Join us aboard the elegant,100-passenger MS River Crown as we journey between Romania’s capital of Bucharest and the grand city of Budapest in Hungary. From the earliest of times, the Danube has been one of Europe’s most important trade routes linking the eastern shores with central Europe, and this stretch of the river offers a diversity of history and culture quite unlike anywhere else. Our ten night itinerary offers gentle cruising through wonderful scenery and well planned excursions, with some time at leisure to explore independently combined with ample time to relax on board as we sail past ever changing scenery.
Our autumn cruise is one of the world’s great journeys, following as it does one of the most important trade routes since the earliest of times, linking the East with the West. We will travel from Romania through the heart of Europe visiting Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary witnessing some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes, visiting the great historic cities of Belgrade and Budapest as well as picturesque riverside towns. From the great comfort of the MS River Crown, we will cruise effortlessly, enjoying the varied scenery and architecture whilst learning more about a region that has seen more of its fair share of conflicts, revolutions and wars. Our included tours with excellent local guides, together with interesting talks by our Guest Speaker, will create an enjoyable, informative and lively atmosphere as we sail along the majestic Danube in all its autumnal glory. In addition, the combination of modern and traditional culture, wine tasting and folklore along the way makes for a fascinating trip.
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Bucharest, Romania.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS River Crown in Giurgiu. Sail to Rousse and moor overnight.
Day 2 Rousse, Bulgaria.
After breakfast join a guided city tour of Rousse, birthplace of Nobel Prize winner for literature, Elias Canetti. After a brief walking tour of the city centre, drive a short distance to visit the Monastery of St Demetrius Basarbovski, a fascinating rock monastery dating back to the 12th century. Return to Rousse for a wine tasting session of some splendid Bulgarian wines. This afternoon is at leisure for individual exploration of the city and, with its stunning architecture, charming restaurants and shops, there is much to see. This evening we will be entertained on board by a lively Bulgarian folk troupe followed by welcome drinks and dinner.
Day 3 Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi.
From Rousse we depart by coach for a full day tour to Veliko Tarnovo, the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom from 1187 to 1393. The city formed a natural fortress, located on three hills surrounding the Yantra River. A palace, fortifications and churches were built into the terrain. Across the river, ancient stone houses seemingly perched on top of each other rise up the steep riverbank. After lunch in a local restaurant visit the museum town of Arbanassi, famous for its 17th and 18th architecture and the unique Church of the Nativity of Christ.
Day 4 Belogradchik & Vidin.
Arrive today in the Bulgarian port of Vidin. From here we will drive to Belogradchik which is located close to the Serbian border. The Belogradchik Rocks are a famous Bulgarian beauty spot. The sandstone has been weathered into all manner of bizarre shapes, and housed amongst the rocks is an Ottoman fort, built on the remains of a Roman structure. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon we visit Vidin for a performance by the wonderful Vidin Symphonic Orchestra in the Philharmonic concert hall.
Day 5 Cruising through the Iron Gates.
Today the scenery becomes truly spectacular as we cruise through the Iron Gates, a narrow Danube gorge between the Carpathian and Balkan Mountains.
Day 6 Belgrade, Serbia.
A morning guided tour of Belgrade will visit the city’s main attractions, including the Kalemegdan fortress as it looms over the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, Saint Sava Cathedral, the largest Orthodox Church in the world, and Tito’s Memorial. Our tour will finish with a superb local folklore performance before returning to the ship for a late lunch. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure before we set sail.
Day 7 Novi Sad.
Today we will arrive in Novi Sad. Following the destruction of the three main bridges by the NATO bombing campaign in 1999, the city of Novi Sad, in the Serbian northern province of Vojvodina, has returned to normal after much rebuilding. The city is rich in historic buildings including the fortress, Bishop’s House, Clock Tower and numerous churches, some of which will be seen on our morning tour. Our exploration of Greater Novi Sad includes a wine tasting in nearby Sremski Karlovic; where we sample some excellent wines of the former Yugoslavia. Sail this afternoon towards Mohacs.
Day 8 Pecs & Villany, Hungary.
From the port of Mohacs, we will depart for a full day scenic tour of Pecs and Villany. The city of Pecs enjoys a fine position on the slopes of the Mecsek Hills. The visit will feature the sites associated with the city’s Roman Ottoman Hapsburg past, as well as the splendid Pecs Cathedral where we can listen to the sound of its organ. Continue to the town of Villany where we will enjoy lunch and a wine tasting. Villany is one of Hungary’s top wine regions, known for its reds and rosés. Thanks to the area’s sub-mediterranean climate, wines from Villany are full-bodied, spicy, and of the highest quality.
Day 9 Kalocsa.
Arrive this morning in charming Kalocsa, renowned for paprika production. We will tour the Puszta district which will include the Paprika Museum and a spectacular display of Hungarian horsemanship. Spend a relaxing afternoon on board as we cruise along the beautiful Danube, arriving into Budapest late this evening.
Day 10 Budapest.
This morning’s guided tour of Budapest will include the old quarter, the Matthias Church and the Fishermen’s Bastion. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. Tonight enjoy the farewell evening on board with music performed by a local gypsy band.
Day 11 Budapest to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
22 September to 2 October 2026 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck | £5295 | £4795 |
Premium with French Balcony Upper Deck | £5495 | £4995 |
Deluxe with French Balcony Middle Deck | £5995 | £5495 |
Deluxe with French Balcony Upper Deck | £6295 | £5795 |
Queen Suite with Balcony Upper Deck | £6895 | £6395 |
Standard Single with porthole | £5295 | £4795 |
Premium with French Balcony Middle Deck for sole use | £6295 | £5795 |
Tour Reference Code: RCRC220926
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS River Crown on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch & dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port & airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Deck Plan
River Crown
We are delighted to have chartered the elegant 100-passenger MS River Crown, a spacious and well-designed vessel which was built in 2008 and is undergoing a comprehensive upgrade in 2025. The atmosphere on board is friendly and informal and within days you will have made new friends in the open-seating restaurant, on the shore excursions or whilst relaxing in the comfortable public areas. You will find yourself amongst like-minded people in an English-speaking environment and for those who seek peace and quiet, there will always be the opportunity to find a secluded spot on the Sun Deck, in one of the relaxing public areas or to simply rest in your well-appointed cabin. Guest Speakers will provide a series of interesting talks and our Cruise Director will host informative port briefings. After a day exploring ashore, you will return to the comfort and peace of a well-run and exceedingly comfortable vessel.
Also of Interest
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000