AUSTRIA, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY, CROATIA, SERBIA, ROMANIA, AND BULGARIA
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.
10-night Danube Cruise to Vienna (Austria), Bratislava (Slovakia), Budapest (Hungary), Vukovar (Croatia), Novi Sad (Serbia), Belgrade (Serbia), Vidin (Bulgaria)
1 night in Bucharest
Tour Highlights
Vienna city tour with Hofburg (Imperial Palace)
Old Town Bratislava walking tour
Budapest city tour with Fisherman's Bastion
Gypsy Concert (On Cruise – Budapest)
Walking Tour with Concert (Vukovar)
Novi Sad walking tour
Kalemegdan Fortress (Belgrade)
Royal Palace of the Crown Prince (Belgrade)
Authentic Serbian Lunch with plum brandy
Iron Gates Gorge
Baba Vida Fortress (Vidin)
Budapest City tour
Your Tour Includes
One night in a Bucharest hotel
10-night cruise on the Danube River
30 meals: 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, and 10 dinners
2 glasses of wine/beer/soda with lunch and dinner on cruise
All on board activities, themed dinners, and special services including early riser breakfast, afternoon cakes & tea, 24/7 coffee station, late night snacks and entertainment each evening
This itinerary reflects the downstream sailings which begin in Vienna and end in Bucharest. Our upstream or reverse sailings will include all of the same sightseeing, but will begin in Bucharest and end in Vienna. Note: September 2nd and September 22nd, 2025 are reverse sailings that begin in Bucharest and end in Vienna.
Flights
Book flights with ease with our partner, Exito Travel, to enjoy flexible flight options to and from our tour!
Welcome to Vienna, the splendid capital of Austria and the center of the Hapsburg Empire. After embarkation, we'll have some time at leisure to settle into our cruise cabins. This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome cocktail followed by an orientation briefing and reception, and then dinner.
Accommodations: MS River Sapphire Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Set Sail from Vienna
Today, we'll explore Vienna's glorious past as our included panoramic tour that takes us along the Ring Boulevard, past Emperor Franz Josef's Hofburg Palace and the State Opera to the Cathedral of St. Stephen's. This afternoon is free for us to explore Vienna independently. Our Cruise Director can assist us in arranging tickets for an optional concert or cultural performance. We'll set sail from Vienna late this evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Bratislava (Slovakia)
Welcome to Slovakia! This morning, we'll depart on a mini-train ride to the hilltop Citadel for magnificent views of this lovely city. Next we'll see the city up close with a walking tour through Bratislava's lovely city center. Our tour takes us past St. Martin's Cathedral and the Primate's Palace. Our tour concludes with a stroll through Old Town where we can see Michael's Gate, Michael's Tower, the Main square, the Old Town Hall, and Slovak National Theatre. We'll return to our ship for lunch and then enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Budapest (Hungary)
We'll spend our morning cruising the Danube River to Budapest. This afternoon, we'll take a city tour of Budapest that includes some of the most popular sights: The Parliament Building, St. Stefan Cathedral, the Opera, the Square of Heroes with the Millennium Monument, and the town park with the Vajdahunyad Castle, and more. During our tour, we'll enjoy stops at the Square of Heroes, the Fisherman's Bastion and Gellert Hill. The rest of our evening is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Budapest (Hungary)
Today, we have a full day at leisure to explore Budapest independently. Consider joining our Cruise Director for an optional walking tour of downtown Budapest. Prior to dinner we can enjoy a short live concert of Hungarian Gypsy music performed in the lounge. This evening, we'll set sail and begin cruising to our next destination.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Vukovar (Croatia)
After breakfast this morning, we can head up to the sun deck to take in the beautiful vistas as we sail into Vukovar, Croatia. Croatia. After we dock, we'll enjoy a walking tour of this riverside city, Croatia’s largest river port, including a tour of the Franciscan Monastery and Museum including local refreshments along with the sounds of Croatian tamburica (banjo). Later, we'll return to our ship for dinner and set sail towards Serbia!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Novi Sad (Serbia)
Welcome to Serbia! When we wake up this morning, we'll say "hello" to Novi Sad, Serbia's lively university town. We'll be delighted by our walking tour through the town center and its gorgeous pedestrian-friendly nooks and corners dotted with restaurants and people-watching cafés. After our tour, we'll have free time to explore the charming streets independently or we can join an optional tour to the local winery for a wine, cheese, and honey tasting. This evening, we'll continue sailing towards Serbia's vibrant capital, Belgrade, also known as "White City."
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Belgrade
We'll witness "new" Belgrade today as it rebuilds and once again warmly welcomes Western visitors. Located on a hill at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, this ancient city dates back to the Roman Empire and was destroyed and rebuilt several times during its tumultuous history. This morning's tour of the city highlights includes the Kalemegdan Fortress, the imposing St. Sava Cathedral and the cobblestone bohemian quarter of Skadarlija and a visit to the Royal Palace of Crown Prince Alexander Karadjordjevic. For lunch we will venture to an authentic Serbian restaurant, where we'll meet a Serbian multi-generation family and enjoy a wonderful taste of Serbian homemade food, unlimited drinks, live music, and hospitality. Later, we'll return to the ship and after dinner, you'll be entertained by a local folklore ensemble featuring dancers and musicians dressed in colorful costumes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Sailing through the Iron Gates (Serbia)
This morning, we'll depart for Golubac Fortress (Dove Castle) for gorgeous views of the Danube river. Next, we'll continue to Lepenski Vir, the oldest archaeological site in Europe dating from 6,000 BC. We'll have time to relax on board and after lunch, we can enjoy one of the highlights of our voyage: passage through the impressive Iron Gates Gorge and the gigantic Djerdap Lock where the Danube surges down from the Carpathian Mountains. The views along the two-mile-long gorge are spectacular! After we arrive in Vidin, Bulgaria this evening, we'll enjoy our festive Captain's Farewell Dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Vidin (Bulgaria)
This morning, we'll embark on a walking tour of this delightful Bulgarian river port highlighted by a visit to the 13th-century Baba Vida (or "Grandma Vida" fortress, the best-preserved medieval fortress in the country. Afterward, we'll have some free time for strolling and shopping or we can consider joining the optional Belogradchik Rock excursion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Disembark in Bucharest (Romania)
Today, we'll 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," Bucharest has experienced times of greatness as well as periods of grief; but it especially flourished in the early 20th century when it was known as "Little Paris." The influence of French architecture is still evident—from the Arc de Triomphe to Enescu Museum and the wide, tree-lined boulevards throughout the city. Our panorama tour includes Revolution Square, and the imposing Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world. After check in at our hotel, we'll enjoy time at leisure to explore the city at our own pace.
Accommodations: Novotel Hotel or similar Meals: Breakfast
Day 12: Depart Bucharest
Our tour comes to an end after breakfast today.
Meals: Breakfast
Guided Tour Pricing
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Rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am - 5:30 pm Eastern) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments Reservations can be made online or 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 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Featured Accommodations
MS River Sapphire
Refurbished in 2020, this 164-passenger premium vessel offers a casual and friendly ambiance. Cabins are spread over three decks with the lower deck featuring windows that do not open, and the middle and upper decks featuring floor to ceiling French balconies. While onboard, enjoy the restaurant, panorama lounge, sun deck, and fitness room. The onboard currency is the Euro and Visa and Mastercard are also accepted.
Enhance your trip with these 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
Day 2 Evening Tour (Downstream) or Day 11 Evening Tour (Upstream/Reverse). Approx. €79 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 piano concerto melodies. Accompanied by excellent opera vocalists and our enchanting ballet soloists, Vienna's classical music reveals itself as a living firework display for all the senses.
Payable by cash only on the ship (Euros)
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Walking Tour of Downtown Pest
Day 5 Morning Tour (Downstream) or Day 9 Morning Tour (Upstream/Reverse). Approx. €20 per person
Join our Cruise Director for a delightful stroll down Vaci Utca, the city's main pedestrian promenade full of shops, cafes, and beautiful people! Your stops will include the Great Market Hall and Gerbeaud, the oldest sweet shop in Budapest which opened in 1858! Your tour ends with a delightful ride aboard an old-fashioned tram back to the docking location.
Payable by cash only on the ship (Euros)
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Krusedol Monastery & Wine Tasting
Day 7 Afternoon Tour (Downstream) or Day 6 Afternoon Tour (Upstream/Reverse). Approx. €42 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 their private label "Bermet" wine for over a century and whose products have been enjoyed by members of the Habsburg Monarchy as well as the Russian Tsars! Our hosts will welcome us to their large garden, including a wine cellar, and the "Museum of Honey". In this lovely ambiance we'll enjoy several varieties of wine including "Bermet", accompanied by their own organic honey!
Payable by cash only on the ship (Euros)
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
Belogradchik Rocks
Day 10 Afternoon Tour (Downstream) or Day 3 Afternoon Tour (Upstream/Reverse). Approx. €45 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 walkers, as it requires going up steps and slopes for a full experience.
Payable by cash only on the ship (Euros)
MUST BE BOOKED IN DESTINATION!
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 2025: ETIAS Visa Waiver Required for U.S. Passport Holders
A valid passport is required for international tours. Effective for travel in 2025, 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.
The ship may dock in uneven terrain. Travelers may 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.
Reviews
Patti C
My husband and I were recently on A Danube Discovery Cruise. Our tour Director was Dusan Kuljic. When the unimaginable happened, and my husband became ill and needed emergency surgery in Novi Sad Serbia, Dusan jumped in and stayed by our sides throughout the ordeal. Once he'd found me a place to stay, he returned to his ship but never gave up contact with us, calling frequently to see if we needed anything. When the cruise ended and we were still in Novi Sad, Dusan returned to Belgrade, came to pick us up and move us to Belgrade where we could get a flight home. This man was truly our angel and turned what could have been a real nightmare into an opportunity to develop friendships, sight see, and rest as needed. He is one in a million and thoughts of him will always be at the top of our best memories of this trip.
Virginia W
We thought the trip was excellent. The river boat was good and the people on the boat were VERY gracious. I loved the size of the river boat. Our TD, Dusan J, was excellent. Would have loved for him to stay with us the whole trip. He left after the cruise and we had another one for mountain portion of the trip. He was OK but I can't remember his name. He was very knowledgeable about the area. It would be better if you kept same one for all of the trip. I will take another river cruise with smarTours.
Prakash P
Everything was great.We had wonderful time.Tour guides,staff,crew and food was excellent.Also the group was the best ever.This was our seventh tour with smarTours.
TOM a
This vacation was one of the best we have had. Everything, including the ship, all accommodations (ship and land), tours and tour guides, cuisine was very well prepared and excellent. The personnel (ship and land) did everything possible to make everyone happy and satisfied.
Hersh R
We are now on our way home from this wonderful Danube River cruise. I would like to sum up our experience on the Little Prince as outstanding. This trip turned out to far exceed our expectations. The crew and cruise director (Duschan) were terrific. Dining room staff and food quality was excellent. Kitchen staff and our waiter Liviu went out of their way to accommodate the kosher requirements of our table. Tour guides in most locations were very knowledgeable and spoke good english. Our only criticism was the air conditioning in the cabin and dining room. The cabin was very hot and humid and nothing could be done by the staff.
We will highly recommend SmarTours to our friends.
Karen Y
Great itinerary. Included excursions were OK but did not really cover a lot of things we wanted to see. Seemed like we viewed a lot of the places from the bus or a walk by but did not go into many places. Boat was older and seemed like a camping trip with the bath being very small and single beds hard. Difficult to regulate the temperature in the room too. Food was good and the staff on the boat was great, very accommodating to food allergies. Hotel in Bucharest was very nice.
Featuring a 10-night cruise. Ports of call include Vienna, Budapest, Vukovar, Novi Sad, Belgrade, and more. Plus visit Brasov and Dracula's Castle. View Tour ❯
