Budapest to the Black Sea river cruise, 5 September 2027 (14 nights)

Cruise along the Danube River, explore stunning architecture, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Hungary’s vibrant capital.

Along the river Danube, just south of Budapest, sits Kalocsa: one of the oldest towns in Hungary and a picturesque river cruise destination with a lot to offer. Uniquely known for its paprika production and traditional embroidery, this town boasts a rich cultural heritage worth exploring, a historic town centre with impressive architecture, and vibrant woodland landscapes worth taking the time to walk through. If you’re looking for authentic cultural experiences, you’ll find those here, with paprika tasting tours and guided explorations of the town’s most important landmarks among the excursions you can enjoy. Although, if you’re looking to spend some time immersing yourself in nature, you’ll find yourself met with the opportunity to go horseback riding – a popular way to explore the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside. Not far from parts of the Kunság wine district dominating central Hungary, the connoisseurs among you will have plenty of interesting local wines to sample, too; and then there’s the authentic Hungarian cuisine, something you’ll find in numerous eateries in and around Kalocsa. Just expect to see a little more paprika than usual if you’re checking out the local delicacies. A charming historic Hungarian town with a memorable vibrancy and a welcoming atmosphere, Kalocsa is a fantastic river cruise destination that caters to every type of traveller.

Once-capital of the now-dissolved Yugoslavia and current capital of Serbia, Belgrade is an intriguing city boasting a travel experience unlike anything else out there. Spread across the confluence of the Danube and Sava rivers, the natural landscapes of this city are worth savouring. However, the stark contrasts of the cityscape really make this a captivating river cruise destination. Impressive Art Nouveau architecture stands side-by-side with monumental Socialist architecture to create a juxtaposing skyline highlighting this destination’s complicated history; the grandeur of Habsburg rule and the influence of the Ottoman Empire is clear, but so is this city’s role in establishing the Soviet Bloc throughout the Cold War. This, while making Belgrade a little odd to look at compared to major cities further west and away from the influence of the now-dissolved Soviet Union, makes this city utterly fascinating. You’ll find a host of interesting sites and sights to visit and see while here, something which compliments the lively atmosphere you’d expect from a European primate city – meaning it's the largest, most populous, and most economically important urban centre in Serbia. For history buffs, Belgrade is a gold mine, but there’s so much on offer here that every type of traveller will find something they enjoy when visiting.

Romania’s capital and primate city, Bucharest is a modern metropolis boasting an abundance of exciting activities and experiences. Known for its beautiful tree-lined boulevards, elegant Belle Époque architecture, and indulgent experiences, this city has something to offer every type of traveller; you’ll find an incredible variety of memorable cultural experiences here, magnificent landmarks worth marvelling at, a rich culinary scene to spend time exploring, and more here. With such incredible architecture everywhere you look, from the impressive Romanian Athenaeum and Royal Palace of Bucharest to Cantacuzino Palace and more along the Calea Victoriei avenue, there’s something uniquely Parisian about this city; this helps to foster an incredible atmosphere here, with Bucharest still a definitively Romanian destination. If you’re looking for somewhere to take some time to yourself, to really savour the excitement of this city, you’ll find a number of impressive parks to stroll through – so, you’ll still be able to get a taste of the great outdoors while exploring this dazzling destination. If you’re looking for something a little more intimate than the grand avenues and magnificent palatial landmarks littering this city, Lipscani – a medieval Old Town in the heart of the Romanian capital – is the perfect place to explore. Here, on the cobblestone streets alongside even more interesting historic landmarks, you’ll find charming restaurants, boutique shopping experiences, art galleries, and more. Bisected by the River Dambovita, scenic riverside walking routes are also an excellent option for those who want to spend some time stretching their legs – and you’ll never be too far from somewhere interesting if you go wandering. An unforgettable destination where there’s always more to uncover, admire, and explore, Bucharest is the highlight of any holiday in this region and somewhere you’ll want to return to – over and over again.

An incredible city on the shores of the Black Sea, Constanta is one holiday destination you won’t want to miss out on visiting. Romania’s oldest continuously inhabited city, with a history dating back over 2,000 years, and the country’s largest sea port, Constanta boasts an incredible blend of intriguing historic sites and captivating cultural experiences alongside indulgent local cuisine, lively wine bars, and so much more. If you’re looking for somewhere to soak up the sunshine, this city also plays host to several sandy beaches; and, you’ll never be too far away from an elegant restaurant or an inviting bar when you’re spending your time enjoying them. Although, as nice as these beaches are, there’s so much more to explore here. Founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century BC, then conquered by the Romans in the 1st century BC, the ancient history found throughout this city’s archeological sites is remarkable. However, many of the magnificent, more modern landmarks you see in Constanta today are the result of Ottoman rule – with the city flourishing throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. With such an interesting history to explore, it’s safe to say museum-lovers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to spending time in Constanta. The culinary landscape, though, is also worth talking about. While you will find authentic Romanian cuisine here, Constanta is proudly diverse and this multiculturalism comes with an incredible range of cuisines and flavours from other areas. As a major sea port, you’ll also find a whole host of modern attractions to enjoy – like the Tomis Eye ferris wheel – and an impressive shopping experience, if you’re looking to treat yourself or someone else to something exciting. A vibrant place where there’s always something new to discover, Constanta will be one destination you want to come back to.

One of the largest cities on the Bulgarian side of the Danube river, and just across this major European waterway from Romania’s Giurgiu, Ruse is a fascinating river cruise destination and somewhere where everyone will find something they enjoy; here, you’ll find everything from ancient Roman ruins and intriguing regional museums set in grand castles to vibrant greenspaces and charming restaurants giving you the chance to dive into flavourful local foods. Known colloquially as ‘Little Vienna’, this city sports a skyline boasting a rich blend of architectural styles – including Baroque, Rococo, Secession, and Neoclassicism. This variety affords Ruse a unique atmosphere that encourages exploration, and it makes the sightseeing tours here even more rewarding than you might think. Ruse is also home to several Bulgarian ‘firsts’ – the nation’s first printing office, first weather station, first movie projection, and even Bulgaria's first steel ship was constructed here. To say it’s a forward-thinking city would be an understatement. It’s also home to the only crossing across the Bulgarian-Romanian section of the Danube river: the Ruse-Giurgiu Friendship Bridge. This gives the city a wonderful buzz, but it’s also somewhere where you can embrace the slower side of life. Scenic riverside strolls or a visit to Mladezhki Park are never a bad idea when the weather’s nice; you’ll find a rather relaxed atmosphere throughout, so you won’t need to worry about feeling rushed off your feet here. Whether you’re looking for authentic cultural experiences, a lesson or two in local history, the chance to try some traditional cuisines, or just somewhere nice to stretch your legs, Ruse is well-equipped to cater to the needs of every traveller.

A quaint Bulgarian port town on the Danube, known for the vibrancy of the surrounding wine region and its unique historical landmarks, Vidin is something of a hidden gem among the destinations you’ll visit on a river cruise through Eastern Europe – somewhere you should definitely take some time to explore when you get the chance. Bordering Romania and close to Bulgaria’s border with Serbia, the influence of these other cultures is evident, but Vidin still boasts a distinctly Bulgarian experience for visitors. The cuisine you’ll have the chance to enjoy here is authentic and flavourful, and there’s a lot to learn about the region from the cultural landmarks found throughout the local area. Although, if you’re looking for something a little more scenic, Vidin boasts a charming waterfront area worth walking along and more than enough opportunities to head further afield and into the wilderness areas surrounding the town. With warm weather in the summer months and easy access to other incredible destinations in the region, such as the history-rich Belogradchik and the Magura Cave in Rabisha, you’re in for a fantastic time when you visit Vidin.

The second-largest city in Serbia, Novi Sad is known for being a liberal, laid-back city of music and arts – so, culture vultures are in for a treat when they arrive along the Danube. Easy to explore, with many major landmarks within walking distance of one another and the opportunity to sightsee from the water (be that the Danube or the Dunav-Tisa-Dunav canal) via kayak, you’ll have no trouble soaking in the incredible architecture of Novi Sad alongside the natural beauty of its green spaces and riverside scenery. It’s also home to a thriving urban art scene, with bright murals decorating buildings throughout and galleries worth spending some time in. Although, if you don’t want to spend all your time indoors, you can always soak up some sunshine on the beach here – which isn’t something many river cruise destinations enjoy. Heading a little further afield, you’ll find the Fruška Gora National Park – which is a fantastic place to walk and hike, with vibrant vineyard-covered hills and luscious woodland. In the heart of Serbia’s farmland, and bordering its wine country, the cuisine in Novi Sad is second-to-none. And, when you’re not indulging in some flavourful food and freshly-pressed wines, you can satisfy your intrigue with visits to historical sites, museums and more – all of which tell incredible stories of the region’s past. Really, however you want to spend your time in Novi Sad, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

On the southern bank of the Drava, an off-shoot of the Danube river, Osijek is an elegant Croatian city with an abundance of exciting cultural experiences to enjoy and a laid-back atmosphere – despite boasting a lively nightlife. With a rich history of being developed as part of the Kingdom of Hungary before being conquered by the Ottoman Empire, and then being one of the most important cities in the Habsburg Empire and Yugoslavia, it’s safe to say that there’s a lot to learn about this remarkable city and what its people have been through. The historic centre of Osijek offers you the opportunity to marvel at some magnificent architecture, with many of the buildings here having been faithfully rebuilt and restored following devastation throughout the early 1990s. However, if you want to spend your time in Osijek strolling somewhere a little more scenic than that, you’ll find plenty of peaceful parks and relaxing riverside routes to wander. The local cuisine is also worth sampling while you’re here, with Osijek and the surrounding area renowned for dishes like riblji paprikas – a spicy fish stew leaning on a variety of local paprikas for richer flavours. Despite being a major Croatian city, Osijek is something of a hidden gem due to the lack of international flights into its airport and its distance from other major holiday destinations in the Balkans. So, Osijek is somewhere where you can look forward to being surprised – and it might just be the highlight of your river cruise!

Known as The Hero City after the Battle of Vukovar in 1991, a turning point in the bloody Croatian War of Independence against the Yugoslav People’s Army, and a city home to Croatia’s largest river port, Vukovar is an impressive city with an abundance of interesting history and a unique culture fostered by the fact that the city itself has had a long history of having a highly mixed population. The atmosphere of this city, though, is a unique one; the war damage from the Battle of Vukovar remains clear and obvious throughout the city, and the animosity between the ethnic Croats and Serbs remains – groups who largely fought on opposing sides during the Croatian War of Independence. This makes Vukovar something of a living war museum and an incredibly rewarding river cruise destination, albeit one that offers a different onshore experience to other river cruise destinations in the region. You’ll find an impressive selection of interesting landmarks to visit when you arrive, and some fantastic local cuisine, but just walking the battle-damaged streets of this city tells a story. With a history stretching all the way back to around 2500 BC, though, there’s so much more to this city than just this recent conflict. Vukovar, however you spend your time here, is one destination you won’t forget in a hurry.

Cruise along the Danube River, explore stunning architecture, and immerse yourself in the history and culture of Hungary’s vibrant capital.