APT Voyage Through The Balkans River Cruise
Sit back and relax as you wind through some of Europe’s best scenery on APT’s amazing Voyage Through The Balkans river cruise, from Budapest to Bucharest.
Signature Experiences Designed Exclusively for APT guests
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCE
These once-in-a-lifetime moments allow you to experience an unforgettable world of exclusive moments, incredible cultures and charming surprises
FREEDOM OF CHOICE™
Give your holiday a personal touch with a choice of included sightseeing or dining options
Voyage Through The Balkans Itinerary
Day 1: UK to Budapest
Fly from the UK to Budapest, the historic Hungarian capital. Once you’ve arrived at the airport, we’ll whisk you away to your luxury river ship, docked on the Danube River.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2: Budapest
Enjoy a morning city tour of Budapest taking in its historic monuments, including Fisherman’s Bastion and Heroes’ Square. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Mohacs
Choose how you’d like to spend your time here today.
Freedom of Choice:
History buffs can venture to the ancient city of Pecs. Or perhaps travel to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villany for a tasting at a local winery. Otherwise, get active on a guided bike ride along the Danube River to an ancient water mill.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Vukovar
Bearing battle scars from the Croatian War of Independence, Vukovar has risen strong and offers a rich history to discover. Enjoy a Signature Experience here..
Signature Experience: Today, visit Eltz Manor, a castle that houses the Vukovar City Museum. Wander through the complex then be treated to a glass of sparkling wine, accompanied by classical music.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Belgrade
In Serbia’s capital, choose your activity.
Freedom of Choice: Perhaps see the Belgrade Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St Sava. If you’re feeling more physical, embark on a kayak tour along the Danube. Or gourmet lovers can partake in a Serbian cooking class.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Iron Gates
Cruise through the Iron Gates and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you will encounter on this cruise. Your ship will navigate its way through the series of gorges between Serbia and Romania.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Rousse
Choose how to spend your day in and around charming Rousse today.
Freedom of Choice: You might choose to explore the incredible World Heritage-listed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. This fascinating complex is made up of churches, chapels and monk cells that were carved into the rock during the 13th and 14th centuries. Alternatively, set out on a walking tour and discover Rousse, one of Bulgaria’s most elegant cities.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Bucharest
With an entire day in Bucharest, take in the wide tree-lined boulevards and Belle Epoque buildings, then walk through the Old City centre to the Royal Court, Stavropoleos Church and the Lipscani district. After lunch, choose your activity.
Freedom of Choice: Either visit the Palace of the Parliament, which is the second-largest administrative building in the world, or wander the open-air Village Museum and gain an insight into traditional Romanian life.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Veliko Tarnovo
In Veliko Tarnovo, a local expert will guide you through this medieval city. Uncover its rich history as you wander through the city’s cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Vidin
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 to uncover its ancient fortress on the northern slope of the Balkan Mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Scenic Cruising
The day is yours to relax on board, sleep in and take it easy, or awake early and take in stunning views from the Sun Deck.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Novi Sad
Choose how you’d like to spend the day.
Freedom of Choice: Get out and explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city. Otherwise, call in on a local farmstead for a real dose of Vojvodinian culture – featuring a traditional breakfast, music and freshly made doughnuts.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13: Puszta
Enjoy a Signature Experience today. Afterwards, a farm in Puszta is the perfect setting for a stellar horse show and authentic Hungarian lunch.
Signature Experience: Uncover all things Hungarian today with a cultural experience in Kalocsa. Discover local handicrafts at the Folk Art House, then visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14: Budapest
Today unfolds as you please. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Freedom of Choice: You may like to hike to Gellert Hill, or perhaps enjoy a more relaxed culinary walk through Budapest’s Great Market Hall. Alternatively, set out on an insightful tour of the Hospital in the Rock, a museum dedicated to a former secret emergency hospital and nuclear bunker.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15: Disembark, and depart from Budapest to UK
Say your farewells, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Meals included: Breakfast

Your Holiday Includes:
- Return scheduled flights from the UK and home-to-airport transfers by private car*
- Experiences in 12 destinations
- 14 nights on a luxury river ship with the services of an expert cruise director
- Luxury dining – a total of 41 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- Butler, room service and laundry (select suites)
- Transfers, port charges and gratuities
- Visit Eltz Manor, a baroque castle set amongst vast parkland
- Discover all things Hungarian in the town of Kalocsa
ready to book, or need more information?
To check the latest fares and availability on this gorgeous itinerary, please call us on 0800 810 8481, or send us an enquiry using the form below: