The Danube is Europe's second-longest river, and on this cruise we follow it from imperial Vienna all the way down to the Romanian plain. Along the way we sail through six countries and visit three capitals on the river: Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest. We then continue to the Serbian capital, Belgrade. The scenic highlight of the cruise is the Iron Gate, where the Danube forces its way through a narrow gorge between the Carpathians and the Balkan Mountains. Finally we reach Vidin in Bulgaria and Turnu Măgurele in Romania. A journey from the palaces of Central Europe to the fortresses and villages of the Balkans, with plenty of time in port and relaxing days on board.
Highlights
- Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest
- Novi Sad and Petrovaradin Fortress
- Belgrade and Kalemegdan Fortress
- Sailing through the Iron Gate
- Vidin in Bulgaria
- 11-day river cruise on MS Leonora with all meals on board
Itinerary
Day 1Embarkation, Vienna
After you arrive on MS Leonora, the ship's cruise manager welcomes you in the lounge and goes through safety procedures and practical information. Overnight in Vienna.
Day 2Vienna
A full day in Vienna. The city is known for its imperial palaces, St Stephen's Cathedral, the Ringstrasse and its classic coffee houses. At 23:00 we sail towards Slovakia.
Day 3Bratislava
We arrive in Bratislava early in the morning and stay until 23:00. The Slovak capital has a charming old town with narrow streets and squares, and the distinctive square castle stands above the city.
Day 4Budapest
We arrive in Budapest at 10:30. The Danube divides the city into Buda and Pest. Walk up to Castle Hill with the Fisherman's Bastion and Matthias Church, or see the Parliament building and the Chain Bridge from the river. Overnight in Budapest.
Day 5Budapest
Another day in Budapest until 21:00. There is time for the famous thermal baths, the Great Market Hall or a stroll along Andrássy Avenue. In the evening we sail on south.
Day 6Kalocsa
We arrive in Kalocsa early in the morning and stay until 14:00. The town is known for its paprika and its colourful folk art with embroidery and painted floral motifs. In the afternoon we sail on across the Hungarian plain.
Day 7Novi Sad
We arrive in Novi Sad early in the morning, and the whole day is free. Serbia's second-largest city has a pleasant centre, and across the river stands the great Petrovaradin Fortress with views over the Danube.
Day 8Belgrade
Early in the morning we reach Belgrade, where the ship stays until 23:00. The Serbian capital lies where the Sava joins the Danube, and Kalemegdan Fortress offers views over both rivers. Stroll along the Knez Mihailova pedestrian street or through the old artists' quarter of Skadarlija.
Day 9Donji Milanovac and the Iron Gate
We arrive in Donji Milanovac at 07:30 and stay until 14:00. In the afternoon we sail through the Iron Gate, where the Danube narrows between steep cliffs and forms the border between Serbia and Romania.
Day 10Vidin
We arrive in Vidin in Bulgaria during the night and stay until 18:30. The town is known for the medieval Baba Vida fortress, which stands right on the Danube.
Day 11Turnu Măgurele
We arrive in Turnu Măgurele in Romania early in the morning. Disembarkation at around 09:00. A transfer to Bucharest airport can be purchased on board. Our cruise down the Danube comes to an end.
Please note: Sailing times are approximate and may change due to water levels, weather, locks or other conditions.
What is included?
Included
- 11 days / 10 nights on MS Leonora
- English-speaking staff on board
- All meals and selected drinks
- Entertainment on board
- All cabins are outside cabins with window, shower/toilet, hairdryer and air conditioning
- Port and passenger fees
Not included
- Most drinks on board
- Drinks package – available to purchase
- Excursions
- Transport to and from the ship
- Service charge, €8 per person per day
Prices and dates come straight from our booking system and are always up to date. We are happy to help with transfers, excursions and flights – just ask in your enquiry.
