Danube River Cruise: Vienna to Bucharest with Dracula's Castle

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. From Bucharest we’ll travel to Brasov and nearby Bran where the highlight is the mystical Vlad Tepes Dracula’s Castle.

Shorten Your Trip! Enjoy our Danube River Cruise: Vienna to Bucharest tour visiting highlights along the Danube River.

Did you know you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options for groups of 15 or more travelers.

Itinerary at
a Glance

Tour Itinerary:

  • 10-night Danube Cruise to Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary), Vukovar (Croatia), Novi Sad (Serbia), Belgrade (Serbia), Vidin (Bulgaria)
  • 2 nights in Brasov (Romania)
  • 1 night in Bucharest (Romania)

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)
  • Authentic Serbian Lunch with plum brandy
  • Iron Gates Gorge
  • Baba Vida Fortress (Vidin)
  • Palace of Parliament (Bucharest)
  • Peles Castle
  • Brasov City Tour
  • Dracula’s Castle

Your Tour Includes

  • Optional round-trip airfare from the New York area (varies by departure) including taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
  • 10-night cruise on the Danube River
  • Two nights in a Brasov hotel
  • One night in a Bucharest hotel
  • Port charges
  • 35 meals: 14 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 12 dinners
  • 2 glasses of wine or beer with lunch and dinner
  • Comprehensive sightseeing tours, shore excursions, onboard lectures, folklore performances, and concerts
  • Free Wi-Fi on ship(where available)
  • English-speaking cruise director and tour guides

What to Expect

Max Group Size: 30 travelers

Activity Level: Level 1

Expect most included touring to require walking and standing periods up to 3 hours at a time (up to 2 times per day) on easy terrain with some light stairs. Learn More

Pacing Level: Leisurely

Expect half-day tours most days with a free day in most cities to explore independently. There are few to no early mornings and/or long travel days by bus (don’t worry—there are always comfort stops!), and you may expect to stay in most accommodations for 4+ nights. Learn More

New in 2024: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders

A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2024, U.S. passport holders are required to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver. Please visit our Passports & Visas page to learn more about any required actions, next steps, and additional costs.

Encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps, and significant slopes on the shore excursions.

For more detailed information about this tour and destination, visit our Before You Depart section.

Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Vienna (Austria)

Arrive in Vienna, the splendid capital of Austria and the center of the Hapsburg Empire, and continue to our cruise ship for embarkation. This evening, enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by an orientation briefing and reception and then dinner.

Accommodations: MS River Sapphire
Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Vienna Sightseeing/Set Sail

Day 3: Bratislava (Slovakia)

Day 4: Budapest (Hungary)

Day 5: Budapest (Hungary)

Day 6: Vukovar (Croatia)

Day 7: Novi Sad (Serbia)

Day 8: Belgrade

Day 9: Sailing through the Iron Gates (Serbia)

Day 10: Vidin (Bulgaria)

Day 11: Bucharest/Sinaia/Brasov

Day 12: Dracula's Castle Excursion

Day 13: Brasov/Bucharest

Day 14: Depart Bucharest

Guided Tour Pricing

We are working diligently to secure future tour dates and pricing for this itinerary. Please fill out the "Request a Future Date" form linked below, and we will notify you once dates are available.

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

Walking Tour of Downtown Pest

Krusedol Monastery & Wine Tasting

Belogradchik Rocks