From Budapest to the Black Sea

Travel to Budapest and embark Spirit of the Danube.

Sail overnight.

Arrive 1300. Depart 1800.

The city of Vukovar lies in Slavonia, a region of Croatia which was ruled by Rome until the 5th century, and later settled by the Slavs – hence the name. A thriving city before the Yugoslav War, Vukovar was also the site of one of the biggest battles during the break up of Yugoslavia. Much of the city was destroyed and the shell scarred water tower here has been preserved in memoriam. Baroque and classical pre-war architecture can be seen in the historic city centre.

Sail overnight.

Arrive 0800. Depart 2200.

Set at the confluence of the Sava and Danube Rivers, Belgrade is considered to be the meeting point of Eastern and Western Europe. It's a city with a chequered past, having been destroyed and rebuilt 20 times during its 2,000-year history! The key attractions include the cathedral, St Sava Temple and the centrally located Belgrade Fortress, which dates mostly from the late 18th century and contains the tomb of the Turkish Grand Vezir, Ali Pasha.

Sail overnight.

Scenic Cruise, Decebalus Face and the Iron Gates gorge.
Arrive Vidin, 2000.

Relax on board Spirit of the Danube for a day of cruising, passing the Decebalus Face, a colossal carving in the rocks depicting the last king of Dacia, this morning. You also cruise through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge, a scenic stretch of river framed on both sides by sheer cliffs. In ancient times the water level in the Iron Gates gorge was much lower and it was considered one of the most dangerous stretches of river in Europe to navigate. The riverbed rocks and low water levels combined to make this part of the river particularly treacherous for passing ships, but now a complex system of dams and locks ensures this is no longer the case.

Your ship moors overnight in Vidin.

Depart 1400.

Vidin has a rich history, having been conquered by the Romans, Byzantines and later the Ottomans, who ruled there until 1878. The city’s main landmark is the Baba Vida fortress dating from the Middle Ages.

Continue cruising this afternoon and overnight.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1900.

Rousse prospered from its location on the Danube and the city is home to many grand buildings with Austrian-style architecture. A good example is the Building of the Tax Administration with its elaborate facade.

Set sail again early this evening and continue sailing overnight.

Arrive 1200. Depart 1800.

Join an included excursion to Constanta, where a walking tour of the historic city centre reveals sights such as Ovid Square, St Peter and Paul Orthodox Cathedral and the Genovese Lighthouse.

Sail overnight.

Arrive 0800. Depart 1900.

Set beside the Arges River, a tributary of the Danube, Oltenita offers a gateway to the Romanian capital Bucharest, which can be visited on a full-day included excursion. Travel by coach to Bucharest and see some of the city’s highlights, including the former Royal Palace, the statue of King Carol I, the National University Library and Romanian Atheneum Concert Hall, and then enjoy a Romanian lunch and free time to explore independently.

Return to Spirit of the Danube by coach and set sail this evening and overnight.

Arrive 1200.

The riverside town of Nikopol is surrounded by rolling hills and farmland. The medieval fortifications of Nikopol Fortress sit on a hilltop overlooking the town.

Depart Nikopol, 0600.
Sailing day.

Enjoy the passing scenery and facilities on board Spirit of the Danube as you sail through the day and overnight.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1300.

Spend the early morning cruising back through the Iron Gates gorge and into Serbia to stop at Donji Milanovac. From here an included excursion visits the Mesolithic site of Lepenski Vir to explore on foot. Excavation work began here in 1965 uncovering a series of villages, dating back to 6,400 BC. The museum here exhibits finds from the dig and films about the archaeological research.

Continue your cruise this afternoon and overnight.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1700.

Novi Sad is the city where European and Balkan cultures meet, with this stretch of the Danube acting as a natural border. Situated on the Danube between Budapest and Belgrade, it’s a treasured regional and cultural centre. This morning, travel by coach on an included excursion into the Fruska Gora National Park to visit a monastery. Enjoy a traditional Serbian lunch before returning to Novi Sad.

Spirit of the Danube sails early this evening and continues overnight.

Sailing day.
Arrive Budapest, 1900.

Relax on board Spirit of the Danube during a full day sailing the Danube.

Budapest is a city of two parts: Buda and Pest, built on opposite banks of the Danube. The cities have been officially united since 1873, but they are still very different in character. Buda is the older and more graceful, with its cobbled streets, medieval architecture and UNESCO-listed Buda Castle, while Pest is the administrative and commercial centre, with wide avenues and 19th-century public buildings.

This morning, enjoy an included coach tour of the city with the opportunity to alight at Heroes Square and the St Stephen’s Basilica to explore briefly on foot.

Disembark Spirit of the Danube and begin your return journey.