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Ultimate Voyage of Europe with Transylvania

25 Days Bucharest to Amsterdam
Ultimate Voyage of Europe with Transylvania
Ultimate Voyage of Europe with Transylvania
Ultimate Voyage of Europe with Transylvania

Overview

Travelmarvel
Cruise Operated By:
 (426) Reviews
Total No. of Tours & Cruises 239
Begin in vibrant Bucharest and trace the Danube westward through the heart of Eastern and Central Europe to Amsterdam. Discover grand capitals, historic fortresses and charming riverside towns as you travel from the Balkans and Hungary to Austria and Germany, before cruising the scenic Rhine to the Netherlands. Along the way, Travelmarvel's hallmark touches reveal the region’s rich heritage and culture.
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A$14,203 per person
Price shown based on twin share
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Trip Length
Trip Length

25 Days

Trip Starts
Trip Starts

Bucharest

Trip Ends
Trip Ends

Amsterdam

Countries Visited
Rivers Sailed:
Cruise Ship
Cruise Ship
Polaris+1
Passengers
Passengers

182

Crew
Crew

44

Ship Launch
Launched

2020

Cruise Code
Cruise Code

EUTCURBA25

Itinerary

Upon arrival at the airport, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel in Bucharest.

Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn Bucharest Old Town

This morning, join a guided tour of the city of Bucharest, taking in wide, tree-lined boulevards and elegant Belle Époque architecture. Stroll through the old town to the Târgoviște Princely Court, Stavropoleos Monastery and the historic Lipscani district, before continuing your journey to Brașov.

Accommodation: Brașov, Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, travel to Bran Castle, famed for its Dracula lore. With a local guide, learn about its history as you explore its many rooms and admire 19th-century antiques. Return to Brașov for a guided walk through its old streets, lined with well-preserved medieval architecture.

Accommodation: Brașov, Radisson Blu Aurum Hotel (or similar)
Included Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, travel to your river ship, stopping in Sinaia along the way for some free time.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you'll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore Baba Vida, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 10th century, and admire its imposing walls and towers while learning about its storied past. Continue to Belogradchik to visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, dramatically set on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While here, take time to admire the town's remarkable rock formations, which give Belogradchik its distinctive and striking landscape.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Step ashore to explore Novi Sad, Serbia's second-largest city and often regarded as its cultural capital. Join a guided tour through its charming streets and lively cultural precincts, followed by free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere. You may also wish to visit Petrovaradin Fortress, an imposing complex overlooking the Danube, where the intriguing catacombs reveal glimpses of the fortress's storied past.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town steeped in history on the banks of the Danube. From here, travel to the Puszta for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Traditional Horse Show In the Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show showcasing the remarkable riding skills of the Hungarian cavalry. You may also choose to take an optional carriage ride, visit the stables and meet the riders.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to the city's Great Market Hall, a must-visit housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Alternatively, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a wartime hospital built within the caverns beneath Buda Castle and later used as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, enjoy a Captain's Farewell Dinner.

Enhance Your Journey - Great Market Hall Tour Join a culinary tour through the market, discovering a variety of Hungarian sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.

Enhance Your Journey - Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have set aside a full day for you to explore more of this fascinating city at your leisure.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Awake to views of one of the Danube's most enchanting cities this morning. Disembark and discover Budapest's vibrant history on a guided tour featuring many of its most impressive sights. Back on board this evening, enjoy a Gala Welcome Dinner as you cruise.

Insider Experience - Hungarian State Opera Performance Visit the Hungarian State Opera for a guided tour, then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine while a private opera recital is performed.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On arrival in the city centre, join a walking tour taking in highlights such as St Stephen's Cathedral, the Graben and the Hofburg. Later, explore the vibrant Naschmarkt at leisure.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

With the day at leisure, perhaps explore the Hofburg district or wander along Kärntner Straße, the city's famous shopping boulevard. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Schloss Hof or travel to Bratislava, Slovakia's capital. This evening, you may wish to attend an optional concert.

Enhance Your Journey - Schloss Hof and Lipizzaner Experience Enjoy a guided tour of the Schloss Hof estate, once the residence of Prince Eugene of Savoy and later Empress Maria Theresa of Austria. Explore the resplendent palace apartments adorned with exquisite textiles and glass chandeliers, before strolling through the Baroque gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a private tour of the stables, where you'll encounter the magnificent Lipizzaner horses up close. Learn what makes these noble horses so special through insights into their breeding, care and training, before witnessing an exclusive performance that showcases their remarkable grace and discipline.

Enhance Your Journey - Visit Bratislava in Slovakia Visit Bratislava, a charming city where medieval, Baroque and communist-era architecture meet. See landmarks such as the UFO Bridge and the distinctive Slovak Radio Building, each reflecting the city's intriguing past.

Enhance Your Journey - Mozart and Strauss Concert Attend a Mozart and Strauss concert in one of Vienna's historic palaces or concert halls, followed by an evening drive along the Ringstrasse.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise to Dürnstein, a charming town overlooked by the hilltop ruins of the castle where King Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in the 12th century. Spend the morning wandering its cobbled streets, historic townhouses and inviting taverns, or perhaps join an optional tasting of the region's renowned wines. Later, sail through the scenic Wachau Valley to Melk, where you'll tour its magnificent abbey, a Benedictine monastery in continuous operation since 1089.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, you may choose to join an optional excursion to Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic or visit Salzburg. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing day sailing to Passau.

Insider Experience - Bavarian Evening on Board This evening, enjoy a traditional Bavarian celebration on board, sampling local beer and snacks accompanied by folk music, song and dance.

Enhance Your Journey - Český Krumlov Enjoy a full-day excursion to Český Krumlov, a beautifully preserved town in the Czech Republic, home to more than 300 historic buildings.

Enhance Your Journey - Salzburg Sights Travel through Austria's scenic countryside to Mondsee, where you may recognise the famous wedding church from The Sound of Music. Continue to Salzburg for a guided tour of Mozart's hometown, followed by free time to explore before returning to your ship.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue along the Danube to Regensburg, in the Bavarian region of southern Germany. Join a guided tour through its historic streets, discovering medieval architecture and cultural landmarks.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrive in Nuremberg, once the setting for Hitler's infamous rallies during World War II. This afternoon, take a city tour including sites such as the Zeppelin Field and the Palace of Justice.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Discover Bamberg, one of the few German cities largely spared destruction during World War II. Join a locally guided tour of its historic centre, taking in sights such as the old town hall and Bamberg Cathedral, followed by free time to explore at your leisure.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, Würzburg is home to the magnificent Baroque Würzburg Residence. Tour the palace and stroll through the Court Gardens before perhaps choosing an optional visit to Rothenburg, a charming medieval town along the Romantic Road.

Enhance Your Journey - M edieval Rothenburg Tour Depart from Würzburg for an excursion to Rothenburg, a beautifully preserved walled town on the Romantic Road in Franconia.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy time at leisure to discover Miltenberg today, exploring this well-preserved town and its half-timbered buildings dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. Return to your ship and, as evening falls, watch the lights of medieval towns drift past during your overnight cruise.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In Rüdesheim, ride the Winzerexpress mini train to Siegfried's Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Later, back on board, enjoy spectacular scenery as you cruise through the Rhine Gorge.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Learn how the twin spires of Cologne's famous cathedral, the Kölner Dom, took over six centuries to complete as you cruise into this picturesque city. Disembark and take a short drive to Brühl for your Insider Experience.

Insider Experience - Augustusburg Palace in Germany Explore the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August of Bavaria, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl. Hear fascinating stories and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace and the Falkenlust hunting lodge. Together, they represent some of the finest examples of 18th-century Rococo architecture in Germany.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Amsterdam's network of canals is a sight to behold. Board a glass-top boat for a scenic cruise, then enjoy free time ashore before a Captain's Farewell Dinner on board.

Accommodation: Travelmarvel river ship
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, disembark your river ship and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Tour Inclusions

  • Augustusburg Palace: Explore the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Palace in Brühl, the former residence of Archbishop-Elector Clemens August of Bavaria. Discover its history and stroll through the landscaped parks and gardens linking the palace with the nearby hunting lodge.
  • Traditional Horse Show: In Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show featuring Magyar cowboys and fine equestrian skills. 
  • Amsterdam Canal Tour: Cruise Amsterdam's picturesque canals aboard a sleek glass-covered boat, offering a unique perspective of the city's historic architecture and charming bridges. Glide through tranquil waterways past vibrant neighbourhoods and hidden corners, while taking in the city's rich cultural heritage.
  • Hungarian State Opera Visit: Visit the Hungarian State Opera House for a guided tour. You'll then enjoy a glass of sparkling wine as you're treated to a private opera recital.

  • Itinerary, inclusions and pricing are subject to change
  • Prices are for cruise only. Flights are not included unless specified
  • From 2027, Travelmarvel river cruise ships generally dock in Zaandam, just outside central Amsterdam. Transfers between Zaandam and Amsterdam city centre usually take around 20–30 minutes by coach, taxi or public transport, depending on traffic. Alternative docking locations in the Amsterdam region may occasionally be used. Final docking details will be provided in your documentation.

Life On Board

Travelmarvel
Total No. of Tours & Cruises 239
Holiday memories are not just shaped by the incredible places you visit, but also by the wonderful people you meet along the way. At Travelmarvel, we know that great service is about going above and beyond, and that’s why our staff are regarded as a holiday highlight in their own right.

Travelmarvel more holidays offer the perfect combination of all the highlights of the destination with outstanding quality and value for money - you won’t go wrong choosing Travelmavel for your next holiday adventure.
Polaris
Polaris

Part of Travelmarvel's brand-new fleet of European river ships, Polaris makes river cruising Europe with Travelmarvel better than ever before. Read more

Friendly Service
Friendly Service

Travelmarvels cruise directors plus a high staff-to-guest ratio on each ship ensures a smooth cruise holiday. Read more

Contemporary Accommodation
Contemporary Accommodation

Polaris has its guests cruising in style with more amenities & features in each stateroom and suite. Read more

Delicious Dining
Delicious Dining

Discover Europe's culinary delights with a greater range of dining venues and options to suit your preference. Read more

Onboard Entertainment
Onboard Entertainment

From live music and dancing, to parties and games, Travelmarvel's Polaris will keep you entertained day and night. Read more

Sun and Sky Decks
Sun and Sky Decks

Enjoy an unimpeded view of Europe from the Sun and Sky decks, available to you throughout your cruise. Read more

Dates & Pricing AUD AUD

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From $14,203
From $17,721
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Monday 12 Apr 2027 12 Apr 27 Bucharest
Thursday 06 May 2027 06 May 27 Amsterdam
Details
Polaris
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$14,203
Save $2,542
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Friday 20 Aug 2027 20 Aug 27 Bucharest
Monday 13 Sep 2027 13 Sep 27 Amsterdam
Details
Capella
Early Booking Savings
Exclusive Savings
River View
A$14,546
Save $3,049
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 Travelmarvel. 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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