Balkan Jewels

8 Days Bucharest to Budapest
Balkan Jewels
Balkan Jewels
Balkan Jewels

Overview

APT
Cruise Operated By:
APT
 (479) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises 261
Unveil the treasures of Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary on an incredible seven-night luxury river cruise. Discover Bulgaria's spectacular fortresses and rich history with visits to Veliko Târnovo and Belogradchik. Immerse yourself in Serbian culture in Novi Sad, enjoy a Hungarian horse show in Puszta and explore Budapest.
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Our Price From
A$5,106 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $1,795 per person
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Trip Length
Trip Length

8 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Bucharest

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Budapest

Countries Visited
Countries Visited:
Countries Visited
Rivers Sailed:
Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship
APT Ostara
Passengers
Passengers

154

Crew
Crew

60

Ship Launch
Launched

2025

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

EUJC08

Itinerary

On arrival in Bucharest, you'll be met and transferred to your luxury river ship, which will be docked in Giurgiu. Get to know your fellow travellers at a welcome reception this evening.

Accommodation: APT Ostara
Included Meals: Dinner

Discover the wonders of Veliko Târnovo with an expert local guide. Uncover this charming Bulgarian city's rich history as you wander through its cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the ship.

Accommodation: APT Ostara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik and visit its ancient fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. You'll also see the town's unique rock formations.

Accommodation: APT Ostara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day is yours to relax on board, sleep in and take it easy, or awake early and take in stunning views from the Daystar Deck.

Accommodation: APT Ostara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Choose how you'd like to spend the day in Novi Sad, Serbia's second largest city.

Freedom of Choice - Guided City Discovery Enjoy a guided tour of Novi Sad, situated on the banks of the Danube River. Discover the city's iconic sights found along the main walkway of Zmaj Jovina.

Freedom of Choice - Local Farmstead Visit a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture, featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts.

Accommodation: APT Ostara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a Signature Experience today.

Signature Experience - Folk Art House and Horse Show Visit the Folk Art House, where local handicrafts are on show. Then, visit a producer of one of Hungary's spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.

Accommodation: APT Ostara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity.

Freedom of Choice - Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum Embark on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.

Freedom of Choice - Hike to Gellért Hill Take a guided hike up Gellért Hill and admire the panoramic views over the Danube River. You'll also see the St Gellért Monument, honouring the Italian bishop and martyr who played a key role in spreading Christianity in Hungary in the 11th century.

Accommodation: APT Ostara
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Say your farewells, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Tour Inclusions

  • Folk Art House and Horse Show: On this memorable Signature Experience, visit the Folk Art House, where local handicrafts are on show. Then, visit a producer of one of Hungary's spiciest exports, paprika. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.
  • Belogradchik: Venture to the town of Belogradchik in Bulgaria and visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, perched on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. You'll also see the town's unique rock formations.
  • Veliko Târnovo: Discover the wonders of Veliko Târnovo with an expert local guide. Uncover this charming Bulgarian city's rich history as you wander through its cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, a medieval citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Here, you will also savour a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • Prices are for cruise only. Flights not included unless specified

Life On Board

APT
APT
Total No. of Tours & Cruises 261
APT is an Australian family-owned company whose essence began in Melbourne in the 1920s. More than 90 years on, APT offers life-enriching trips to every continent, and through the company’s vast industry experience, meticulous planning and unquestionable passion it's earned a place among the world’s more most well-regarded travel companies.

From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.

Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
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 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

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Dates & Pricing AUD AUD

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Cabin Layout Options:

Select Cabin Preference:

From $5,106
From $6,919
Sold Out
Wednesday 22 Mar 2028 22 Mar 28 Bucharest
Wednesday 29 Mar 2028 29 Mar 28 Budapest
Details
APT Ostara
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$5,106
Save $1,789
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Wednesday 05 Apr 2028 05 Apr 28 Bucharest
Wednesday 12 Apr 2028 12 Apr 28 Budapest
Details
APT Ostara
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$5,400
Save $1,795
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
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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