Home > Tours > Europe Tours > Balkan Jewels with Transylvania and Prague

Balkan Jewels with Transylvania and Prague

4.0/5 Based on 1 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Cruise Advisor
Balkan Jewels with Transylvania and Prague
Balkan Jewels with Transylvania and Prague
Balkan Jewels with Transylvania and Prague
Fully Guided Locally Guided Coach River Cruise
Our Price From
Sold Out
Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
15 Days
 Cruise Starts
Bucharest
 Cruise Finishes
Prague
15 Day Balkan Jewels with Transylvania and Prague Itinerary (APT)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Czech Republic
Cruise Line
APT
Ship
Passengers
154
Crew
60
Launched
2025
Cruise Code
EUJCBP15

Overview

Discover the wonders of the Balkans, Transylvania and Prague on a spectacular 15-day journey. Uncover the treasures of Romania, including Bucharest, Bran Castle and Brașov. Then, a seven-night luxury cruise along the Danube River takes you to medieval towns and spellbinding fortresses. Conclude with a three-night stay in Prague.

Itinerary

Arrive in Bucharest and be transferred to your hotel, where you will join us for a welcome dinner. Stay Two Nights: Bucharest, Radisson Blu Hotel (D)

Set out on a guided exploration of Bucharest's Old City this morning. The area has recently undergone a decade of refurbishments, transforming the city's historic core into a vibrant, walkable quarter. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a visit to the Palace of the Parliament. Started in 1984, and still unfinished, this enormous building was constructed under the command of former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and has over 3,000 rooms. (B/L)

Travel to Salina Slănic Prahova, Europe's largest salt mine. Descend 208 metres underground to discover some of the 14 chambers, as well as the museum. The pure air inside the mine is known for its respiratory healing effects. Later, enjoy dinner before continuing to your hotel in Brașov. Stay Two Nights: Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel, Brașov or similar (B/D)

This morning will be spent exploring Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula's Castle'. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town of Bran, the castle's striking orange turrets tower above a thick forest of trees in the Carpathian Mountains. Wander through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques before returning back to Brașov for lunch. This afternoon, delve deeper into Brașov's history on a walking tour. (B/L)

Today, you'll visit picturesque Peleș Castle, nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the town of Sinaia. This neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by Romania's first king, Carol I, and took 40 years to build. Enjoy free time for lunch in Sinaia, then travel to your ship in Giurgiu. Stay Seven Nights: APT Ostara (B/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.

Travel to Velké Bílovice and stop for a light lunch in a traditional restaurant. Afterwards, continue to Prague, where you will have the evening to explore at leisure. Stay Three Nights: Almanac X Prague (B/L)

The capital of the Czech Republic captivates you with its millennia-long history. Begin your guided discovery at Prague Castle, where you'll pause to take in views of the city. Take a leisurely stroll over Charles Bridge on the way to the Old Town Square, where you'll see the city's famous Astronomical Clock. As one of Prague's most beloved landmarks, the medieval clock is more than 600 years old. Tonight, a farewell dinner awaits. (B/D)

Today is set aside for an exclusive Signature Experience, just outside of the city. The evening is yours to relax or further explore. (B/L)

Signature Experience - Chateau Jemniště Descendants of the Czech Republic's oldest aristocratic family welcome you to their 18th-century baroque home, Chateau Jemniště. Explore the estate and savour a special lunch, then watch on in awe as birds of prey fly free during an incredible falconry display.

Your tour concludes this morning following breakfast. You'll then be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Bran Castle: Explore Romania's Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula's Castle'. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town of Bran, the castle's striking orange turrets tower above a thick forest of trees in the majestic Carpathian Mountains. Wander through the castle's many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Chateau Jemništĕ: Savour a day out at Chateau Jemniště during an exclusive Signature Experience. This elegant masterpiece was originally designed by the renowned Czech architect, Frances Maxmilián Kaňka. Be greeted by descendants of the Czech Republic's oldest aristocratic family before exploring the 18th-century estate on a private guided tour. Marvel at the spectacular baroque architecture and indulge in a delectable lunch, then watch on in awe as birds of prey fly free during an incredible falconry display.

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

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

4.0
Average Rating 4.0 / 5
1 Review
5 Star
4 Star
100%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Balkan Jewels 1 , QLD, Australia, Apr 2024
Land content with the small group pre and post cruise met all expectations. The places visited and the experiences were memorable. The service provided by APT on the ship was outstanding.

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.

Similar Tours

16 Day Spain and Portugal Delights (APT)

16 Days Lisbon Barcelona

Operated By: APT

From 8,281
Save 464
16 Day Spain and Portugal Delights (APT)

16 Days Barcelona Lisbon

Operated By: APT

From 9,016
Save 196
16 Day Jewels of Slovenia with Croatian Island Discovery (APT)

16 Days Ljubljana Dubrovnik

Operated By: APT

From 10,789
Save 224
14 Day Wonders of Scandinavia (APT)

14 Days Copenhagen Stockholm

Operated By: APT

From 10,191
Save 204