Best of the Balkans Budapest Return (2025)
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the heart of Eastern Europe, exploring the rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes of Hungary, Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. This multi-day tour offers an immersive experience, from the vibrant city life of Budapest and Belgrade to the serene beauty of the Danube River and the Iron Gates. Discover ancient cities, marvel at architectural wonders, indulge in local cuisines, and immerse yourself in the region's rich wine culture. With guided tours, leisure time for personal exploration, and a comfortable river ship as your moving accommodation, this tour is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Included
40 meals - 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 14 dinners
Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
Port charges, transfers and tipping
14 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship
14 Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship
Travelmarvel Capella: Owner's Suite ,Suite ,Stateroom
Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides
Explore 15 towns, villages and cities
Enjoy a traditional Hungarian horse show with Magyar cowboys in Puszta
Learn about life in Serbia during a visit to a local family's village and fruit orchard in Belgrade
Destinations
Giurgiu
Osijek
Vidin
Budapest
Novi Sad
Belgrade
Villány
Veliko Tarnovo
Grad Vukovar
BucharestMap
Attractions
Sexaginta Prista
Belogradchik Fortress
"Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum
The Church of the "Stavropoleos" Monastery
Baba Vida Fortress
Saint Sava Temple
Pécs Cathedral
Vukovar water tower
Comana Monastery
Belgrade Fortress
Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
Hungarian Environment and Water Museum
Mosque of Malkoc BeyDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Arrival in Budapest
- Budapest - Arrival day
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Welcome to the vibrant city of Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Upon your arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your river ship, your home for the next 15 days, docked on the picturesque Danube River.
Day 2 – Day 2: Exploring Budapest
- Budapest
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- Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
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After breakfast, join a local guide to explore the city's iconic landmarks. As the evening descends, enjoy a Gala Welcome Dinner on board while marveling at the illuminated cityscape of Budapest.
Day 3 – Day 3: Mohacs to Pecs and Villany
- Villány
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- Pécs Cathedral
- Mosque of Malkoc Bey
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From the tranquil town of Mohacs, we journey to the ancient city of Pecs, a World Heritage Site. Explore the city's historical landmarks, including the 11th-century Pecs Cathedral and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim. In the afternoon, you have the option to join a tour to Villany, Hungary's renowned wine region, for a delightful wine tasting.
Day 4 – Day 4: Discovering Osijek
- Grad Vukovar
- Osijek
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- Kopački Rit Nature Park
- Crkva sv Mihael
- Strossmayer park
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Today, we delve into the charm of Osijek, a city known for its 18th-century architecture. Wander through its cobblestone streets, visit the iconic Holy Trinity Square and St. Michael's Church, and explore the historic Tvrda, Osijek's Baroque Fortress. Later, immerse yourself in the local culture at Osijek's famous food market, where you can sample regional delicacies.
Day 5 – Day 5: Exploring Belgrade
- Belgrade
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- Saint Sava Temple
- Belgrade Fortress
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In Serbia's capital, Belgrade, join a guided tour to explore the city's historical landmarks, including the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. Experience the traditional Serbian way of living during your Insider Experience today.
Day 6 – Day 6: Cruising through the Iron Gates
Day 6: Cruising through the Iron Gates
Prepare for a day of breathtaking views as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a series of gorges that form a natural border between Serbia and Romania. This spectacular journey offers an unparalleled cruising experience.
Day 7 – Day 7: Ruse City Tour
Day 7: Ruse City Tour
- Sexaginta Prista
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Today, we explore Ruse, one of Bulgaria's most elegant cities. Join a walking tour to admire the Belle Epoque architecture, Liberty Square, the Ruse Opera House, and Alexander Battenberg Square. In the afternoon, you have the option to visit the Regional Museum of History, the National Transport Museum, or the ancient ruins of the Sexaginta Prista fortress.
Day 8 – Day 8: Bucharest City Tour
- Giurgiu
- Bucharest
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- "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum
- The Church of the "Stavropoleos" Monastery
- Comana Monastery
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Spend the day exploring Bucharest, Romania's vibrant capital. Join a guided tour to discover the city's wide boulevards, belle epoque buildings, the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church, and the Lipscani district. In the afternoon, you may wish to visit the open-air Village Museum to gain insight into traditional Romanian life.
Day 9 – Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi
- Veliko Tarnovo
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Today, we explore the medieval city of Veliko Tarnovo with a local expert. Discover its rich history and visit the restored Tsarevets Fortress, the citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Later, we head to the historic village of Arbanasi, where we enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before rejoining our ship.
Day 10 – Day 10: Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik
- Vidin
- Belogradchik
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- Belogradchik Fortress
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Explore the Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval castle dating back to the 10th century. Later, we head to Belogradchik to visit its ancient fortress and marvel at the town's unique rock formations.
Day 11 – Day 11: Leisure Day on the Danube
Day 11: Leisure Day on the Danube
Enjoy a day of relaxation on board, taking in the stunning views from the Sun Deck as we continue our journey along the Danube River.
Day 12 – Day 12: Novi Sad City Tour
- Novi Sad
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Explore Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city and cultural capital, on a guided tour. After the tour, you have free time to relax or visit the Petrovaradin Fortress, a massive complex overlooking the Danube River.
Day 13 – Day 13: Kalocsa to Puszta
Day 13: Kalocsa to Puszta
Dock in Hungary's oldest town, Kalocsa, set right on the Danube. From here, we head to Puszta for an Insider Experience, where you'll get a glimpse into the traditional Hungarian way of life.
Day 14 – Day 14: Budapest at Leisure
- Budapest
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- Budapest Zoo & Botanical Garden
- Hungarian Environment and Water Museum
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Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to visit the Great Market Hall, a food lover's paradise, or the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum, a hospital created in the caverns under Buda Castle. In the evening, join us for a Captain's Farewell Dinner.
Day 15 – Day 15: Departure from Budapest
- Budapest - Departure day
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Your 15-day journey through Eastern Europe comes to an end today. After disembarking your ship, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
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