Through the Carpathians to Budapest
The Danube
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New
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VIP on selected river cruises
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All Inclusive
Cruise the Danube through four countries…
Embark Spirit of the Danube in Braila to begin your all-inclusive river cruise along the Danube stopping to explore the Austrian-style architecture of Rousse, and the historic cities of Belgrade and Mohács en route to cosmopolitan Budapest.
You’ll also spend a day cruising past spectacular natural scenery that incorporates the dramatic Carpathian Mountains and the Iron Gates gorge…
Including...
VIP door-to-door travel service from anywhere on the UK mainland
23 meals: 8 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 8 dinners
Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on the ship
Cruise Host
Plus...
- Drinks reception and Captain’s dinner
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board
- All gratuities on board
- Return flights and transfers
Included excursions
- Tour of Rousse
- Belgrade and the Kalemegdan Fortress
- Budapest city tour OR Budapest culinary walking tour
Interactive maps and audio headsets for independent exploration
View Full Itinerary
Day 1 UK to Braila

Fly to Bucharest and transfer to the port in Braila (a journey of approximately 125 miles that should take around three hours, plus comfort stops) to embark Spirit of the Danube.
Your ship begins sailing shortly after embarkation. Enjoy dinner on board.
Day 2 Silistra to Rousse

Enjoy the morning in Silistra, where you may like to explore the ruins of a medieval castle located on the riverbank.
Depart before lunchtime and enjoy the facilities on board your ship as you cruise towards Rousse this afternoon, arriving this evening.
Day 3 Rousse 🎧

Rousse is often referred to as 'Little Vienna' on account of the Austrian-style architecture here. The city prospered from its location on the Danube and is home to many grand buildings. A good example is the Building of the Tax Administration with its elaborate facade.
Enjoy exploring Rousse on an included sightseeing excursion. Your ship remains moored here overnight.
Day 4 Rousse to Svistov to Nikopol

Your ship departs Rousse early to arrive in Svistov this morning. From here you can visit the medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo on a full-day optional excursion, returning to Nikopol.
Alternatively, stay on board your ship and cruise to Nikpol for the opportunity to join an optional coach trip across the Danubian Plain to the town of Pleven. You’ll walk through the town with your guide to the Pleven Panorama and afterwards enjoy a glass of wine at a hotel. Your ship departs Nikopol early this evening and begins cruising towards the Iron Gates.
Day 5 The Iron Gates

Cruise the Danube as it passes through the southern stretch of the dramatic Carpathian Mountains and the foothills of the Balkans to the ‘Iron Gates’, a gorge framed by sheer cliffs.
Day 6 Belgrade 🎧

This morning, join an included city tour of Serbia's capital, Belgrade, one of the oldest cities in Europe and the meeting point of Eastern and Western Europe. Your tour includes a visit to the Kalemegdan Fortress.
Depart during lunch and sail overnight to Mohács.
Day 7 Mohács

Arrive in Mohács this morning to explore the home of some of Hungary’s most exciting folk traditions on an optional walking tour of the city. Perhaps join an optional full-day excursion through the Hungarian lowlands where you can enjoy a performance of traditional horsemanship, rejoining your ship when she pauses briefly in Kalocsa.
Spirit of the Danube continues cruising to Budapest.
Day 8 Budapest 🎧

Arrive in the early hours, giving you a day in this thrilling city. Experience the culture and local cuisine on an included culinary-themed walking tour which visits the First Strudel House and the Central Market Hall or choose to join an included tour and see some of the city’s highlights. This afternoon perhaps join an optional excursion to Gödöllo Palace or the Lazar Equestrian Park horse farm.
Your ship remains moored here overnight.
Day 9 Budapest to UK
This morning, disembark Spirit of the Danube after breakfast and travel to the airport for your return flight to the UK.