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Panoramic view of Budapest cityscape

Black Sea Explorer

Budapest to Bucharest - Example 9 Day Cruise aboard Scenic Opal
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Voyage through centuries of fascinating history and explore Eastern Europe from the luxurious Scenic Opal river cruise ship. Start the adventure in Budapest, cruise to Kalocsa, Osijek, Belgrade, pass through the Iron Gates, then visit Svishtov, Rousse, Silistra and Giurgiu, before departing for Bucharest.
Explore Budapest from the serene DanubeExplore BucharestAdmire Roman-inspired architecture in BucharestExplore the vibrant city of BucharestPanoramic view of Budapest cityscape
Highlights
  • Visit old town Kalocsa, located on the Great Hungarian Plain
  • Meet people who intimately understand the local way of life in Croatia
  • View the Tito’s Memorial in Belgrade
  • Cruise the Iron Gates, a narrow gorge between Carpathian & Balkan Mountains
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Budapest | Embark

Board the luxurious ship. At tonight’s welcome reception, raise a glass to the wonderful cruise ahead. 

Day 2: Kalocsa

Located on the Great Hungarian Plain, Kalocsa is one of the oldest towns in Hungary. Today, have the opportunity to witness a traditional Puszta horse show. Be greeted by the horsemen of the Puszta region where this type of activity has been practiced for centuries.

Day 3: Osijek

Freechoice: Explore Osijek on a guided city tour, or take a blissful guided bike ride through Osijek’s countryside. 

Enrich: As a Scenic guest, be invited into the home of a local family for a traditional home-cooked meal and the chance to discover what everyday life is really like in Croatia. With great food and wonderful company, this is a rare opportunity to meet people who intimately understand the local way of life.

Day 4: Belgrade

Freechoice: Join a local guide for an in-depth discovery of Belgrade and visit Tito’s Memorial, or see Belgrade on an orientation tour before time at leisure. Alternatively, choose a guided bike ride along the Danube, or journey to Sremski Karlovci and explore the town and marvel at the many beautiful Baroque elements. Also, have the option of gaining some true insights into everyday life on a walking tour with a local.

Enrich: Visit the largest orthodox temple in the Balkans, St. Sava and enjoy a choir performance in the Temple Crypt. 

Day 5: Iron Gates

Relax on board and admire the scenery as the ship cruises the spectacular Iron Gates – a narrow gorge that the Danube has carved out between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains. Not only is it a spectacular setting, but it’s also the natural border between Serbia and Romania.

Day 6: Svishtov | Rousse

Freechoice: Discover the Byzantine gem of Veliko Tarnovo and the World Heritage-listed village of Arbanassi. Or, stay on board and cruise to the Bulgarian town of Rousse and be treated to a guided sightseeing tour. 

Day 7: Silistra

Freechoice: Discover Silistra Fort during an active walking tour or take an excursion to Varna on the Black Sea coast. Alternatively, visit a local village and a primary school and learn about life in Bulgaria. 

Day 8: Giurgiu | Disembark | Bucharest

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bid a fond farewell to the crew and disembark the ship and travel to Bucharest.

Freechoice: Explore Bucharest and learn about its communist past, including a visit to Ceausescu’s Spring Palace. Or, tour the Village Open Air Museum and discover ethnography exhibits depicting Romanian heritage and culture. 

Later, check-in for your stay at your centrally located hotel.

Day 9: Bucharest | Head towards home

  • 1 Breakfast
After breakfast, prepare to head home. It may be the end of the journey, but it’s the beginning of a lifetime of fond memories.

Ship/Hotel

Scenic Opal

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Danube River Cruises.
Rates are dynamic and fluctuate based on capacity. Contact us for a specific quote.
Standard Suite E
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest amenities.
Standard Suite D
160ft2. Jewel Deck Suites provide a lovely introduction to river cruising. Comfortable and luxurious with the finest in amenities.
Single Balcony Suite BS
153-170ft2. Located on the Sapphire deck this suite is perfect for the solo traveler. Enjoy fantastic views from your full-size balcony complete with Scenic Sun Lounge. This cabin also includes an elegant bathroom with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite C
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite BA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite BB
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Deluxe Balcony Suite BD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Junior Balcony Suite BJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Junior Balcony Suite B1J
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite A
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PA
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Balcony Suite PP
205ft2. Located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks these stylishly decorated suites feature a full-length outdoor balcony with the exclusive Scenic Sun Lounge and offer private bathrooms with a luxurious vanity basin and shower.
Deluxe Balcony Suite PD
225ft2. Located in prime locations at the front of the ship on both the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, they offer all the features of the private Balcony Suites with the ingenious Scenic Sun Lounge, but with even more space to relax.
Junior Balcony Suite RJ
250ft2. These spacious Suites, located on the Sapphire and Diamond Decks, have a private full-length balcony complete with a Scenic Sun Lounge and elegant en-suite bathrooms featuring a large vanity basin and shower.
Royal Balcony Suite RR
360ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Panorama Suite RP
475ft2. These Suites located on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space, impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.
Royal Owner's Suite RO
520ft2. including outdoor balcony. These Suites on the Diamond Deck are the ultimate in luxury with more space (315ft²), impeccable service, thoughtful touches, an outdoor balcony, lounge area, and an oversized bathroom.

Notes

All rates are quoted in USD and represent cost per person, based on double occupancy. Please contact us for the Single Supplement Rate.
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Wifi
  • Porterage
  • Port taxes and charges
  • All tipping and gratuities
  • Complimentary beverages
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Select drinks including a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, champagnes and spirits are not included in the package and may be available at an additional charge
  • Passport or Visa fees
  • All travel invoice risks. We strongly recommend you to take out comprehensive travel insurance with a reputable insurance company to cover you against risks associated with your tour. Including cover for loss of luggage, medical expense, and cost and expenses incurred due to cancellations, delays, or other disruptions

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