Scenic Gems from Budapest to Belgrade 2025

Depart from your ship on foot for the brief walk to the elevator, which will take you from the riverbanks of the Danube to street level. After which, a short walk will bring you to the entrance of the Iron Gates Region Museum. Accompanied by an expert local guide you will then explore the museum's main collections which showcase the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Iron Gates area. The museum is an important part of the local heritage and provides insight into the evolution of the area from prehistoric times to the present day.

This tour offers a chance to explore a wide variety of exhibits across several thematic sections including significant archaeological finds from the region, including tools, ceramics, and artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods as well as a collection of Roman relics related to the Roman Empire's presence in the Iron Gates area. This includes information about the Roman fortifications, bridges, and settlements. The museum is an essential stop for history enthusiasts, providing an enriching experience that combines archaeology, ethnography, and the history of modern industrial advancements in the region.

After your guided tour you will return to the ship on foot.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: You should expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles at a relaxed pace over level terrain which will include approximately 80 steps. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately two-and-a-half hours with frequent stops. Benches are available at regular intervals inside the museum.

2½ hours

After a scenic coach drive along the banks of the Danube, you will arrive at the Lepenski Vir Mesolithic Site which was found in the Derdap Gorge along this river. The settlement dates back to around 10,000 BC and provides a glimpse into the early stages of human civilization in Europe. First discovered by peasants in 1940, excavation work began in 1965 uncovering a series of villages, dating back to 6,400 BC. One of the key highlights of the Lepenski Vir tour is the collection of stone sculptures and ritualistic artifacts found at the site.

On arrival, you will be welcomed with an introduction by the museum Curator before you explore the museum with a guide, and discover finds from the dig and films about the archaeological research. Some of the most famous pieces are the fish-shaped and human-like sculptures, which are believed to have had religious or spiritual significance. These sculptures are thought to represent both the natural world (the river and fish) and early human concepts of divinity or the afterlife.

After admiring the preserved ancient artefacts, you will head back along the Danube and Iron Gates region of Serbia to your waiting ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please Note: While walking inside the venue is minimal, on arrival and departure there is a walk of approximately 500 yards each way between the coach park and the site entrance via a flat pedestrian pathway. The auditorium seating for the film showing is over multiple levels with steps to access, however, ground-floor seats are available. There is a total walking and/or standing time of approximately one hour.

2½ hours

Located in north-eastern Serbia on the border with modern-day Romania, the Golubac Fortress was built in the 14th century as a medieval stronghold and has had a tumultuous history. 

Leave your ship on foot and after a short uphill walk you will arrive at the impressive fortress entrance. Explore inside with a local guide and discover more about its complicated construction incorporating numerous towers, gates and walls, and its strategic location on the banks of the Danube where it narrows to form the Iron Gate gorge, the perfect position for the regulation and taxation of traffic on the river in the Middle Ages. These days this clifftop position means the fortress also lends itself well to photo opportunities, with its striking backdrop of hills, woodland and rugged rock face.

After your tour you will return to your ship on foot.

Walking Grade 4

Please Note: The walk from your ship to the fortress entrance and back is a distance of approximately a quarter of a mile each way. During your tour of the fortress you should expect to walk a futher one mile. Terrain will be uneven in places and there will be a number of steps. This tour is not suitable for those with limited mobility.

2½ hours

Embark on a journey from your ship to the tranquil Fruska Gora National Park, a serene haven rich in natural beauty and spiritual history.

The tour begins with a one-hour coach ride, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Your first stop will be the Petkovica Monastery where you will have the opportunity to meet the nuns who call this peaceful place home. Experience the spiritual serenity of the monastery and enjoy a traditional light lunch, prepared with home-grown produce. As per tradition, the meal excludes meat, offering a selection of vegetarian dishes including options such as cheese pie and moussaka accompanied by seasonal salads and homemade cake. Alongside your meal, savour a glass of local wine, adding to the authentic experience.

Next, you will visit the Sisatovac Monastery, another gem of the Fruska Gora region. Delve deeper into the rich monastic history of the area and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. The final stop of the tour is the Sirmium Imperial Palace, where you will step back into antiquity. Explore the remnants of this once grand imperial residence and immerse yourself in the rich history of the ancient Roman Empire. Afterwards, you will return to the ship by coach, a journey of approximately one hour.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 550 yards over terrain which will be uneven in places and include cobblestones and steps. There is an approximate standing and/or walking time of 90 minutes although some of this is at your discretion. As this tour takes you into the National Park, some narrow and/or winding roads should be expected.

5 hours

The Villány Wine Village tour is the perfect excursion for wine enthusiasts. Set off by coach from your ship for the 40-minute ride to Villány, a renowned wine-producing region in Hungary. Villány is famous for its rich history of winemaking, especially its high-quality red wines, particularly the full-bodied and robust varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. 

Once in Villány, you will take part in a guided wine tasting experience, where you can sit back and relax as you sample five different wines that showcase the best of the region's offerings. These will include Chardonnay, Rosé Cuvée, Portugieser, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franz Cuvée. During the tasting, you can also enjoy traditional accompaniments such as apple, cheese, and a classic scone, which pair perfectly with the wines. Your guide will share insights into the local vineyards, the winemaking process, and the history that has shaped the region's wine culture.

After the tour, you will return to your ship by coach.

Walking Grade 3

3 hours

Your tour starts with a bus ride to Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress and park, perched on a hill above the confluence of the Sava and the Danube River. The town of Belgrade was surrendered to the Serbs in 1876 before the town keys were handed over to the resident Prince Mihailo. At the end of the 19th century this area was transformed into a vast park with a promenade and numerous ruins, recounting the turbulent history of Belgrade. On arrival, set off on a walking tour with your local guide – exploring inside the fortress and around the park grounds.

Then, re-board the bus for a scenic ride alongside the old part of Belgrade Orthodox Cathedral – known as the Saint Archangel Mihail Church, built in classical style with richly decorated 18th to 20th-century gold work. Discover more about two memorable figures of Serbian culture, Dositej Obradovic and Vuk Stefanović Karadžić, who are buried in the churchyard here. Your drive continues past the Town Hall and the 20thcentury parliament State Assembly, and along Knez Milos street to the residential quarter of ""Dedinje"".

Continue up to the ‘White House’, which used to be the home of the Serbian ruler: Dynasty Karadjordjevic. You also pass by Tito’s tomb, resting in the House of Flowers Museum. En route back to the city centre, you’ll be able to see the famous Playground of both Red Star and Partisan before a panoramic visit to one of the renowned orthodox cathedrals, St Sava Temple. Built in 1894, you will hear more on how the cathedral was built in the same spot where the relics of Syeti Sava were brought from Mileseva Monastery.

Walking Grade 4

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one-and-a-half miles over mostly level terrain which may be cobbled at times with a small number of steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-three quarter hours. Refreshments will be served at one of the venues during your tour.

3½ hours

This tour offers an immersive experience into Serbia’s Royal wine-making heritage, set in the picturesque hills of Oplenac, near the town of Topola. Travel by coach for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes to Topola accompanied by a local guide who will provide an introduction to the history of the region. On arrival you will set off on foot to discover the Royal church and museum for approximately one hour. The church serves as a mausoleum and houses the tombs of King Peter I, King Alexander I, and other prominent members of the Karadjordjević family. Located nearby, the Royal Museum showcases artefacts and memorabilia related to the family and the history of Serbia.

Next, set off towards the venue hosting your wine tasting experience. This region in Serbia is famous for its vineyards, which were originally planted by the Royal family to provide wine for Royal celebrations and state events. It specialises in grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvingnon Blanc, and Chardonnay which thrive in the unique terrain of the region, characterised by a combination of Mediterranean and continental climates that provide ideal conditions for producing high-quality grapes. As you sit back and relax you will be able to sample three of the area's most popular wines, showcasing the diversity and quality, accompanied by a selection of snacks including local cheese, bread and olives. As you are guided through each tasting, you will learn about their characteristics, tasting notes, and history. This tour is an opportunity to gain an insight into the heritage of Serbian winemaking while immersing yourself in the Royal history of the Karadjordjević family. At the end of your wine tasting you will return by coach to your ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over terrain which will be cobbled and include steps. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately one-and-a-half hours.

5½ hours

During this sightseeing tour by coach, take in the sights of the most famous highlights of Budapest and look forward to a short stop at the local Basilica.

Your tour starts on the bustling Pest side of Budapest where you’ll pass by the UNESCO-listed Andrássy Boulevard, lined by Neo-renaissance townhouses and the Hungarian State Opera House. Also pass by Heroes’ Square, the gateway to the greenery of City Park and hosting unique stone statues which make up the Millennium Monument.

You will then cross the Danube River over the Elisabeth Bridge, entering the Buda side as you pass by Castle Hill. Upon arrival at St Stephen’s Basilica, you’ll have time to disembark the coach and explore the surrounding grounds with a local guide. With an intricate façade and as the tallest building in Budapest at 314 feet, this is a site to remember before boarding your coach for the journey back to your awaiting ship.

Walking Grade 2

Please note: Expect to walk approximately 250 yards over level terrain which may be cobbled. If you do not wish to join the guided walk at St Stephen’s Basilica, the coach can transfer you back to the ship instead, or you can take a short stroll independently to stretch your legs. There is a total walking/standing time of approximately 30 minutes.

3 hours

Depart from your ship in Budapest and embark on a coach journey to Gödöllö Palace, located approximately one hour and 15 minutes away. During the ride, enjoy informative commentary from your guide, offering insights into the history and significance of the area.

On arrival, take a guided tour of the royal palace, where you can learn about its history and architectural features. Explore the interior and the beautiful gardens, and gain an insight into the Austro-Hungarian Empire. As the second largest baroque palace in the world, this grandiose former summer residence of Empress Sissi and Franz Joseph, the Hapsburg Emperor and King of Hungary between 1867-1916, truly reflects their resplendent lifestyle.

After the guided tour, you will have approximately 30 minutes of free time to explore further at your own pace or relax and take in your surroundings. Finally, re-board your coach for a scenic transfer back to your ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile in total over flat ground with the possibility of cobblestones. A lift is available inside the palace if required. There is a total required standing and/or walking time of approximately one-and-a-half hours at a relaxed pace. Standing and/or walking during free time is at your own discretion.

4½ hours

Begin with a short coach transfer from your ship to the foot of the Buda Castle Hill, during which your guide will begin to share some of the highlights you will see during the tour. After the transfer you will then alight for a short, eco-friendly open air minibus shuttle into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Castle Quarter – there are access restrictions for large vehicles, created to help preserve the area's historic buildings.

On arrival you can enjoy some free time to explore independently. On a clear day take the opportunity climb the steps of the Fisherman’s Bastion for great photo opportunities, including shots of the Parliament Building and over the Danube River. Or for something a little more leisurely, perhaps find a cafe to relax in or simply browse the souvenir shops. After your free time, rejoin your guide for the brief stroll out of the Castle District to the entrance of Budapest's famous Hospital in the Rock. There is an elevator down to the entrance if required.

Once inside, enjoy a one-hour tour where you can learn the history of this secretive underground hospital, which once served as a medical facility during wartime before being converted into a nuclear bunker. Hear about its intriguing role in Budapest’s past and the medical innovations it housed.

After the tour, return to the elevator, which will bring you back up to the Castle District. Finally, hop back on the Buda Castle Bus to the waiting coach for your return transfer to the ship.

Walking Grade 3

Please note: Expect to walk approximately one mile over mostly level but cobbled terrain with the possibility of steps. There is a total required walking and/or standing time of approximately one-and-a-half-hours. Walking and/or standing during your free time is at your discretion.

3½ hours