Grand Danube Odyssey

Travel to Budapest and embark Spirit of the Danube.

Arrive 1400. Depart 2000

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 and many shell scarred buildings have been preserved in memoriam – the baroque and classical pre-war architecture can be seen in the historic city centre.

Arrive 0700. 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.

Enjoy a short included walking tour of the old town centre, which has a fine selection of 18th and 19th-century architecture. Continue on foot to an old family wine cellar, where you can sample the wine and honey that is produced here.

Relax on board Spirit of the Danube as she passes the Decebalus Face, a colossal carving in the rocks depicting the last king of Dacia, and on through the dramatic Iron Gates gorge. This strikingly scenic stretch of river is framed on both sides by sheer cliffs that are dotted with frills of greenery.

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.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1200.

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

Scenic Cruise, Danube Delta.
Arrive St Georghe, 1400. Depart 1700.

Sail through the UNESCO-listed Danube Delta, a wetland biosphere rich in wildlife. The reed beds and groves of willow, oak and poplar provide sanctuary for over 300 species of bird!

In St Georghe you'll have the opportunity to join an optional excursion aboard a smaller boat which will allow you to take a closer look at this rich natural habitat.

Arrive 1200. Depart 1230.

From Fetesti an included excursion visits Constanta and returns to Chiciu. Located on the Black Sea coast, the city of Constanta was founded in around 600BC.

The marina is a hive of activity with street cafes and restaurants lining the waterfront. The pedestrianised coastal path is home to one of the city’s famous landmarks, the art nouveau-style Constanta casino. While the old town, with its historic squares, has numerous churches and museums.

Relax on board your ship and enjoy the scenery and facilities.

Scenic Cruise, the Iron Gates gorge and Decebalus Face.
Arrive Donji Milanovac, 1400.

Sail back through the world-famous Iron Gates gorge, between Romania and Serbia, the largest and longest in Europe, and the Iron Gates is the narrowest and deepest part.

You can head out on deck to admire the scenery as the Danube passes between the Carpathian mountains and the foothills of the Balkans. Plus, you can follow proceedings as Spirit of the Danube manoeuvres through two locks by the Djerdap power stations.

Pass through the scenic gorge en route to Donji Milanovac, a Serbian town with a special history and a beautiful setting in the midst of the Djerdap National Park.

Depart Donji Milanovac, 0900.
Arrive Golubac, 1300. Depart 1900.

The small town of Golubac nestles on the bank of the Danube at its widest point, just before it flows into the Iron Gates gorge. The riverside is dominated by the Golubac Fortress, believed to date from the 14th century and surrounded by myths and legends. Discover for yourself on an included excursion here.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1300.

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!

An included excursion will reveal its key attractions, including the cathedral and St Sava Temple. Visit the Kalemegdan Fortress, which dates mostly from the late 18th century and contains the tomb of the Turkish Grand Vezir, Ali Pasha.

Arrive 0900. Depart 1300.

Mohács is home to some of Hungary’s most exciting folk traditions, such as the Busó-walking carnival to banish winter. An optional full-day excursion heads into the Hungarian lowlands for a performance of traditional horsemanship, rejoining your ship when she pauses briefly in Kalocsa.

Arrive 0800.

Budapest is a city made up 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. An included excursion this morning will reveal some of the city’s highlights.

Disembark Spirit of the Danube and begin your return journey.