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Travelmarvel

Best of the Balkans

Budapest Return

Trip Code: EUTCBB15
15 Days
40 Meals
5 Countries
  • Travel & Accommodation
  • Map & Itinerary
  • Similar Trips

Trip Inclusions

  • 14 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship
  • Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides
  • Includes 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
  • Explore 15 towns, villages and cities
  • Enjoy a traditional Hungarian horse show with Magyar cowboys in Puszta
  • Cruise through the Iron Gates, one of the most spectacular natural sights along the Danube River
  • Learn about life in Serbia during a visit to a local family's village and fruit orchard in Belgrade

Map & Itinerary

Trip Notes

  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change
  • Prices include transfers, port charges and tipping
  • Low or high-water levels may cause disruption to cruising
  • Prices are for cruise only. Flights are not included unless specified
Europe map EUTCBB15 2024
Budapest Return

Designed exclusively for our guests

Insider Experience

Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event

Welcome to Budapest, Hungary’s capital. Arrive at the airport and be transferred to your river ship, docked on the Danube River.

Stay: 14 Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship

Daily :
  • Dinner

Spend the day exploring the sights of Budapest. Visit Castle Hill and admire the sweeping views of the Danube, the Houses of Parliament and Margaret Island. See the bridges arching across the inner city, including the iconic Chain Bridge, which is more than 160 years old. Cross the Danube and take in its historic monuments, such as Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception and gala Welcome Dinner on board as your ship sets sail, Budapest putting on a show around you.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Brick arched piers and metal support bridge spanning the River Danube in Hungary

From the sleepy port town of Mohacs, history buffs will delight in the chance to travel to the ancient city of Pecs. As Hungary’s fifth-largest city, this World Heritage site offers plenty in the way of sightseeing. Be sure to check out the copper domes of the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, as well as the 11th-century Pecs Cathedral.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Following the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar’s economy, infrastructure and culture were in disarray. However, today you will see the efforts taken to restore this city to its former glory. Today, visit the Vukovar City Museum, hidden inside Eltz Manor. Enjoy the chance to wander through the castle complex.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

Discover the traditional Serbian way of life with a local family in the village of Jarak. Take a tour of their home and barn to meet the resident farm animals. Stroll through the family’s fruit orchards to learn about the brewing process of ‘slivovitz’. This plum brandy is the national drink of choice.


In Serbia’s capital, join a guided tour through the city. Perhaps see the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. Experience a traditional Serbian way of living during your Insider Experience today.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Get ready to witness nature at its finest today as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates. This spectacular series of gorges connects Serbia and Romania, and makes for an out-of-this-world cruising experience. Make sure to have your camera charged and at the ready!

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
The Iron Gates along the Danube River in Romania.

Go ashore to Rousse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Join a walking tour and admire the belle epoque architecture and manicured garden squares, which are reminiscent of Vienna. You’ll also pass by Liberty Square, the courthouse, the Rousse Opera House and Alexander Battenberg Square. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps visit the Regional Museum of History, the National Transport Museum, or the ancient castle ruins of Sexaginta Prista Fortress.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Spend the entire day in Bucharest, Romania’s hip capital. Join a guided tour of the city and take in the wide tree-lined boulevards and belle epoque buildings, then walk through the Old City centre to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the Lipscani district. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure, or perhaps you would like to wander the open-air Village Museum and gain an insight into traditional Romanian life.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Today you’ll discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Tarnovo. With a local expert, be guided through this medieval city and uncover its rich history. At its centre, see the restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. After, head to the hilltops to visit Arbanasi, a village brimming with history.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Begin your day in Vidin with free time to explore your own way. Afterwards, you may like to explore Baba Vida Fortress, a medieval castle which dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, head to Belogradchik to visit its ancient fortress on the northern side of the Balkan Mountains. While you’re here, see the town’s unique rock formations.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Get out and explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, on a guided tour. Afterwards, spend your free time relaxing, or perhaps visit Petrovaradin Fortress and check out its catacombs.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

INSIDER EXPERIENCE

In Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show featuring Magyar cowboys and fine equestrian skills.


Get to know Hungary’s oldest town, Kalocsa, set right on the Danube. The town is best known for its vibrant paprika festival as well as traditional folk art and local handicrafts. Afterwards, head to Puszta for your Insider Experience.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Return to Budapest, where you will spend the day your own way. You may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum.

Daily :
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner

Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport.

Daily :
  • Breakfast

I could not have asked for more regarding a tour guide. Helpful in all ways, terrific personality.