Gems of Southeast Europe
Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, calling at Budapest, Budapest, Vukovar, Belgrade, Golubac, Vidin, Rousse and Giurgiu.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaVerde, AmaBella and 2 sister ships.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
- 15 Mar 2027 – 22 Mar 2027
from $5,862 pp twin share * - 22 Mar 2027 – 29 Mar 2027
from $9,530 pp twin share * - 05 Apr 2027 – 12 Apr 2027
from $10,681 pp twin share * - 18 Apr 2027 – 25 Apr 2027
from $6,807 pp twin share * - 25 Apr 2027 – 02 May 2027
from $11,872 pp twin share * - 02 May 2027 – 09 May 2027
from $11,584 pp twin share * - 03 May 2027 – 10 May 2027
from $7,157 pp twin share * - 09 May 2027 – 16 May 2027
from $8,388 pp twin share * - 10 May 2027 – 17 May 2027
from $10,249 pp twin share * - 16 May 2027 – 23 May 2027
from $10,834 pp twin share * - 17 May 2027 – 24 May 2027
from $6,879 pp twin share * - 23 May 2027 – 30 May 2027
from $10,834 pp twin share * - 30 May 2027 – 06 Jun 2027
from $8,788 pp twin share * - 31 May 2027 – 07 Jun 2027
from $6,551 pp twin share * - 06 Jun 2027 – 13 Jun 2027
from $8,388 pp twin share * - 07 Jun 2027 – 14 Jun 2027
from $6,229 pp twin share * - 13 Jun 2027 – 20 Jun 2027
from $8,138 pp twin share * - 14 Jun 2027 – 21 Jun 2027
from $6,229 pp twin share * - 20 Jun 2027 – 27 Jun 2027
from $8,684 pp twin share * - 28 Jun 2027 – 05 Jul 2027
from $6,085 pp twin share * - 05 Jul 2027 – 12 Jul 2027
from $6,407 pp twin share * - 12 Jul 2027 – 19 Jul 2027
from $6,335 pp twin share * - 19 Jul 2027 – 26 Jul 2027
from $8,386 pp twin share * - 26 Jul 2027 – 02 Aug 2027
from $6,335 pp twin share * - 09 Aug 2027 – 16 Aug 2027
from $5,585 pp twin share * - 16 Aug 2027 – 23 Aug 2027
from $6,623 pp twin share * - 23 Aug 2027 – 30 Aug 2027
from $6,695 pp twin share * - 06 Sep 2027 – 13 Sep 2027
from $6,911 pp twin share * - 20 Sep 2027 – 27 Sep 2027
from $8,020 pp twin share * - 26 Sep 2027 – 03 Oct 2027
from $8,564 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Budapest
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Board the ship for your Gems of Southeast Europe cruise.
Day 2 – Budapest
MOHÁCS – PÉCS. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohács.
Day 3 – Vukovar
VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Enjoy your morning in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you may visit sites such as Eltz Manor House and Vukovar’s famous water tower. Alternatively, you may see Osijek on a guided tour. For those looking for a more active experience, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. In the afternoon, enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines. You can also choose to explore the Vucedol Museum, home to fascinating exhibits on prehistoric culture and one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe.
Day 4 – Belgrade
BELGRADE. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Nikola Tesla Museum, encompassing the world-renowned inventor’s life and inventions, as well as the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava, the largest such church in the world. You may also explore Novi Sad, a city rich in tradition and culture, on a full-day excursion. Begin your tour at the Dunavski (Danube) Park; stroll through Stari Grad, the old town center; and explore Liberty Square, which is dominated by the Old Town Hall and the Petrovaradin Fortress. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress. In the afternoon, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling a few types of Serbian brandy paired with delicious local appetizers, including Šlivovitz, which was added in 2022 to UNESCO’s list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage.” For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour.
Day 5 – Golubac
SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit Golubac Fortress, one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe, and delight in exquisite wines sourced from Rajačke Pimnice, a prominent viticulture region in Serbia, complemented by the flavors of traditional Serbian cheese and bread. Then cruise through the Iron Gates – one of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers.
Day 6 – Vidin
VIDIN, BULGARIA. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle.
Day 7 – Rousse
ROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. For more active exploration, join an unforgettable hike up the iconic Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo. Explore its ancient walls, towers, and the Patriarchal Church, adorned with stunning modernist frescoes. You may also opt to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. You may also join a full-day tour to Bucharest, known as the “Little Paris of the East.” Enjoy a guided tour of the historic city center and its elegant architecture.
Day 8 – Giurgiu
GIURGIU – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home.
Highlights
- Accommodation aboard AmaWaterways ships AmaVerde and AmaBella with a choice of stateroom categories
- A wide lineup of included tours, with a choice of standard, bike, hiking and special interest excursions
- Guided city tours of Vukovar, Belgrade and Osijek plus a Croatian wine tasting
Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, calling at Budapest, Budapest, Vukovar, Belgrade, Golubac, Vidin, Rousse and Giurgiu.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaVerde, AmaBella and 2 sister ships.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Inclusions
- Scenic cruising.
- Pécs excursion.
- Szekszárd wine tasting.
- Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube
- Vukovar City tour.
- Osijek Tour.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ships AmaVerde, AmaBella and 2 sister ships.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 15 Mar 2027 and 22 Nov 2027, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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