From the Black Sea to the Blue Danube

12 days
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River Cruise
Admire the majestic blue river, crossing 8 countries and stopping in 4 capitals. You will discover tremendous landscapes of striking beauty where nature is queen. From Vienna to Belgrade via Bratislava and Budapest, discover unique architecture, history, and culture all along the beautiful Danube.
19%
$5,223
From$4,246
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Overview

Trip type
River Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Discover 6 countries and diverse cultures
    • Passage through the famous Iron Gates
    • EXCURSIONS INCLUDED: Fantastic Bucharest, the Romanian capital
    • Belgrade by coach or by bike
    • Ruse, one of the largest Bulgarian ports—a perfect blend of Bulgarian, Romanian, and Austrian cultures

What's this trip about?

    Admire the majestic blue river, crossing 8 countries and stopping in 4 capitals. You will discover tremendous landscapes of striking beauty where nature is queen. From Vienna to Belgrade via Bratislava and Budapest, discover unique architecture, history, and culture all along the beautiful Danube.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityOltenita
End CityWien

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel
  • Family Friendly
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Austria
  • Bulgaria
  • Hungary
  • Romania
  • Slovakia
  • Serbia

Attractions

  • Bratislava
  • Budapest

Activities

  • River cruise

Trip includes

    • Your cruise with all meals from dinner the first evening to breakfast on the final day -excursions included in the package selected - onboard drinks included (except for drinks from our special lists) - double-occupancy cabin with shower in bathroom - assistance from our onboard multi-lingual host/hostess - welcome cocktail - gala dinner - onboard entertainment - travel assistance and repatriation insurance - all port fees.

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 OLTENITA (Romania)

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner. Our ship will cruise through the night towards Cernavoda.

Day 1 OLTENITA (Romania)

Passengers are welcome to board our ship at 6:00 p.m. After comfortably settling into your cabins, we'll introduce our crew at a welcome cocktail. Dinner. Our ship will cruise through the night towards Cernavoda.

Day 2 CERNAVODA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA (Romania)

Morning sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. The completion of the Danube-Black Sea Canal is a colossal work in the history of Communism in Romania and Eastern Europe. In the late morning, arrival in Constanta. Excursion for both packages: guided tour of Constanta and local wine tasting. Enjoy dinner and a traditional folklore evening.

Day 2 CERNAVODA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CONSTANTA (Romania)

Morning sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. The completion of the Danube-Black Sea Canal is a colossal work in the history of Communism in Romania and Eastern Europe. In the late morning, arrival in Constanta. Excursion for both packages: guided tour of Constanta and local wine tasting. Enjoy dinner and a traditional folklore evening.

Day 3 CONSTANTA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CERNAVODA - OLTENITA

A day's sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. Construction began in the 1950s and the canal was inaugurated in 1984, making it the third longest in the world after the Suez and Panama canals. Take advantage of this day to relax on the sun deck and take part in the activities on board.Gala evening on board. Our ship will cruise through the night  towards Oltenita.

Day 3 CONSTANTA - Danube-Black Sea Canal - CERNAVODA - OLTENITA

A day's sailing on the Danube-Black Sea Canal. Construction began in the 1950s and the canal was inaugurated in 1984, making it the third longest in the world after the Suez and Panama canals. Take advantage of this day to relax on the sun deck and take part in the activities on board.Gala evening on board. Our ship will cruise through the night  towards Oltenita.

Day 4 OLTENITA (Romania) - GIURGIU (Romania) - RUSE (Bulgaria)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided visit of Bucharest. Bucharest offers a striking combination of architectural styles: orthodox churches, Empire-style manor houses, Communist-inspired architecture, and the Parliament (outside only - entrance fees not included.)We'll cruise to Ruse, one of the biggest ports in Bulgaria. Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment.

Day 4 OLTENITA (Romania) - GIURGIU (Romania) - RUSE (Bulgaria)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided visit of Bucharest. Bucharest offers a striking combination of architectural styles: orthodox churches, Empire-style manor houses, Communist-inspired architecture, and the Parliament (outside only - entrance fees not included.)We'll cruise to Ruse, one of the biggest ports in Bulgaria. Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment. 

Day 5 RUSE (Bulgaria)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Tour of Ruse. The city is impressive with its broad avenues, large squares and wonderful buildings which pay tribute to the architecture of the national Renaissance. After our tour, we'll return to the ship and begin to cruis...

Day 6 THE IRON GATES

The day will be spent cruising on the Danube sailing through Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia. Our ship will pass through the Iron Gates, the gorge on the Danube between the Carpathians and the Balkans. On the Serbian bank of the river, we'll catch a glimpse of the Tabula Traiana - a marble plaque honoring the Roman Road that once linked Rome to the province of Dacia.

Day 7 BELGRADE (Serbia) - NOVI SAD (Serbia)

We'll arrive in Belgrade. Join us for the excursions proposed:CLASSIC: Guided tour of the Serbian capital.DISCOVERY: Biking in Belgrade. You'll cycle along the history-filled streets with your guide, who'll explain the city's recent past from World War II to current t...

Day 8 MOHACS - KALOCSA

We'll arrive in Mohacs. In the afternoon, join us on an excursion for both packages: The Puszta. We'll return on board in Kalocsa and cruise to Budapest. Enjoy a Hungarian dinner this evening. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 9 BUDAPEST (Hungary)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Budapest.Enjoy a free afternoon in Budapest. Join us on an excursion proposed: Discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (2)  (not included in the packages). After our visits, we'll begin to cruise to Bratislava. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 9 BUDAPEST (Hungary)

Join us on an excursion for both packages: Guided tour of Budapest.Enjoy a free afternoon in Budapest. Join us on an excursion proposed: Discover the Gellert Baths and Spa (not included in the packages) or Budapest Market Halls (2) (not included in the packages). After our visits, we'll begin to cruise to Bratislava. Our ship will cruise through the night.

Day 10 BRATISLAVA (Slovakia)

We'll arrive in Bratislava. Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Guided Tour of Bratislava and Tasting of Local Delights.DISCOVERY: Hiking in Bratislava: The Little Carpathians. From Devin Castle, we'll take in the splendid view of Bratislava. We'll then return on board.Gala evening.Our ship will cruise to Vienna.

Day 11 VIENNA (Austria)

Join us for the excursions proposed: CLASSIC: Visit to Schoenbrunn Palace, former summer residence of the imperial family, and panoramic tour of Vienna.DISCOVERY: The high art of Viennese living: Music and Viennese cafes. We'll stroll through the city and visit back s...

Day 12 VIENNA (Austria)

Enjoy one last buffet breakfast on board before disembarking at 9:00 a.m. End of our services.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,246
Price per day$354
Last Updated: 4/25/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
05 May 2024
17 May 2024
$4,246
20 May 2024
01 Jun 2024
$3,942
11 Jun 2024
23 Jun 2024
$3,942
12 Jun 2024
24 Jun 2024
$3,942
04 Jul 2024
16 Jul 2024
$3,942
30 Jul 2024
11 Aug 2024
$3,942
09 Aug 2024
21 Aug 2024
$2,483
31 Aug 2024
12 Sep 2024
$2,483
10 Sep 2024
22 Sep 2024
$2,483
02 Oct 2024
14 Oct 2024
$2,483

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with CroisiEurope.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

CroisiEurope Reviews & Ratings

4.5/5  Excellent
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Other CroisiEurope Reviews

j

jcwer

Jan 2023

Provided byCroisiEurope

It’s affordable, the atmosphere on board is unique, the routes can be very interesting.

Summary over a cruise on the Haute Seine and Yonne on a barge. As seasoned cruisers, knowing well all aspects of cruising on seas and rivers, we had no experience ab...

h

htrowland

Jan 2023

Provided byCroisiEurope

Great tours and food! Exceptional customer service

As a female solo traveller, I especially appreciated CroisiEurope's summer special waiving single supplements. I am non-EU national, and very much enjoyed the intern...

B

Bronx resident

Jan 2023

Provided byCroisiEurope

A memorable four nights on the Seine - Le Havre to Paris

We had never been on a European river cruise before and chose this one for its brevity, just four nights. We were very happy with our choice and heartily recommend C...

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Tour Operator

CroisiEurope

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Since 1976 CroisiEurope has pioneered river cruising on the most beautiful waterways in Europe, and we are Europe’s largest and most experienced river cruise line. When you sail with us, you can relax and know that you will be well taken care of.

We have been privileged to take more than 200,000 passengers to the lands of their dreams, for the times of their lives. Our fleet of 30 ships will take you to your choice of dazzling riverside cities in France, Italy, Spain, Germany and Belgium — to the romantic Rhine Valley, the Rhône and Saône, the Seine, the beautiful blue Danube, the Douro Valley, Venice, and more — where you can explore and enjoy local food, wine, history, art and culture. We have a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of almost 1,000 people, whose conviviality, attentiveness and professionalism ensures that your voyage will be comfortable and pleasurable. Our staff and crews speak English, and many of them speak other major European languages as well. So you’ll be in the heart of European culture and charm, but you’ll always be able to find someone who understands you.

All our vessels are fully inspected on a regular basis, and are consistently renovated and upgraded to keep pace with safety standards as well as the needs of our customers. Our entire fleet is certified compliant with VERITAS global standards, a guarantee of safety and quality.

CroisiEurope’s headquarters is situated at the crossroads of Europe, in Strasbourg, France, near the banks of the Rhine. This historic, forward-thinking city is the perfect home us: we’re grounded in the past, and excited about the future. We’re an independent, family-owned business — so even though we’re the biggest and most experienced, we’re still small and friendly. We understand the personal touch. 

Come aboard! We can’t wait to show you the sights of Europe.

River Cruising: The Difference

Imagine gliding past quaint villages, ancient hillside castles and stone forts; past sun-drenched olive groves and vineyards, snow-capped mountains and thundering gorges; under glittering night-lit bridges in exotic cities.  Imagine eating first-class French cuisine while floating on a sparkling river, watching the gorgeous landscape pass by.

Envision your ship docking in the heart of a beautiful, historic European city:  its treasures of art, music, food, culture, and history await your leisurely exploration. 

Our trips offer you the opportunity to intimately experience the culture of a region or a country, and to visit some of Europe’s most dazzling cities and towns — in France, Spain, Italy, Germany or Belgium — in ease and comfort.

Our ship will be your floating hotel:  small enough to moor at a town or city port, but large enough to provide you every amenity.  The capacity of just 100 to 200 passengers allows a warm and convivial atmosphere on board, as well as the opportunity for quiet privacy and independence. The pace of our river cruises is relaxed and tranquil; the scenery is gorgeous and changes moment to moment.

And river cruising is smooth, so there’s no need to worry about seasickness.  Unpack your bags, and relax and enjoy the trip. 

Come sail with CroisiEurope, and discover why river cruising is the new way to travel. 

French Cuisine, European Flair

The heart and soul of CroisiEurope is European and international.

Other cruise lines may offer good food.  With CroisiEurope, you’ll cruise the rivers of Europe aboard your own French restaurant.

We carefully design and plan our cuisine and menus in the exacting tradition of fine French gastronomy.  Each meal on your cruise will give you a delightful experience of French haute cuisine.  Our chefs have worked alongside such Michelin-starred greats as Paul Bocuse and Marc Haeberlin; CroisiEurope’s head chef, Alain Bohn, was recently nominated as a member of the Maîtres Cuisiniers de France. This esteemed French association, created 50 years ago, includes only 250 chefs worldwide.

A large number of our crew and staff speak many major European languages, so you may find yourself able to chat in Spanish, Italian, or Hungarian as well as French and English.

Eco-Friendliness

European countries have long been in the forefront of eco-friendly practices, and CroisiEurope is proud to have been a pioneer in this field since well before these practices became standard.  Our commitment to the environment goes far beyond legal requirements. 

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Drinks from our special lists, or drinks ordered during excursions or transfers - cancellation and baggage insurance - transfers/travel to and from departure/arrival points - personal expenses.
Requirements
Valid passport required. Non-EU nationals are advised to consult their embassy or consulate.,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

THE CROISIEUROPE DIFFERENCE

  • All meals included - DRINKS INCLUDED with meals and at the bar
  • Refined French cuisine - Gala dinner and evening - Welcome cocktail
  • Free Wi-Fi onboard
  • Headsets are included for excursions
  • Official welcome from the captain and crew
  • Onboard activities
  • Travel assistance and repatriation insurance
  • All port fees included
Trip ID
croisieurope-OVI_AIPP

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