Cruise · APT · 7 nights

Legends of the Balkans

Local guide tours of historic centres including Tsarevets fortress
All meals and accommodation included aboard your river ship
Guided exploration of Novi Sad and Budapest with optional cultural experiences

From

$3,945 pp twin share

$6,695 pp solo share

7 nights

Enquire

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Legends of the Balkans

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Cruise Snapshot

7 Nights

Danube river cruise through Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary exploring medieval fortresses and cultural capitals with guided tours

Medieval Veliko Tarnovo fortress and hilltop village of Arbanasi
Traditional horse show in the Hungarian Puszta
Seven nights aboard a premium river ship with guided city tours

Trip Details

Departs: 28 April 2026
Returns: 30 August 2027
Embarks
Operator: APT

Discover the beauty of the Balkans along the Danube River. Begin in Romania’s capital, Bucharest, before exploring stunning sights in Bulgaria as you make your way to Hungary. Small traditional towns and the grand capital Budapest then await.

$3,945

pp twin share

$6,695

pp solo share

Enquire

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When & how much

Departures & Pricing

Departs

28 April 2026

Returns

30 August 2027

Duration

7 nights

From pp twin share

$3,945 pp

From pp solo cabin

$6,695 pp

28 Apr 2026 - 05 May 2026
from $4,045 pp twin share / $6,895 pp solo *
09 Jun 2026 - 16 Jun 2026
from $4,145 pp twin share / $7,045 pp solo *
21 Jul 2026 - 28 Jul 2026
from $3,945 pp twin share / $6,695 pp solo *
18 Aug 2026 - 25 Aug 2026
from $4,145 pp twin share / $7,045 pp solo *
05 Apr 2027 - 12 Apr 2027
from $4,345 pp twin share / $7,395 pp solo *
15 Apr 2027 - 22 Apr 2027
from $4,495 pp twin share / $7,645 pp solo *
28 Jun 2027 - 05 Jul 2027
from $4,645 pp twin share / $7,895 pp solo *
26 Jul 2027 - 02 Aug 2027
from $4,545 pp twin share / $7,745 pp solo *
23 Aug 2027 - 30 Aug 2027
from $4,645 pp twin share / $7,895 pp solo *

* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.

Upgrades, transfers, accommodation and more can be quoted on enquiry — call 1300 414 198.

Day by day

Itinerary

1
Arrive Bucharest, Giurgiu, Embark Ship
Welcome to Romania’s hip capital, Bucharest. Upon touching down at the airport, be transferred to Giurgiu, where your premium river ship is docked, ready to begin its voyage. Settle in and enjoy dinner on board.
2
Ruse, Veliko Târnovo, Arbanasi
Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.
3
Vidin, Belogradchik
Explore Baba Vida, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 10th century, and admire its imposing walls and towers while learning about its storied past. Continue to Belogradchik to visit the ancient Belogradchik Fortress, dramatically set on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. While here, take time to admire the town’s remarkable rock formations, which give Belogradchik its distinctive and striking landscape.
4
At Sea
The day is yours to spend on board. Take it easy and relax, taking in postcard-perfect views from the Sun Deck.
5
Novi Sad
Step ashore to explore Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city and often regarded as its cultural capital. Join a guided tour through its charming streets and lively cultural precincts, followed by free time to relax and soak up the atmosphere. You may also wish to visit Petrovaradin Fortress, an imposing complex overlooking the Danube, where the intriguing catacombs reveal glimpses of the fortress’s storied past.
6
Kalocsa, Puszta
Dock in Kalocsa, a charming Hungarian town steeped in history on the banks of the Danube. From here, travel to the Puszta for your Insider Experience.
Insider Experience – Traditional Horse Show
In the Puszta, enjoy a traditional horse show showcasing the remarkable riding skills of the Hungarian cavalry. You may also choose to take an optional carriage ride, visit the stables and meet the riders.
7
Budapest
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Budapest. You may wish to join an optional tour to the city’s Great Market Hall, a must-visit housed in a beautiful 19th-century building and a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Alternatively, visit the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, a wartime hospital built within the caverns beneath Buda Castle and later used as a nuclear bunker during the Cold War. This evening, enjoy a Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
Enhance Your Journey – Great Market Hall Tour
Join a culinary tour through the market, discovering a variety of Hungarian sausages, meats, cheeses, fruits and vegetables.
Enhance Your Journey – Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum
Explore the Hospital in the Rock Nuclear Bunker Museum, once a World War II hospital and later a Cold War bunker, located within the caves beneath Buda Castle.
8
Disembark Ship, Depart Budapest
Disembark your ship this morning and be transferred to the airport.

What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

Traditional Horse Show.
Day 1 highlights Arrive Bucharest, Giurgiu, Embark Ship:
Welcome to Romania’s hip capital, Bucharest. Upon touching down at the airport, be transferred to Giurgiu, where your premium river ship is docked, ready to begin its voyage. Settle in and enjoy dinner on board.
.
Day 2 highlights Ruse, Veliko Târnovo, Arbanasi:
Today, discover the fortified walls and cobblestone lanes of Veliko Târnovo, once the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and a city steeped in medieval history. Join a local guide for a tour of its historic centre, including the restored Tsarevets fortress, the former citadel of the empire. Afterwards, continue to the hilltop village of Arbanasi, renowned for its heritage and well-preserved architecture, where you’ll enjoy a traditional lunch before returning to your ship.
.

Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

Seven Nights, aboard your Travelmarvel river ship

From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How long is this journey?

This itinerary runs for 8 days and 7 nights.

When can I travel?

Departures are currently scheduled between 28 Apr 2026 and 30 Aug 2027, subject to live availability.

Are there different departure options?

Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.

Can I travel solo?

Solo pricing may be available on selected departures, and final options can be confirmed at enquiry.

What is generally included?

Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.

Ready to lock in?

Book this cruise

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

Enquire about this cruise