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Highlights of Eastern Europe

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River View
$3,885
Balcony
$5,031
Suite
$7,677
* Port charges, taxes and fees included
 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Bucharest
 Cruise Finishes
Budapest
10 Day Highlights of Eastern Europe Itinerary (Uniworld)
Countries Explored: Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia, Hungary
Ship
Departures
Passengers
130
Crew
42
Launched
2003
Refurbished
2012
Cruise Code
UNIHEE-R

Overview

An ideal voyage for travelers seeking new, off-the-beaten path destinations. Immerse yourself in new cultures as you travel from splendid Budapest to dynamic Bucharest, discovering the best that the revitalized nations of Eastern Europe have to offer along the way.

Gaze in wonder at the lofty spires of Hungary’s Parliament Building as it rises majestically above the Danube in Budapest. Sit down for friendly, intimate meals with farmers in Croatia and enthusiastic locals in Bulgaria. Uncover scores of little-known treasures and step back in time to investigate the history and legends...read more along the Danube.

Who will love this cruise? Explorers wishing to discover ancient lands and modern multicultural cities. Photographers, amateur archaeologists, connoisseurs of regional cuisines, and anyone who loves beautiful and mysterious locales.

Itinerary

Arrive at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport. If your cruise/tour package includes a group arrival transfer or if you have purchased a private arrival transfer, you will be greeted by a Uniworld representative and transferred to the hotel. (D)

Get to know the bustling heart of Romania's capital city with a full day to explore Bucharest on your own. (B)

Bucharest is a fascinating combination of Communist grandiosity, elegant French-influenced 19th-century buildings and surprising survivors dating from the 1500s. Today in Bucharest you'll enjoy a panoramic city tour and a visit to People's Palace. Later, you'll travel via motorcoach to Giurgiu, where your ship awaits. (B/WD)

Featured Excursion: Bucharest Communist Tour with People's Palace

Note: In the evening, a special Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Bulgaria's foremost Danube port, Ruse is sometimes called “Little Vienna” for its elegant 19th-century mansions and public buildings. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi with Authentic Bulgarian Lunch OR Ruse Walking Tour with Ivanovo and Basarbovo Monasteries

Vidin is a port town on the Danube that once played an important role in medieval Bulgarian politics, as the great fortress Baba Vida attests. It's your base for an unusual excursion today—a visit to the fascinating Belogradchik rock formations. Or you can indulge in a tasting at a local winery. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Belogradchik Red Rock Valley OR Dos Alamos Wine Estate Visit and Tasting

Today's main attraction will be the spectacular scenery along the Danube, as you cruise a stretch of gorges known as the Iron Gates. Later, head ashore to explore a Paleolithic site and an extraordinarily well-preserved medieval fortress. All along the way, history lines the banks of the river. Keep an eye out for Trajan's Plaque, which the ancient Romans erected to commemorate the road they anchored in the steep cliffs above the water, and Golubac Castle, built in the 14th century and attacked successively by the Serbs, Magyars, and Turks. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Lepenski Vir Archaeological Park and Golubac Castle OR Let's Go: Kovilovo Viewpoint Hike

Note: Unwind onboard as you cruise the breathtaking Iron Gates, an 83-mile-long (134-kilometer-long) stretch of scenic gorges that were cut through the Carpathian and Balkan mountains over eons by the Danube River. These gorges, which act as a natural border between Serbia and Romania, are among the most dramatic and beautiful sights in all of Europe. This was one of the swiftest and most dangerous stretches of the river before two dams were built: Iron Gate I and Iron Gate II. Construction on the dams began in 1964 and took 20 years to complete; they have dramatically altered the area's landscape, raising the water level by 114 feet (35 meters) and drowning several islands and villages.

Belgrade, the modern-day capital of Serbia, is one of Europe's oldest cities, dating back some 7,000 years. Signs of its tumultuous history are visible everywhere, juxtaposed with the city's vibrant modern-day present. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Nights Out: Serbian History with Private Concert OR Belgrade City Tour with Visit to the Royal Grounds of Karadjordjevic Dynasty Palace OR Let's Go: "I Bike Belgrade" Tour

Welcome to Croatia! This ancient country, which has made a remarkable recovery from a brutal civil war, is noted for its beautiful countryside and thriving folk traditions, as well as simple, delicious local rustic food. You'll dock in Vukovar, Croatia's biggest port, at the confluence of the Danube and Vuka rivers. (B/L/D)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Vučedol Culture Museum and Lunch at a Family Restaurant OR Osijek Walking Tour and Home-Hosted Lunch with Eltz Manor Visit

Located on opposite sides of the Danube, Buda and Pest each have their own distinctive character and allure. Explore this dynamic and multifaceted city with your choice of excursions—you can see it from a local's perspective on our walking tour, or cover more ground with a panoramic tour. Vibrant Budapest, Hungary's capital, offers an enchanting combination of East and West. (B/L/FD)

Featured Excursions: Choice of Budapest Communist Tour OR Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Synagogue Visit

Note: In the evening, a special Captain's Farewell Reception and Dinner will be prepared for you.

Disembark the ship. If your cruise/tour package includes a group departure transfer or if you have purchased a private departure transfer, you will be transferred to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport for your flight home. Or you can extend your stay in beautiful Budapest with our exciting optional post-cruise extension. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • 5 countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
  • 2 UNESCO World Heritage sites
  • Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
  • Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
  • Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment

  • 7 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
  • Guided “Let's Go” program
  • State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
  • Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks

  • All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
  • 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Captain's Welcome and Farewell Receptions
  • Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
  • Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water

  • 7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the majestic S.S. Beatrice or the imperial River Duchess
  • 2 nights in Bucharest at The Marmorosch Bucharest hotel (or similar) with breakfast
  • Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, high thread count 100% Egyptian cotton sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
  • Free Wi-Fi

  • 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 River Duchess

River Duchess
River Duchess

Enjoy the spectacular and ever-changing views of Europe's enchanting waterways in the 130-passenger River Duchess. Read more

All-Inclusive Luxury
All-Inclusive Luxury

Uniworld has elevated all-inclusive river cruising in Europe to an entirely new level. Read more

Curated Experiences
Curated Experiences

Shore excursions for every traveler type. Select whichever included excursions interest you the most. Read more

Wellness
Wellness

Your Uniworld experience includes many options for you to stay fit both on board and onshore. Read more

Outstanding Service
Outstanding Service

Uniworld strives to go above and beyond to deliver you a truly exceptional travel experience. Read more

Culinary Excellence
Culinary Excellence

Be treated to world-class cuisine made from fresh ingredients, locally sourced from the destinations you visit. Read more

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Only Uniworld pairs an exquisitely curated, all-inclusive onboard experience with authentic onshore activities to truly let you live the best of Italy. In Venice and the Veneto that means uncovering the unique character of a region resplendent in legendary history, colorful culture, and tantalizing food and wine. From sun deck prosecco tasting s as...more you sail the glittering Venetian Lagoon to private after-hours tours, Uniworld’s take on Italian travel will surprise and delight you at every opportunity.

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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 Uniworld. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Uniworld. These 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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