Balkan Adventure with Transylvania
11 Days
Visiting: Budapest, Mohacs, Vukovar, Belgrade, Iron Gates, Ruse, Brasov, Bucharest
Tour operator:
Tour Overview
Includes return flights from the UK. Explore the best of the Balkans on a seven-night cruise along the Danube River. Discover the grand sights of Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest, visit the fabled Bran Castle, explore charming riverside towns and villages, cruise through the spectacular Iron Gates and tour Transylvania.
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Budapest, Embark Ship
Location: Budapest
Accommodation Name: Seven Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly from the UK to Budapest, the historic Hungarian capital. Once you’ve arrived at the airport, you’ll be transferred to your river ship, docked on the Danube River.
Day 2 : Budapest
Location: Budapest
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the day exploring the sights of Budapest. Visit Castle Hill and admire the sweeping views of the Danube, the Houses of Parliament and Margaret Island. See the bridges arching across the inner city, including the iconic Chain Bridge, which is more than 160 years old. Cross the Danube and take in its historic monuments, such as Heroes’ Square and St Stephen’s Cathedral. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Dinner on board as your ship sets sail, Budapest’s monuments twinkling around you.
Day 3 : Mohacs, Pecs
Location: Mohacs
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
From the sleepy port town of Mohacs, history buffs will delight in the chance to travel to the ancient city of Pecs. As Hungary’s fifth-largest city, this World Heritage site offers plenty in the way of sightseeing. Be sure to check out the copper domes of the Mosque of Pasha Qasim, as well as the 11th-century Pecs Cathedral.
Day 4 : Vukovar
Location: Vukovar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar’s economy, infrastructure and culture were in disarray. However, today you will see the efforts taken to restore this city to its former glory. Visit the Vukovar City Museum, hidden inside Eltz Manor and enjoy the chance to wander through the castle complex.
Day 5 : Belgrade
Location: Belgrade
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In Serbia’s capital, join a guided tour through the city. Perhaps see the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. Experience a traditional Serbian way of living during your Insider Experience today.
Day 6 : Iron Gates
Location: Iron Gates
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get ready to witness nature at its finest today as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates. This spectacular series of gorges connects Serbia and Romania, and makes for an out-of-this-world cruising experience.
Day 7 : Rousse
Location: Ruse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Go ashore to Rousse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities. Join a walking tour and admire the belle epoque architecture and manicured garden squares, which are reminiscent of Vienna. You’ll also pass by Liberty Square, the courthouse, the Rousse Opera House and Alexander Battenberg Square. The afternoon is yours to spend at leisure. Perhaps visit the Regional Museum of History, the National Transport Museum, or the ancient castle ruins of Sexaginta Prista Fortress.
Day 8 : Giurgiu, Disembark Ship, Brasov
Location: Brasov
Accommodation Name: Two Nights, Poiana Brasov, Teleferic Grand Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, travel to your hotel in Brasov. Stop on the way in the town of Sinaia for some free time for lunch.
Day 9 : Brasov
Location: Brasov
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning travel to Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. With a local guide learn about its history and walk through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques. Return to Brasov and join a guided tour through its medieval streets.
Day 10 : Brasov, Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Accommodation Name: Bucharest, President Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today you will journey to Bucharest. Join a guided tour of the city and take in the wide tree-lined boulevards and belle epoque buildings, then walk through the Old City centre to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the Lipscani district.
Day 11 : Depart Bucharest
Location: Bucharest
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your adventure comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
What's Included
-
Return scheduled flights from the UK*
-
Seven nights cruising on a contemporary Travelmarvel river ship
-
Services of a Travelmarvel Cruise Director and local guides
-
24 meals - 10 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 8 dinners
-
Onboard water stations, plus tea and coffee, soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your cruise
-
Transfers, port charges and tipping
-
Cruise through the famous Iron Gates between Serbia and Romania
-
Explore Bran Castle
Notes
This itinerary is operated by Travelmarvel, part of the APT Travel Group
Itinerary and inclusions subject to change
*Flights from the UK are subject to flight and booking class availability
Low or high-water levels may cause disruption to cruising
Prices are for cruise and return flights from the UK only
Check out our Q&As
-
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Please ensure you advise APT during your booking process if you or any of your travelling companions have special dietary needs or requests. We aim to cater for all requests which are advised at the time of making your booking.
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel Documents are sent to you 2-3 weeks prior to your departure. Certain information may be required to help finalise your booking.
-
What are Freedom of Choice Touring options?
For APT tour programs, you may have the opportunity to select a Freedom of Choice Touring activity. These options are at no additional cost, and confirmed whilst on tour. The Tour Directors will guide you through all of the available options, and assist with booking these for those who are interested. Your brochure or our website will feature Freedom of Choice options for some tours - where applicable. Should time permit, passengers may be given the opportunity to experience a second option by purchasing that option.
-
Where do I join the tour?
Most of our itineraries commence with a transfer from the airport, or a meet and greet on Day 1. There may be times recommended for you to fly, which your Sales consultant will provide you. If you choose to fly in a few days prior to your tour commencing and explore independently you will be advised of a time and location to meet the tour group. If booking pre tour accommodation with APT on an exclusive APT tour itinerary, you will receive both a transfer from the airport and on Day 1 of the tour to join your fellow guests. For Europe River cruises, the vessels are available for early boarding upon your arrival. Luggage can be stored at reception, and passengers have access to the main lounge. Cabin check in is available from 3pm.
-
How do I advise of Health/Mobility Requirements?
Your Sales consultant will ask you for any requirements pertaining to your Health & Fitness during your booking process. A questionnaire may be required to be completed, which you will be advised.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
APT has been operating for over 95 years!
-
What are the luggage requirements?
Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm - length/height/width (63 inches), weight limit 20kgs (44 pounds). Additional fees may apply for additional luggage, and must be requested by time of final payment. Some safari / adventure tours may have further luggage restrictions where passengers need to pack down to a small soft duffle 10-15kg bag due to the smaller vehicles that are used whilst on tour, this includes Kimberley Wilderness Adventure, Outback Wilderness Adventures, Africa. Your Sales consultant can provide you with specific regulations.
-
Is tipping included on my APT tour?
Tipping is included for all APT operated tours. There are a few activities whereby tipping is not included such as Tailor Made Holidays, Africa & South America's City Stays & Extensions, and the Northern Lights Adventure in North America.
Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
APT requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 100 days before departure.