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.
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
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Danube River Cruises.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
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.
Initial deposit is $700, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Visa or Mastercard. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
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
Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
The trip was planned well. They worked through local travel planners in the two countries we visited. The trip planner was fairly knowledgable, but she could have been better. The hotels selected were good. There were a few things I think they could have planned better related tot he transportation between the carious locations we visited, but it was a great trip overall.
MR
23 hours ago
Excellent experience within the limits of what they can do. I often find myself as the square peg in a round hole being largely an independent traveler who appreciates qualify assistance when I can get it. Having used Adventure Life in places they can do about everything I know they're quality and look to them when and where I can. Kassandra specifically is knowledgeable, personable and respinsive.
Greg
4 days ago
Answered our questions
Michael Schneck
5 days ago
Adventure Life seems to be an honest company and has been quite helpful in the planning process. Good about answering questions.
Chris Dralle
1 week ago
Wonderful personal attention to detail and very helpful suggestions by experienced travel experts
