Highlights of Eastern Europe

9 nights departing Thursday 28th Sep 2023

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
	28th28	SepSep	202323	Budapest, Hungary, embark on 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. Arrive at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the ship.
	29th29	SepSep	202323	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.
	30th30	SepSep	202323	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.
	1st01	OctOct	202323	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.
	2nd02	OctOct	202323	Iron Gates, Romania
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.
	3rd03	OctOct	202323	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 head to a local’s home to bake a traditional Bulgarian dish called banitza.
	4th04	OctOct	202323	Ruse, Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s foremost Danube port, Ruse is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings.
	5th05	OctOct	202323	Bucharest, Romania, disembark the River Duchess
This morning, you’ll disembark the ship in Giurgiu and drive through the countryside to Bucharest, where you’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour and a visit to People’s Palace. Tonight, you’ll relax in the comfort of a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, Romania’s capital and its cultural and economic center.
	5th05	OctOct	202323	2 nights accommodation following your cruise, staying in Bucharest
	7th07	OctOct	202323	Check out of accommodation

River Duchess

Launch Year

2003

Refit Year

2012

Tonnage

5,000

Capacity

132

Cabins

Accessible

Rhine Deck

Danube Deck

Main Deck

Moselle Deck

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

River Duchess Suite

Suites are lavishly appointed river view rooms and have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens, a vanity, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, bathroom with L'Occitane bath and body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes.

All Suites have french balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, they are uniquely decorated and have additional amenities and services, including: one-per-person complimentary in-suite well-being treatment; daily fruit and biscuit plate, and an elegant evening snack; bathroom towel warmers and heated mirrors; iPod dock; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked minibar; bottle of wine upon arrival; morning coffee and tea; full breakfast menu; shoe shine; free laundry service; and bathroom stocked with added comforts, such as Hermès bath products.

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!

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

River Duchess Lounge

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.

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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Holiday Summary

	7 nights cruising on the Danube
	2 nights in a hotel following your cruise
	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)
Fri 5th Apr 202405 Apr 24	3,959	5,129	7,019
Fri 19th Apr 202419 Apr 24	3,599	4,769	6,659
Fri 12th Jul 202412 Jul 24	3,959	5,129	7,019
Fri 6th Sep 202406 Sep 24	4,319	5,489