Cruising the Danube to the Black Sea
Experience the Danube River's wonders from sparkling Vienna and Budapest to the Black Sea on a 10-night river cruise exploring 7 different countries. Explore Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania as you traverse 1,200 miles of the magical Danube. Travel through the iconic Iron Gates passage. Experience ancient Constanta and the breathtaking Danube Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Immerse yourself in Croatia's Kopacki Rit Nature Park. Indulge in unlimited wine with dinners onboard your cruise. Sample culinary delicacies, immerse yourself in ancient history and soak in natural wonders from your 4-star ship.
Call (972) 392-9800 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17513658
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Offer
- Offer valid through 12/31/2023
- Duration
- 13 Days
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Vienna | Experience the Danube River's wonders on a 10-night river cruise. From sparkling Vienna and Budapest to the imposing Iron Gates, explore 7 countries en route to the magnificent Black Sea. |
| Day 2 | Vienna | Welcome to the grand city of Vienna, the capital of Austria! Board a private 4-star ship, your home for the next 10 nights. Toast the beginning of a great trip over a cocktail before indulging in a welcome dinner. Later discover the most iconic sights of Vienna by night. Drive along the famous Ringstrasse, and see the stunning Opera House, Parliament, Court Theatre and City Hall, then walk through the city center from Hofburg Imperial Palace, along the Kohl market to Vienna's iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral. |
| Day 3 | Bratislava | This morning, arrive in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. On a guided-walking tour, explore this romantic city's impressive gothic and baroque architecture and see some of its most beautiful spots such as the old city walls and the Summer Palace of the Archbishop. The afternoon is yours to explore more of Bratislava your way. |
| Day 4 | Esztergom | Relax onboard as your ship travels to stunning Budapest, 'Queen of the Danube'. You may choose to disembark early this morning for an optional guided tour of Esztergom, former residence of Hungarian kings and the charming artist's town of Szentendre. On arrival in sparkling Budapest, it's your choice how to discover the city's riches! You can choose to join a local guide exploring the riches of both 'Buda' and 'Pest', the two parts of the city on either side of the Danube on a traditional city tour -OR- dive deeper into its rich Jewish heritage on a guided tour featuring Elizabethtown and the Pest Jewish Quarter. This evening, glide through Budapest on a cruise; festively lit up at night the cruise illuminates the city's most beautiful side. A folklore show on board completes the experience. |
| Day 5 | Budapest | Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Budapest however you wish - stroll the old town, relax in the cafes or visit some of the many historic sites. Or, you may choose to take a morning optional tour highlighting some of Budapest's sweetest sites, including a visit to bustling Market Hall filled with Hungarian delicacies, Vajdahunyad Castle, the SzEchenyi Baths and iconic CafE Gerbeaud. In the afternoon you may choose to immerse yourself in Hungarian culture on an optional Pustza excursion where you learn about paprika, visit a farmer's home for traditional arts demonstrations and experience a Hungarian Horse show, complete with a wagon ride. |
| Day 6 | Vukovar | After a leisurely morning onboard arrive in the Croatian town of Vukovar. Begin your exploration with a sightseeing tour of Vukovar. Then, immerse yourself in Croatia's natural wonders during a breathtaking excursion to the Kopacki Rit Nature Park and explore the unspoiled beauty of this wetland by boat. Visit the village of Kopacevo's Rural House to learn about local fishing traditions and taste typical Croatian products such as fruit brandy, local wine, and homemade cakes. Continue to Osijek to stroll through the old town and tour its baroque military fortress built in the 18th century before returning to your ship for dinner. |
| Day 7 | Belgrade | Explore a new country as you arrive in Belgrade, the vibrant capital of Serbia. During an included morning sightseeing tour, view many of its attractions such as Parliament, Terazije Square, the palace of Princess Ljubica and St. Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in the world. Continue to explore historic Belgrade independently this afternoon. After dinner, you may choose to experience Belgrade's night life during an optional excursion to the lively artists' quarter of Skardaljia. |
| Day 8 | Iron Gates Passage | Spend a relaxing day on board cruising through the most impressive natural stretch of the Danube. Marvel at the 'Iron Gates', an imposing gorge whose enormous white limestone cliffs form the natural border between Serbia and Romania. Soak in the beauty of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains and the Balkan mountain range. The small abbey church Mraconia, situated on the Romanian side of the Danube, is a jewel at the water's edge and the monumental rock sculpture of King Decebalus of Dacia reaches skywards at Dubova. |
| Day 9 | Svistov | Disembark the ship in Svistov this morning and travel via coach towards the rock monastery of Basarbovo, an active monastery built in the 16th century in a cave in the cliffs high above the river. Next discover the church of St. Dimitar with its history, spectacular views and frescoes. Continue on to Rousse, a 2000-year old city on the Danube that is filled with culture and traditions. A guided tour highlights the State Opera House, the pyramidal Monument of Liberty, and the architectural medley of the Baroque, Renaissance, Gothic and Empire styles. Explore the city center's neatly trimmed squares and parks dotted with fountains and monuments on foot before enjoying a glass of Bulgarian wine and some traditional pastry. |
| Day 10 | Saint George | Your journey continues through the breathtakingly beautiful Danube Delta, one of the largest wetlands in the world, whose vast variety of plant and animal species led to its declaration as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Travel along St. George's Canal, known as the 'end of the Danube' where the mighty river flows into the Black Sea. Upon arrival in the quaint fishing village of St. George, you are free to explore independently - perhaps you will stroll the main thoroughfare, linger at a cafE, stop in one of the many boutiques featuring locally made items, or visit a museum. Or, you may choose to take an optional excursion on an exciting Danube Delta boat safari - board small boats to get closer to the impressive natural landscape and its fascinating flora and fauna. |
| Day 11 | Fetesti | Today your ship arrives in Fetesti where you disembark for an included excursion to spectacular Constanta. The oldest continually inhabited city in Romania and its largest sea port, Constanta was founded by Greek Colonists in the 6th century BC. A guided tour highlights the synthesis of Greek, Roman, Balkan-oriental and European influences and offers views of the Great Mosque, Casino and the Genoese Lighthouse. A short visit to the History and Archaeology Museum reveals more of the city's 2.5 millennia history. Step on the golden sandy beaches of the Black Sea before returning to the ship. This evening, indulge at a festive Captain's Gala Dinner. |
| Day 12 | Fetesti | This morning your river cruise comes to an end in the Romanian town of Fetesti, where you disembark your ship. Transfer to Bucharest, Romania's legendary, capital steeped in history and tradition. Take part in a sightseeing tour through this vibrant metropolis and enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. Later, check-in to your hotel. This evening toast the end of a spectacular Danube journey during a farewell dinner at your hotel. |
| Day 13 | Bucharest | Say goodbye to the gorgeous Danube as your journey comes to a close today. |
- Lodging
- MS Amadeus Brilliant - Vienna, Netherlands
- Grand Hotel Bucharest - Bucharest, Romania
- Disclaimer
- * NOTE: Tour prices are land only rates based on per person, double occupancy. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking. Government taxes and fees are additional. Land rates are guaranteed at time of deposit. Certain taxes and fees are to be paid upon exiting the country in local currencies.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations.
