AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY, CROATIA, SERBIA, ROMANIA, AND BULGARIA
On this air-inclusive trip, sail down the Danube River stopping at some of Eastern Europe’s most fascinating cities—from Vienna and Budapest to Belgrade and Bucharest. Before setting sail, go sightseeing in Vienna, which features beautiful palaces and modern architecture. Then, depart on the ship to Bratislava, Slovakia where you’ll explore the sights around Old Town. Next, stop down the river takes you into Hungary for a visit to Budapest. You’ll tour the city and then have a full day to discover sights at your leisure. Sail along the picturesque Drava River to Croatia for a day around Vukovar and then set your sights on Serbia, with stops at the charming cities of Novi Sad and Belgrade. Admire the stunning vistas as we cruise to Bulgaria, bringing you to Vidin.
Extend Your Trip! Enjoy our 15-day Danube River Cruise: Vienna to Bucharest tour which includes 2 nights in Brasov where you’ll explore the city and enjoy an excursion to Dracula’s Castle.
For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our Before You Depart section.
Did you know that you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options for groups of 10 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 10-night Cruise from Vienna to Bucharest
- Vienna (Austria)
- Bratislava (Slovakia)
- Budapest (Hungary)
- Vukovar (Croatia)
- Novi Sad (Serbia)
- Belgrade (Serbia)
- Vidin (Bulgaria)
- 1 night in Bucharest
Tour
Highlights
- Hofburg Palace (Vienna)
- St. Martin’s Cathedral (Bratislava)
- Matthias Coronation Church (Budapest)
- Gypsy Concert (On Board – Budapest)
- Walking Tour with Concert (Vukovar)
- Petrovaradin Fortress (Novi Sad)
- Kalemegdan Fortress (Belgrade)
- Iron Gates Gorge
- Baba Vida Fortress (Vidin)
- Palace of Parliament (Bucharest)
- Optional Dracula’s Castle Extension
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York area (JFK or EWR) (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- 10-night cruise aboard the MS River Governess in a main deck cabin with 2 half windows
- One night in a Bucharest hotel
- Port charges
- 30 meals: 11 buffet breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L), 10 dinners (D)
- Wine or beer with lunches and dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours, shore excursions, onboard lectures, folklore performances, and concerts
- Free Wi-Fi (where available)
- English-speaking cruise director and tour guides
Tour Itinerary
Map
Click the Day by Day itinerary above (or swipe on mobile devices) to see the experiences that await on each day of your tour.
Day 1: Depart USA
Day 2: Arrive Vienna (Austria)
Day 3: Vienna Sightseeing/Set Sail
Day 4: Bratislava (Slovakia)
Day 5: Budapest (Hungary)
Day 6: Budapest (Hungary)
Day 7: Vukovar (Croatia)
Day 8: Novi Sad (Serbia)
Day 9: Belgrade
Day 10: Sailing through the Iron Gates (Serbia)
Day 11: Vidin (Bulgaria)
Day 12: Disembark/Bucharest (Romania)
Day 13: Bucharest/USA
Guided Tour Pricing
Prices and dates below include round-trip airfare from the New York area. Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only, and arrange their own arrival in destination.
| 2022 Tours | Tour Only | With Flights | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Saturday
September 10 Thursday
September 22 |
From
$3,589
$3,189
|
From
$4,289
$3,889
|
Call to book |
|
Friday
September 30 Wednesday
October 12 |
From
$3,849
$3,449
|
From
$4,549
$4,149
|
Select |
Rates are based on double occupancy from New York (JFK).
Single room supplement add $1799
MS RIVER GOVERNESS CABIN UPGRADES:
For 2022 Departures
Rates are based on Main Deck (Cat D) cabins with 2 half windows. Upgrade to higher category cabins:
• CAT. C, Middle Deck with outside facing cabin with french balcony: Add $249 (plus $100 single supplement)
• CAT. B, Middle Deck with outside facing cabin with french balcony: Add $399
• CAT. A, Upper Deck with outside facing cabin with french balcony: Add $699
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Classical Music Concert
Hungarian Folk Ensemble & Budapest by Night
Walking Tour of Downtown Pest
Krusedol Monastery & Wine Tasting
Belogradchik Rocks
Featured Accommodations
MS River Governess
Novotel Hotel
Before You Depart
COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented some COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.
Returning to the U.S.: In accordance with U.S. entry requirements, smarTours will arrange testing for the group in destination. Full details and requirements can be accessed here. More details including cost will be added when available.
Note: If you are traveling with us on a land-only basis please share your travel plans with us and let us know if you will also need to be tested with the rest of the group.
Please note entry requirements are changing rapidly. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.
- Entry requirements
- State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania)
- Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania)
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from New York’s JFK Airport to Europe are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive at the airport at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure.
| Departure Date | Airline | Airport | ||
| Depart | Return | |||
| 2022: May 13 | Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa Airlines | New York (JFK) | 9:30 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 2022: Jun. 2 | Swiss Airlines / Lufthansa Airlines | New York (JFK) | 9:00 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 2022: Sep. 10 | Austrian Airlines | New York (JFK) | 9:20 PM | 8:00 PM |
| 2022: Sep. 30 | Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa Airlines | New York (JFK) | 9:20 PM | 1:30 PM |
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please keep in mind that flight schedules are always subject to change.
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
Please note that the above airlines do not assign seats in advance. Seat assignments can only be arranged upon check-in at the airport. Please note that smarTours is not involved in your seat assignment. It is between you and the airline!
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check in at river cruise boat in Vienna on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on our tour page. Land-Only services end after breakfast at Bucharest hotel on Day 13 of the itinerary listed on our tour page.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. American citizens do not require a visa to enter the countries visited. Non U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates of the countries visited on this tour as to the most current visa requirements. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instruction and some additional travel tips will be sent to you 7 – 10 days before the scheduled departure of your tour.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
You may expect daytime temperatures averaging in the 60’s & 70’s in May and September, 70’s & 80’s in June, July and August, 50’s & 60’s in October.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
The currency used aboard the ship is the Euro! You will have an opportunity to exchange US dollars to Euros at the beginning of your trip. You may also purchase Euros in the USA before departure. The ship does not have currency exchange facilities. Traveler’s checks are not accepted aboard the ship nor are they widely accepted in the smaller towns and villages along the route. For incidental expenses onboard (excluding optional tours) you may also use Visa or Mastercard but a small service fee will apply. During visits to major cities and on shore excursions, you will find that many of the small souvenir vendors may accept US dollars or Euros as payment.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds and one carry-on piece. Carry on must not exceed 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.