Voyage through the Balkans
River Cruise
with APT Luxury Travel
- Experiences in 12 destinations
- 14 nights on a luxury river ship
- A total of 41 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- Flights included + free cabin upgrade^
Explore the wonders of Eastern Europe on the Voyage through the Balkans cruise. Spend 14 nights on a luxury Concerto River Ship as you cruise along the Danube and enjoy sightseeing experiences in 12 spectacular locations. During your journey you will have the opportunity to visit baroque castle, Eltz Manor, sail through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates and witness a cultural cavalcade in Kalocsa.
Highlights
- Visit Eltz Manor, a baroque castle set amongst vast parkland
- Discover all things Hungarian in the town of Kalocsa
- Cruise through the Iron Gates
Inclusions
- Return economy class flights^
- Sightseeing experiences in 12 destinations
- Personalise your journey with Freedom of Choice inclusions
- 14 nights on a luxury river ship
- A total of 41 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages
- Expert cruise director and local guides
- Onboard Wellness Host and entertainment
- Butler, room service and laundry (select suites)
- Transfers, port charges and gratuities
Day 1, Arrive Budapest, embark ship
Welcome 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.
Stay: 14 nights, a Concerto River Ship
Meals: 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: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 3, Mohacs
You have the choice as to how you spend your day.
Freedom of Choice
History buffs can venture to the ancient city of Pécs. Or perhaps travel to Hungary’s renowned wine region in Villány 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: 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: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 5, Belgrade
In Serbia’s capital, select your inclusion.
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 cooking class.
Meals: 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 ribbon its way through the series of gorges between Serbia and Romania.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 7, Rousse
You have the choice as to how you spend your day.
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: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 8, Giurgiu, 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: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 9, Rousse, Veliko Târnovo
In Veliko Târnovo, 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: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 10, Vidin, Belogradchik
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: 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: 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 traditional breakfast, music and freshly-made doughnuts.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 13, Kalocsa, 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 cavalcade in Kalocsa, set right on the Danube Local handicrafts are on show at the Folk Art House, then visit a producer of one of Hungary’s spiciest exports, paprika.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 14, Budapest
Today unfolds as you please. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Freedom of Choice
The active 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: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Day 15, Disembark ship, depart Budapest
Say your farewells, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
Departure: 12 April 2024 & 27 October 2024
| Per person twin share | Budapest Return (15 days / 14 nights) |
|---|---|
| Cat. E (Window Suite) | $8995* |
| Cat. C (Panoramic Balcony Suite) | $12,395* |
| Cat. T (Twin Balcony Suite) | $12,795* |
*Prices are based on 27 October 2024 departure, include saving amount and are subject to availability and change. Please enquire with your RAC travel consultant for available departure dates and pricing.
*Terms and Conditions apply. Advertised price is based on 27 October 2024 departure (cabin category E) and includes saving amount. All prices are per person, AUD, twin share and include port charges and saving amounts.
^Flights Included + Free Cabin Upgrade: Book by 30 November 2023 or until sold out. Offer valid when booking select itineraries departing year round in 2024. Offer includes airfare and taxes up to the value of $2200 per person. Offer is based on wholesale airfares in economy class with an airline of APT's choosing depending on routing. Flights are available from Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane or Perth. All offers are subject to availability of airline and booking class. Once class is sold out, surcharges apply.
Free cabin upgrade: Applies to next applicable cabin category, subject to availability. Price inclusive of $500 per person Early Payment Discount, valid when paying in full 10 months prior to departure. A non-refundable deposit of $1000 per person is due within 7 days of booking. A second non-refundable deposit of $2000 per person is due on 31 October 2023.
Flight Offers: Flights must be booked by APT. Should you choose to depart earlier than your scheduled tour/cruise departure, or make variations to airline routings, surcharges may apply. Airline schedules are subject to change without notice and APT is not liable for any additional costs incurred due to airline schedule changes. All air is ticketed upon receipt of the first deposit. Any changes made after ticketing may incur amendment and/or cancellation fees, in some cases, tickets are non-refundable. Air taxes vary for each departure point and routing of airline and are subject to change. Fuel surcharges are subject to change and an additional fuel surcharge may apply. Frequent flyer miles/points may not be awarded on all airfares.
General Information & Conditions: Offers are available for travellers departing from Australia. All pricing and save amounts are in Australian Dollars. Information correct as at 01 September 2023 but may fluctuate due to changes in surcharges, taxes or currency. A strictly limited number of offers are available on selected itineraries and departure dates in selected suites/ staterooms/cabins/room categories. Offers are subject to availability, not combinable unless specified, available on new bookings only and may be withdrawn at any time.
Other APT terms and conditions apply, for full terms and conditions please check with your RAC travel consultant. An additional deposit of $165 per person applies. General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
