The Danube is Europe's second-longest river, and on this cruise we follow it from the Romanian plain up to imperial Vienna. We start in Turnu Măgurele and sail past Vidin in Bulgaria and through the Iron Gate, where the Danube forces its way through a narrow gorge between the Carpathians and the Balkan Mountains. From here we continue to the Serbian capital, Belgrade, and on to three capitals on the river: Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna. A journey from the fortresses and villages of the Balkans to the palaces of Central Europe, with plenty of time in port and relaxing days on board.
Highlights
- Sailing through the Iron Gate
- Belgrade and Kalemegdan Fortress
- Novi Sad and Petrovaradin Fortress
- Budapest, Bratislava and Vienna
- Vidin in Bulgaria
- 11-day river cruise on MS Leonora with all meals on board
Itinerary
Day 1Embarkation, Turnu Măgurele
A transfer from Bucharest airport to the ship is available to purchase. After you arrive on MS Leonora, the ship's cruise manager welcomes you in the lounge and goes through safety procedures and practical information. At 23:00 we sail up the Danube.
Day 2Vidin
We arrive in Vidin in Bulgaria at 13:00 and stay until 23:30. The town is known for the medieval Baba Vida fortress, which stands right on the Danube.
Day 3The Iron Gate and Donji Milanovac
In the morning we sail through the Iron Gate, where the Danube narrows between steep cliffs and forms the border between Romania and Serbia. We arrive in Donji Milanovac at 13:00 and stay until 20:30.
Day 4Belgrade
We arrive in Belgrade at 08:30 and stay 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 5Novi Sad
We arrive in Novi Sad early in the morning and stay until 21:00. Serbia's second-largest city has a pleasant centre, and across the river stands the great Petrovaradin Fortress with views over the Danube.
Day 6Mohács
We arrive in Mohács in Hungary at 11:00 and stay until 20:30. The town is known for the battle of 1526 and for the Busójárás winter carnival with its distinctive wooden masks.
Day 7Budapest
We arrive in Budapest at 11:30. 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 8Budapest
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 north.
Day 9Bratislava
We arrive in Bratislava at 15:00 and stay until 22:00. The Slovak capital has a charming old town with narrow streets and squares, and the distinctive square castle stands above the city.
Day 10Vienna
Early in the morning we arrive in Vienna, and the whole day is free. The city is known for its imperial palaces, St Stephen's Cathedral, the Ringstrasse and its classic coffee houses. Overnight in Vienna.
Day 11Vienna
Disembarkation in Vienna at around 09:00. Our cruise up 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.
