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)
- Authentic Serbian Lunch with plum brandy
- 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 on the Danube River
- 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
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.
2023 Tours | Tour Only | With Flights | |
---|---|---|---|
Sunday
April 23 Friday
May 5 |
From
$3,299
$2,899
|
From
$4,199
$3,799
|
Select |
Sunday
May 7 Friday
May 19 |
From
$3,399
$2,999
|
From
$4,399
$3,999
|
Select |
Friday
June 2 Wednesday
June 14 |
From
$3,399
$2,999
|
From
$4,399
$3,999
|
Select |
Tuesday
September 12 Sunday
September 24 |
From
$3,399
$2,999
|
From
$4,399
$3,999
|
Select |
Monday
October 2 Saturday
October 14 |
From
$3,399
$2,999
|
From
$4,399
$3,999
|
Select |
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.
MS RIVER GOVERNESS
For 2022 Departures
Rates are per person based on Category D Cabin (Main Deck) with 2 half-windows that do not open. Single supplements apply when not sharing a room or cabin. Additional single supplements apply for upgraded services. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure, and which cabin types allow single occupancy.
- Category C: Middle deck with French balcony
- Category B: Middle deck with French balcony
- Category A: Upper deck with French balcony
MS RIVER SAPPHIRE
For Select 2023 Departures: Apr. 23, Jun. 2
Rates are per person based on Category D Cabin (Lower Deck) with two small viewing windows that do not open. Single supplements apply when not sharing a room or cabin. Additional single supplements apply for upgraded services. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure, and which cabin types allow single occupancy.
- Category C: Main Deck Aft with French Balcony
- Category B: Main Deck with French Balcony
- Category A: Upper Deck with French Balcony
MS RIVER VENTURE
For Select 2023 Departures: May 7, Sep. 12, Oct. 2
Rates are per person based on Category D Cabin (Main Deck) with 2 half-windows that do not open. Single supplements apply when not sharing a room or cabin. Additional single supplements apply for upgraded services. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure, and which cabin types allow single occupancy.
- Category C: Middle Deck Aft with French Balcony
- Category B: Middle Deck Mid/Bow with French Balcony
- Category A: Upper Deck Aft with French Balcony
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 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. For 2022 departures, full payment is due 120 days prior to departure. For 2023 departures, 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.
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.
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.
Please note destination entry requirements are changing rapidly. smarTours will communicate entry requirements in your Tour Documents 10-14 days prior to departure. 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: 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 |
2023: Apr. 23 | Swiss Airlines / Austrian Airlines | New York (JFK) | 8:55 PM | 7:50 PM |
2023: May 7 | Austrian Airlines | New York (JFK) | 9:20 PM | 7:50 PM |
2023: Jun. 2 | Austrian Airlines / Lufthansa Airlines | New York (JFK) | 9:20 PM | 8:05 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.