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.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 10-night Cruise from Vienna to Bucharest
- Vienna (Austria)
- Bratislava (Slovakia)
- Budapest (Hungary)
- Osijek (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 or MS Aurora 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
Osijek (Croatia)
After breakfast this morning head up to the sun deck to observe the beautiful vistas as you sail into the Drava River toward Osijek, Croatia’s 4th largest city. This afternoon, after entry formalities, depart for a tour of the Old Town, including Tvrdja (Citadel), the best-preserved and largest ensemble of baroque buildings in Croatia. Then, enjoy a refreshing drink and some snacks in the garden accompanied by live music featuring popular Croatian songs. Then some free time to explore the city at your leisure before returning to the ship for dinner.
| Breakfast,…
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 Nov 30, 2020 | Reserve after Nov 30, 2020 | Select Tour | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2021 | w/ eCheck Discount | Sale | After Sale | ||
| May 12 | May 24 | May 12 - May 24 | $3,599 | $3,699 | $3,999 | Book Now: |
| May 29 | June 10 | May 29 - Jun 10 | $3,699 | $3,799 | $4,099 | Sold Out |
| June 1 | June 13 | Jun 1 - Jun 13 | $3,699 | $3,799 | $4,099 | Book Now: |
| June 21 | July 3 | Jun 21 - Jul 3 | $3,699 | $3,799 | $4,099 | Book Now: |
| September 9 | September 21 | Sep 9 - Sep 21 | $3,699 | $3,799 | $4,099 | Book Now: |
| September 29 | October 11 | Sep 29 - Oct 11 | $3,599 | $3,699 | $3,999 | Book Now: |
| October 3 | October 15 | Oct 3 - Oct 15 | $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:
$649 based on double occupancy / $809 based on single occupancy
MS VIVIENNE CABIN UPGRADE:
For May 12 ’21, Jun. 1 ’21, Jun. 21 ’21, 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 AURORA CABIN UPGRADE:
For Oct. 3 ’21 Departure
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 $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, 9:00-9:00 EST and Sat-Sun, 10:00-6:30 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 $300 per person non-refundable, non-transferable deposit which must be received at the time of reservation*. A second non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $300 is due 60 days after the date of your reservation. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. *If the reservation date is within 70 days of the final payment due date, both first and second deposits are due at the time of reservation. Baggage fees may apply. Space and prices subject to availability. For complete booking information and terms & conditions click here.
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 Aurora
This first-class ship will be refreshed for travel in 2021 and beyond featuring a traditional décor! 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 B & Category C), and the upper deck…
Before You Depart
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: May 12, Jun. 1, Jun. 21, Sep. 9, Sep. 29, Oct. 3 | Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa Airlines | New York (JFK) | 5:45PM | 8:00PM | 8:00PM |
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.