenced 19th-century buildings and surprising survivors dating from the 1500s. Today in Bucharest you’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour and a visit to People’s Palace. Later, you'll travel via motorcoach to Giurgiu, where your ship awaits.
	27th27	AprApr	202424	Ruse, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s foremost Danube port, Ruse is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings.
	28th28	AprApr	202424	Vidin, Bulgaria
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—a visit to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Or you can indulge in a tasting at a local winery.
	29th29	AprApr	202424	Iron Gates, Romania
Today’s main attraction will be the spectacular scenery along the Danube, as you cruise a stretch of gorges known as the Iron Gates. Later, 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 steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars, and Turks.
	30th30	AprApr	202424	Belgrade, Serbia
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.
	1st01	MayMay	202424	Osijek, Croatia
Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as simple, delicious local rustic food. You’ll dock in Vukovar, Croatia’s biggest port, at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka rivers.
	2nd02	MayMay	202424	Budapest, Hungary
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. Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Explore this dynamic and multifaceted city with your choice of excursions—you can see it from a local’s perspective on our walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Vibrant Budapest, Hungary’s capital, offers an enchanting combination of East and West.
	3rd03	MayMay	202424	Budapest, Hungary, disembark the River Duchess
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. Disembark the ship. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home. Or you can extend your stay in beautiful Budapest with our exciting optional post-cruise extension.

River Duchess

Launch Year

2003

Refit Year

2012

Tonnage

5,000

Capacity

130

Cabins

Accessible

Rhine Deck

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Palace Restaurant

The onboard restaurant offers guests gourmet dinners paired with distinctive wines and craft beers, culinary demonstrations and tastings as well as private onshore wine and beer tastings exclusively for Uniworld guests.

Chefs will serve signature dishes designed to soothe the soul and warm the heart, along with their traveling Lite menu with health-conscious options.

With Early Riser breakfasts, Afternoon Tea, All-day Bistro menu for snacks and Al fresco dining, there is just so much to excite your tastebuds!

From Farm to Ship

Farm-to-table isn’t just a trendy culinary buzzword around here. It’s a governing philosophy and commitment to serving you the very best local dishes created by our master chefs. When in Italy, dinner may consist of Prosciutto di Parma pizza and Osso Buco Milanese, prepared to your liking, with meats and vegetables sourced from just miles away. After a day immersed in Indian culture, your taste buds may do some immersing∘ of their own with Gajar Shorba and Tandoori Chicken Tikka for lunch. Live brilliantly. Dine locally. That’s our story and we’re sticking to it.

Creative Culinary Options

For those interested in healthier dining options, our Traveling Lite menu features all of the flavor of our traditional menu, but with fewer calories. We also offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, prepared just for you. If you have a specific meal preference, just ask. Our chefs will be happy to accommodate.

We learned from the best

Mrs. Beatrice Tollman’s culinary vision lives on with her many Signature Dishes you can enjoy onboard. Mrs. Tollman’s memoir, A Life in Food, chronicles her gastronomic prowess and joy of being able to share∘ her life’s passion with thousands of guests. You’ll discover many of the recipes Mrs. Tollman published on our menu, including Bea’s Chicken Soup, Sesame Fried Chicken and Honeycomb Ice Cream. If the all-inclusive amenities and luxurious accommodations weren’t enough to put you in a state of comfortable bliss, the homegrown cooking will.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

Captains Lounge and Library

Complete with full-service bar, the Captains Lounge∘ and Library is the perfect place to unwind with a good book.

Blue Danube Lounge

The Danube Lounge boasts a panoramic view, a full-service bar and a dance floor.

Signature Cocktails

Our cocktails, much like our ships, are one-of-a-kind and inspired by the destinations we visit. Our bartenders are sharing their favorites with you.

Local Wines

Uniworld cruises through some of the world’s most acclaimed wine producing regions in Europe. Our onboard∘ wine menus are expertly curated by our staff of Sommeliers to reflect the local destination. Plus, you can enjoy these local wines as part of your all-inclusive package.

Local Beers

Our onboard beer menus feature unique lagers, ales and stouts from small local breweries, giving you a taste of the world’s finest. The best part? It’s all included.

Premium Spirits

Extra dirty Grey Goose martini with locally harvested olives? It’s all yours. As is everything else you can think of. With our ultra-inclusive∘ amenities you can enjoy unlimited beverages onboard.

La Motte Sky Lounge

Up on the Sun Deck, guests can enjoy La Motte Sky Lounge∘ and the peaceful Patio area.

The images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be an exact representation of what you find on the ship.

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Our Fusion packages are all ABTA & ATOL protected ensuring that your booking is safe with us

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Holiday Summary

	2 nights in a hotel before your cruise
	7 nights cruising on the Danube
	Return airport transfers
	All alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages included
	Gratuities Included
	Choice of shore excursions in every port
	Exclusive special events
	Speciality restaurants included
	Bikes for passenger use
	In-room mini bar
	Free Wi-Fi included
	Room Service (category dependant)
	Self-service laundry
	Butler Service (category dependant)
	Port Taxes and Fees
	ABTA and ATOL Protection*

	Oceanview	Balcony	Suite
	(All prices are £GBP per person)
Wed 17th Jul 202417 Jul 24	Please call for availability
Wed 11th Sep 202411 Sep 24	4,799
Wed 11th Sep 202411 Sep 24	4,799
Mon 19th May 202519 May 25	3,779		6,839
Mon 19th May 202519 May 25	3,779		6,839
Mon 30th Jun 202530 Jun 25	3,599	4,769	6,569
Mon 30th Jun 202530 Jun 25	3,599	4,769	6,569