Commence with a four-night exploration of Romania, then board your luxury river ship and cruise the Danube for seven nights, stopping to explore riverside towns in Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary.
Highlights
- Explore the amazing Belogradchik Fortress and its unique rock formations which formed more than 200 million years ago.
- Pass awe-inspiring natural wonders as you wind through the magnificent gorges of the Danube between Serbia and Romania.
- Enjoy time in the Hungarian rural landscapes as you enjoy a traditional horse show and lunch.
Destinations
- Europe
- Croatia
- Hungary
- Romania
- Bulgaria
Tour Types
- River Cruise
- Land Journey
Day 1: Arrive Bucharest
Fly from the UK to Budapest today. Upon arrival in Bucharest, you will be transferred to the hotel where you will join us for a welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Two Nights, Bucharest, Radisson Blu Hotel
Day 2: Bucharest
Set out on a guided exploration of Bucharest’s Old City this morning. The area has recently undergone a decade of refurbishments, transforming the city’s historic core into a vibrant, walkable quarter. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before a visit to the Palace of the Parliament. Started in 1984, and still unfinished, this enormous building was constructed under the command of former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and has over 3,000 rooms.
Day 3: Bucharest, Brasov
Travel to the Slanic mine, Europe’s largest salt mine. Descend 208 metres underground to discover some of the 14 rooms, as well as the Salt Museum. The pure air inside the mine is known for its respiratory healing effects. Later, continue to your hotel in Brasov.
Accommodation: Two Nights Brasov, Telerific Grand Hotel or Hotel Kronwell
Day 4: Brasov, Bran
This morning will be spent exploring Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’. Perched atop a rocky hill overlooking the town of Bran, the castle’s striking orange turrets tower above a thick forest of trees in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains. Wander through its many rooms and admire the 19th-century antiques before continuing to Brasov for lunch. This afternoon, delve deeper into Brasov’s history on a walking tour.
Day 5: Brasov, Sinaia, Giurgiu
A visit to Peles Castle awaits today, nestled at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains in the town of Sinaia. This neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by Romania’s first king, Carol I, and took 40 years to build. Enjoy free time for lunch in Sinaia then travel to your ship in Giurgiu.
Accommodation: Seven Nights, a Concerto River Ship
Day 6: Rousse, Veliko Tarnovo
In Veliko Tarnovo, a local expert will guide you through this medieval city. Uncover its rich history as you wander through the city’s cobbled lanes and fortified walls. Its centrepiece is the spectacular restored Tsarevets Fortress, citadel of the Second Bulgarian Empire.
Day 7: Vidin, Belogradchik
Explore Baba Vida Fortress in Vidin. Raised upon the remains of the ancient town of Bononia, the medieval castle dates back to the 10th century. Afterwards, venture to Belogradchik to uncover its ancient fortress on the northern slope of the Balkan mountains. You’ll also see the town’s unique rock formations.
Day 8: Iron Gates
Cruise through the Iron Gates and experience one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you will encounter on this cruise.
Day 9: Novi Sad
Choose how you’d like to spend the day.
Day 10: Kalocsa, Puszta
Today is all about your Signature Experience.
Day 11: Budapest
Today unfolds as you please. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 12: Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
Say your farewells, disembark your ship and be transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Touring with APT
It’s the extra little things APT think of that make your journey totally unforgettable. Whether it’s the inspirational destinations; eye opening experiences; or the fact that so much is included in the price, rest assured APT takes care of everything.
Learn from expert inside knowledge whilst you explore iconic sites – as well as discovering undiscovered gems at lesser known locations. Experience a new perspective on the world as the sights, sounds and flavours of unfamiliar cultures are vividly brought to life by their hand-picked local guides. And enjoy the unparalleled level of care and attention APT has refined over 90 years of family ownership.
APT offer a choice of Luxury or Essential river cruises and tours (Essential holidays are operated by APT Travelmarvel). There’s so much included from excursions, tipping, port charges and flights. Luxury even includes private home-to-airport transfers and a range of Signature Experiences, giving you once-in-a-lifetime moments. And because everyone is different, the Freedom of Choice concept allows you to tailor your sightseeing in select locations, your way, at no additional cost.
But it’s the attention to detail in their personal service that truly sets APT apart. Their guests think so too. They’ve given them a 5 star TrustPilot rating.
Delight in every detail. That’s the APT Difference.