ITINERARY
Uniworld Highlights of Eastern Europe
10 Days | Budapest to Bucharest | April 18–27, 2027
Travel beyond Europe's best-known capitals on a journey through five remarkable countries, each offering its own distinct character, traditions, and stories. From the grandeur of Budapest to the elegant boulevards of Bucharest, you'll experience medieval fortresses, welcoming villages, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cities that remain refreshingly authentic.
Cruise through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, one of the Danube's most breathtaking stretches, and visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites that bring the region's remarkable past to life. Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine, local wines, historic landmarks, and unforgettable scenery as you sail one of Europe's most legendary rivers.
What truly sets this itinerary apart is the opportunity to experience a side of Europe many travelers overlook. Share meals with local families, wander centuries-old towns, explore ancient archaeological sites, and discover traditions that continue to shape everyday life. It is an immersive journey through a region that feels both deeply historic and genuinely welcoming.
Experience the history, cultures, and timeless traditions of Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Romania on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Eastern Europe.
Arrive in Budapest, Hungary's magnificent capital, where the Danube divides the historic Buda district from vibrant Pest. After boarding your ship, settle into your accommodations before joining your fellow travelers for a Captain's Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Included excursions designed to enhance your journey:
Day 1 – Budapest (Embark)
Arrival and embarkation in Budapest.
Day 2 – Budapest
Budapest Communist Tour
Divided by the Danube into the historic Buda and vibrant Pest districts, Budapest is a city of grand architecture, rich history, and lively culture. Explore the city from a variety of perspectives, from panoramic landmarks to its fascinating Jewish and Communist history.
Included excursions designed to enhance your journey:
Budapest Panoramic Highlights with Synagogue Visit
Belgrade City Tour with Visit to the Royal Grounds of the Karadjordjević Dynasty Palace
Welcome to Croatia, where beautiful countryside, rich traditions, and warm hospitality await. Explore the charming city of Osijek, enjoy authentic local cuisine, and discover the remarkable history of nearby Vukovar.
Included excursions designed to enhance
your journey:
Day 3 – Batina (Osijek), Vukovar
Osijek Walking Tour, Home-Hosted Lunch & Vučedol Museum
Osijek Panoramic Tour, Family Restaurant Lunch & Eltz Manor
One of Europe's oldest capitals, Belgrade has stood at the crossroads of civilizations for centuries. Discover its fascinating blend of history, culture, and modern energy before enjoying an exclusive evening concert at historic Kalemegdan Fortress.
Included excursions designed to enhance your journey:
Day 4 – Belgrade
Let's Go: "I Bike Belgrade" Tour
Walking Tour of Belgrade with Free Time
Nights Out: Private Concert at Kalemegdan Fortress
Day 5 – Golubac & Cruising the Iron Gates
The historic Bulgarian town of Vidin is your gateway to remarkable natural landscapes and medieval history. Choose between the spectacular Belogradchik rock formations or a tasting at a boutique winery showcasing the region's emerging wines.
Included excursions designed to enhance your journey:
Day 6 – Vidin
Explore the beautifully restored Golubac Fortress and the remarkable archaeological site of Lepenski Vir before cruising through the spectacular Iron Gates Gorge, one of the most breathtaking stretches of the Danube.
Included excursions designed to enhance your journey:
Often called "Little Vienna" for its elegant architecture and grand public buildings, Ruse is one of Bulgaria's most charming cities. Choose between exploring the medieval capital of Veliko Tarnovo or discovering centuries-old rock monasteries nestled in the scenic Rusenski Lom Nature Park.
Included excursions designed to enhance your journey:
Day 7 – Ruse
Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi with Authentic Bulgarian Lunch
Ruse Walking Tour with Ivanovo & Basarbovo Monasteries
Disembark your ship in Giurgiu and travel to Romania's vibrant capital, Bucharest. Enjoy a panoramic city tour and visit the magnificent People's Palace before settling into your luxury hotel for the evening.
Included excursions designed to enhance your journey:
Day 8 – Giurgiu (Disembark), Bucharest
Bucharest Communist Tour with People's Palace
Your Eastern European adventure comes to an end today. If your cruise package includes a departure transfer, or if you have purchased a private transfer, you will be transferred to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport for your flight home.
Day 9 – Bucharest
Leisure time to explore Bucharest independently
Spend the day exploring Bucharest at your own pace. Stroll elegant boulevards, relax in one of the city's charming cafés, visit museums, or discover why Romania's capital is often called the "Little Paris of the East."
Included excursions designed to enhance your journey:
Day 10 – Bucharest
(Departure)
Lepenski Vir Archaeological Park & Golubac Castle
Belogradchik Red Rock Valley
Dos Alamos Wine Estate Visit & Tasting
Let's Go: Kovilovo Viewpoint Hike
Featured Excursions do not require booking. Excursions that are listed as "Choose between..." must be booked onboard however there is no additional cost. Please refer to the excursion details below to view purchasing options for our Masterpiece Collection excursions where applicable.
Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.
- Two nights at the Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest (or similar)
- Daily breakfast
- Budapest Walking Tour with Hospital in the Rock
- English-speaking local host
- Transfers throughout the extension
- All service charges, taxes, and porterage
Arrive early and enjoy extra time in one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Explore Budapest's historic Castle District, visit the fascinating Hospital in the Rock Museum, and soak in the city's grand architecture, lively cafés, and breathtaking views before embarking on your Danube journey.
Optional Pre-Cruise Extension, Budapest: Pearl of the Danube
3 days
Featured Excursions do not require booking. Excursions that are listed as "Choose between..." must be booked onboard however there is no additional cost. Please refer to the excursion details below to view purchasing options for our Masterpiece Collection excursions where applicable.
Note: The itineraries presented are subject to modification due to water levels, closures because of public holidays or other uncontrollable factors. Every effort will be made to operate programs as planned, but changes may still be necessary throughout the cruise. This day-to-day schedule is subject to change. Your final day-to-day schedule will be provided onboard on the first day of your cruise.
- Three nights in luxury accommodations
- Daily breakfast, two lunches, and one dinner
- Guided walking tour of Brașov, Sinaia Monastery and Peleș Castle.
- Private evening at Bran Castle with dinner
- English-speaking local host
- Transfers throughout the extension
- All service charges, taxes, and porterage
Continue your journey through Romania with a visit to the legendary region of Transylvania. Explore the medieval city of Brașov, tour the magnificent Peleș Castle, enjoy an exclusive evening at Bran Castle, and experience the breathtaking scenery of the Carpathian Mountains.
Optional Post-Cruise Extension, Transylvania
4 days
Experiences
2 nights in Bucharest at the InterContinental Athénée Palace Bucharest hotel (or similar) with breakfast
7-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the majestic S.S. Beatrice
Accommodations
Use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio-headset system on all excursions
Guided “Let's Go” program
7 days of excursions, all fully hosted by English-speaking local experts
Excursions
Unlimited beverages onboard, including fine wine, beer, spirits, specialty coffee and tea, soft drinks, and mineral water
Welcome and Farewell Gala Dinners
Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions
9 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
All meals onboard, prepared using the finest and freshest ingredients
Dining
Pricing starts at $4,849 per person double occupancy
What's Included
Cultural enrichment, including captivating onboard local entertainment
Gratuities for onboard personnel (ship staff, crew, Cruise/Tour Manager) are included during the cruise/tour
Services of an experienced Uniworld Cruise Manager
2 UNESCO World Heritage sites
5 countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites on the cruise have handcrafted Savoir® Beds of England, custom cotton sateen sheets and European duvets, and a menu of pillow options
