river cruise to bucharest

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Bucharest River Cruises

Bucharest is Romania’s cultural capital. Its original fortress, the first of many, was built to protect the Walachian state from the Turks. Today, it is a city of elegant French-style boulevards, lush gardens and green expanses, including the tranquil Bucharest Botanical Garden. The historic Lipscani district exudes the old-world charms of cobblestone alleys, inns and shops. The sprawling Palace of Parliament is the world’s largest civilian building, said to contain 3,000 rooms.

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Highlights of Eastern Europe

• Tour Belgrade by bicycle
• Cruise the Iron Gates along Danube
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Enchantment of Eastern Europe

• Visit site of Lepenski Vir
• Visit and meet a Croatian family
• Bike around the Belgrade
• Watch and enjoy a horse show

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Grand Danube Cruise with Prague

• Cruise through the Iron Gates
• Visit Vienna's city center
• Enjoy local wine and food
• Tour Bran Castle
• Explore Prague's historic sites
• See Hungarian horsemanship

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Romania River Cruises

Lose yourself in the charm of Eastern Europe when you experience a river cruise in Romania. Sail the Danube River with Avalon as you explore a rich, romantic history through the many castles that line its banks. Get closer to the legends and folklore amid breathtaking views from the panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows in your cabin, and guided tours at each stop for a more authentic experience from start to finish.

Danube River Cruise

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Home › All Tours › Europe › Central Europe › Danube River Cruise

AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY, CROATIA, SERBIA, ROMANIA, AND BULGARIA

Sail down the Danube River stopping at some of Eastern Europe’s most fascinating cities—from Vienna and Budapest to Belgrade and Bucharest. Before setting sail, go sightseeing in Vienna, which features beautiful palaces and modern architecture. Then, depart on the ship to Bratislava, Slovakia where you’ll explore the sights around Old Town. Next, stop down the river takes you into Hungary for a visit to Budapest. You’ll tour the city and then have a full day to discover sights at your leisure. Sail along the picturesque Drava River to Croatia for a day around Vukovar and then set your sights on Serbia, with stops at the charming cities of Novi Sad and Belgrade. Admire the stunning vistas as we cruise to Bulgaria, bringing you to Vidin.

Extend Your Trip!  Enjoy our Danube River Cruise with Dracula’s Castle tour  which includes 2 nights in Brasov where you’ll explore the city and enjoy an excursion to Dracula’s Castle.

Itinerary at a Glance

Tour Itinerary:

• 10-night Danube Cruise to Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary), Vukovar (Croatia), Novi Sad (Serbia), Belgrade (Serbia), Vidin (Bulgaria)
• 1 night in Bucharest

Tour Highlights

• Hofburg Palace (Vienna)
• St. Martin’s Cathedral (Bratislava)
• Matthias Coronation Church (Budapest)
• Gypsy Concert (On Board – Budapest)
• Walking Tour with Concert (Vukovar)
• Kalemegdan Fortress (Belgrade)
• Authentic Serbian Lunch with plum brandy
• Iron Gates Gorge
• Baba Vida Fortress (Vidin)
• Palace of Parliament (Bucharest)

Your Tour Includes

• 10-night cruise on the Danube River
• One night in a Bucharest hotel
• 30 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts, 9 lunches, 10 dinners plus 2 glasses of wine or beer with lunch and dinner on cruise
• All on board activities, themed dinners, and special services including early riser breakfast, afternoon cakes & tea, 24/7 coffee station, late night snacks and entertainment each evening
• Comprehensive sightseeing tours, shore excursions, onboard lectures, folklore performances, and concerts
• Professional English-speaking Cruise Manager and local English-speaking guides throughout

Is this tour right for you? Find out What to Expect

Tour Itinerary

Note: Flights may not be available on all departures.

You can find more details on the Before You Depart page.

Day 1: Arrive Vienna (Austria)

Welcome to Vienna, the splendid capital of Austria and the center of the Hapsburg Empire. Travelers should make their own way to our cruise ship for embarkation. This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by an orientation briefing and reception and then dinner.

Day 2: Set Sail from Vienna

Today, we'll explore Vienna's glorious past as we embark on an included panoramic tour that takes us along the Ring Boulevard, past Emperor Franz Josef's Hofburg Palace and the State Opera to the Cathedral of St. Stephen's. This afternoon is free for us to explore Vienna independently. Our Cruise Manager can assist us in arranging tickets for an optional concert or cultural performance. We'll set sail from Vienna late this evening.

Day 3: Bratislava (Slovakia)

Welcome to Slovakia! This morning, our walking tour takes us to Bratislava's lovely city center, past St. Martin's Cathedral and the Primate's Palace. Our sightseeing ends with a walk through Old Town where we'll see Michael's Gate, Michael's Tower, the Main Square, Old Town Hall, and the Slovak National Theatre. We'll return to our ship for lunch and then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore Bratislava at our own pace. Our dinner is back on board with the evening free to waltz the night away!

Day 4: Budapest (Hungary)

We'll spend our morning cruising the Danube River to Budapest. This afternoon, our motorcoach tour of this lovely city includes some of the most popular sights: The Parliament Building, St. Stefan Cathedral, the Opera, the Square of Heroes, (the Millennium monument) and the town park with the Vajdahunyad Castle, etc. During our tour, we'll enjoy stops at the Square of Heroes, the Fisherman's Bastion and Gellert Hill. The rest of our evening is at leisure.

Day 5: Budapest (Hungary)

Today, we have a full day at leisure to explore Budapest independently. Consider joining our Cruise Manager for an optional walking tour of downtown Budapest. Prior to dinner we can enjoy a short live concert of Hungarian Gypsy music performed in the lounge. This evening, we'll set sail and begin cruising to our next destination.

Day 6: Vukovar (Croatia)

After breakfast this morning, we can head up to the sun deck to take in the beautiful vistas as we sail into Vukovar, Croatia. This afternoon, after entry formalities, we'll depart on our walking tour. Afterward, we can enjoy free time to explore the city at leisure before returning to the ship for dinner.

Day 7: Novi Sad (Serbia)

Welcome to Serbia! When we wake up this morning, we'll say "hello" to Novi Sad, Serbia's lively university town. We'll be delighted by our walking tour through the town center and its gorgeous pedesrian-friendly nooks and corners dotted with restaurants and people-watching cafés. After our tour, we'll have free time to explore the charming streets or we can join an optional tour to the local winery for a wine, cheese, and honey tasting. This evening, we'll continue sailing towards Serbia's vibrant capital, Belgrade, also known as "White City."

Day 8: Belgrade

We'll witness "new" Belgrade today as it rebuilds and once again warmly welcomes Western visitors. Located on a hill at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, this ancient city dates back to the Roman Empire and was destroyed and rebuilt several times during its tumultuous history. This morning's tour of the city highlights includes the Kalemegdan Fortress, the imposing St. Sava Cathedral and the cobblestone bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. For lunch we will venture to an authentic Serbian restaurant, where you will meet a Serbian multi-generation family and enjoy a wonderful taste of Serbian home-made food, unlimited drinks, live music, and hospitality. We will return to the ship and after dinner, you'll be entertained by a local folklore ensemble featuring dancers and musicians dressed in colorful costumes.

Day 9: Sailing through the Iron Gates (Serbia)

This morning, we'll savor the beautiful vistas while leanring about the fascinating history of the Balkans. After lunch, we'll enjoy one of the highlights of our voyage: passage through the impressive Iron Gates Gorge and the gigantic Djerdap Lock where the Danube surges down from the Carpathian Mountains. The views along the two-mile-long gorge are spectacular! This evening, we'll arrive in Vidin, Bulgaria, and enjoy a festive Captain's Farewell dinner on board.

Day 10: Vidin (Bulgaria)

This morning, we'll embark on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to the 13th-century fortress named "Baba Vida" ("Grandma Vida"), the best-preserved medieval fortress in the country. Afterward, we'll have some free time for strolling and shopping or we can consider joining the optional Belogradchik Rock excursion.

Day 11: Disembark in Bucharest (Romania)

Today, we'll dock at the Romanian port of Turnu Magurele and journey to nearby Bucharest, the capital of Romania, founded in 1459 by order of Prince Vlad Tepes, the original "Dracula." Over the years, it has gone from times of greatness to periods of grief but especially flourished in the early 20th century when it was known as "Little Paris." The influence of French architecture is still evident throughout, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Enescu Museum and the wide, tree-lined boulevards throughout the city. Our panorama tour includes Revolution Square, and the imposing Palace of Parliament, the second largest building in the world. After check in at our hotel, we'll enjoy time at leisure for independent exploration

Day 12: Depart Bucharest

Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today.

Guided Tour Pricing

Explore savings of up to $800 per person to dream destinations! Book by Mar. 29th.

Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only, and arrange their own arrival in destination. Please note this may change your tour start date.

Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.

For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern) at 1.800.337.7773 .

Reservations and Payments Reservations can be made online or by phone ( 1.800.337.7773 ) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.

Featured Accommodations

Ms river sapphire.

Refurbished in 2020, this 164-passenger premium vessel offers a casual and friendly ambiance. Cabins are spread over three decks with the lower deck featuring windows that do not open, and the middle and upper decks featuring floor to ceiling French balconies. While onboard, enjoy the restaurant, panorama lounge, sun deck, and fitness room. The onboard currency is the Euro and Visa and Mastercard are also accepted.

View Cabins and Deck Plans

Novotel Hotel

Calea Victoriei 37B Sector 1 010061, Bucharest, Romania

Optional Tours

Enhance your trip with these optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.

Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.

Classical Music Concert

Day 2 Evening Tour. €79 per person

Quite rightfully, Vienna is often called the "Musical Capital of the World". Enjoy a concert in the heart of Vienna at Kursalon Wien, an exclusive and splendid building of the 19th century built in the Italian Renaissance style. In the very place where Johann Strauss used to direct his orchestra from the position of first violin, enjoy the essence of Vienna's classical music! The Salonorchester Alt Wien, one of the best-known interpreters of classical Viennese music, presents an evening full of Viennese charm with waltzes, polkas, arias and duets, as well as operetta and piano concerto melodies. Accompanied by excellent opera vocalists and our enchanting ballet soloists, Vienna's classical music reveals itself as a living firework display for all the senses.

Payable by cash only on the ship (Euros)

MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!

Walking Tour of Downtown Pest

Day 5 Morning Tour. €20 per person

Join your Cruise Director for a delightful stroll down Vaci Utca, the city's main pedestrian promenade full of shops, cafes, and beautiful people! Your stops will include the Great Market Hall and Gerbeaud, the oldest sweet shop in Budapest which opened in 1858! Your tour ends with a delightful ride aboard an old-fashioned tram back to the docking location.

Krusedol Monastery & Wine Tasting

Day 7 Afternoon Tour. €42 per person

Travel by motor coach through the Serbian countryside for a visit to Krusedol Monastery, located on the nearby mountain of Fruska Gora where more than 15 Serbian orthodox monasteries were built in medieval times. Well renowned for its fresco paintings dating from the early 16th century, the monastery is also a burial place for legendary personalities throughout Serbian history, such as King Milan Obrenovic and Duchess Ljubica. On the way back, stop in Sremski Karlovci, center of wine production in the region. Here we'll visit the Zivanovic family whose members have been producing their private label "Bermet" wine for over a century and whose products have been enjoyed by members of the Habsburg Monarchy as well as the Russian Tsars! Our hosts will welcome us to their large garden, including a wine cellar, and the "Museum of Honey". In this lovely ambiance we'll enjoy several varieties of wine including "Bermet", accompanied by their own organic honey!

Belogradchik Rocks

Day 10 Afternoon Tour. €45 per person

Take the tour to the most famous natural phenomena in the region, Belogradchik Rocks. This rocky fairy-tale is spread from west to east and it is 30km long and 3km wide. The most attractive rocks are around the town and named as The Madonna, The Monks, The Rider, The Dervish, The Bear, Adam and Eve, The Castle, The Little Shepherd, The Mushrooms, The Lion and many others. The Belogradchik fortress is situated at an altitude of 610 m above sea level. Experience the memorable view from the top of the fortress.

Important Note: This tour is only recommended for active walkers, as it requires going up steps and slopes for a full experience.

What to Expect

Max group size: 24 travelers, activity level: level 1.

Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 3 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day) on easy terrain with some light stairs. Learn More

Pacing Level: Leisurely

Expect half-day tours most days with a free day in most cities to explore independently. There are few to no early mornings and/or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 4+ nights. Learn More

New in 2025: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders

A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2025, U.S. passport holders are required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Please visit our Passports & Visas page to learn more about any required actions, next steps, and additional costs.

The ship may dock in uneven terrain. Travelers may encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps, and significant slopes on the shore excursions.

For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.

Other Tours you May Like

Danube River Cruise + Dracula's Castle

 tour only from

  14 Days

Departures: May 2024 to Sep 2024

Featuring a 10-night cruise. Ports of call include Vienna, Budapest, Vukovar, Novi Sad, Belgrade, and more. Plus visit Brasov and Dracula's Castle. View Tour ❯

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Experience the Danube from Budapest to Bucharest on a Viking river cruise

Simon Wilson

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The rock sculpture of Decebalus Statue on the Danube river, near the Iron Gates and the city of Orșova, in Mehedinți County, Romania.

Simon Wilson boards a Viking river cruise exploring Eastern Europe and finds it etched with more history than we, perhaps, give the region credit for

In Hungary, they tell you they’ve spent 1000 years surviving every invader, from Genghis Khan to the Soviet Union. In Croatia, they show you how, with trucks turned into tanks, they fought off the brutal Serbian invasion until they couldn’t any longer, in the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

In Bulgaria, they honour 500 years of resistance to Ottoman rule. And long before that, to the Romans. In Romania, they mock the tyrant Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena, executed by firing squad on Christmas Day just 35 years ago.

You hear all this and you think, we have our own rich history. But it is a very short rich history. In Eastern Europe, cruising the Danube south from Budapest and then east, each day is a new chapter in a very long rich history, complete with towering Roman fortresses, dusky town squares and the cave churches and cathedrals of the Orthodox faith, where the artistic and religious treasures of centuries are displayed and have so often been hidden for safekeeping. It is, by turns, sobering and sublime.

One evening you glide silently up to the Iron Gates, sheer cliffs all around. Just over there is the astonishing 55m-tall head of the Dacian King Decebalus, carved from the hillside. He withstood the Romans 2000 years ago, although the statue is only 20 years old.

There are hydro dams with giant locks that take you down and down, and as you stand with your umbrella in the rain, you can’t stop thinking: Jason and the Argonauts came here.

I love a good river cruise. It’s not just that you visit a different place every day but return to the same hotel room every night – although the benefits of that do begin to seem magical. No daily packing, no twiddling your thumbs in transit, and every day the delights of starting afresh.

In general, mornings involve a half-day tour for everyone who wants to go, usually by bus with some time for walking around and a guided visit to a major public attraction. Then in the afternoon and the evening, there are smaller, optional tours and visits: galleries, a biking or hiking trip, boutique concerts, home visits, archaeological expeditions, cooking classes, night-life excursions, botanical tours.

When there are just a couple of hundred passengers on your boat, the crew give you a boutique experience. Everyone gets to know the tour manager, or at least has a pretty good sense that they do. On the optional trips your group might be small enough to fit in a single minibus.

The suites are comfortable and roomy, with the external wall all windows, and the travel itself is peaceful. If you’ve booked a verandah room, you can sit outside, in private, right by the water as you slide into the evening.

Or you can sit up on the roof, which is kitted out as a long terrace, with deckchairs, tables and sunshades, a walking track and outdoor games.

Most of the passengers were American. It’s fascinating, being among Americans right now. A few were pro-Trump, but reluctant to talk about it. Most were against. Possibly, one told me, because Viking the tour company, had done a lot of advertising on the relatively liberal PBS radio and TV.

One 89-year-old man from North Carolina talked to me one night about his fears for his country, and I realised he was crying.

You can make good friendships on a river cruise. And another thing: your ship will fit right in. It won’t tower over every town it visits, it won’t discharge thousands of passengers into choked city streets, it won’t burn large quantities of heavy fuel oil. The Viking ships are electric.

You dock quietly and gently, and you get to visit small and very wonderful places that couldn’t cope if there were 10 times as many of you.

And you’re on a great, wide, endlessly drifting river!

Jason and the Argonauts is a tale from before the fall of Troy. History flows through everything, not with a castle around every corner, as in Western Europe, but in town after town where they’ve suffered conquest after conquest and learned to survive.

And in the ruins and the regeneration, in the gilded icons and other treasures they kept safe, in the mountains and forests and on that wide river, it’s often very beautiful.

Budapest and Bucharest are the bookends to this trip. Hungary to Romania, with Croatia, Serbia and Bulgaria in between.

The Hungarian capital is a large city split in two by the river. The western Buda side features a long hill arrayed with castles, towers, churches and battlements. Pest, flat and to the east, is the commercial centre and also home to the enormous Parliament building.

Officially it’s a monument to the people, but really it was built by a small but very determined bourgeoisie with a point to prove. They wanted the old aristocracy to know they were the new life force of the country.

So they built a neo-gothic Parliament as impressive as Westminster, “inaugurating” it in 1896, the year Hungarians say marks the country’s 1000th anniversary. Across town in Heroes’ Square, the founding moment in 896 is commemorated with seven bronze statues of Magyar chieftains on horseback. They’re arranged around a tall column, topped by the archangel Gabriel, wings up, holy crown and double-barred cross of St Stephen, the first king, held high.

Hungarians seem extremely fond of their mythic heroes: the city is full of statues of them.

There’s much else to see and do, although our highlight wasn’t organised at all. We were browsing the shops when the sky filled suddenly with seething clouds and lightning flashes and the rain came thundering down. We ran for the nearest restaurant and ate the rest of the afternoon away with bowls of a glorious goulash and a bottle of local wine that wasn’t bulls’ blood.

Southwards beyond Pest, the Great Hungarian Plain rolls on forever. It’s flat, fertile and indefensible, and served as a highway into Europe for every invading army.

The theme repeats, over and over: resistance, conquest and occupation. On an excursion in Croatia, we visit Mandar, an elderly woman whose village was evacuated when the Serbs arrived in 1991. We eat her cakes and drink her plum brandy and she tells us the Serbs who occupied the village took everything valuable when they left – the doors, the window frames, the wiring ripped from the wall.

Some of them had been Serbian Croats already living there – her neighbours, her friends – before war broke out.

Later, in Serbia, we wander through the mighty fortress of Golubac, built in the 14th century on the site of old Roman and Byzantine settlements. They strung an iron chain from the fortress right across the river, to facilitate the collection of a kind of goods and services tax.

But Golubac wasn’t mighty enough and for 500 years Serbia lost control of it, first to the Turks and then to Bulgarians, Hungarians and finally Austrians.

Restoration of the 10 tall towers is well underway and there’s a fabulous collection of weaponry, jewellery and more on display, along with some captivating video histories. They even have concerts there.

In Bulgaria, we take a bus trip to Belogradchik, where the Romans built their barracks around the site of massive vertical rock formations. Our guide Benni reels off some of the shapes locals can see in these fingers pointing at the sky: a monk, a horseman, the Madonna, a schoolgirl, a bear, Adam and Eve, a wedding procession, a cuckoo, a camel, there are so many.

On the way, we pass abandoned factories, always with graffiti and broken glass, sometimes burnt out, the weeds growing high but the buildings not pulled down. The owners are absent, or they’re not owned at all, and the authorities do not have the money for repairs or even demolition. Or perhaps they have been kept as monuments to folly.

Benni is grumpy about this. She tells us everyone in Bulgaria is grumpy. The leaders who did so much damage under communism have never been held properly to account; many of them have prospered again. She says what most of our guides say: You are very welcome in our country and we want you to know the truth.

Sometimes the history reaches even further back. Lepenski Vir is a Serbian archaeological site overlooking the river, near the Iron Gates. When the hydro scheme was announced, archaeologists protested: the site was already known to be valuable. They were given the two years of the first dam’s construction period to find and save what they could.

You can buy little replicas of the result: hundreds of ceramic heads, human but with fish mouths. They also found the intact floor pans of huts, all identically formed, with the floors themselves made from smooth ferrous rock set around a fire pit. The rock would have transmitted warmth from the fires, giving these huts underfloor heating.

They were at least 1500 years old. The archaeologists dug deeper, and found another layer, with the remains of more huts, with the same floor pans. And deeper again, and again. By the time they had to stop, they’d gone back almost 10,000 years, and in every age the people lived in huts with identical floors.

The whole site was then carefully dug up and removed, and you can see it all laid out in layers now, safely preserved inside a glassed-in enclosure.

In Bucharest, they have a Parliament even larger than Budapest’s, although it’s more recent and no monument to democracy. The Ceaușescus built it in the style of neo-classical socialist realism, better known as brutalist Stalinism, and it has the dubious distinction of being the heaviest administrative building in the world.

The Ceaușescus’ own residence is also a palace, although more domestically scaled. The building and its rooms are elegantly proportioned but opulently filled, with marble, parquet, tapestries, gold fittings and gold paint everywhere you look. There’s even an indoor swimming pool with frescoes on every surface. It’s as if the Roman Empire had been restored to life, and then, Vesuvius-like, snuffed out again.

History and an emerging modern life: they jostle for attention all along the eastern stretches of the Danube, while the river runs impassively through it all. The people welcome you, tell you their stories, show you their treasures, and you come away feeling deeply rewarded.

In Belgrade, the Serbian capital, the main street has been fully pedestrianised, like the main streets of almost every city and town we visited, and in the late morning, the old buildings and the street itself were alive with shoppers.

At the bottom of that street, we came across what might just be my favourite homage to the great depths of time. There’s a Roman castle, some of its stone walls crumbling venerably, others lovingly restored. And beneath those walls, in an area that was once a moat, there’s a children’s park filled with dinosaurs. How’s that for history.

Budapest to Bucharest

Getting there

Qatar Airways flies from Auckland to Budapest with a stopover in Doha.

Viking offers river cruises on all the main waterways of Europe, including several on the Danube. The full river trip runs from Amsterdam in the west to the Black Sea in the east, but for those seeking a shorter trip, there are stages that begin or end in Paris, Budapest and various German cities.

vikingrivercruises.com.au

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• Our Journeys

Bucharest to Vienna

Journey highlights.

On one incredible Journey, travel along the legendary Danube River, through the powerful landscapes of the Iron Gates and into the serene refinement of the Schönbrunn Palace. Be amazed by the “Paris of the East,” Bucharest before embarking on a river cruise through five world-famous capitals. From Bulgaria to Serbia, Hungary and Slovakia, you will stand among the most beautiful and some of the oldest cities and landmarks in Europe before ending in exquisite Austria.

Browse the highlights and map on the cards below by swiping or pressing the arrows.

Peleș Castle, Romania

Admire one of the most stunning palaces in all of Europe. With spectacular landscapes, magnificent collections of art, stained glass and weapons, Peleș Castle in Romania is absolutely divine. A Neo-Renaissance castle set in the Carpathian Mountains, wander through the elaborately decorated and fairytale-like royal palace.

Equestrian Show

A highlight of Hungary, stop in Kalocsa, known as the “paprika capital of the world”, and take a short ride to a traditional ranch on the Hungarian Puszta. Here, stand in awe as the Magyar cowboys parade, race and demonstrate tricks used during wartime. A magnificent demonstration, take the time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the gorgeous Puszta.

Belgrade, Serbia

Discover the “white city” where the Sava and Danube Rivers kiss. One of the oldest cities in Europe, saunter through the unique city of Belgradeto see Kalemegdan Fortress, Terazije Square, the Serbian parliament, and the magnificent St. Sava Church. Belgrade is an intriguing place where the old world comes to meet the new world.

Budapest, Hungary

Roam through Budapest, the “Queen of the Danube”. A city built in the ‘golden age,’ marvel at the remnants of the past found around each corner. From the Great Market Hall to the views from Castle Hill, and the exceptional evening cruise to see the Hungarian Parliament, discover the dramatic splendour of Buda and Pest.

Vienna, Austria

Explore the masterpieces on display around Vienna. Drive along the grand Ring Boulevard and stroll through the city center. Known as ‘the city of music,’ engage in the extraordinary experience of listening to the marvelous sounds of a classical music performance at Golden Hall. With an legacy shaped by residents such as Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud, Vienna is a magical city.

The Iron Gates

Utterly entrancing, the Danube, also known as the “river of kings” is lined with mysterious medieval castles, idyllic lush hillsides and beautiful ancient villages. Drift along the romantic blue waters into a narrow gorge surrounded by towering cliffs and cross the iconic Iron Gates that separate Serbia and Romania.

Journey Itinerary

Depart for bucharest, romania.

Enjoy your private car home pick up service. Guests departing from the Toronto airport are assisted with their check-in. Meet your Journey Manager and fellow guests, and board your flights to Bucharest, Romania. Our Journey Manager travels with you to take care of all the details throughout the journey, enabling you to concentrate on your experience.

WELCOME TO BUCHAREST

Bucharest, Romania’s capital and largest city, has an exciting heritage of mixed cultures, influenced by the ancient Romanian aristocracy and the communist society. After arriving at Bucharest airport, we meet our friendly local guide who introduces us to the city before we transfer to our hotel. This evening join your fellow guests for a casual welcome dinner.

We travel on the road to Romania’s North, through the very scenic Valley of Princes to the 19th-century Peleș Castle. Take in the spectacular views and tour its magnificent collections of art, stained glass, and weapons before we continue to Azuga to learn about the Prahova Valley’s historic cellars. At Rhein-Azuga Wine Cellar, enjoy a selection of champagne and a delicious lunch. Admire the stunning mountain vistas on a beautiful drive to our hotel in Brasov. After settling in, we enjoy dinner  at the hotel.

TRANSYLVANIA: BRAN & BRASOV

Transylvania is arguably Romania’s most famous and picturesque region. We begin the day with a road trip to the village of Bran to the famous “Dracula Castle,” which earned this designation because of its medieval look and past owner, Count Vlad the Impaler.

After hearing the legendary tales, visit one of the main cities in Transylvania, Brasov, to wander its medieval city centre and marvel at the imposing Gothic architecture of the Black Church. We return to our hotel for dinner.

CANTACUZINO CASTLE

Today we visit the Cantacuzino Castle. The Cantacuzino Castle is situated in Bușteni, Romania. The building, whose construction was completed in 1911, was conducted by the architect Gregory Cerchez at the request of Prince George Grigore Cantacuzino. With the Bucegi Mountains as a backdrop, stroll the 3,000-metre estate before discovering portraits of the Cantacuzino family. Tonight, enjoy a welcome dinner with fellow passengers of the MS Amadeus Riva.

After breakfast, explore Bucharest’s capital city, fondly known as the “Paris of the East.” See the Opera House, the Triumph Arch, and the Main Square. Marvel at the impressive Palace of Parliament, the second-largest building in the world. Enjoy lunch, then meander along the Strada Lipscani and through the ancient streets in Bucharest’s Old Town. See the majestic National Museum of Romania and the lavish CEC Palace and visit the Romanian Orthodox Stavropoleos Monastery and Church.

Following a full day of discovery, depart for the port city of Fetesti, and board the Amadeus Riva, your home for the next nine days. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail, followed by a specially prepared welcome dinner.

DANUBE DELTA

The Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a sanctuary for around 300 different bird species. This morning, board a small delta safari boat for an intimate exploration of the delta’s shimmering lagoons and narrow channels to witness the largest pelican colony at Sahalin lagoon. Return to the Amadeus Riva.

HIRȘOVA & CONSTANTA

Embark on a leisurely visit to the small Romanian town of Hârșova. Cross the Black Sea’s golden sandy beaches as we head for a guided tour of Constanta. A walk into the city’s Old Town features sights of its prominent and historic buildings, including the Great Mosque, the Casino Constanta, and the Genovese Lighthouse. A short visit to the National Museum of History and Archaeology further reveals the city’s rich history and unique blend of cultures.

VELIKO TARNOVO, BULGARIA

Pay a visit to Giurgiu before we cross the Danube to Ruse, where we begin our day excursion towards Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s oldest town. Upon arrival, pass by the fortress Zarewez, visit the 13th-century church of St. Peter and Paul, and enjoy some free time to explore this medieval city. Before returning to the boat, we continue to the nearby small town of Arbanassi, famous for its ornately painted churches, stopping at a typical Bulgarian restaurant along the way. We meet up with the Amadeus Silver II in Svishtov this afternoon.

Utterly entrancing, the Danube, also known as the “river of kings” is lined with mysterious medieval castles, idyllic lush hillsides and beautiful ancient villages. Spot the face of Chief Decebalus carved onto the cliffs of the Romanaian side. Drift along the romantic blue waters into a narrow gorge surrounded by towering cliffs and cross the iconic Iron Gates that separate Serbia and Romania.

BELGRADE, SERBIA

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe. Embark on a city tour and enjoy the impressive views over the river at the Kalemegdan Fortress. See such highlights as the National Museum, Terazije Square, and the Serbian parliament and marvel at the massive St. Sava Church. After a refreshment break at the Hotel Majestic, spend some free time exploring at your leisure.

MOHÁCS & KALOCSA, HUNGARY

Let the sights, sounds, and tastes of Hungary fill your senses. Enjoy a leisurely morning of river cruising and take in the beauty of the Danube. After departing the tiny harbour town of Mohács following lunch, we drive into the Hungarian Puszta or Great Hungarian Plain. View the passing scenery dotted with villages and farmland. Stop to see local handicrafts and a demonstration of a local dance before visiting the House of Paprika. Our exploration of the Puszta continues with a visit to a traditional Hungarian ranch, where we enjoy a glass of local wine and watch a fantastic equestrian show. We join the ship late this afternoon in Kalocsa.

The Danube flows through the heart of the city, dividing it into two parts: Buda on the western banks and Pest on the eastern. First, explore Pest, including its Great Market Hall, the splendid Hungarian State Opera, and the famous Heroes’ Square. Continue across into Buda, and take in the unforgettable view from Castle Hill before stopping at St. Matthew’s Church and Fisherman’s Bastion. After lunch, visit the Royal Palace of Gödöllö and see the spectacular ballroom with its beautiful marble stucco details. This evening, enjoy a traditional Hungarian folklore show on board while cruising down Budapest’s illuminated skyline.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA

A full morning of sailing brings us to Bratislava, the capital of the young Slovakian Republic, by midafternoon. Our excursion passes St. Martin’s Cathedral and the Grassalkovich Palace before continuing up the hill to admire stunning, panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Afterwards, a guided walking tour leads us through the gorgeous Old Town to such sites as the Primatial Palace, the Academia Istropolitana, the Opera House, and Maximilian Fountain. Late this afternoon, we return to the boat and prepare for the Captain’s Gala Dinner.

VIENNA, AUSTRIA

With an artistic and intellectual legacy shaped in part by former residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud, Vienna is a magical city and capital of Austria. After arriving into Vienna this morning, we say goodbye to our lovely staff and bid farewell to the Amadeus Silver II. Today, we embark on a panoramic city tour and see Vienna’s top sights as we drive along the grand Ring Boulevard and stroll through the beautiful heart of this historic city. Dine at a local restaurant before checking into our hotel and enjoying an afternoon at leisure to rest or explore. Following dinner at the hotel, experience one of Vienna’s greatest performances: a classical music concert by the Vienna Mozart Orchestra at the Golden Hall in Musikverein, home of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. This is sure to be a night of magic you won’t soon forget!

SCHÖNBRUNN PALACE

Our final full day in Vienna begins with a visit to the famous 18th century Schönbrunn Palace, the Habsburgs’ former summer residence. Following lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the Museum of Fine Arts and discover the Kunstkammer Wien. In the evening, join your fellow travellers one last time and enjoy a farewell dinner at a typical Viennese Heurigen, famous for their comfortable atmosphere and fine wines.

Today we bid “auf wiedersehen” to our new friends and make our way to the airport for our flights home. Enjoy our private car to your home. (B)

Signature Inclusions on This Journey

In addition to our essentials, your journey includes our following signature inclusions:, 24/7 professional journey manager.

• Will travel with you from Canada and handle every detail In addition to knowledgeable local guides

Memorable Private Excursions

• Private excursions crafted by our team
• All sightseeing & entrance fees included

Private Car Pick-up Service

• Within a 200-kilometre radius, let your Journey begin in elegant comfort with a private chauffeured car to the airport

Generous Tips & Gratuities

• For the porters, local guides, hotel staff & many more, paid by us on your behalf

Our essentials included with your Journey:

• 9 nights on the MS Amadeus Riva II
• 6 nights in outstanding hotels
• All meals included (15 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 15 dinners)
• Wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner on board
• Round-trip airfare from Toronto with Air Canada & Lufthansa
• All taxes as well as port & service charges
• “Whisper” radios included for use during excursions
• Flights from select Canadian gateways for only $100
• Other gateways & travel classes available
• Porterage for one piece of luggage per person
• Complete information & assistance leading up to your departure
• Branded overnight carry-on or backpack

Discover the MS Amadeus Riva

Fares & Staterooms

C4 — Haydn Deck

Located on the Haydn deck, these well-appointed cabins are the perfect place to relax following a day of exploring the Danube River.

• Small Panoramic window
• Choice of bed configuration (double or twin)
• Flatscreen television
• Spacious wardrobe
• Private bathroom with spacious shower
• Hair dryer, climate control & in-room safe

Double Occupancy

Single occupancy, c1 — haydn deck.

B4 — Strauss Deck

Located on the Strauss deck, these cabins are the perfect combination of incredible panoramic views of the Danube River, as well as inspiring interiors.

• Drop-down Panoramic window

B1 — Strauss Deck

A1 — mozart deck.

Located on the Mozart deck, these cabins are the perfect combination of incredible panoramic views of the Danube River, as well as inspiring interiors.

Mozart Suite — Mozart Deck

The leisurely pace to river cruising reaches a new height when you stay in the Mozart suite. Whether you are lounging on the corner couch or walk-out balcony enjoy the pristine views of the Danube without having to leave the comfort of your own room.

• Comfortable corner sofa
• Walk-out exterior balcony
• Walk-in wardrobe
• En-suite bathroom & bathrobe

Prices are per guest in CAD, all taxes included.

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10 Things You Should Know Before Your First European River Cruise

T wenty-fifth wedding anniversary! Where did the time go? And most importantly, what should we do to celebrate? A few days later, with suspiciously perfect timing, a Viking river cruise advertisement dropped into our mailbox.  

Two decades ago, we tried a Caribbean ocean cruise — big ship, lots of people, so much food and drink — and never did a second one. But a European river cruise sounded appealing: smooth water, a new city every morning on a small ship with less than 200 passengers, top-notch food and a customizable mix of culture, lectures and activities.  

Ten months later, we were flying to Budapest, Hungary to begin our 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe on Viking Cruises. Here are 10 things we learned from our first river cruise: 

1. You’ll Wind Up Feeling Young Again

If you are in your 50s and miss that young and spry feeling, you could do worse than go on a river cruise. We knew the average age would likely skew into the 60s, but we did not anticipate being the youngest couple on our ship. Nor did we mind. Being surrounded by seniors in their 70s and 80s having a great time seeing new places was an inspiration for our own future.   

2.  You Won’t Find Too Many First-Time Cruisers

Those folks a generation ahead of us have been busy. We didn’t stand out just because of our relative youth, but also because this was our first river cruise. Nearly everybody we met had cruised before — not just with Viking, but other lines around the world as well. Ron, a former Army master sergeant, was on his seventh Viking cruise and even admitted to doing the 15-day Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest twice. 

“I’d do it a third time if they let me do it for free,” he told us.

3. Water Levels May Cause Unexpected Detours

A huge river cruise appeal for my wife was the absence of ocean waves. No waves = no seasickness. But, unlike the ocean, river levels rise and fall. Too high, and the river ships can’t pass under certain bridges. Too low and, like us, the ship may have to stop short of some destinations and passengers will spend extra time on the bus. For us, low water levels triggered shore excursion substitutions in an unexpected Bulgarian city as well as a longer bus ride to Bucharest. Disappointing, but manageable. In other cases, passengers might have to abandon their river ship and bus transfer to an identical one upriver to continue the journey. Be prepared.        

4. Every Day Is Casual Day

We were going to be in Europe, cruising on an upscale boat, and our fellow passengers would be older than us; accordingly, my wife and I planned to dress nicely: collared, button-down shirts and sleek sweaters and blouses. Viking emphasizes no formal dinners and a relaxed vibe, but I still almost brought a jacket for the evenings. 

I’m glad I didn’t. Our fellow passengers overwhelmingly embraced comfortable casual — bright, plush sneakers; jeans; shorts and even a few Harley T-shirts — it was all okay.  There were definitely people like us, avoiding the jeans and sneakers look, and if you want to dress nicer, go for it, but it’s not necessary.

5.  Embrace Conversation

If you fear initiating new conversations with new people several times a day, a river cruise might intimidate you. Fear not. Most of our experienced river cruiser passengers seemed to crave meeting new people and were easy to chat with.      

In our first 24 hours on the ship, I listened to a tale about an encounters with Perth Australia gold miners gone wrong, met a guy who got a Purple Heart when his helicopter crashed in Vietnam, admired the mangled fingers of a 75-year-old New England hockey player and listened to our dinner companion say, “I would not have married my husband if I had to do it again.” With him right there. 

How Expedition Cruising Appeals to the Adventurous Traveler

6.  i’ll have both entrees, please. .

Yes, river cruise food is delicious. Nearly every meal featured regional specialties of the neighboring country. A few minutes before dinner seating began, the chief chef would describe his culinary creations to select from that evening. It was like a halftime speech. He’d finish up and we’d all race (or, in some cases, shuffle) out of the lounge to the dining room, pumped up for the coming delicacies.  

Yet, as good as the shipboard food may be, take some time to…

7. Eat Locally

Don’t confine yourself to only the refined ship meals. A few steps away from your docked ship you’ll probably find flavorful local food well worth nibbling on. Some of my favorite meals of our trip were a platter of cevapcici eaten under a portrait of Uncle Tito (the Cold War era Yugoslav leader) in Belgrade and some meltingly lovely pumpkin phyllo pastry in Croatia.  

8. Pace Yourself

With a new city each day and limited time, you can exhaust yourself trying to do too much. At one point, our new friends, Victor and Leslie, admitted that they signed up for too many excursions. There is only so much anyone can sample in a few hours or even a day, and we accepted that. A travel memoir I found in the ship’s library, Far and Away , gave a satisfying response to that dilemma: “Always leave something for next time, something to tempt you back.”  You’re on a cruise; make some time to simply relax on the sundeck or terrace, admiring the views. 

9.  Find a Less-Traveled River

Ever heard of the Iron Gates of the Danube? I hadn’t either. Every passenger was out taking photos as our ship slipped into this dramatic gorge between Serbia and Romania. At one point, the giant face of an ancient Dacian king carved into the rock wall stared back at us.   

Other European rivers plying well-traveled countries like Germany, the Netherlands and France host most river cruise traffic, but we delighted in discovering more unfamiliar East European countries. Every day gave us new stories and perspectives, often containing history that we’d never heard of. Nor was all of this history ancient. On successive days we got thoughtful perspectives from a local Croatian tour guide and then her Serbian counterpart on the 1990s Balkan War. When choosing your cruise itinerary, consider the lesser-known places. 

10. Cabin Class Choices Matter

After choosing a cruise date and itinerary, you pick your cabin class. I agonized over that. Budget limitations dictated the cheapest, er, “most affordable” cabin for us, down on the lower deck and featuring only a narrow window just above the waterline. My online research emphasized that most of our cabin time would be at night when it was dark anyway.  Moreover, even during daylight hours, the ship would often be parked next to a dock or sandwiched between other cruise ships with someone else’s window inches away.  

All of that was indeed true. And once on board, it was obvious that even the most spacious cabins could not compare to the nearly 360-degree views from the outdoor terrace and top sundeck where passengers gathered in the sunny afternoons. Still, I would have enjoyed more window space in our stateroom. Next cruise maybe I’ll spring for the fancy veranda cabin.

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International Versions

• Deutsch: Flusskreuzfahrten von Bukarest nach Amsterdam
• Français: Circuits Croisière fluviale de Bucarest à Amsterdam
• Español: Viajes de Crucero fluvial desde Bucarest a Amsterdam
• Nederlands: Riviercruise van Boekarest naar Amsterdam