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 Osijek 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.
For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our “Before You Depart” section.
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 hotel
- Optional Dracula’s Castle Extension
Tour
Highlights
- Hofburg Palace (Vienna)
- St. Martin’s Cathedral (Bratislava)
- Matthias Coronation Church (Budapest)
- Gypsy Concert (On Board – Budapest)
- Old Town with Concert (Osijek)
- 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)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- 10-night cruise aboard the MS Vivienne (2021 Departures) or MS River Navigator (2022 Departures) 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
Your extension includes:
- Transportation to and from the Carpathian Mountains resort of Brasov and nearby Dracula’s Castle
- Breakfast (B) daily and two dinners (D)
- Tour of Peles Castle, Brasov City & Dracula’s Castle
Tour Itinerary
Novi Sad (Serbia)
Welcome to Serbia! When you wake up this morning, you’ll say hello to Novi Sad, Serbia’s lively university town. You will be delighted with this pedestrian-friendly town as you are led on a walking tour through the town center and the Petrovaradin Fortress, referred to as the “Gibraltar on the Danube.” Built in the 18th century on over 116 hectares, the fortress has four levels and more than 16km of underground tunnels. After the tour enjoy free time to explore the many charming streets lined with small shops and inviting outdoor cafes or consider an optional tour…
Belgrade
Witness the “new” Belgrade today as it rebuilds and once again warmly welcomes Western visitors. Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, is located on a hill at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers. This ancient city, dating back to the Roman Empire, was destroyed and rebuilt several times during its tumultuous history. This morning’s motorcoach tour of the city highlights includes the Kalemegdan Fortress, the imposing St. Sava Cathedral and the cobblestone bohemian quarter of Skadarlija. For lunch we will venture to a Serbian “salash” (farm), where you will meet an…
Disembark/Bucharest (Romania)/Dracula's Castle Extension
Dock at the Romanian port of Turnu Magurele and journey to nearby Bucharest, the capital of Romania, founded in 1459 by order of Prince Vlad Tepes, the original “Dracula.” Over the years, it has gone from times of greatness to periods of grief but especially flourished in the early 20th century when it was known as “Little Paris.” The influence of French architecture is still evident throughout, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Enescu Museum and the wide, tree-lined boulevards throughout the city. A panorama tour includes Revolution Square, and the imposing Palace…
Guided Tour Pricing
| Depart | Return | Depart - Return | Best Value Pricing - Reserve by May 28, 2021 | Reserve after May 28, 2021 |
Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| September 9 | September 21 |
September 9 - September 21 |
$3,799 | $3,899 | $4,199 |
Book Now: |
| September 29 | October 11 |
September 29 - October 11 |
$3,699 | $3,799 | $4,099 |
Book Now: |
| 2022 | 2022 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| May 13 | May 25 |
May 13 - May 25 |
$3,899 | $3,999 | $4,299 |
Book Now: |
| June 2 | June 14 |
June 2 - June 14 |
$3,999 | $4,099 | $4,399 |
Book Now: |
| July 12 | July 24 |
July 12 - July 24 |
$3,999 | $4,099 | $4,399 |
Book Now: |
| September 10 | September 22 |
September 10 - September 22 |
$3,999 | $4,099 | $4,399 |
Book Now: |
| October 20 | November 1 |
October 20 - November 1 |
$3,699 | $3,799 | $4,099 |
Book Now: |
Rates are based on double occupancy from New York (JFK).
Single room supplement add $1799
DRACULA’S CASTLE EXTENSION:
2021 Departures: $649 based on double occupancy / $809 based on single occupancy
2022 Departures: $699 based on double occupancy / $878 based on single occupancy
MS VIVIENNE CABIN UPGRADE:
For Sep. 9, ’21, & Sep. 29 ’21 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 panorama windows (do not open): add $199
• 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
• Jr. Suite, Upper Deck with outside facing cabin and floor-to-ceiling windows with french balconies: add $1,199
MS RIVER NAVIGATOR CABIN UPGRADE:
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 panorama windows (do not open): add $199
• CAT. B, Middle Deck with outside facing cabin with panorama windows (do not open): add $299
• CAT. A, Upper Deck with outside facing cabin with french balcony: add $649
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 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 $99 per person for all 2021 departures, and $300 per person for all 2022 departures. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Extended Tours
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
To make your cruise more even more memorable, we’ll offer several optional tours and cultural/dining evening activities. These are subject to change (and others will likely be added), and the prices are approximate. They are payable by cash (euros) or by credit card with a surcharge. Note that optional tours are non-refundable.
Classical Music Concert
- Vienna
- From approx. 70 Euros Per Person
Quite rightfully, Vienna is often called the “Musical Capital of the World”. Enjoy a concert in the heart of Vienna at Kursalon Wien, an exclusive and splendid building of the 19th century built in the Italian Renaissance style. In the very place where Johann Strauss used to direct his orchestra from the position of first violin, enjoy the essence of Vienna’s classical music! The Salonorchester Alt Wien, one of the best-known interpreters of classical Viennese music, presents an evening full of Viennese charm with waltzes, polkas, arias and duets, as well as operetta and…
Krusedol Monastery & Wine Tasting
- Novi Sad
- From approx. 35 Euros Per Person
Travel by motor coach through the Serbian countryside for a visit to Krusedol Monastery, located on the nearby mountain of Fruska Gora where more than 15 Serbian orthodox monasteries were built in medieval times. Well renowned for its fresco paintings dating from the early 16th century, the monastery is also a burial place for legendary personalities throughout Serbian history, such as King Milan Obrenovic and Duchess Ljubica. On the way back, stop in Sremski Karlovci, center of wine production in the region. Here we’ll visit the Zivanovic family whose members have been producing…
Historical Landmarks in the Iron Gates
- From approx. 45 Euro Per Person
This tour connects different points over time and opens the way through the history of this part of Europe.
Disembark the ship right by the impressive fortress of Golubac. Start your tour with a visit of this important witness of the local history. Established in the 13th century by the Serbs, the fortress played an important role at this strategic point of the river, being held at times by Hungarians, Ottomans, again Serbs. Today the impressive fort with 9 towers will take you to Lord of the Rings World. Afterwards, the drive along the first section of the Danube gorge will offer…
Belogradchik Rocks
- Belogradchik
- From approx. 37 Euro Per Person
Take the tour to the most famous natural phenomena in the region, Belogradchik Rocks. This rocky fairy-tale is spread from west to east and it is 30km long and 3km wide. The most attractive rocks are around the town and named as The Madonna, The Monks, The Rider, The Dervish, The Bear, Adam and Eve, The Castle, The Little Shepherd, The Mushrooms, The Lion and many others. The Belogradchik fortress is situated at an altitude of 610 m above sea level. Experience the memorable view from the top of the fortress.
Important Note: This tour is only recommended for active…
Featured Accommodations
MS Vivienne
Refurbished in 2020, the MS Vivienne features 2 decks with French Balconies and offers an upscale experience. All 73 cabins feature a PIN-coded safe, internal telephone, flat-screen television offering several European channels, an individually controlled air conditioning and heating system, Vanity desk and chair, hair dryer, and private bathroom with glass-enclosed shower. Cabins are distributed over three decks with the main deck featuring smaller upper windows that do not open (Category D), middle deck featuring panoramic windows that do not open (Category C) or floor-to-ceiling windows…
MS River Navigator
Built in 2002 and completely renovated from hull up in 2013, the River Navigator is the epitome of style and elegance! Her public areas consist of an elegant restaurant, a 1950’s themed Rat Pack bar including an original juke box and statue of Frank Sinatra, a wonderful panorama lounge, a cozy library and an over-sized covered sun deck offering fabulous views of the passing countryside. All standard twin cabins are 165sq ft in size and are spread over 3 decks. Category C cabins located on the lower deck feature half-windows, Category B cabins located on the middle deck feature big…
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 (main tour) | Return (with ext) | |||
| 2021: Sep. 9, Sep. 29 | Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa Airlines | New York (JFK) | 5:45PM | 8:00PM | 8:00PM |
| 2022: All Dates | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA | TBA |
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.
Main Tour + Extension: 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 15 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 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour. Please advise us in writing should your address change.
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 day time 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.