Balkan Gems

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Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Budapest
 Cruise Finishes
Bucharest
8 Day Balkan Gems Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania
Cruise Line
APT
Ship
Passengers
154
Crew
60
Launched
2025
Cruise Code
EUGC08

Overview

Uncover the treasures of Eastern Europe on a luxurious seven-night cruise along the Danube River. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Budapest, delve into Vukovar’s wartime past, and discover Serbian culture in Belgrade. Explore the striking Golubac Fortress and cruise through the Iron Gates before concluding your tour in Bucharest.

Itinerary

Welcome to Budapest. We'll meet you on arrival and transfer you to the luxurious APT Ostara. Unpack, relax and get acquainted with your ship. Stay Seven Nights: APT Ostara (D)

Decide how to explore Budapest with a choice of sightseeing activities. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - City Tour Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest, taking in historic monuments such as Heroes' Square and St. Stephen's Basilica.

Freedom of Choice - Culinary Tour Eat your way through Budapest as you embark on a tour of the Great Market Hall. Wander through this large indoor market and discover a variety of sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Freedom of Choice - Funicular Ride Board a funicular to Castle Hill for superb views, then walk to Fisherman's Bastion.

Gala Welcome Dinner Enjoy a multi-course meal with an expertly crafted menu.

Decide how to spend today with a range of sightseeing activities on offer. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Pécs Sightseeing Tour Embark on a guided walking discovery of this ancient city, which is renowned for its architectural wonders, including the Early Christian Mausoleum and Szent István Square.

Freedom of Choice - Villány Wine Tasting Travel to Villány, a renowned Hungarian wine region known for its red and rose varieties. Here, you will pay a visit to a local winery, where you will enjoy a tour and tasting.

Freedom of Choice - Guided Bike Ride Perhaps get active on a guided bike ride along the Danube to an ancient mill.

Bearing battle scars from the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar has risen strong and offers a rich history to discover. On an enlightening city tour, hear about the city's wartime past and visit the Memorial Centre of Homeland War Vukovar. (B/L/D)

In Serbia's capital, choose your activity. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Guided Exploration of Belgrade Uncover the rich history of Belgrade on this guided discovery. You will see iconic wonders, including the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of Saint Sava.

Freedom of Choice - Kayak Tour Discover Belgrade from a different perspective on this sightseeing adventure. Begin at the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, where you will paddle to Great War Island and Lido Beach.

Freedom of Choice - Belgrade Culinary Tour Visit a bustling food market, where you'll learn about the secrets of Serbian cuisine and be introduced to a range of local produce, meats and cheeses. Then, delight in a tasting of various types of Serbian brandy, known as rakija, complemented by traditional gingerbread biscuits, known as medenjaci.

This morning, your ship will dock at the Golubac Fortress, where you'll disembark for a Signature Experience. Later, cruise through the Iron Gates and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you will encounter on your journey. (B/L/D)

Signature Experience - Golubac Walking Tour Set out on a fascinating walking tour of Golubac, a charming village in eastern Serbia. Explore the striking Golubac Fortress, which stands at the entrance to the Iron Gates of the Danube. Built in the 14th century, the fortress' strategic position made it an integral military border stronghold. Wander along the walls and towers of this remarkable fortification as you hear about its captivating history from your expert guide. From the fortress, take a scenic walk along the riverbanks of the Danube and soak up the breathtaking views. Then, visit a local riverside tavern, where you'll delight in a delicious Serbian meze tasting, featuring an array of small dishes such as cheeses, cured meats and other local specialties.

Spend the day relaxing on board and enjoying the facilities of your luxurious ship. Perhaps indulge in a treatment at the onboard spa or sip a delicious cocktail on the Daystar Deck as you admire the serene landscapes unfolding before you. (B/L/D)

Your journey comes to an end today with a transfer to the airport. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Golubac Walking Tour: On this Signature Experience, enjoy a fascinating walking tour of Golubac, a charming village in eastern Serbia. Explore the striking 14th-century Golubac Fortress, which stands at the entrance to the Iron Gates of the Danube, and hear about its captivating history from your expert guide. Then, visit a local riverside tavern, where you'll delight in a delicious Serbian meze tasting, featuring an array of small dishes such as cheeses, cured meats and other local specialties.
  • Iron Gates Cruising: Get ready to witness nature at its finest today as your ship cruises through the Iron Gates, a stunning natural wonder of lush forests, towering cliffs and rugged landscapes. This spectacular series of gorges connects Serbia and Romania and makes for an unparalleled cruising experience.

  • Freedom of Choice inclusions
  • Experiences in five destinations
  • The services of an expert Cruise Director
  • Transfers, port charges and gratuities

  • A total of 20 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
  • In-suite dining and beverage service in all suites

  • Seven nights on a brand-new luxury river ship, the APT Solara or APT Ostara

  • Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
  • Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included

Life Onboard APT Ostara

APT Ostara
APT Ostara

Travel in unparalleled luxury on board APT Ostara in 2025 – APT's brand-new river ship that redefines European river cruising. 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

World Class Dining
World Class Dining

Experience world-class dishes featuring the finest seasonal, locally sourced produce aboard the new-generation fleet. 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 travelers. 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

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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this cruise. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and is not operating this season. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view 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. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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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