Gems of Southeast Europe (New Year’s Celebration)
From Bucharest to Budapest, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity go to Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighi?oara, birthplace of Dracula; and to Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city
This river cruise journeys through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary, calling at Giurgiu, Rousse, Vidin, Golubac, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Mohacs and Budapest.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaVerde.
- 28 Dec 2026 – 04 Jan 2027
from $11,196 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Giurgiu
EMBARKATION – GIURGIU, ROMANIA. Embark your ship in Giurgiu. Tonight gather on board and meet your fellow passengers.
Day 2 – Rousse
GIURGIU – ROUSSE, BULGARIA. Experience the best of Bucharest, Romania’s capital, known as the “Little Paris of the East,” with its wide boulevards and Arc de Triomphe. Then visit Bulgaria’s ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, with its medieval fortress and multiple orthodox temples. You can opt instead to explore Rousse, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture, and then afterwards visit the UNESCO-designated Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo with frescos revealing exceptional artistry of 14th-century paintings.
Day 3 – Vidin
VIDIN. Explore Vidin, one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities, and surrounding areas with a choice of excursions. Discover Baba Vida Fortress, the largest preserved medieval castle in Bulgaria. Continue on to Belogradchik, one of Bulgaria’s natural wonders, where you can hike around its most spectacular rock formations. Alternatively, visit a local home for a demonstration of traditional Bulgarian yogurt and Banitsa, a pastry you will also get to make. You also have the choice to bike through Vidin and to the castle.
Day 4 – Golubac
SCENIC CRUISING THROUGH THE IRON GATES. The Iron Gates are some of Europe’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. The Danube narrows as it winds through a series of magnificent gorges between the Carpathian and Balkan mountains, forming a natural border between Serbia and Romania. The ancient King Decebalus, the last king of Dacia, is proudly carved into the mountainside and always captivates travelers. After your scenic cruise, you will arrive at Golubac Fortress – one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe – for a tour.
Day 5 – Belgrade
BELGRADE, SERBIA. Explore Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, on a city tour, which includes the Kalemegdan Fortress and the Serbian Orthodox Temple of St. Sava. Alternatively, visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Serbian Royal Family, and the House of Flowers, the mausoleum of Marshal Tito, who became the first President of Yugoslavia. Or enjoy a taste of the region by sampling Serbian plum brandy, Šlivovitz, and delicious local delights at the Quburich Distillery, followed by a panoramic tour of Avala Mountain. Later in the day, choose from a hike to Kalemegdan Fortress, known for its winding walking paths and incredible river views, or join a guided bike tour.
Day 6 – Novi Sad
VUKOVAR, CROATIA. Enjoy an afternoon in Vukovar on a guided city tour where you will have a chance to visit Eltz Manor House and its collection of historic artifacts, paintings and clothing. Alternatively, you may explore Vukovar on an active bike tour. Wine connoisseurs will want to enjoy a Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars, famous for their Grasevina, Traminac and Frankovka wines.
Day 7 – Mohacs
MOHÁCS – PÉCS, HUNGARY. Enjoy a scenic morning cruise to Mohács. You’ll then visit Pécs, founded more than 2,000 years ago by the Romans. Visit the UNESCO-designated Christian Necropolis; St. Peter’s Basilica, the city’s main Catholic cathedral along with its catacombs; and Széchenyi Square, the heart of Old Town Pécs. You will also see the Mosque of Pasha Qasim the Victorious, one of the symbols of the city. Or for wine connoisseurs, you’ll want to go to the Szekszárd wine region, one of the oldest red-wine-growing areas in Hungary, established more than 2,000 years ago.
Day 8 – Budapest
BUDAPEST – DISEMBARKATION. Disembark your cruise in Budapest.
Highlights
- Accommodation aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaVerde throughout
- Choice of guided tours and active bike excursions at each stop
- Croatian wine tasting and tour in the Old Cellars at Vukovar
From Bucharest to Budapest, and countless treasures in between, touch history in Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Hungary as you sail along the exotic lower Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns and grand cities, along with the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes and the Danube’s famed Iron Gate, showcase the best of eastern Europe. Folklore followers will relish the opportunity go to Transylvania, a place deeply rooted in myth and history to the 14th-century Bran Castle, home of Prince Vlad Tepes who inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula; as well as Sighi?oara, birthplace of Dracula; and to Bulgaria’s natural wonder, Belogradchik, a fairytale stone world of fantastic shapes associated with interesting legends. Wine connoisseurs will have a chance to taste history from the centuries-old wine-growing hills dating back to the Romans. And the active adventurers will appreciate hiking to the UNESCO-designated Ivanovo Rock Hewn Churches and biking through Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Park and Vidin’s Baba Vida castle. Be treated to the flavors, sights, sounds and cultures of this diverse swath of the continent. Note: Select Christmas Markets will be open during select departures and may vary. For full details and dates, visit the tourism website for each city
This river cruise journeys through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary, calling at Giurgiu, Rousse, Vidin, Golubac, Belgrade, Novi Sad, Mohacs and Budapest.
You’ll sail aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaVerde.
Inclusions
- Bucharest excursion.
- Veliko Tarnovo excursion.
- Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & Rousse Highlights.
- Belogradchik & Baba Vida Fortress.
- Banitsa pastry and yogurt tasting.
- Vidin bike tour of Vidin.
FAQs
Accommodation is aboard the AmaWaterways river ship AmaVerde.
Stateroom categories available
- Suite
- Category AA
- Category AB
- Category BA
- Category BB
- Category C
- Category D
- Category E
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 28 Dec 2026 and 04 Jan 2027, subject to live availability.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
What style of accommodation is used?
Accommodation is pre-arranged as part of the journey, with specific properties shown in the trip details.
Provided by: AMAWaterwaysFine Print
Terms and conditions apply. Click here for more details.
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