Duration
10 Nights
Journey Type
Cruise only (Please call for flight options)
Ports
12 Ports
1 October
Setting sail from Budapest
Budapest is one of Eastern Europe's most appealing cities, a vibrant and welcoming capital that straddles the Danube. The history of Budapest has been somewhat turbulent - ransacked by the Mongols in 1241, occupied by the Ottoman Turks for over a century, and almost flattened by the Soviets in 1945 - but plenty of older buildings survive, including the imposing Parliament and iconic St Stephen's Basilica. Although a pedant might point out that Budapest has only really existed since 1873; up until then the city's two distinct halves, Buda and Pest, were separate towns.
Our tip
Hungarian cuisine is vastly underrated; don’t visit Budapest without trying goulash, the paprika-infused national dish.
2 October
Hungary: Mohács
Mohács was the scene of a decisive battle in 1526 that brought Hungary under Ottoman control, but is best known these days for its Busó carnival in February, when men in creepy-looking costumes take to the streets to celebrate the end of winter. The town is also a jumping off point for the attractive city of Pécs, half an hour’s drive away.
3 October
Serbia: Novi Sad
Novi Sad is a vibrant and friendly city with a lovely riverside setting. Handsome Austro-Hungarian architecture is a reminder of past glories, while the imposing Petrovaradin Fortress has become the unlikely setting for one of Europe’s biggest music festivals, Exit, which began life as a student protest against the government.
4 October
Serbia: Belgrade
Belgrade has been invaded and occupied dozens of times over the centuries, a fact that's reflected in the mish-mash of architectural styles, from Ottoman and Art Nouveau to grim relics of the communist era. But Belgrade is also a city with real soul, emerging from a difficult recent history as one of Europe’s most exciting capitals.
5 October
Serbia: Donji Milanovac
6 October
Bulgaria: Vidin
The riverside town of Vidin is situated in the north west corner of Bulgaria, close to the border with Romania and Serbia. The architectural highlight is the magnificently well preserved Baba Vida fortress, and the town is also home to a mosque, a synagogue and several churches.
7 October
Romania: Giurgiu
The river port of Giurgiu is situated just across the Danube from the Bulgarian city of Ruse, and the two cities are linked by a cross-border Friendship Bridge. Giurgiu is the start and end point for river cruises on the lower Danube, linked by road and rail to Romania’s capital, Bucharest.
7-8 October
Bulgaria: Ruse
The Bulgarian city of Ruse (also written ‘Rousse’) sits on the right bank of the Danube just opposite the Romanian city of Giurgiu, and is one of the country’s most attractive cities. Sometimes known as ‘Little Vienna’, thanks to the plethora of Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, it’s a highlight of any cruise along this stretch of the Danube.
8 October
Bulgaria: Svistov
9 October
Bulgaria: Vidin
The riverside town of Vidin is situated in the north west corner of Bulgaria, close to the border with Romania and Serbia. The architectural highlight is the magnificently well preserved Baba Vida fortress, and the town is also home to a mosque, a synagogue and several churches.
10 October
Romania: Turnu Severin
11 October
Arriving in Belgrade
Riverside Ravel and Debussy
What we love
The Riverside Luxury Cruises experience is defined by comfort, space, fine cuisine and service and these ships have all of these hallmarks and so much more. Contemporary, light-filled suites shine and allow for an unforgettable and refined luxury river cruise.
capacity | 110 |
---|---|
style | Modern elegance with personalised service and large windows throughout to really take in the beautiful scenery as you meander down the river. |
inclusions |
Upgrade to Premium All-Inclusive Including Excursions for an additional cost. |
year built | 2018 (Riverside Ravel & Debussy) |
length | 443 feet |
breadth | 36 feet |
Tailor-make your trip
Our favourite hotel in Budapest
We like the Hotel Palazzo Zichy on the Pest side of the river, which used to be the residence of Count Nándor Zichy.
A taste of Hungary
If you’re a wine lover, you really should visit the world’s oldest classified wine region, known for its sweet Tokaji aszú dessert wine.