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 (508) 347-9511 for more information or to book today! Mention code 17277420
- Tour Operator
- Collette
- Offer
- Offer valid through 6/30/2023
- Duration
- 13 Days
Day | Destination | Description |
Day 1 | Bucharest | 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 | Bucharest | Welcome to Bucharest, Romania's legendary capital, steeped in history and tradition. Meet your fellow travelers tonight during an included dinner at your hotel. |
Day 3 | Bucharest | Take part in a city sightseeing tour through vibrant metropolis Bucharest this morning, then enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. Transfer to the Romanian town of Fetesti this afternoon where you will board a private four-star ship, your home for the next 10 nights. Toast the beginning of a great river cruise with a cocktail before enjoying a multi-course welcome dinner. |
Day 4 | Saint George | Journey 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 to the nearby fishing village of St. George. Upon arrival in the quaint fishing village of St. George, you are free to explore independently. 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 5 | 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. |
Day 6 | Rousse | Arrive in Rousse, a 2000-year old city on the Danube that is filled with culture and traditions. 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. A guided tour of Rousse 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. Rejoin your ship in Svistov. |
Day 7 | 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 8 | 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. |
Day 9 | Vukovar | This morning, arrive in the Croatian town of Vukovar. After breakfast on board, begin your Croatian explorations with a city sightseeing tour of Vukovar. Then, immerse yourself in Coatia's natural wonders during a breathtaking excursion to the Kopacki Rit Nature Park to explore enjoy the unspoiled beauty of this wetland by boat. In the village of Kopacevo, visit the 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 10 | Budapest | This morning you cruise toward stunning Budapest, Hungary, the 'Queen of the Danube.' You may choose to disembark early for an optional Puszta excursion to immerse yourself in Hungarian culture 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. 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 11 | Budapest | Enjoy time this morning 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. After lunch on board this afternoon, depart for Slovakia. Or you may choose an optional guided tour via coach of the charming artist's towns of Szentendre and Esztergom, former residence of Hungarian kings where you rejoin your ship. |
Day 12 | 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. This afternoon, cruise toward the last port of your journey, Vienna. Toast to the end of a spectacular Danube journey during a festive Captain's Gala 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 13 | Vienna | Say goodbye to the gorgeous Danube as your journey comes to a close today in lovely Vienna, Austria. |
- Dates/Pricing
- Lodging
- Grand Hotel Bucharest - Bucharest, Romania
- MS Amadeus Brilliant - Fetesti, Netherlands
- 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.