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EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – A private Imperial Evening at a traditional palace in Vienna featuring dinner and Viennese performers

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE – Reception and dinner at Bragadiru Palace  in Bucharest

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to ship staff, drivers, local guides, Tauck Directors and Tauck Cruise Director

Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $5,969

In Amsterdam, a guided tour of the famed Rijksmuseum, home to many masterpieces

Day exploring Nürnberg, the walled medieval town whose history is forever intertwined with World War II

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Guests should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Exclusively inclusive river cruising

Travel like the royals of old on our grand eastern European river cruises combining Amsterdam to Budapest by Riverboat with Budapest to the Black Sea to create an unforgettable 25-day experience through the heart of Europe.

The river of kings – the danube, old world europe – rhine river cruises, tauck exclusive – dinner at a royal palace, exclusive tauck evening at serbia's royal white palace in belgrade.

The Serbian Royal Family's White Palace (Beli Dvor) in the Dedinje Complex in Belgrade was built for the then Crown Princes of Yugoslavia in the 1930s, and shares the complex with the Royal Palace, built a decade earlier and now home to HRH Crown Prince Alexander II of Serbia. The beautiful neo-Classical White Palace is the setting for our Tauck Exclusive gala dinner in Belgrade... an evening you won't soon forget!

Another winner! My third solo traveler trip with Tauck. Both ship and shore activities were all well planned, interesting and fun.

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2021 Payment Terms At-A-Glance

More Time – For all 2021 bookings, final payment will not be due until 60 days prior to departure – giving you more time and flexibility should your plans change.

No change fees – Any Tauck, any time. If your 2021 plans do change any time up until the day of departure, your full deposit (or tour payment) can be applied to a future Tauck journey of your choice.

Book with peace of mind , assured that you'll also have choices in the event Tauck is unable to operate your journey's departure date. We'll give you options to travel on another 2021 or 2022 date – or, if you wish, on a different journey. And if you decide that the time is not right for you to travel, we'll refund your full tour cost.

Please note: These payment terms apply to 2021 journeys only; deposit must be made at time of booking (does not apply to air travel and Tauck protection plans). Ask for complete details.

About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and The Netherlands. You are not required to obtain a visa to enter any of the countries visited for the short duration of this tour.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany and the Netherlands to determine what travel documentation is required.

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the riverboat, your passport will be held by the purser temporarily to make copies.

Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only Tauck guests are permitted onboard.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Note Regarding Crossing Borders between non-Schengen Countries: In order to clear customs at the non-Schengen ports, the Reception staff will take your passport during the cruise in order to show local authorities as we pass borders. Occasionally you will need to come to the front desk to have your identify quickly crossed checked with your passport by the authorities. The process is quick and efficient and there is no need for declarations, etc.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

• Tour Name and Departure Date
• Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
• Traveler's Address(es)
• Email Address*
• Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
• Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
• Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
• Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
• Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $900 per person

Final Payments:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  60  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

• Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
• Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
• Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
• Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
• Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $799   per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

To obtain your state-specific Certificate of Insurance that contains the complete terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions of the certificate, visit  affinitytravelcert.com/docs/TACCREINTL

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $900 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The most favorable months for riverboat travel in Eastern Europe are in late spring and summer. During those months the temperatures range from highs of 63 to 73 º F in May (17 to 23 º C) and 71 to 83 º F (22 to 28 º C) in July. The overnight temperatures range from 45 to 50 º F (7 to 10 º C) in May and 53 to 60 º F (12 to 16 º C) in July. The temperatures increase as you travel down the Rhine and the Main to the Danube and finally the Black Sea port of Constanta.

Rainfall averages during these months range from 2.4 to 2.8 in (61 to 71 mm) in May, 2.8 to 3.6 in (71 to 91 mm) in June, and 2.5 to 3.0 in (64 to 76 mm)  in July.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov , by clicking here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with New Headings who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Many days are spent outside or in transit. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

During evenings aboard the riverboat, dress is resort casual.  Items such as slacks and collared shirts are appropriate for men.  For women, slacks, a dress or a skirt and blouse are suitable.  For dinner and throughout the evening, guests should refrain from wearing shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops or sneakers.  Your journey also includes one or two special occasion dinners, where a sport coat and tie for gentlemen and a dress/pantsuit for ladies are suggested.  (Your Tauck Director will advise you prior to those evenings.)

Bathrobes, slippers and hairdryers are provided in each guest room at the hotel and in each cabin on board the riverboat.

Irons and ironing boards are either located in your hotel guest room or are available immediately upon request. Ironing facilities are available on the riverboat by request to the front desk. Category 7 suites feature their own irons and ironing boards. Onboard the riverboat, valet laundry and pressing services are available; there is no dry cleaning on board.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the

event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the riverboat.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your Grand European Cruise: 

• Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
• Sport jacket and optional tie for men
• Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
• A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
• Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
• Insect repellent
• Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
• Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
• Travel alarm clock/cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
• Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
• Reusable zipper-lock bags or other waterproof bags
• Daypack for camera equipment
• Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
• Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your ship cabin while traveling

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River Cruising Through Eastern Europe

Last Updated on December 15, 2023

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Updated for 2022 / 2023

By Jim Ferri

It comes down to the ability to communicate. If you can’t speak the local language, or if those in the host country don’t speak yours, it can make for some difficult times.

The problem is exacerbated when you’re traveling through several countries where different languages are spoken. Eastern Europe is a good example, where the bouillabaisse of languages can leave your head spinning.

An Eastern Europe river cruise, with numerous guides speaking the language of the day, is a perfect solution.

Then you move effortlessly through several countries and languages all in the comfort of your stateroom, which is why when Royal Viking Cruises invited me to sample their Passage to Eastern Europe package, a cruise on the Danube from Budapest to Bucharest, I accepted their offer.

Passage to Eastern Europe, A Five-Country River Cruise

Passage to Eastern Europe , the name of this river cruise, is an 11-day (including transit), five-country cruise. Seven nights are aboard the 190-passenger Viking Embla. The ship stops at six small ports along the way, with passengers take a bus inland to see some of the sights away from the river.

Viking uses upscale hotels for the land portion of the cruise. In Budapest, we spent two nights at the Hilton, in Bucharest one night at the Inter Continental.

After arriving in Budapest, passengers have a day of sightseeing on a bus tour about Budapest. They then have a half-day to wander on their own before boarding the ship.

After two nights at the Hilton, passengers take a bus to the Embla, one of Viking Cruises ‘ “Longships.” Aboard they enjoy a nice cruise down the Danube, stopping in river towns along the way. in addition, passengers are bused to other towns farther inland. The tour then ends in Bucharest, Romania.

My medium-priced cabin on this Eastern Europe river cruise is quite comfortable. It has good lighting and ample 110 and 220 outlets, plus a decent size bathroom and outdoor balcony.

There are also plenty of movies, as well as CNN, BBC and other networks, to view on our large-screen TV. TV reception and Wi-Fi were good all along the river with only a few interruptions.

Horsemen of the Puszta

Following two nights in Budapest and a tour of the city, we board the Embla. Conveniently, boarding takes place right in the center of the city.

The next morning, following an informal Welcome Reception and dinner on our first night onboard, we awoke at a small dock in the Hungarian countryside.

Following a good breakfast – all the meals were very good – buses took us to the small Hungarian town of Kalocsa. There we had for a walking tour, before continuing to the Bakodpuszta Equestrian Center . The latter turned out to be the more interesting venue of the day.

At the Center we watched performances by the Hungarian horsemen of the Puszta. These cowboys are the descendants of the Magyar warriors that emigrated to Hungary centuries earlier.

It was a great hit, and included one act that likely was the last thing any of us expected to see in Hungary: a cowboy standing on the haunches of 10 white stallions galloping about a corral at break-neck speed.

The performance was accompanied by samplings of Hungarian brandy and other peasant foods. Also, as expected, there was the opportunity to buy Hungarian embroidery and other items in the center’s little market.

Rediscovering Belgrade

Following lunch back on the ship we were off to Vukovar, a Croatian town . Unfortunately, there town bore much of the brunt of the Serbo-Croation war in the 1990s.

Vukovar was only our base to meet our buses, however. Our destination was actually the town of Osijek, the 4 th -largest in Croatia . Once there we walked along 18 th -century cobbled streets lined with the best-preserved Baroque buildings in the country.

While I enjoyed our tour of Osijek, I was stunned the next day. It was when on this Eastern Europe river cruise we visited Belgrade, the capital of Serbia . I had been to Belgrade many years ago and had avoided it ever since. The reason was because I remembered it as a drab, dour-looking city.

But now, I found it amazing how the city had changed, transforming itself from boring to beautiful. Despite the rain, I became more smitten with the place every place we went.

Following lunch back on the Embla, I took an optional tour to the Kovacica Art Colony in a small town further north.

I know it was due to my high expectations, but I found the art gallery of naïve paintings disappointing. On the other hand, I found our later visit to the home/workshop of a violin maker fascinating. It was wonderful to watch an Old-World craftsman ply his trade and answer our many questions.

River Cruising Through the Iron Gates of Eastern Europe

It was comfortable aboard the Elba but I rarely took advantage of time to relax on deck since on this Eastern European river cruise we were always exploring towns during the day and sailing at night.

That was rectified on Sunday as we spent the day cruising through the Iron Gates , the narrowest and, to some, the prettiest section of the Danube.

It’s a lovely section of the river that is flanked by tall limestone cliffs, a 150-yard wide channel that cuts through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. One of the most famous sights on it is the huge carving in the rock of the ancient Romanian tribal chief Decebal, completed in 2004.

Wonderful Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi

The following day on our river cruise through Eastern Europe we docked in the Bulgarian port of Vidin to visit the unique Belogradchik Fortress , a stronghold originally constructed by the Romans and enhanced by successive empires. We climbed the rocks about it for some spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Later that day we visited Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s former capital , and the town of Arbanassi and were surprised by both.

Let loose to wander on our own for an hour in Veliko Tarnovo, I wandered up Rakovski Street, a wonderful artisan’s street, lined with art shops and galleries, and the occasional workshop of a potter or coppersmith. The cobblestone street curved along the hillside, flanked on both sides by century-old buildings filled with small shops and galleries.

It was an amazingly photographic and colorful, and even from an architectural perspective quite interesting. Coming out of one gallery I looked up and saw contrails of two jets flying high overhead and felt as if I was in another world, transported back in time.

Arbanassi, The On to Bucharest

Later on we drove to Arbanassi , just a few miles away and had a delicious lunch accompanied by quite good Bulgarian Cabernet Sauvignon. Throughout it we were entertained by local musicians and dancers. After the restaurant, we walked over to the nearby fresco-adorned Church of the Nativity, another over-the-top cultural icon.

Our river cruise in Eastern Europe ended in Bucharest in another ecclesiastical icon of sorts, the lively and crowded Caru’ cu Bere , a restaurant in the old section of Bucharest that was originally built to look like a church.

I never discovered whether that was just local lore or not, but the inside of the place was amazing, and the food quite good.

You may also enjoy: Day-Tours in 5 of the Best Eastern European Cities / 10 Things to do in Budapest, You Don’t Want to Miss / Things to Do in Romania, Still Medieval Europe

Viking River Cruises 5700 Canoga Avenue Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Tel: (877) 668-4546 http://www.vikingrivercruises.com

July 8, 2015 at 8:25 am

WE done at least 5 river cruises and absolutely love them!! Including Ruissa, China, Egypt, Seine, Danube, Rhine. In February we did the Mekong River from Phnom Penh to Vietnam!!!

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Grand European Tour

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Admire Rhine Valley vistas from a 900-year-old castle. Sample the culinary delights of Austria’s Wachau Valley. Learn the Viennese waltz, visit Melk’s Benedictine Abbey and delve into Nuremberg’s World War II history. Indulge your senses on this 15-day journey spanning the best of Europe, tracing the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers between the windmill-dotted waterways of Holland and the stunning landscapes of Hungary, with engaging encounters at every bend.

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To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

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One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

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Eastern Europe River Cruise Overview & Video

In May, 2023 we enjoyed a relaxing, scenic, and very educational Eastern Europe river cruise on the Danube River through five countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, and Hungary. All former communist Eastern Bloc countries, each one had a different story of hardships and triumphs following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Our Eastern Europe river cruise was on the very same ship that we had sailed on for our Great Rivers of Europe cruise almost five years earlier, Grand Circle’s M/S Adagio. As usual, we found the food, service and tour guides to be excellent. Our 120 or so fellow travelers were divided into four groups. Our “Blue Group” of 35 people was under the leadership of an outstanding program director, Dragos from Romania.

Among the many highlights of the journey were:

• the the first-hand account of a pro-democracy revolutionary and the opulent Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest, Romania;
• the historic and scenic cities of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi, Bulgaria, where human presence has been dated to 5000 years ago;
• traveling through the picturesque gorges of the Iron Gates region of the Danube between Romania and Serbia;
• the museum and tomb of Yugoslavian dictator Tito in Belgrade, and the Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad, Serbia;
• the Homeland War Memorial Cemetary in Vukovar and a home-hosted luncheon in Aljmas, Croatia; and
• the spectacular beauty of the evening floodlit buildings along the Danube in Budapest, Hungary.

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Photo Galleries

Follow the “Next” links to the trip detail pages to see all of the photo galleries and trip narrative.

Next : Romania Bulgaria Serbia and the Iron Gates Croatia Hungary

The 12-minute video below gives a good overview of the entire journey. It is best viewed with sound on.

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• Romania →

2 thoughts on “ Eastern Europe River Cruise Overview & Video ”

Absolutely fantastic! Your background information and commentary was phenomenal. It brought the pictures to life and gave them context. Our pictures are pretty, but yours brought us back to the ship and the cities we visited. Your video was outstanding and highlighted the many magic moments of the trip. Thank you for sharing this with us.

Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you enjoyed it. We enjoyed traveling with you and hope to bump into you again on a future trip.

Graeme and Connie

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The Best River Cruises in Eastern Europe

Journey along the waterways: unlock the hidden gems of the world on these river cruises.

Are you ready to embark on a river adventure through Eastern Europe like no other? Picture yourself cruising through breathtaking landscapes, indulging in delectable cuisine, and immersing yourself in fascinating cultures. We've meticulously analyzed a wide range of river cruises in Eastern Europe based on key criteria such as price, guest ratings, luxuries, and excursions to find the absolute best possible options for your next trip. Whether you're seeking a relaxing holiday or an adventurous escapade, these stunningly beautiful and relaxing voyages will exceed your expectations. Get ready to set sail and create memories that will last a lifetime!

• IRON GATES CRUISE, 4 days, MS Fidelio 4 Days, $481.00
• Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio 11 Days, $2007.90
• Blue Danube cruise, Vienna-Vienna, MS Fidelio 8 Days, $1476.56

What are river cruise options in Eastern Europe?

Here are the important factors:

• 81 trip options analyzed
• $448 average price per day (USD)
• 4 to 16 days in length
• 4.58 of 5 average rating
• 161 people or less on average

Curious about the diverse range of river cruises? Prepare to be amazed by the array of options available to suit every traveler's preferences. It comes as no surprise that visitors adore these tours, given their exceptional average guest rating of 4.58 out of 5 stars. When it comes to group sizes, the average maximum capacity stands at 161 people, allowing for a comfortable and sociable experience. The shortest tour is 4 days, while the longest is 16 days. And for physical activity , you can choose between easy and relaxing, with most of them being easy. With a comprehensive analysis encompassing 81 river cruises, you can rest assured that Eastern Europe has something tailored to your interests and preferences, promising an unforgettable experience for all.

(All tour prices are in US Dollars before taxes, and come from a base price that is reported by TourRadar. Peak season prices can vary significantly, particularly in destinations where seasonal travel fluctuates dramatically.)

So, let's get to it and see...

The 10 Best River Cruises in Eastern Europe

Iron gates cruise, 4 days, ms fidelio.

• On Sale: 50% Off See Prices
• Great Value: the daily price is lower than average for river cruises.

This exceptional trip offering by Crucemundo has received a 4.5 out of 5 rating. On this 4-day journey, visiting Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania, you can unwind while also making new memories. Belgrade will mark the start of your journey, while Bucharest will serve as its final destination. With a group size of 154 people, it's suitable for travelers from 1 to 105 years old. This remarkable trip is priced at an unbeatable $73 per day.

• River Cruise

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

• High Quality: guest ratings are higher than average.

Check out this trip that has received rave reviews, earning a stellar 4.8 out of 5 rating, visiting Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Explore 9 incredible locations on this trip, including Belgrade, Vidin, Bratislava, and Budapest. Vienna marks the starting point, while Bucharest stands as the final stop on your incredible journey. Spanning across 11 unforgettable days, this voyage offers an intimate group experience with 130 participants, and it's great for travelers from 1 to 95 years old. Brought to you by the renowned Crucemundo , this exceptional opportunity is priced at an incredible $108 per day - an unbeatable value.

Blue Danube cruise, Vienna-Vienna, MS Fidelio

This 8-day river cruise, visiting Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary, is ideal for travelers from 1 to 95 years old. And priced at only $109 per day, it's a great value, too. Discover a journey that spans 7 destinations, with notable stops in Linz, Bratislava, Budapest, and Durnstein. Vienna kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. It's offered by Crucemundo , a very popular company with rave reviews and knowledgeable guides.

Magestic Danube II (Belgrade - Vienna), MS Fidelio

Priced at just $99 per day, this terrific 8-day trip, visiting Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria, is ideal for travelers from 1 to 95 years old. This trip takes you on an adventure to 7 destinations, including Budapest, Bratislava, Novi Sad, and Vukovar. Belgrade will mark the start of your journey, while Vienna will serve as its final destination. Organized by the reputable Crucemundo , this is one of the best tours on this list.

Classical Danube (Passau - Budapest - Passau)

• On Sale: 30% Off See Prices

Check out this incredible cruise that has received a 4.8 out of 5 rating from previous guests, visiting Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia. With a duration of 8 days, this journey ensures an intimate group size of 154 people, and is good for travelers from 1 to 95 years old. With 6 destinations to explore, you'll get the chance to see Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Durnstein, and more. Passau will be both the start and end of your journey. This fantastic option, organized by Crucemundo , presents an unbeatable value at just $135 per day.

Danube Classics 2024

Spanning over 8 days, this cruise, visiting Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, has a maximum size of 242 individuals. Welcoming travelers from 2 and up, it is organized by A-ROSA , a very popular company with plenty of great reviews. Along the way, this journey encompasses 9 destinations, including Esztergom, Budapest, Bratislava, and Melk. Your adventure starts and ends in Engelhartszell. Available at an unbeatable price of only $140 per day, this option also has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from previous guests.

Here's your chance to take off on an exceptional trip, visiting Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, that has garnered a 4.5 out of 5 rating. With a duration of 8 days, this jouney will have 242 participants, and it warmly welcomes travelers from 2 and up. Expertly organized by A-ROSA , this amazing trip is an incredible value at just $140 per day.

Christmas on Danube: from Vienna to Vienna via Budapest - MS Princess Isabella

This memorable journey, visiting Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia, is offered by Crucemundo which has received plenty of positive reviews. The trip itself has a guest rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, and is priced affordably at $156 per day. Immerse yourself in a travel experience that includes 6 destinations, featuring Melk, Durnstein, Budapest, and Esztergom. Begin and conclude your remarkable journey in the gorgeous destination of Vienna. The maximum group size is 148 people, welcoming travelers from 1 to 95 years old.

Set off on an extraordinary journey, visiting Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, that has been awarded a 4.5 out of 5 stars by previous guests. With a duration of 8 days, this journey offers an intimate group setting, accommodating 183 individuals, while extending a warm welcome to travelers from 2 and up. Uncover the beauty of 9 destinations on this itinerary, with highlights such as Melk, Krems an der Donau, Passau, and Vienna. You'll start and end your journey in beautiful Engelhartszell. Brought to you by A-ROSA , this exceptional deal is an incredible steal at a mere $168 per day.

With this option you can experience an unparalleled cruise for 8 unforgettable days, visiting Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia. It ensures an intimate group setting with 206 participants at most. Traverse through 9 enchanting destinations, with Krems an der Donau, Passau, Vienna, and Esztergom among the must-see stops along the route. Engelhartszell kicks off your expedition, serving as both the starting and finishing point. A-ROSA , the organizer of this journey, extends a warm invitation to guests travelers from 2 and up. This extraordinary opportunity offers exceptional value at only $168 per day.

See also The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Eastern Europe , The Best Wildlife Tours to Eastern Europe , The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Historical Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best 10-Day Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best 3-Day Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best 2-Week Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best 3-Week Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best 4-Week (1-Month) Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Extended Trip Tours in Eastern Europe, One Month or Longer , The Best Bicycle Tours in Eastern Europe , Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Eastern Europe , The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Christmas Market Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Coach Bus Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Adventure Tours to Eastern Europe , The Best Eco Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Train & Rail Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Eastern Europe , The Best Art History, Museums, and Cultural Tours Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Sightseeing Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Cultural Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Music Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Camping Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Eastern Europe , The Best Self Drive Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Walking Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Honeymoon Tours in Eastern Europe , The Best Tours Under $1000 in Eastern Europe , The Best Luxury Tours to Eastern Europe , The Best Budget Tours to Eastern Europe , The Best Tours for Seniors to Eastern Europe , The Best Contiki Tours to Eastern Europe , or The Best G Adventures Tours to Eastern Europe for more tour ideas. With so many options, there's a guided tour or vacation package for every type of traveler.

How much do River Cruises in Eastern Europe cost?

After analyzing 81 river cruises in Eastern Europe, we found the average price to be a remarkably economical $448 per day. Naturally, this region has many fantastic options for river cruises with a variety of prices. The individual costs will vary by the destinations, travel style, available dates, and other factors. If you're interested in more information about tours here, see our guide to tour prices in Eastern Europe .

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Highlights of Eastern Europe

10 days | budapest to bucharest.

4.4/5   347 reviews

• Dates and Pricing
• Ship Details

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Saturday May 25, 2024

Budapest to Bucharest

End Date: Mon Jun 3, 2024 Monday June 3, 2024

Pricing displayed above is Single Occupancy Pricing. Click here to view Standard/Double Occupancy Pricing.

• Prices exclude additional port charges of $220 per person.

Book early for the best pricing and availability.

Available offers.

River Heritage Club savings and amenities are available to guests after completing their first Uniworld cruise. Exclusive savings are based on the cruise or cruise/tour-only price (including any upgrades and single supplement). Savings are combinable with all current Uniworld promotions. All applicable discounts are applied sequentially; fixed savings amounts are deducted prior to applying any percentage-based discounts. Restrictions may apply.

Thursday May 30, 2024

Bucharest to Budapest

End Date: Sat Jun 8, 2024 Saturday June 8, 2024

Monday July 8, 2024

End Date: Wed Jul 17, 2024 Wednesday July 17, 2024

Friday July 12, 2024

End Date: Sun Jul 21, 2024 Sunday July 21, 2024

Saturday July 13, 2024

End Date: Mon Jul 22, 2024 Monday July 22, 2024

Wednesday July 17, 2024

End Date: Fri Jul 26, 2024 Friday July 26, 2024

Friday September 6, 2024

End Date: Sun Sep 15, 2024 Sunday September 15, 2024

Wednesday September 11, 2024

End Date: Fri Sep 20, 2024 Friday September 20, 2024

Friday September 20, 2024

End Date: Sun Sep 29, 2024 Sunday September 29, 2024

Wednesday September 25, 2024

End Date: Fri Oct 4, 2024 Friday October 4, 2024

• All fares are per guest in US dollars based on double occupancy unless otherwise noted.
• Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice.
• Availability of all stateroom categories cannot be guaranteed.
• Single Supplement applies for single accommodation.
• Itineraries, hotels, and vessels may change, and substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip due to water level fluctuations and other uncontrollable factors.
• The order of sightseeing and docking ports are subject to change according to port authority assignments.

River Duchess

Suite rhine deck.

Stateroom Category 1 /4

Suite - River Duchess

Suite Floorplan - River Duchess

• Lavishly appointed riverview suite (214 sq ft - 20 sq m) with a French balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center and satellite
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, backlit magnifying mirror & heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers
• Additional amenities and services include in-suite butler service, packing and unpacking assistance, in-room breakfast, daily fruit and cookie plate and an elegant evening snack, Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas, fully stocked mini bar, bottle of wine upon request, shoeshine, and free laundry service

French Balcony Rhine Deck

Stateroom Category 2 /4

French Balcony - River Duchess

French Balcony Floorplan - River Duchess

• Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Deluxe Danube Deck

Stateroom Category 3 /4

Deluxe - River Duchess

Deluxe Floorplan - River Duchess

• Lavishly appointed riverview stateroom (151 sq ft - 14 sq m)

Classic Moselle Deck

Stateroom Category 4 /4

Classic - River Duchess

Classic Floorplan - River Duchess

S.s. beatrice, royal suite rhine deck.

Stateroom Category 1 /6

Royal Suite - S.S. Beatrice

Royal Suite Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview royal suite (390 sq ft - 36.2 sq m) with spacious living room
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, separate rain shower and tub, plush towels, towel warmers and a secluded toilet area
• Additional amenities and service include: in-suite butler service; packing and unpacking assistance; in-room breakfast; daily fruit and cookie plate, and an elegant evening snack; Nespresso coffee machine and fine teas; fully stocked mini bar; bottle of wine upon arrival; shoe shine; and free laundry service

Grand Suite Rhine Deck

Stateroom Category 2 /6

Grand Suite - S.S. Beatrice

Grand Suite Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview grand suite (310 sq ft - 28.8 sq m)
• Grand suites include handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat and flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, comfortable bathrobes and slippers, a rain shower and tub, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirror and a secluded toilet area

Stateroom Category 3 /6

Suite - S.S. Beatrice

Suite Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview suite (225 sq ft - 20.9 sq m)
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmers, backlit magnifying mirror, heated mirrors, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

Deluxe French Balcony Rhine Deck

Stateroom Category 4 /6

Deluxe French Balcony - S.S. Beatrice

Deluxe French Balcony Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft - 14 sq m) with a French balcony
• Handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, built-in closet, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat, flat-screen TV with infotainment center
• Marble bathroom with Asprey bath and body products, plush towels, towel warmer, heated mirror, backlit magnifying mirror, comfortable bathrobes and slippers

French Balcony Danube Deck

Stateroom Category 5 /6

French Balcony - S.S. Beatrice

French Balcony Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

Stateroom Category 6 /6

Classic Floorplan - S.S. Beatrice

• Luxurious riverview stateroom (150 sq ft - 14 sq m)

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Trip Inclusions

• Three nights in Krakow; two nights in Prague, Warsaw and Berlin
• 14 nights cruising on a Travelmarvel river ship
• Services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director, Cruise Director and local guides
• 53 meals - 23 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 17 dinners
• Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
• Explore 20 towns, villages and cities
• Transfers, port charges and tipping
• Enjoy a traditional Polish folklore show and dinner in Krakow
• Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
• Prices are for land/cruise only. Flights are not included unless specified

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Insider Experience

Enjoy an included special or unique excursion or event

Arrive Amsterdam, Embark Ship

Arrive in Amsterdam and transfer to your river ship. Perhaps grab a map to explore this carefree, cosmopolitan city and its magnificent network of canals. This evening, meet your Cruise Director and fellow passengers at a Captain’s Welcome Reception.

Stay: 14 Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel River Ship

Amsterdam, Utrecht

Board a glass-top boat and glide through Amsterdam’s maze of waterways with a local guide, before enjoying some free time to explore this lively city. Later, travel by coach to Utrecht, via Rembrandt’s Windmill. From here, your ship will set off along the Rhine as you prepare for tonight’s special Gala Dinner.

Cologne, Bruhl

Insider experience.

Step back in time during a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle. Listen to enthralling stories and enjoy a walk through the stunning landscaped parks and gardens between the castle and the lodge.

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne’s famous cathedral, the Kolner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take the short drive to Bruhl for your Insider Experience.

Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim

Experience a true holiday highlight as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge, known to be the most beautiful section of the Rhine River. Your ship docks in Rudesheim, where the Winzerexpress mini-train will take you through the town to Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Here, discover one of the most beautiful collections of automated musical instruments in all of Germany.

Get a glimpse into local life as you are welcomed into the home of a friendly Miltenberg family. Enjoy coffee and cake made by your gracious hosts.

Discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town’s half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th century.

Board a coach and travel through the rolling hills to Wurzburg. Admire the baroque palace and walk through the beautiful Court Garden. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional visit to medieval Rothenburg, a true fairytale town.

Spend a leisurely morning cruising along the last stretch of the Main River before arriving at Bamberg. Enjoy a guided tour, during which you’ll gaze upon such sights as the Old Town Hall and the Bamberg Cathedral, followed by some free time to explore. Later on this evening, your ship will reach the Main-Danube Canal.

Explore Nuremberg, the site of Hitler’s infamous rallies. Wander the cobblestone streets, discovering hidden boutiques and artisan stores. Finish your day cruising through the Main-Danube Canal, crossing Europe’s Continental Divide thanks to the canal’s 16 stair-step locks.

This evening, enjoy an authentic Bavarian experience on board as you sample local beer and snacks, accompanied by traditional folk music, song and dance.

Having reached the Danube River overnight, Regensburg awaits. Spend the day in this charming city, docked right in the heart of town, and join a guided walking tour to see its major sights.

Passau, Linz

As you enjoy your breakfast, arrive in the ‘Three Rivers City’ of Passau, where the rivers Inn and Ilz join the Danube. Perhaps join an optional tour to Cesky Krumlov in the Czech Republic, or travel to Salzburg and enjoy the sights from ‘The Sound of Music’. Alternatively, stay on board and enjoy a relaxing sailing day to Linz.

Melk, Durnstein

Join a local guide to see Melk Abbey, an active Benedictine monastery since 1089. Cruise through the picturesque Wachau Valley to the town of Durnstein and enjoy a stroll past rustic town houses and taverns. Along the way, gaze up to the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.

In Vienna, join a walking tour of St Stephen’s Cathedral, the Graben, Hofburg Palace and the Albertina. Afterwards, you may enjoy visiting the Naschmarkt. This evening, perhaps enjoy an optional concert featuring music from Mozart to ‘The Sound of Music’.

Today is yours to explore Vienna. Perhaps visit the Hofburg area and the Imperial Treasury. Otherwise, enjoy an optional excursion to Schonbrunn Palace, or head to Bratislava. Later, set sail for Hungary. Tonight, celebrate your river cruise with a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

After breakfast, join a local guide to explore the city. Later, you may wish to join an optional tour to discover the Hospital in the Rock Bunker Museum, a hospital created in the caverns under Buda Castle in Budapest in the 1930s, in preparation for the Second World War.

Disembark Ship, Budapest, Krakow

This morning after breakfast, you will travel to Krakow via the Tatra Mountains in Slovakia and check in to your hotel. Later this evening, enjoy a Welcome Reception.

Stay: Three Nights, Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto

Enjoy a traditional Polish folklore show and dinner.

Enchantment of Eastern Europe

• Budapest > Bucharest
• Bucharest > Budapest

Discover Europe’s most popular river cruises

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Enchantment of eastern europe choose your departure, select departure month, 12 apr 2024 > 20 apr 2024, 16 may 2024 > 24 may 2024, 24 may 2024 > 1 jun 2024, 30 may 2024 > 7 jun 2024, 30 aug 2024 > 7 sep 2024, 9 sep 2024 > 17 sep 2024, stay up to date and be inspired.

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Eastern Europe River Cruise Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 75 most popular eastern europe river cruise trips. compare tour itineraries from 21 tour companies. 10 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating., popular eastern europe river cruise tours.

Enchanted Europe (Eastbound)

• Onboard welcome reception
• Choice of excursion to Black Forest or visit to a local winery in Breisach visit to Freiburg or bike with your Adventure Host
• Guided tour, visit to La Petite France district and the Gothic cathedral or bike with your Adventure Host
• Choice of visit to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum, cable-car ride to the Niederwald Monument in Rüdesheim, or a hike in the vineyards with your Adventure Host; scenic cruising through the Rhine Gorge; time at leisure in Boppard
• Choice of guided tour in Frankfurt, or guided tour in Seligenstadt

Active & Discovery on the Danube (Eastbound)

• Choice of visit to the Jochenstein power station or visit to Engelszell Abbey; choice of guided hike along the Danube trails or scenic cruising around the Schlögen Oxbow
• In Mauthausen, choice of visit to St. Florian Monastery, or guided tour of Mauthausen Memorial, or guided bike tour; guided tour in Grein, visit the historical theater and Clam Castle to meet its owner the Count
• Choice of canoe tour, bike tour from Spitz to Krems, Wine World Experience with tasting, or regional products showcase
• Choice of bike tour, or insider's tour of Vienna, or guided tour, visit to Belvedere Palace

Festive Season in the Heart of Germany

• Guided tour
• Guided tour, visit the Bishop's Residence; Christmas market
• Onboard Christmas Traditions lecture; guided tour, see the Old Town Hall; Christmas market
• Choice of guided tour or Nuremberg Rally Grounds tour; Christmas market

Authentic Danube & Prague (2022)

Enchanting Danube (2022)

Delightful Danube & Prague (2022)

Delightful Danube (2022)

Dashing through the Danube

All Eastern Europe River Cruise , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Eastern Europe River Cruise

Best Eastern Europe River Cruise Tours by Duration

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Eastern Europe River Cruise Tours by Price

Top Eastern Europe River Cruise Attractions & Experiences

Eastern Europe River Cruise Tours & Travel Guide

Eastern Europe River Cruise Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Eastern europe river cruise reviews & ratings.

Rick & Fran

We enjoyed the entire experience

We enjoyed the entire experience; Normandy and Omaha Beach were especially moving. The food and service deserve praise too. This is our third Viking cruise and we'll...

Misleading and often just plain dishonest.

We paid for a 3 week luxury river cruise but received a large group bus trip across Europe with many days of packing and unpacking. I called our Viking representativ...

Incredible experience

Incredible experience sailing on the Grand European tour from Amsterdam to Budapest! Just wonderful! The tours were interesting, and most allowed for adequate free t...

Bruce & Susan

Already planning our next cruise

We talked about doing a cruise with Viking ever since we were made aware of them back in 2008. We just arrived home yesterday and are still floating on air! The spec...

Help when we needed it

My husband and I were recently on A Danube Discovery Cruise. Our tour Director was Dusan Kuljic. When the unimaginable happened, and my husband became ill and needed...

See all Eastern Europe River Cruise reviews

Eastern Europe River Cruise Tours FAQ

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Budapest To The Black Sea River Cruise: Gems Of Eastern Europe

Budapest to the black sea river cruise.

Gems Of Eastern Europe

15 days from only $4,949pp

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Budapest To The Black Sea River Cruise Gems Of Eastern Europe

Free superior drinks package on all european river cruises.

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Save up to $400pp off a voyage on our brand-new ship MS Riviera Radiance

The price you see is the price you pay.

• Fourteen nights on board in your choice of luxury cabin or suite, with river views 
• Sixteen visits and tours, including guided tours in Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest, Novi Sad, Kalocsa, Osijek, Vukovar and Pleven; a scenic drive into the Puszta with an equestrian show; a cruise into the Danube Delta; guided visits to Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi, the churches of Ivanovo, the rock formations at Belogradchik, and the Mesolithic archaeological site of Lepenski Vir; and a visit to the ancient city of Constanta
• Spectacular cruising through the magnificent Iron Gates Gorge

On this incredible journey through the Balkans, we start by exploring the stunning sights of Kalocsa and Belgrade, with its magnificent Kalemegdan Fortress. Then it’s off to Pleven passing through the Iron Gates Gorge and the Djerdap locks before visiting Bucharest. Known as ‘little Paris’ this gem of a capital city will capture your heart with its romantic buildings and tree-lined boulevards.

Then we explore the very best of The Danube Delta and enjoy a cruise through Europe’s largest area of wetlands and marshlands – a UNESCO-listed site. From here we see Constanta where you can explore it’s charming Old Town and museums, Veliko Tarnovo and the village of Arbanassi.

After taking a scenic drive to the spectacular rock formations at Belogradchik we visit Lepenski Vir – one of the most important Mesolithic archaeological sites in Serbia before travelling to Novi Sad, Osijek and Vukovar. Finally, we discover the imperial city of two halves – Budapest.

Your Itinerary

• DAY 1 EMBARK IN BUDAPEST
• DAY 2 KALOCSA
• DAY 3 BELGRADE
• DAY 4 IRON GATES GORGE
• DAY 5 PLEVEN
• DAY 6 BUCHAREST
• DAY 7 DANUBE DELTA
• DAY 8 CONSTANTA
• DAY 9 VELIKO TARNOVO, ARBANASSI & IVANOVO
• DAY 10 BELOGRADCHIK
• DAY 11 IRON GATES & LEPENSKI VIR
• DAY 12 NOVI SAD
• DAY 13 OSIJEK & VUKOVAR
• DAY 14 BUDAPEST
• DAY 15 DISEMBARK IN BUDAPEST

EMBARK IN BUDAPEST

Arrive in Budapest, where your five-star floating hotel is moored. The friendly crew will welcome you on board and help you settle into your spacious, luxuriously appointed suite. The ship remains here overnight, so watch dusk descend over Hungary’s capital as you enjoy your first dinner on board.

One of the most thrilling aspects of a cruise is waking up somewhere new, and there’s a real sense of excitement as we explore lands unknown to many until the Iron Curtain lifted. Hungary itself has so much to offer; situated at a crossroads in central Europe, it’s a mesmerising blend of European and Ottoman influences, rich in culture and history. Our adventure begins this morning when we arrive in Kalocsa, a city whose 1,000-year-old lore swirls with tales of warlike bishops, saintly kings, rampaging Ottomans and Magyar heroes. Among its fine buildings you’ll discover an impressive Baroque cathedral and the grand Archbishop’s Palace, with its Ceremonial Hall displaying a replica of the Hungarian holy crown.

You can choose to enjoy a walking tour of the town seeing the sights plus the fascinating Paprika Museum; the region is one of the biggest producers of the seasoning that’s an essential part of Hungarian cuisine – goulash being a famous example. There are many types and strengths of ‘red gold’, but the best variety is said to come from here, due to its rich colour and robust flavour.

Alternatively we take the short drive to a paprika house on the outskirts of the town to learn more about its production before continuing on a scenic drive into the Puszta, Hungary’s Great Plain, a hauntingly atmospheric prairie whose spirit is burnt into the Magyar soul. Stretching as far as the eye can see, it is home to villages seemingly frozen in time, while Hungarian grey cattle, spiral-horned sheep and buffalo graze on its pastures. The Puszta is also famed for its horses, and we visit an equestrian farm to watch a performance by some of the region’s most skilled riders. You’ll have the opportunity to take a horse-drawn carriage ride and experience this unique wilderness from a different perspective.

We return to the ship for lunch as our elegant vessel seamlessly glides away from her mooring. Later we enjoy a welcome drink with the Captain in the lounge before descending the elegant staircase to the restaurant for a special Welcome Dinner.

This morning we arrive in historic Belgrade. The only European capital built at the confluence of two rivers, the city has been fought over numerous times, most recently during the Second World War and the Kosovo War, when it faced months of NATO airstrikes. Dramatically sited overlooking both rivers is Kalemegdan Park, which includes in its grounds the city’s iconic fortress, a stronghold built by the Celts, expanded by the Romans and besieged over a hundred times during its history – all detailed in its military museum. Despite its past, Belgrade is now a revitalized and forward-looking city and a delightful and varied place to explore, with delicate Art Nouveau facades tucked away among the stark concrete towers of the Communist era.

We enjoy a guided tour, seeing all the main sights such as the cathedral, Republic Square and Prince Michael Street with its wealth of 19th-century buildings, some bearing the scars of recent conflicts among their intricate Habsburg ornamentation. After lunch, you are free to explore this fascinating capital, still one of the least visited in Europe. Maybe you’d like to wander the Old Town’s lattice of winding streets, pausing for a welcome drink in one of the grand coffee houses or visit the bubbling bohemian quarter, which is being transformed into a 21st-century cultural hub by an influx of creative talent.

As the evening draws in, relax with a stroll or a drink on the Sun Deck before tonight’s culinary delights.

IRON GATES GORGE

For many, today will be a highlight of the cruise as we begin our passage through the magnificent Iron Gates Gorge. One of the most memorable stretches of the Danube, this is where the river cuts its mighty path between the Carpathian and Balkan mountain ranges, forming part of the boundary between Serbia and Romania. The ‘true’ Iron Gates is a single narrow gorge, but the name covers an entire 83-mile stretch of valleys where towering limestone cliffs plunge into the depths below. During the 1960s and ’70s, two hydroelectric power stations were built here and their dams raised the river level by over 100 feet, submerging a number of historic settlements. We pass through the Great Kazan, meaning ‘cauldron’, where the river narrows to just 500 feet. As the Captain skilfully steers us through, you’ll see the huge sculpture of a Romanian hero – Decebalus – carved into the rock. Created in the 1990s, at over 130 feet high it is the largest rock relief in Europe – it even dwarfs the US presidents at Mount Rushmore. Decebalus was the last king of Dacia, the kingdom stretching from the Carpathians to the Black Sea. A warrior through and through, he fought the Roman Empire in three campaigns before Emperor Trajan got the better of him. Decebalus fled into the Carpathians, taking his own life rather than being captured.

On a day like this, the spacious Sun Deck comes into its own. Watch the spectacular scenery drift by from the comfort of a sun lounger or maybe enjoy a drink with new friends. You may even find an ice cream being served on the Bow Deck, which is beautifully attired with soft furnishings and stylish wooden fittings.

By now you’ll have come to appreciate the luxuries on board your five-star ship – little touches from complimentary dressing gowns and slippers to plush carpets in the corridors and the marble-topped bar. Crossing the border into Bulgaria tonight, you awake in Nikopol, a town dating back to Roman times, and after breakfast, we drive across the Danubian Plain to Pleven. Surrounded by several thousand acres of parks and forests, the town is famed as the scene of a major siege in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877. The joint Russian and Romanian army took five months to take the town, partly because the defending Turks were the first in European history to use repeating rifles. Pleven was a decisive battle, leading to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the restoration of Bulgaria as a state and the independence of Romania. Opened to commemorate the battle’s centenary, the Pleven Panorama tells the story of this engagement through a series of moving photographs and canvasses. We enjoy some free time here, so perhaps visit the St George Chapel Mausoleum, a memorial to the soldiers killed during the siege, or one of the town’s many other museums. Or simply wander the Old Town and enjoy the tranquillity of its pedestrian-only streets.

During lunch we slip our moorings for an afternoon’s cruising, so why not enjoy the invigorating river breeze up on the Sun Deck? It will soon be time for dinner, so reconvene with your fellow travelers for an aperitif in the bar.

Today we visit Bucharest, with its tree-lined boulevards and elegant belle-époque villas – echoes of the hedonistic 1900s when it earned the nickname ‘Little Paris’ – dotted among the utilitarian architectural legacy of Communist rule. Dominating the capital city of Romania, though, is the astonishing Palace of the Parliament, a colossal concrete extravagance commissioned by the Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu. Started in 1984 and still unfinished, it is the second-largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon – so big that only 400 of the 1,100 rooms are used. Furnished with all the gaudiness expected from a heartless despot at the head of a bankrupt state, from marble staircases to mosaics and chandeliers, to some it’s a marvel, to others a monument to vanity.

On our guided tour we see the Palace of the Parliament, which really has to be seen to be believed, and the city’s other main sights, such as the former royal palace – now the national art museum – and the Athenaeum with its impressive Baroque cupola and remarkable acoustics. There are also some superb Orthodox churches and squares, including Revolution Square, named after the 1989 uprising that swept away Ceausescu’s regime.

There’s also time to explore this vibrant city under your own steam. Lunch isn’t included today, so seek out a cozy restaurant in the Old Town for a fortifying plate of traditional meatballs, generously spiced with garlic, dill, and parsley; freshly stuffed peppers or a hearty vegetable and dumpling soup.

We return to the ship with time to relax before dinner. Perhaps borrow a board game or novel from the library or book yourself in for a manicure or pedicure at the on-board Hair and Nail Salon.

DANUBE DELTA

Overnight we cruise towards the city of Tulcea, clinging to seven hills overlooking the river and regarded as the gateway to the vast Danube Delta on the edge of the Black Sea. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Danube Delta is the best preserved and second largest river delta in Europe, consisting of 2,200 square miles of rivers, marshes, tree-fringed lakes and reed islands, where nearly 3,500 animal and fish species, and 1,700 types of plant, make their home. A bird watcher's paradise, the maze of canals bordered by willows and oaks offers the perfect breeding ground for countless species. Millions of Egyptian white pelicans arrive here every spring to raise their young, while equal numbers of Arctic geese come to escape the harsh Northern European winters. Keep an eye out for cormorants and white-tailed eagles. After lunch, we disembark to take an excursion on smaller boats into the heart of this inspirational and tranquil place. Our guide helps to point out some of the fascinating flora and fauna – you could spot a colorful kingfisher or a catfish darting beneath the water’s glassy surface.

As dusk begins to fall on this magical landscape, we slip our moorings again. Enjoy another delicious dinner, maybe tonight choosing a more intimate dining experience in the Bistro at the stern.

Today we begin our return passage, but these lands still have so much to reveal. Hold on to your hat up on deck, as this area is well known for its windy weather and windmills were once a common sight. Watch the rocky shoreline drift by, dotted with the occasional ruined fortress. We depart for the ancient city of Constanta, described by the Roman poet Ovid as ‘the end of the world’ and with a history dating back over 2,500 years. Originally known as Tomis, it is said that Jason landed here with the Argonauts after finding the Golden Fleece. Situated on several trade routes, it became a thriving commercial center during Roman times and still is today. Numerous remains from Greek and Roman times are on display in the city’s archaeological and mosaics museums, the latter housing the largest – an impressive 9,150 square feet – and best-preserved Roman mosaic in the world. Constanta’s landmark is the Art Nouveau casino, with its views of the Black Sea. Now unused, it was built by the Romanian King Carol I, who hoped its construction would transform the city into a bathing resort for the elite during the inter-war years, something that never quite transpired. More recently, it became one end of the shortest navigable route between the North and Black Seas when the Main-Danube Canal opened in 1992.

There is free time to explore, so perhaps visit one of the museums or simply enjoy the sea air with a portside walk.

VELIKO TARNOVO, ARBANASSI & IVANOVO

Crossing into Bulgaria, we arrive in Rousse, a city known as ‘Little Vienna’ for its wealth of fine 19th-century buildings. A scenic drive brings us to possibly Bulgaria’s most beautiful city – Veliko Tarnovo, the ‘City of the Tsars’ and former capital, located in a rugged landscape entangled by the meanderings of the Yantra River. Its Old Town is clustered on three hills with its houses stacked on steeply sided valleys, while the remains of the once-impregnable fortress complex stands on Tsarevets Hill. Within the walls of this redoubt are the ruins of the Tsar’s Palace and, at the summit, the Patriarch’s Palace, which includes the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God. Much of Veliko Tarnovo was destroyed by the Ottomans, but in the 19th century, it became an important trading center again. Tucked away in its picturesque cobbled streets are tiny workshops, where you can watch copper pots being beaten or wooden utensils skilfully carved. It is delightful to wander here, keeping an eye out for interesting traditional snacks to try, admiring the architecture while soaking up the atmosphere.

Later we head to the village of Arbanassi, set high on a plateau. During Ottoman times, it became a commercial center for traders and their caravans, crammed with wares bound for places as distant as Italy, Russia and even India. Perhaps visit one of the richly ornamented mansion houses of the period, with their fortress-like stone walls, or the unassuming Church of the Nativity – once inside you’ll be dazzled by the intensely colored frescoes.

We end the day with a visit to the Churches of Ivanovo, a fascinating complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries hewn into the solid rock during the 12th century and with frescoes dating back to the 14th century, so exquisite and historically significant they are now on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

BELOGRADCHIK

This morning why not take a cup of coffee up on deck and soak up the spectacular open spaces of this landscape, where thick woods of fragrant pine and silver fir cling to the banks, forming a hazy outline on the distant horizon? After lunch we moor in Vidin, home to the Baba Vidin, the only entirely preserved medieval fortress in the country. From here, we drive into this rugged wilderness and suddenly the horizon is dotted with huge sandstone cliffs, in a spectrum of orange-reds and yellows, eroded into huge, bizarre shapes. These are the Belogradchik Rocks – unique and dramatic, they cover an area of 35 square miles, some reaching as high as 600 feet. Many of these gigantic natural sculptures are named after people or objects they are thought to resemble, while others are associated with colorful legends.

We return to the ship for dinner. Later on, maybe enjoy a drink in the lounge with your companions while the resident pianist plays gentle melodies.

IRON GATES & LEPENSKI VIR

This morning’s cruising brings us once again to the dramatic splendor of the Iron Gates Gorge, at the heart of Serbia’s Djerdap National Park. The gorge was cut out of the Carpathian mountains over millions of years as the Danube drained the Pannonian Sea. Among the park’s forests of the ancient oak, hazel and beech lies a rich preserve of game, including deer and wild boar. Mountain goats roam the rocky cliffs of Djerdap Kazan, while bears, wolves, foxes, and wildcats populate the dense woodland. Keep an eye out for eagles and falcons, too. Why not enjoy the splendor of this stretch of the river from a sun lounger on deck or through the panoramic windows in the ship’s lounge?

This afternoon we moor in Donji Milanovac and take the short drive to Lepenski Vir, one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe, dating back to 9,500 BC. It consists of a series of Mesolithic villages located on a high terrace overlooking the Danube. The wooden houses were laid out in a fan shape and used one of the first types of concrete as their foundations, while their floors were made of sandstone, often covered with limestone plaster and decorated with red and white pigments. Our guided tour will reveal more about this fascinating place and how these ancient people lived.

The numerous fortresses along the Danube are reminders that the area has been fought over for centuries and this morning we pass one of the most impressive – the medieval Smederevo Fortress. After a lazy day we moor in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, in the shadow of the Fruska Gora mountain, its fertile slopes terraced with vineyards. The climate and the proximity to the Danube make this region ideal for wine production, particularly Riesling, but there are many others produced here including Bermet, a vermouth-like dessert wine with a unique aromatic sweetness. Enjoy a guided tour of this vibrant city which flourished during the 18th and 19th centuries, becoming known as the ‘Athens of Serbia’. See its old Town Hall on the impressive main square, flanked by lovely 19th-century architecture, its ancient castle, and synagogue. Towering over it all is the mighty Petrovaradin Fortress with its complex system of underground tunnels. The minute and hour hands of its iconic clock face are reversed, supposedly so that fishermen could still tell the time at a distance. You can learn more about the fortress and its history at its museum.

We moor here this evening, so why not enjoy an after-dinner stroll and take in the relaxed ambiance of this lovely city?

OSIJEK & VUKOVAR

Today we cross into Croatia and stop in Vukovar, the country’s largest river port, located at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka Rivers. Vukovar boasted a prosperous manufacturing industry and a picturesque Baroque center until the tragic events of the civil war unfolded, and the city was almost completely destroyed. Renovation to restore the city to its former glory is very much ongoing.

Here we enjoy a guided tour, seeing the main sights and learning about the city’s tumultuous past. We then drive to the historic city of Osijek, which hugs the banks of the River Drava. We explore the Old Town – behind its thick stone walls lies an intriguing market square, lined by handsome public buildings with pastel-colored facades. In the Upper City, you’ll see the neo-Gothic cathedral, its red-brick spire soaring above the rooftops. Much of Osijek has been restored, but some buildings still bear the scars of the fighting.

This evening we cross into Hungary again, as the chef presents tonight’s appetizing menu.

As gentle pastoral landscapes slip by, Budapest’s brooding skyline comes into view once more. Straddling the Danube, this imperial capital is a collage of palatial buildings, grand domes and attractive Baroque churches with soaring spires. From Roman ruins to Ottoman Turkish baths and elegant Art Nouveau facades, the eclectic mix of architectural styles reflects the city’s varied history, with numerous foreign powers ruling here over the centuries. We enjoy a guided tour, seeing all the main sights of this lovely city including the iconic Parliament Building, the National Gallery with its huge collection of Hungarian masterpieces, and the Matthias Church with its intricate rose windows. The rest of the day is at leisure. Perhaps head back to the Castle District to take in the panoramic views or explore one of the city’s many museums and galleries.

The Captain’s Dinner is served this evening, with a superb menu reflecting the countries and regions we have visited. As the sun sets on this memorable city, retire to the bar with your fellow travelers to reflect on all you have seen during this exceptional cruise.

DISEMBARK IN BUDAPEST

After breakfast this morning, the crew bids you farewell before you disembark the ship.

Prices are per person, based on two people sharing a twin cabin with a limited number of single cabins available on all decks, at the relevant supplement. The price includes: 

• All meals on board from dinner on your day of arrival through to breakfast on your day of departure (except one lunch), including welcome cocktails, a welcome dinner and the Captain’s Dinner 
• Complimentary on-board tea and coffee
• Complimentary on-board Wi-Fi
• All visits and excursions as mentioned
• Coach travel as mentioned
• The services of a Riviera River Cruises cruise director

Meet Cruise Director Hanna

Useful Information

• Currencies: Euro (Ship and Croatia), Forint (Hungary), Lev (Bulgaria), Leu (Romania),
• Languages: Serbian, Bulgarian, Romanian, Croatian, Hungarian
• Countries: Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Hungary

Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the ship for the duration of your cruise. Please note that speeds may vary.

We want to ensure you make the correct choice before you book your vacation with us. If you have any concerns regarding the suitability of the vacation due to reduced mobility we would encourage you to contact us to discuss these concerns. 

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Central Europe River Cruises

Find an European River Cruise trip that explores Central Europe. There are 922 adventures to choose from, that range in length from 4 days up to 32 days. The most popular month for these tours is August, which has the most tour departures. Find here the best European river cruise lines .

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250+ river cruises through central europe with 732 reviews.

• River Cruise

Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound) 2024

Danube Dreams with 2 Nights in Prague (Eastbound) 2024

Danube Serenade: Romantic Journey from Vienna to Bucharest (Turnu Magurele) , MS Fidelio

Grand Danube Cruise 2024

Grand Danube Cruise 2024 Start Vilshofen, End Giurgiu

Magestic Danube II (Belgrade - Vienna), MS Fidelio

The staff are hardworking and they do their best to make you comfortable and meals are superb.

From the Blue Danube to the Black Sea (port-to-port cruise) (11 destinations)

Crosieurope had nice food, plenty of beer and wine, very clean boat - both inside and out. Staff were very nice and helpful, always cleaning windows, carpet, etc. The administration staff were a bit at times disorganised. Sometimes they would forget to give message in English after they delivered Message in French.

The beautiful blue Danube (port-to-port cruise)

The tour exceeded all our expectations. We will definitely recognize this company to all our friends and family. Will also do another one in the near future.

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (8 destinations)

We had a generally good experience. Most new passengers board in Engelhartszell, but 17 passengers boarded the ship in Vienna. We boarded in Vienna and didn’t receive new passenger orientation, which includes basic ship, safety and excursion presentations. The crew was very friendly, although it was primarily a German language oriented cruise lines.

Danube Classics Vienna 2024 (10 destinations)

Classic Prague & Danube Delights - Prague – Regensburg  

Splendours of Europe (Start Amsterdam, End Budapest)

The program in the Emerald ship was magnificently planned and discussed. The local music during the cruise was so informative. Long live the music from the Netherlands and Germany through Austria and Slovakya to Hungary! Just for the music, dances and songs I will do the cruise again!

Classical Danube Cruise (Budapest - Passau)

We love Amadeus! There is something special, warm and welcoming about this cruise line. We've sailed on multiple other lines and Amadeus is our favorite! Immaculate ships, exceptional crew and delicious food and wines. The chef is very accommodating and tries to cater to every passengers wishes. I can't say anything but positive things about Amadeus! We are about to sail them again in September, 2023 and in April, 2024! Can't wait!

Enchanting Danube (2024) (Budapest to Passau, 2024)

Portraits of Eastern Europe (2024) (Prague to Bucharest, 2024)

River cruises in central europe reviews.

It was a great value for the money. We got a free room up grade. I wouldnt buy the drink package again, it wasn't worth it. The prices for drinks were low enough that unless you drink 5 or 6 glasses of wine or beer a day every day and you have to pay extra for any other kind of alcohol its just not worth it . The food was good. My husband had a small problem with the food. Not that it wasn't good just were used to ocean cruises where theres food everywhere at anytime. On a river cruise its only at meals and you have to decide in the morning what you want for the rest of the day. I wish we could have done more cruising when it was light out so we could have seen more scenery, but the we would have had less time in ports. I wish they had better entertainment, the singer was horrible.

The tour was very good, the crew were excellent, very helpful, approachable and informative and always available. The tours were great and the Danube is wonderful to cruise on. The food was of excellent quality but the fact that there was no choice on the menu was poor and we feel there should have been an earlier sitting for dinner, and lunch could have been a buffet. The accommodation was adequate but the shower was totally inadequate. We enjoyed the cruise

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10 Things You Should Know Before Your First European River Cruise

T wenty-fifth wedding anniversary! Where did the time go? And most importantly, what should we do to celebrate? A few days later, with suspiciously perfect timing, a Viking river cruise advertisement dropped into our mailbox.  

Two decades ago, we tried a Caribbean ocean cruise — big ship, lots of people, so much food and drink — and never did a second one. But a European river cruise sounded appealing: smooth water, a new city every morning on a small ship with less than 200 passengers, top-notch food and a customizable mix of culture, lectures and activities.  

Ten months later, we were flying to Budapest, Hungary to begin our 11-day Passage to Eastern Europe on Viking Cruises. Here are 10 things we learned from our first river cruise: 

1. You’ll Wind Up Feeling Young Again

If you are in your 50s and miss that young and spry feeling, you could do worse than go on a river cruise. We knew the average age would likely skew into the 60s, but we did not anticipate being the youngest couple on our ship. Nor did we mind. Being surrounded by seniors in their 70s and 80s having a great time seeing new places was an inspiration for our own future.   

2.  You Won’t Find Too Many First-Time Cruisers

Those folks a generation ahead of us have been busy. We didn’t stand out just because of our relative youth, but also because this was our first river cruise. Nearly everybody we met had cruised before — not just with Viking, but other lines around the world as well. Ron, a former Army master sergeant, was on his seventh Viking cruise and even admitted to doing the 15-day Grand European Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest twice. 

“I’d do it a third time if they let me do it for free,” he told us.

3. Water Levels May Cause Unexpected Detours

A huge river cruise appeal for my wife was the absence of ocean waves. No waves = no seasickness. But, unlike the ocean, river levels rise and fall. Too high, and the river ships can’t pass under certain bridges. Too low and, like us, the ship may have to stop short of some destinations and passengers will spend extra time on the bus. For us, low water levels triggered shore excursion substitutions in an unexpected Bulgarian city as well as a longer bus ride to Bucharest. Disappointing, but manageable. In other cases, passengers might have to abandon their river ship and bus transfer to an identical one upriver to continue the journey. Be prepared.        

4. Every Day Is Casual Day

We were going to be in Europe, cruising on an upscale boat, and our fellow passengers would be older than us; accordingly, my wife and I planned to dress nicely: collared, button-down shirts and sleek sweaters and blouses. Viking emphasizes no formal dinners and a relaxed vibe, but I still almost brought a jacket for the evenings. 

I’m glad I didn’t. Our fellow passengers overwhelmingly embraced comfortable casual — bright, plush sneakers; jeans; shorts and even a few Harley T-shirts — it was all okay.  There were definitely people like us, avoiding the jeans and sneakers look, and if you want to dress nicer, go for it, but it’s not necessary.

5.  Embrace Conversation

If you fear initiating new conversations with new people several times a day, a river cruise might intimidate you. Fear not. Most of our experienced river cruiser passengers seemed to crave meeting new people and were easy to chat with.      

In our first 24 hours on the ship, I listened to a tale about an encounters with Perth Australia gold miners gone wrong, met a guy who got a Purple Heart when his helicopter crashed in Vietnam, admired the mangled fingers of a 75-year-old New England hockey player and listened to our dinner companion say, “I would not have married my husband if I had to do it again.” With him right there. 

How Expedition Cruising Appeals to the Adventurous Traveler

6.  i’ll have both entrees, please. .

Yes, river cruise food is delicious. Nearly every meal featured regional specialties of the neighboring country. A few minutes before dinner seating began, the chief chef would describe his culinary creations to select from that evening. It was like a halftime speech. He’d finish up and we’d all race (or, in some cases, shuffle) out of the lounge to the dining room, pumped up for the coming delicacies.  

Yet, as good as the shipboard food may be, take some time to…

7. Eat Locally

Don’t confine yourself to only the refined ship meals. A few steps away from your docked ship you’ll probably find flavorful local food well worth nibbling on. Some of my favorite meals of our trip were a platter of cevapcici eaten under a portrait of Uncle Tito (the Cold War era Yugoslav leader) in Belgrade and some meltingly lovely pumpkin phyllo pastry in Croatia.  

8. Pace Yourself

With a new city each day and limited time, you can exhaust yourself trying to do too much. At one point, our new friends, Victor and Leslie, admitted that they signed up for too many excursions. There is only so much anyone can sample in a few hours or even a day, and we accepted that. A travel memoir I found in the ship’s library, Far and Away , gave a satisfying response to that dilemma: “Always leave something for next time, something to tempt you back.”  You’re on a cruise; make some time to simply relax on the sundeck or terrace, admiring the views. 

9.  Find a Less-Traveled River

Ever heard of the Iron Gates of the Danube? I hadn’t either. Every passenger was out taking photos as our ship slipped into this dramatic gorge between Serbia and Romania. At one point, the giant face of an ancient Dacian king carved into the rock wall stared back at us.   

Other European rivers plying well-traveled countries like Germany, the Netherlands and France host most river cruise traffic, but we delighted in discovering more unfamiliar East European countries. Every day gave us new stories and perspectives, often containing history that we’d never heard of. Nor was all of this history ancient. On successive days we got thoughtful perspectives from a local Croatian tour guide and then her Serbian counterpart on the 1990s Balkan War. When choosing your cruise itinerary, consider the lesser-known places. 

10. Cabin Class Choices Matter

After choosing a cruise date and itinerary, you pick your cabin class. I agonized over that. Budget limitations dictated the cheapest, er, “most affordable” cabin for us, down on the lower deck and featuring only a narrow window just above the waterline. My online research emphasized that most of our cabin time would be at night when it was dark anyway.  Moreover, even during daylight hours, the ship would often be parked next to a dock or sandwiched between other cruise ships with someone else’s window inches away.  

All of that was indeed true. And once on board, it was obvious that even the most spacious cabins could not compare to the nearly 360-degree views from the outdoor terrace and top sundeck where passengers gathered in the sunny afternoons. Still, I would have enjoyed more window space in our stateroom. Next cruise maybe I’ll spring for the fancy veranda cabin.

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• Expeditions
• Complimentary Brochures
• Special Offers
• Bucharest to Budapest
• Budapest to Bucharest

Passage to Eastern Europe

• From £3,495
• 8 Guided Tours
• 5 Countries
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026
• Bucharest to Budapest Budapest to Bucharest

Read what our guests have to say about this itinerary.

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Any suggestions or advice on Viking "Passage to Eastern Europe" river trip?

By OnTheJourney , April 18, 2019 in River Cruising

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OnTheJourney

Particularly, if anyone has done either the pre or post extension that includes Bucharest and Transylvania. If done as pre-cruise, it seems that there is one night in Bucharest, then one night in Brasov, then back to Bucharest again for one night. That's ok, but alot of moving around. If done as a post extension, however, it looks like it might be the one night in Brasov first, then 2 consecutive nights in Bucharest. Not certain though since the descriptions aren't clear. I'll run this by a Viking rep but thought someone here might know. The itinerary on this trip looks really nice. We've never been east of Budapest so would like to see more than our AMS-BUD trip offered. 

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Last year we did the Viking River "Passage to Eastern Europe" as part of our Bucharest-Amsterdam  trip.  The Bucharest-Budapest was a totally different trip that the Budapest-Amsterdam leg.  We moved from the poorest areas of Europe (Romania, Bulgaria and the Balkan countries to the most affluent.  Since we started in Bucharest we arrived two days early and toured Bucharest on our own, we did no excursions.  There is a lot to see aside from the one day tour offered by Viking.  We enjoyed the Passage to Eastern Europe.  PM if you have questions.

Suggest you look at the Passage to Eastern Europe Roll Call forum; there is a lot of info there and people posting live as they do the trip. (link below)

I'm on this cruise in June but I am not taking either extension package but the standard cruise includes 2 nights in a hotel in Budapest and one night in a Bucharest hotel on the BUD>BUC route

Peregrina651

We loved the cruise. I regret that we did not add more time in Bucharest. The one day with the ship was not enough and it left very little time for exploring on our own.

Just back from this itinerary (home last Friday) and we LOVED it.

As  pontac  linked to above, there is a ton of info on the thread in the Roll Call section.

If you have a specific question that I can answer, please let me know.

Hi Jeff...did you do either of the Viking extensions? That's the main thing I have questions about. 

1 hour ago, gretschwhtfalcon said: Hi Jeff...did you do either of the Viking extensions? That's the main thing I have questions about. 

We we did the cruise from Budapest to Bucharest, and then did the trip extension to Transylvania. 

Please ask away 🙂

Jeff...ok....tell me how this extension worked. If I'm correct, I'm betting that you had one night in Brasov, then two consecutive nights at Bucharest?  What concerns me is that doing the cruise in reverse seems to result in the extension being broken up- 1 night in Bucharest, then the one night in Brasov, then back again to Bucharest ...a bit of extra moving about. The reason this trip interests us is that over the years we considered an Amsterdam to the Black Sea cruise (with Tauck) but then the scheduling dates and just the length of it seemed a bit much, so we opted to  do AMS-BUD, and really enjoyed it, but now would still like to do the other part continuing east. 

We're looking at various trips that would make use of the voucher we got from Viking. (We were on the 3/14 Sky sailing that was evacuated by helicopter). 

8 hours ago, gretschwhtfalcon said: Jeff...ok....tell me how this extension worked. If I'm correct, I'm betting that you had one night in Brasov, then two consecutive nights at Bucharest?  What concerns me is that doing the cruise in reverse seems to result in the extension being broken up- 1 night in Bucharest, then the one night in Brasov, then back again to Bucharest ...a bit of extra moving about. The reason this trip interests us is that over the years we considered an Amsterdam to the Black Sea cruise (with Tauck) but then the scheduling dates and just the length of it seemed a bit much, so we opted to  do AMS-BUD, and really enjoyed it, but now would still like to do the other part continuing east.    We're looking at various trips that would make use of the voucher we got from Viking. (We were on the 3/14 Sky sailing that was evacuated by helicopter). 

Hello again.

Once we disembarked from the ship in Giurgiu, we were taken to Bucharest for our tour of the city, village museum, lunch, and then inside the Parliament. You had the option of Parliament, or Old Town walking tour - both included lunch and the village museum. After Parliament, we were taken to our hotel for the night. The trip to Transylvania left the next morning. We headed to Bran Castle on the first day, overnighted in Braşov, then toured Peles Castle the next morning before heading back to Bucharest. The order of castles may vary depending on time of year. We did Peles second since it was still during their Winter schedule, and they were closed on the first day. You will then come back to the same hotel in Bucharest, which is nice as they let you leave luggage there so you don’t have to schlep all of it to Transylvania. We then had a full free day in Bucharest, early bedtime, then very early wake up for our transfer to the airport.

We thought the schedule was ideal, as it gave you extra free time to see what you want in Bucharest. Would have loved a bit more free time in Braşov, but you still get a good feel of it for the time that you’re there.

If you’re considering this trip extension, please beware that it sells out far in advance. We booked our “Passage” cruise plus extension one year in advance.

Hope this helps!

Jeff..still a bit confused. So you're saying you could leave luggage in your room at Bucharest while you were overnighting in Brasov? And then...what...returned to the same room in Bucharest for the 3rd evening? I'm sure it worked out fine, but not crazy about having to split up luggage and have just an overnight bag for the one night in Brasov. Just sounds a bit much. As we get older, I'm starting to think the simpler the better!  I was hoping they'd do 1 night in Brasov, then 2 consecutive. As you mentioned, it may depend on what is available when. 

Just read through some of the roll call...your description of the one evening where you had high wind and waves went right through me like a knife. I think the events of March 23 on the Sky will have some permanent lasting effects on us. It'll be interesting to see what happens the next time we cruise (north atlantic) in the fall and how we react to any adverse sailing conditions. Could determine the future of cruising for us I suppose. Saw a movie recently that had footage of a hurricane in FL - did not have a good reaction to that either. It just takes me right back to the bomb cyclone we experienced in Hustadvika. 

6 hours ago, gretschwhtfalcon said: Jeff..still a bit confused. So you're saying you could leave luggage in your room at Bucharest while you were overnighting in Brasov? And then...what...returned to the same room in Bucharest for the 3rd evening? I'm sure it worked out fine, but not crazy about having to split up luggage and have just an overnight bag for the one night in Brasov. Just sounds a bit much. As we get older, I'm starting to think the simpler the better!  I was hoping they'd do 1 night in Brasov, then 2 consecutive. As you mentioned, it may depend on what is available when.   

They gave us the option to leave whatever we didn’t want to take, but you could bring everything if you wanted. You check out of the hotel in Bucharest after the first night and they put your bag in storage (if you want). You then have your night in Braşov and then come back to the same hotel in Bucharest and then check in again for your two additional nights. Mind you, check in consisted of them handing you an envelope with your room keys. For us it was nicely done, and once we walked into our new room in Bucharest, the bags we left behind were waiting for us in the room.

Regarding the waves, it was extreme for a river cruise (been on five now and have never felt anything like it) but nothing compared to what you experienced! We felt it more since we were in the lower level rooms. Regardless, it was an unusual weather event, and I doubt that this sort of thing is very common. We never felt unsafe, mind you.

Hi again Jeff...I appreciate you taking all this time to explain, but also know you enjoy doing so 🙂   Now it seems, though, like you're referring to 4 nights total. I looked again at the extension and it says 3 nights. I'll have to look into this further. Still not crazy about the Bucharest hotel 'holding luggage' during the day/night in Brasov. On our river trip - when arriving in Budapest at the end of the journey -  the hotel indicated the luggage would be securely locked up while we were out for the day and it turned out everything was simply in what really appeared to be an unguarded room. People weren't even given tags, etc. so anybody off the street could have probably gotten any pieces of luggage they wanted.  Not that it was likely to happen but were still surprised at the lack of security regarding peoples' suitcases. Makes no sense to me why they can't do this extension by either 1) doing the single night in Brasov first then the two nights in Bucharest or 2) do the two nights in Bucharest first, then the day/night in Brasov, then transfer back over to Bucharest airport at the end. Splitting it up just seems a bit cumbersome. I don't care for it and yet doing the Transylvania part really seems like something one shouldn't pass up. Have to chat with the agents a bit on this and see what they tell me. It's not that I mind hotel hopping - quite the opposite - since we love car trips and moving from place to place. But, I do not care for (and try to avoid whenever possible) back-tracking. I plan enough time at one place to see what we want and then move on to the next place. The way you describe this extension really seems like back-tracking rather than finishing up the first stop completely then doing the second.

Yes, I'm sure the waves and wind were not what the Sky experienced but still, your mentioning an 'unusual weather event' is a bit scary also since in the wake of climate change and global warming (I'm a firm believer) it seems many different 'unusual' events are happening more and more worldwide - tornados springing up in places that never had them before, increasingly violent hurricanes, and so forth. There were two of these "bomb cyclones" here in the US shortly after we got home from Norway. A bit unnerving since you never know when the next one of these "superstorms" will develop in regions that perhaps previously never experienced anything of the sort. 

Thanks so much again. This trip is certainly a strong possibility to use our Sky travel vouchers. See how things go, first of all, with our fall cruise in the North Atlantic. It'll be a bit of an experiment to see how we deal with any sort of bad weather. 3/23 was certainly one of those life changing events that may well have some lasting effects, especially when it comes to future cruising. Saw a movie the other day that had footage of a hurricane in FL. Seeing those big waves and hearing all the wind was most unsettling and left me just a bit shaky. Hopefully more of a short rather than longterm aftereffect of the Norway incident. Time will tell I suppose. 

Just a couple more notes 🙂

The first night in Bucharest is actually part of the cruise, so the night in Brasov is actually the first night of the extension.

We were staying in Bucharest at the JW Marriott Grand Hotel (VERY nice!), and they stored our luggage in a locked room near the check in area.

Again - you have the option to take all of your items with you.

If you decide to do this itinerary - PLEASE don't miss Transylvania! It was a very striking part of Europe, and not to be missed.

Agree re: Climate Change, and it's getting to be a tad scary regarding weather patterns, etc. I've noticed that air turbulence is happening more frequently as well. Scary stuff!

Thanks for clarifying...thought the extension was only 3 nights. 

I'm being too grumpy about all this!! 🙂   Will definitely do the extension...absolutely!  If we could manage being a 'refugee' for a few nights in Norway with hardly anything other than what we we had with us on Saturday morning the 23rd (although they took us shopping at a mall the next day to buy things), I believe that hotel hop between Bucharest and Brasov should be easy enough!

Change of subject...Have you ever done any of the China trips with Viking? That is one of the other options I'm considering. I read good (actually lots of good) but also some things that put me off a bit from going over there. Always wanted to though. 

Well...I should have looked at your signature!!! Saw you have the Emerald booked for next year. 

Host Jazzbeau

If you really want to have the extension as you describe, you would have to switch to AMA.  Their 2020 "Gems of Southeast Europe" itinerary from Budapest to Giurgiu includes an optional extension of 2 nights in Brasov followed by 2 nights in Bucharest.

Thanks Jazzbeau...good suggestion, except that we're aiming towards using vouchers from the 3/14 Sky sailing, and so are looking at Viking trips only. Appreciate the idea though. 

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Post date: Apr 17 2024

Date: Apr 17 2024

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Tags: Emerald Cruises, Lead Story