Gems of Southeast Europe (Smithsonian Journeys)
Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, calling at Budapest, Budapest, Vukovar, Belgrade, Golubac, Vidin, Rousse and Giurgiu.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaBella.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
- 22 May 2028 – 29 May 2028
from $6,913 pp twin share * - 19 Jun 2028 – 26 Jun 2028
from $6,769 pp twin share * - 11 Sep 2028 – 18 Sep 2028
from $7,632 pp twin share * - 09 Oct 2028 – 16 Oct 2028
from $7,489 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Budapest
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – EMBARKATION. Step aboard your ship in Budapest and settle into your stateroom as the city’s twinkling skyline and the serene Danube welcome you into your Gems of Southeast Europe journey.
Day 2 – Budapest
MOHÁCS – PÉCS. Wander vibrant squares and landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Mosque of Pasha Qasim or savor the rich heritage of Hungary’s Szekszárd wine region. Enjoy a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive Pécs experience, including a guided visit to the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, for an immersive journey into the city’s art, history, and culture.
Day 3 – Vukovar
VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Discover Vukovar on a guided city or bike tour and enjoy a private concert as part of your Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive experience. In the afternoon, savor Croatian wines in the Old Cellars and enjoy a guided visit to the Vucedol Museum on your Osijek city tour, a Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive experience.
Day 4 – Belgrade
BELGRADE. Explore Belgrade’s vibrant streets and historic landmarks, from the Nikola Tesla Museum to the majestic Kalemegdan Fortress. Adventurous passengers can join a bike tour or hike through the city. Enjoy the Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive ‘Brandies of Belgrade’ tasting paired with a guided visit to the National Museum of Serbia, and savor local delicacies. For a more leisurely afternoon, wander Novi Sad’s charming old town and Liberty Square, immersing yourself in the region’s rich culture and tradition.
Day 5 – Golubac
SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. Visit the medieval Golubac Fortress before cruising through the awe-inspiring Iron Gates, where the Danube winds between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains. Marvel at the dramatic gorges and the striking mountainside carving of King Decebalus. Each view invites you to reflect on the wonders of this remarkable river corridor.
Day 6 – Vidin
VIDIN, BULGARIA. Wander through Vidin, where ancient streets lead to the Baba Vida Fortress, a silent guardian of centuries past. Step into local life with a Bulgarian pastry and yogurt tasting, or pedal along Vidin’s sunlit lanes and let the city’s history unfold around each bend.
Day 7 – Rousse
ROUSSE – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Discover Veliko Tarnovo’s medieval fortress and enjoy a Bulgarian wine tasting, or wander Rousse to marvel at the frescoed Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo and visit the Rousse Art Gallery, both part of your Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive tours. Alternatively, journey through the Romanian countryside to Bucharest, where elegant streets and historic squares invite leisurely exploration.
Day 8 – Giurgiu
GIURGIU – DISEMBARKATION. Bid farewell to Giurgiu as you prepare for your flight home.
Highlights
- Choice of standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours
- Smithsonian Journeys Exclusive experiences in Pecs, Vukovar and Belgrade
- Stateroom accommodation aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaBella
Touch history in Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gates, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Nature lovers will relish the opportunity to bike through Belgrade’s sprawling Kalemegdan Park. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans in Croatia. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent.
This river cruise journeys through Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, calling at Budapest, Budapest, Vukovar, Belgrade, Golubac, Vidin, Rousse and Giurgiu.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaBella.
On our river cruises, you will enjoy an extensive lineup of included tours. In many cases, you will have a choice of excursions, such as standard tours, bike tours, hikes and special interest tours. We always include a large variety of activities so that you can choose how you want to explore. No matter your preference, your days will be full of discovery and wonder.
Inclusions
- Transportation to the heart of Budapest.
- Szekszard Wine Tasting.
- Pecs Excursion and Zsolnay Quarter Visit
- Guided Bike Ride Along the Danube.
- Vukovar Guided Bike Tour.
- Vukovar City Tour.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaBella.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 22 May 2028 and 16 Oct 2028, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
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