Balkan Jewels

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Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
8 Days
 Cruise Starts
Bucharest
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
8 Day Balkan Jewels Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary
Cruise Line
APT
Ship
Passengers
154
Crew
60
Launched
2025
Cruise Code
EUJC08

Overview

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.

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. Stay Seven Nights: APT Ostara (D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

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. (B/L/D)

Choose how you'd like to spend the day in Novi Sad, Serbia's second largest city. (B/L/D)

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.

Enjoy a Signature Experience today. (B/L/D)

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.

Set out on your chosen sightseeing activity. This evening, enjoy a captain's farewell dinner. (B/L/D)

Freedom of Choice - Hospital in the Rock Embark on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock, 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.

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

Trip 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.

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

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

  • Seven nights on a brand-new luxury river ship, the 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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