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Gems of Southeast Europe

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 Trip Length
14 Days
 Trip Starts
Vienna
 Trip Finishes
Bucharest
14 Day Gems of Southeast Europe Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Austria, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania
Cruise Line
APT
Ship
Ship Class
Concerto River Ship
Passengers
152
Crew
51
Launched
2014
Cruise Code
EUBS14

Overview

Read reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on APT's 14 Day Gems of Southeast Europe. Embrace the wonders of the Balkans onboard your luxury river cruise. Discover the natural beauty, storied history & fascinating architecture as you glide along the Balkan Peninsula, through enchanting towns and cities including beautiful Budapest and Belgrade.

Itinerary

Arrive in Vienna and transfer to your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Vienna, Intercontinental Hotel or similar

The ‘City of Waltzes' offers a treasure trove of gems just waiting to be discovered on your city tour. See the majestic Opera House and the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs before concluding in Vienna's historic city centre. (B)

Transfer from Vienna to Budapest where you'll be taken on a city tour. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Castle Hill district, Fisherman's Bastion, St Stephen's Basilica and the Chain Bridge.

Later, board your ship and enjoy a welcome dinner. Stay Seven Nights: Concerto River Ship (B/D)

Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohacs. You'll then visit Pecs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the World Heritage-designated Christian Necropolis, as well as St Peter's Basilica, the city's main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs, and Szechenyi Square, the heart of Pecs' old town. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city.

Or for wine connoisseurs, head to the Szekszard wine region, one of the oldest red wine grape-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago. You may also take an exhilarating guided bike tour around Mohacs. (B/L/D)

Vukovar is a Croatian symbol of resistance, which you'll better understand after your city tour showcasing the Ovcara Memorial and Eltz Castle. Alternatively, choose a wine tasting in Ilok, a centre of wine production since Roman times, where you'll sample its famous Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines.

Back on board, cruise to Novi Sad, sometimes called the “Serbian Athens”. Discover the city on a walking tour to Dunavski Park and through Stari Grad, the Old Town centre. If you prefer a more active exploration, join a guided biking tour or hike through Fruska Gora National Park. During the evening, visit Petrovaradin Fortress, a mighty stronghold no enemy has ever breached. (B/L/D)

Explore Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and then tour the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Alternatively, you can hike to Belgrade Fortress.

Later in the day, enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, slivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery. For those wishing a more active adventure, join a guided bike tour. (B/L/D)

See Golubac Fortress – a medieval fortified town on the south side of the Danube River – before cruising through the Iron Gates. The Iron Gates is one of Europe's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travellers. (B/L/D)

Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria's oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of making traditional Bulgarian yogurt and banitsa, before trying your hand at making the pastry.

In the afternoon, continue to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria's natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, you may wish to take a guided bike tour or enjoy a wine tasting in Vidin. (B/L/D)

Visit Bulgaria's ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to go to Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo, with frescos revealing the exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings. (B/L/D)

Disembark the ship in Giurgiu and continue to the legendary region of Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in mythology and history. Your first stop will be the quaint mountain town of Sinaia, to visit Peles Castle, considered to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe and a masterpiece of German New Renaissance architecture. Its 160 rooms are filled with priceless European art.

After your tour of Peles Castle, depart for Brasov. Stay Two Nights: Kronwell Hotel, Brasov or similar (B)

Enjoy a walking tour around Brasov. Afterward, Dracula lovers will be in for another treat with an excursion to Sighisoara, birthplace to Transylvania's most notorious ruler, Vlad Tepes, also known as Vlad the Impaler or Dracula. It's hard to believe that this perfectly preserved World Heritage-listed town, filled with resplendent pastel-coloured buildings, stone lanes and medieval towers, and boasting a pedestrian-friendly Old Town, was Vlad's place of birth. His home is still here, marked with a placard, however, today it houses a kitschy restaurant called ‘Casa Dracula'. (B)

En route to Bucharest, you'll visit Transylvania's legendary Bran Castle, forever linked with the legend of Dracula.

Later in the day, transfer to Bucharest and check into your hotel. Stay Two Nights: Radisson Blu Bucharest or similar (B)

Enjoy a visit to Bucharest's most impressive sites—including the historic city centre and the Palace of the Parliament, second only to the Pentagon as the largest administrative building in the world. Alternatively, you can choose a walking tour of the historic Old Town. (B)

Bid farewell to Bucharest as you transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

APT's Luxury Fleet
APT's Luxury Fleet

Partnering with AmaWaterways, APT operate their own innovative award-winning fleet of floating boutique hotels. Read more

All-inclusive. All taken care of.
All-inclusive. All taken care of.

From the moment you depart to the moment you return, everything you need is included in the trip price you pay. Read more

Luxury Service
Luxury Service

An APT cruise or tour director is always present, while local experts join you along the way. Sit back and relax while APT take care of all the details. Read more

Freedom of Choice
Freedom of Choice

Personalise your journey to suit your interest and mix and match a wide selection of cultural, culinary, historical and active experiences. Read more

Signature Experiences
Signature Experiences

These are the stand-out moments. Carefully designed to help you experience Europe in far greater depth and normally unavailable to independent travellers. Read more

Live Fully
Live Fully

With every detail taken care of behind the scenes, you’re 100% free to be whoever you want to be. Every day is yours to design. Read more

Trip Reviews (1) Most Recent 'Gems of Southeast Europe' Reviews

5.0
AVG. RATING 5.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
100%
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Fantastic 1 , QLD, Australia, Jul 2017
Touring through Eastern Europe was quite different to our previous trips in Western Europe. The countryside was just as beautiful but the towns and cities are very different. The recent history (WW2, communism, the civil wars) were thought provoking. The cruise ship and cabin were excellent. The staff were delightful. The local guides varied a little ...read more but most were very good. The cruise director, Florentin, was very professional and very interesting to get to know as we ended in Romania his home country. I cannot thank Jemma at Global Journeys enough for her help in organising such a great holiday.
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Deck Plans

 
Category E
Twin Window
 
Category D
Twin Window
Piano Deck (Deck 1)
 
Category C
Panoramic Balcony
 
Category T
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
 
Category P
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
Cello Deck (Deck 2)
 
Category B+
Panoramic Balcony
 
Category T+
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
 
Category P+
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
 
Royal Suite
Panoramic & Outside Balcony
Violin Deck (Deck 3)
Sun Deck (Deck 4)

Cabins

Category E (Twin Window)

Enjoy your luxurious 160 sq. ft. (14.9 sqm) accommodation featuring twin windows, deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, complemented by spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads.

Each room includes a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with free TV, movies, and music, complimentary internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, all controlled by in-room temperature settings for your comfort.

Category D (Twin Window)

Enjoy your luxurious 160 sq. ft. (14.9 sqm) accommodation featuring twin windows, deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, complemented by spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads.

Each room includes a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with free TV, movies, and music, complimentary internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, all controlled by in-room temperature settings for your comfort.

Category C (Panoramic Balcony)

Relax in your 170 sq. ft (15.8 sqm) luxurious stateroom with panoramic views from your French Balcony, complete with in-room temperature control, deluxe hotel-style bedding featuring Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, and spacious bathrooms equipped with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom also offers a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with complimentary TV, movies, and music library, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair for added convenience and luxury.

Category T (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 210 sq. ft. (19.5 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Category P (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 235 sq. ft. (21.8 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The room is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Category B+ (Panoramic Balcony)

Relax in your 170 sq. ft (15,8 sqm) luxurious luxurious stateroom with panoramic views from your French Balcony, complete with in-room temperature control, deluxe hotel-style bedding featuring Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, and spacious bathrooms equipped with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom also offers a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system with complimentary TV, movies, and music library, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair for added convenience and luxury.

Category T+ (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 210 sq. ft. (19.5 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Category P+ (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Relax in your luxurious 235 sq. ft. (21.8 sqm) stateroom boasting both a French and outside balcony, offering in-room temperature control, luxurious bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, plus a spacious bathroom with multi-jet showerheads.

The stateroom is equipped with a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system for complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.

Royal Suite (Panoramic & Outside Balcony)

Discover the Royal Suite on the Violin Deck, a 300 sq. ft (27.9 sqm) haven featuring a French balcony and an outside balcony, complemented by in-room temperature control for optimal comfort.

This luxurious suite includes deluxe hotel-style bedding with Egyptian linen, down pillows, and duvet, spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showerheads, a large wardrobe, full-length mirror, hair dryer, safe, telephone, flat-screen TV, an Entertainment on Demand system offering complimentary TV, movies, and music, free internet and Wi-Fi, daily replenished bottled water, and a desk with chair, providing an exquisite stay.

Brochure

Europe

APT Europe (2024)

No matter how many times you’ve been, there’s always something new to discover in APT’s Europe. Whether you want to cruise the rivers, glide through landscapes by rail or coach, or get deeply immersed in art, culture, food and history in any number of amazing cities, APT is for you.

Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by APT. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from APT. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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